With the kids in school and the holidays around the corner, it’s important to take some family time and explore the city before the winter frost sets in. There’s plenty to do in Washington, D.C. and its surrounding communities for families with kids of all ages. Check out these events to enjoy the changing leaves.
Throughout D.C.
WalkingTown DC: Walk the city’s art, culture and history over nine days (Sept. 19-26) across eight parts of the city. Free
Downtown
DC State Fair: Join DowntownDC for live music, demonstrations, slime, educational workshops and contests (Sept. 6). Metro Stop: Gallery Place. Free
National Mall
DC Bike Ride: Cruise though city streets on this family-friendly bike course. The 20-mile ride welcomes riders older than 3 years and finishes with food, music and fun (Sept. 12). Metro Stop: Federal Triangle. $0-$225
Adams Morgan
Adams Morgan Day: Celebrate the festival’s 48th year and 250 years of America with artisans, live music and family fun (Sept. 13). Metro Stop: Woodley Park. Free
Adams Morgan Apple Festival: Every fall in Adams Morgan, the streets look, taste and smell like apple pie. Purchase a slice of pie and support a neighborhood nonprofit (Oct. 24). Metro Stop: Woodley Park. Free
Petworth
Homecoming at Abe’s Place: Tad Lincoln spent three summers of his childhood playing with friends, soldiers, animals and his family at the cottage. Families can come and enjoy the grounds just like Abraham Lincoln’s family did (Sept. 19). Metro Stop: Georgia Av – Petworth (requires 20-min walk) Free
H Street NE
H Street Festival: 12 blocks and 15 stages of music, dance, interactive children’s programs, fashion, arts and more (Sept. 19). Metro Stop: Noma – Galludet U (requires 20-min walk) Free
The Wharf & Southwest
Oktoberfest at The Wharf: Cheer on dogs competing in the 14th annual Wiener 500 Dachshund Dash to benefit Rural Dog Rescue (Oct. 3) Metro Stop: L’Enfant Plaza. Free.
Capitol Hill
Capitol Hill Porch Fest: Enjoy listening to local bands right on locals’ porches in Capitol Hill (Oct. 10). Metro Stops: Stadium-Armory, Eastern Market, Potomac Av. Free
Turkish Festival: Celebrate Turkish heritage in D.C. with live music, folk dancing performances, kids’ games, arts and crafts and more (Oct. 18). Metro Stops: Archives, Judiciary Sq. Free
Navy Yard
Savannah Bananas 2026 Banana Bowl Championship: Bring the family together for an extravaganza of baseball at Nationals Park (Oct. 10). Metro Stop: Navy Yard-Ballpark. Prices vary
Woodley Park
Boo at the Zoo: Celebrate Halloween (Oct. 16-18) by exploring the national zoo in costume. Kids can have fun at the kids’ dance party or walking though the skeleton scenes and festive décor. Metro Stop: Woodley Park. Free
Around the DMV
Beyond D.C., there are lots of activities a short ride or drive away that offer fall fun for families!
Maryland
College Park
College Park Day: Families can enjoy live bands, interactive shows for kids, food trucks, local restaurants and breweries, arts and crafts and more (Oct. 3). Metro Stop: College Park-U of Md. Free
North Bethesda
PIKEtoberfest: Live music, DJs, PIKEkids Zone, fun activities, 20 artisans and makers and more (Oct. 4). Metro Stop: North Bethesda. Free
Bethesda
Taste of Bethesda: Enjoy Bethesda’s best restaurants with four stages of live entertainment, activities for kids and more (Oct. 3). Metro Stop: Bethesda. Free
Takoma Park/Takoma
Takoma Park Street Festival: Returning for its 45th year of music, venders, food and fun (Oct. 4). Metro Stop: Takoma. Free
Virginia
Manassas
Arts Alive! Festival: Enjoy fun for the whole family including performances, hands-on makerspace and crafts, a Karaoke Café, spoken word poetry readings and a Bubbles and Beach Balls Dance Party at the Hylton Performing Arts Center (Sept. 12). Drive from DC: 50 minutes. Manassas, Free
Alexandria
Art on the Avenue: Enjoy live music, local eateries and more along Mt. Vernon Avenue. (Oct. 3). Metro Stops: Potomac Yard, Braddock Road. Free
Paws in the Park: A fun-filled day for the whole family with live music, activities, food and drink, vendors and adoptable animals in Oronoco Bay Park (Oct. 11). Drive from DC: 20 minutes. Free
