Though today’s children were born after the tragedy of 9/11—when hijacked planes collided with New York’s World Trade Center and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.—it’s a moment that’s cemented in the minds of local parents, many of whom were just children when it happened.
Today, the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, offers an opportunity to reflect, and talk to kids about lived experiences while focusing on unity and honoring those who lost friends, family and colleagues that day.
Tomorrow, the Pentagon Memorial Foundation will break ground on a visitor education center near the Pentagon Memorial—a significant step in being able to share this history with future generations. And this year, there are a lot of different ways families can spark conversation with their kids and teens. Here are just a handful of ways to observe the anniversary of 9/11 locally:
Contribute to 1,000,000 Good Deeds on 9/11 Day
9/11 Day, the nonprofit behind the National Day of Service and Remembrance for Sept. 11, has provided a simple way all ages can participate in a day of unity. Visit 911day.org/uniiteforgood to pledge a good deed for its good deed map. Suggested good deeds include things like “bake a cake or cookies for a neighbor who just moved in,” “write a thank-you-note to my school bus driver,” “volunteer at an animal shelter” and “put away my phone during family dinner.” Choose to receive an assigned good deed to follow or come up with a clever idea for your own family.
Washington, D.C. Meal Pack
Sign up for a slot to volunteer at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center meal pack for the Capital Area Food Bank through 4 p.m. It’s free to participate as part of the support team, offering help such as set-up, checking in volunteers, restocking and more. Sign up here.
Youth-Led ‘Period Games’ in Bohrer Park | Gaithersburg
This youth-led service event by the PATESI Foundation welcomes high school volunteers can participate in a friendly competition to raise awareness for menstrual and postpartum poverty in recognition of the 9/11 National Day of Service. Register to volunteer here.
Visit the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History
The museum’s 9/11 collection has more than 700 pieces, and through Saturday, 40 objects not normally available to view will be on display outside of their glass cases to offer a closer look. has a display of 40 objects connected to the sites of the 9/11 attacks available to view through Saturday. Visit the museum on Friday, and you’ll also be able to see a screening of the 2011 Smithsonian Channel documentary “9/11: Stories in Fragments,” hourly, to learn more about the museum’s collecting initiative and hear music from the internationally acclaimed Kronos Quartet.
‘Come From Away’ at Ford’s Theatre
If you connect with history best through music and storytelling, you may enjoy an anniversary run of “Come From Away,” a Tony Award – winning musical about a Canadian town that cared for thousands of stranded airline passengers who were temporarily grounded on 9/11. The show is recommended for ages 10 and older and is playing at D.C.’s Ford Theatre through Oct. 18. Find more information on showtimes at fords.org/performance/come-from-away-2026.
