DC Family Weekend Fun Guide

We recently visited the Museum of Illusions in CityCenter. We spent about an hour and a half playing in the immersive rooms and staring at illusions trying to figure out how our eyes were seeing such surprising and strange things. It was a lot of fun so be sure to add this to the long list of places to visit in Washington, DC.

All weekend

Lotus and Water Lily Festival
The 2023 Lotus and Water Lily Festival will be July 15th through July 22nd! More information to come soon!

Nate the Great at Imagination Stage
Art matters in this musical mystery! A boy who loves detective work and calls himself Nate the Great is thrust into solving not one, but two mysteries involving a cat, a dog, two friends, and a missing painting. Full of quirky characters and fun, this show brings the popular book series to singing, dancing life. Showtimes: Friday, Saturday & Sunday. Best for ages 5-11.

MLS All-Star Soccer Celebration at The Wharf
Saturday: 4:30pm – 9:30pm and Sunday: 3pm – 7pm
Kick off MLS All-Star at MLS Soccer Celebration presented by Coca-Cola Zero Sugar at The Wharf. The ultimate fan experience will feature special guest appearances by MLS players, musical activations and performances, culinary offerings, a watch party experience for MLS matches and the opportunity to sample Coca-Cola refreshments. There will be special programming tied to Coca-Cola’s partnership with Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington that will feature a limited-edition design drop that you don’t want to miss.

Friday

7:00pm: Friday Night Concert Series
The free Capitol Riverfront Friday Night Concert Series is back on the Yards Park boardwalk! Every Friday night this summer, come to Yards Park to relax and enjoy the river view, fantastic bands, food and beverage, and a large variety of great restaurants within a few minutes walk from the park. Family-friendly lyrics and grassy open space make this an enjoyable event for adults and kids alike.

7:00pm-9:00pm: Space Jam at Metropolitan Park
Join the National Landing BID for our summer outdoor movie series at Metropolitan Park. Come anytime after 6 p.m. to grab a bite to eat at one of the provided food trucks, or pack a picnic! Movies will begin at 7 p.m.

7:00pm: Music at B&O Railroad Museum
Free admission into the Museum will begin at 4 PM, where guests will have the opportunity to view the Underground Railroad: Freedom Seekers on the B&O Railroad exhibit and all the Museum has to offer. Crafts and activities will be available for kids to join and partake in and Baltimore-based painter Phil The Artist will be on-site doing a live painting. The Museum’s newly-opened Groundwork Kitchen Café will also be open with a variety of locomotive-themed sandwiches, salads, and other hot foods for purchase. Witness a performance like no other during this community-based, family-friendly, evening to remember as Wordsmith’s thought-provoking lyrics resonate with everyone in attendance. The B&O Railroad Museum marks the perfect intersection for this fusion of Hip-Hop artistry and historical grandeur to collide at one of this summer’s signature events.

8:00pm-10:00pm: Puss in Boots at Arlington Mill Community Center Outdoor Plaza
All movies start at sunset (between 8 and 8:30 pm) and are shown in English with Spanish subtitles. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs/blankets, etc. Leashed pets are welcome.  

8:30pm-11:30pm: Sing at BlackRock Center for the Arts
Concessions available for purchase. No outside drinks allowed. Bring your most comfy blanket or lawn chair. The movie begins at sundown! For this screening, that is approximately 9pm. Come early to claim your spot on the lawn and enjoy some pre-show treats.

8:30pm: Top Gun Maverick at Cabin John Village
Film lovers can watch their favorite flicks on the outdoor screen while sitting picnic-style in Cabin John Village’s plaza. Live music and kids’ activities available from 6:30 pm.

Saturday

10:00am-3:30pm: Archaeology Family Day
Explore how archaeology has shaped what we know about George Washington, Martha Washington, and the lives of the enslaved people who lived at Mount Vernon at our Archaeology Family Day! Meet a Mount Vernon Archaeologist and ask questions about their tools of the trade.

10:00am-1:00pm: Bastille Day for Families
This event is perfect for kids of all ages. We’ll have a moon bounce, photo booth, petting zoo, face painting, music, crafts and food for everyone to enjoy. The best part is that it’s all free! Get ready to celebrate French culture and history while having a blast!

11:00am-4:00pm: “Spanish is the Language of My Family” Book Festival
Come by the National Postal Museum for a day of fun-filled activities for the whole family that celebrates the release of the new book Spanish is the Language of My Family. Written by Michael Genhart and illustrated by NPM’s Guest Artist, John Parra, Spanish is the Language of My Family demonstrates the importance of cultural heritage, community, and identity. No registration required.

Sunday

12:00pm-6:00pm: Kids & Paws Family Festival
Shipgarten, the top Tysons Corner Restaurant for families, is hosting a Kids and Paws family festival with the Great Zucchini as the magical host on July 16th from 12-6pm! Join for a magical day with the Great Zucchini at 3:15pm and music bingo from 5-7pm. There will be moonbounces, face painting, magic tricks, out door games and activities, and more!

2:00pm-4:00pm: Decades Summer Dance Party at MLK Library
Enjoy singing along and dancing to hits from across the decades and have a blast playing party games like ping pong and giant chess, checkers and Jenga. 

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