Summer is finally here. And when schools out, the phrase every parent dread hearing from their children can often repeat itself through the season: “I’m bored.” But never fear, as we usher in June, we also welcome the return of many DMV favorites.
U-Pick: Flowers and Berries
Head to any one of these farms to pick your own fruit and flowers for the season. Enjoy the classic u-pick experience at the well-known Butler’s Orchard to pick your own tart cherries, peas and even potatoes. Or visit any of the following for a variety of summer fruit:
- Farm At Home | Poolsville | Appointment only
- Wegmeyer Farms | Hamilton and Leesburg | Appointment only, one day in advance
- Miller Farms | Clinton | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekends
Public Swimming
If your community doesn’t include a swimming pool or you’re looking for more swimming options in addition to or instead of summer pool membership, the Washington, D.C. area has several natural swimming holes to explore.
- Cabin John Creek at Cabin John Park | Cabin John, MD
- Seneca Creek | Poolesville, MD *Next to Farm and Home Service store on River Road
- Elizabeth Furnace Area of George Washington National Forest via hike to Buzzard Rock | North of Fort Valley, VA
- Keep Loudoun Beautiful Park | Leesburg, VA
Movies & Outdoor Concert Series
Nothing beats a cool summer night sitting on a picnic blanket, eating snacks and watching a movie on the big screen or listening to a great band while stargazing at the night sky above you — especially when it’s free.
- The Drive-In at Union Market | D.C. ($20 per car)
- Movies in the Parks | Rockville, MD
- Events D.C. Summer Movie Series | Locations vary
- Sunset Cinema at The Wharf | D.C.
- Summer Concert Series at Glen Echo Park | Glen Echo, MD
- Summer Concert Series at Riversdale Historic Site & Museum | Riverdale Park, MD
- Kids on the Green at Town Green | Vienna, VA
Community Festivals
Big festivals draw big crowds. So, for families looking for something more neighborhood focused, here are several festivals to check out for a fun time with the whole family.
- Sandy Spring Museum Strawberry Festival | Sandy Spring. MD | June 6
- Marlboro Day Parade and Festival | Upper Marlboro, MD | June 6
- SummerFest at Bohrer Park – Summit Hill Farm | Gaithersburg, MD | June 27
- International Food and Craft Festival | Silver Spring, MD | July 19
Not-to-Miss Festivals
There’s a lot happening this month to kick off the summer season. Plan ahead to beat the crowds at these three not-to-miss festivals.
- DC/DOX Film Festival | D.C. | June 11-14
- Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle | D.C. | June 27-28
- Otakon | D.C. | July 31-Aug. 2
- National Book Festival | D.C. | Aug. 22
Snowballs and Icy Treats
Whether it’s snowballs, snow cones, shaved ice or just some classic popsicles you are looking for, here’s a list of the best places to get them around D.C.
- Capitol Snow | Alexandria and D.C.
- Blanca’s Snow Cones | Arlington, VA
- Houey’s Shaved Ice | Upper Marlboro, MD
- Bear’s Shaved Ice | Gaithersburg. MD
- Jarabe Gourmet Pops | Multiple DMV locations
Holidays
All month long is Pride Month, which many local communities celebrate with festivals, parades and more such as the well-known D.C. Pride Parade (June 20). Don’t miss celebrating these other early summer holidays with your family.
- National Best Friends Day | June 8
- Flag Day | June 14
- Father’s Day | June 15
- Juneteenth | June 19
- Fourth of July | July 4
- Free Slurpee Day | July 11
Summer Reading
All the library systems across the D.C. metro area are teaming up with eh Washington Nationals baseball team to give out cool prizes all summer long. Montgomery County Public Libraries’ summer reading challenge starts June 13, with some unique prizes such as a free book for anyone younger than age 19 for participating. Ages 19+ will receive a free canvas bag and be entered into a raffle to win four tickets to a Washington Spirit Soccer game — so, Mom and Dad can sign up, too! Hit your goal each week for three weeks and receive a voucher for two to a Washington Nationals Baseball game. Prince George’s County Memorial Library System’s summer reading challenge is already underway and lasts through Aug.14.
