Weekend Fun: The Best Family Events Around DC (Sept. 18-20)

Weekend Fun Smithsonian
Photo by Sara Cottle//Unsplash

Swing by the Smithsonian 

If there’s one thing most of us take for granted about living in the D.C. area, it’s having the world’s largest museum in our backyards. This Friday, the Smithsonian Institution is reopening four locations with social distancing protocols in place: the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the National Portrait Galllery, the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the Renwick Gallery. Various times all weekend. Free. Timed-entry pass required.

Meander around Mount Vernon

Do you find yourself wishing that we could go back to a time before the pandemic? How about the 18th century? This weekend, head out to Mount Vernon for the Colonial Market & Fair. You’ll get a chance to (safely) meet General Washington; hear live music; and watch artisans show off their glassblowing, basket weaving and more! Saturday, Sept. 19 and Sunday, Sept. 20, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Adult tickets $18, youth tickets $10. Under 5 free. 

Find your Zen

Has online learning pushed your household to its breaking point? The folks at Green Spring Gardens Park have just the thing to inspire calmness in your kiddos – Zen Gardening! Tour the full-size gardens to learn about garden design, then create a sand garden to spruce up your space at home. Saturday, Sept. 19, 10-11 a.m. $10 per participant.

Visit Africa

Become a world traveler this weekend with Montgomery County Public Libraries! The “Visit Africa” Program, performed by the KanKouran West African Dance Company, is an interactive way to learn about African dance, drumming, and cultural traditions. The Zoom session will be locked ten minutes after the start of the program, so be sure to log in on time! Saturday, Sept. 19, 12-1 p.m. Free.

Spend a Day at Summers

Who isn’t excited for fall? If your family can’t resist the season’s corn mazes, pumpkin carvings and campfires, the Fall Festival at Summers Farm is the place to be this weekend. Make sure you show up hungry for apple cider donuts and ready to conquer the giant slide! Various times all weekend. $15.50 per person. 

Capture some Critters

With school and work online for the foreseeable furture, you’re probably craving a breath of fresh air. This weekend, both the Brookside Nature Center and the Maydale Nature Classroom are hosting hour-long outdoor programs as part of the Pawpaw & Pollinators Festival. Come learn about flowering plants, study bugs up close, and get in touch with nature! Saturday, Sept. 19. Times vary by activity. Nectar Connectors free, Insects and the Arts: Pollinators $3.

Roar with the Dinosaurs

Missing the Maryland Science Center? Check out their Facebook Page this Saturday for an at-home Dino Day experience! MSC will be posting activities and videos according to a schedule, keeping your little paleontologist occupied all afternoon. Saturday, Sept. 19, 12-4 p.m. Free.

Party in your PJ’s

If you need a reason to stay in your pajamas until noon this Sunday, Laurie Berkner has got your back. Gather around the computer screen and enjoy her third virtual family concert! The event will feature sing-alongs, games and a craft activity to keep the whole family engaged. Don’t forget your stuffed animals! Sunday, Sept. 20, 12-1:20 p.m. (doors open at 11 a.m. with pre-show). $20 per family. Need-based tickets available at a reduced price.


For more family fun, check out Washington FAMILY’s full event calendar. And if you have an event coming up that you’d like to share with our readership, be sure to add it to our calendar.

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