The Ember List

The Ember List · the DC area

Toddler & baby activities in the DC area this week

Browse story times, playgroups, music and movement, and open play for ages 0–5 in the DC area.

We reviewed 6,000+ Washington-area events to pick the 63 best toddler & baby activities in the DC area between September 29 and October 5. Updated daily.

Our best picks: toddler & baby activities in the DC area — September 29 – October 5

TUESDAY
29
SEPTEMBER

9:15 AM – 9:45 AM·Northeast Neighborhood Library · Washington

These 20-30 minute story times are full of books, songs, rhymes and fingerplays for children from birth to three years old. Baby & Toddler Story Time is a fun way to introduce your child to language and literacy skills through an interactive experience for children and caregivers alike. Space is limited. Tickets will b…

9:30 AM – 1:30 PM·Bird House Classroom, National Zoo · Washington

Not all birds fly- but all birds rock! Celebrate World Cassowary Day with creative, drop-in play at the Zoo as we learn about flightless birds, like cassowaries! Little Critters: Nature Play is designed for ages 0-5 and their caregivers and families. Activities are designed with early learners in mind, but all ages are…

10 AM – 11 AM·Southeast Neighborhood Library · Washington

Toddler Explorations is an interactive program for toddlers that uses play and exploration to develop pre-literacy and social skills. This program is ideal for children ages 6 months to 5 years.

10 AM – 10:30 AM·Rust Library · Leesburg

Please visit and subscribe to our YouTube Channel – Loudoun County Public Library Online Programs – for more programs.

10 AM – 10:30 AM·Martha Washington Library · Alexandria

Join us outside the library for stories and fun. Bring a blanket, chair or yoga mat to sit on. We will meet on the south side of the library. Come through the library or walk around the outside. Please note that the start time is 10am. Best for age birth-5 with caregiver. If you have questions about the appropriate age…

10 AM – 10:30 AM·Ashburn Library

Please visit and subscribe to our YouTube Channel – Loudoun County Public Library Online Programs – for more programs.

10 AM · 10:30 AM·Dolley Madison Library · McLean

Welcome to Storytime! 18 months to 36 months. Build an early literacy foundation with rhymes, songs and stories for your toddler! Toddler Storytime is offered in two back-to-back sessions. Stories and activites are the same in both sessions. Space is limited. Registration is Required. Playtime begins at 11am after an e…

10 AM – 10:30 AM·Gum Spring Library · Aldie

Please visit and subscribe to our YouTube Channel – Loudoun County Public Library Online Programs – for more programs.

10 AM – 10:30 AM·Brambleton Library · Ashburn

Please visit and subscribe to our YouTube Channel – Loudoun County Public Library Online Programs – for more programs.

10 AM – 10:30 AM·Gaithersburg Library

Ideal for ages 18 months to 5 years with a parent or caregiver. Join us for storytime where we'll wiggle and laugh along to action-oriented books, fingerplays, songs, and rhymes that focus on early literacy skills. This storytime has more movement and longer books than our baby storytime. Questions about this program?…

WEDNESDAY
30
SEPTEMBER

Arlington County

Ages 3-5 years. This program includes a short walk and facilitated play. Participants will go on a trail scavenger hunt, build a campsite, and work together to wash the camp’s laundry. Caretakers must stay with their child during the program.

Reston Regional Library

Native butterflies are floating around Reston Regional Library! Spot 10 lepidopterans in the Children's Section during the month of September for a prize. Ages 0-13, with an adult.

10 AM · 11 AM·Georgetown Neighborhood Library · Washington

These 20-30 minute story times are full of books, songs, rhymes and fingerplays for children from birth to two years old. With more activity and movement than our baby lap times, Baby & Toddler Story Time is a fun way to introduce your child to language and literacy skills through an interactive experience for children…

10 AM – 10:30 AM·Cascades Library · Sterling

Please visit and subscribe to our YouTube Channel – Loudoun County Public Library Online Programs – for more programs.

10 AM – 4 PM·Wonderplace, 1 West, American History Museum · Washington

This learning space designed especially for children ages six and under combines age appropriate activities with museum collections and touchable objects to provide a gateway to history and a place to exercise curiosity for the youngest historians. Admission to Wonderplace is on a first come, first-served basis. At bus…

10 AM – 10:30 AM·Southeast Neighborhood Library · Washington

These 20-30 minute story times are full of books, songs, rhymes and fingerplays for children from birth to two years old. With more activity and movement than our baby lap times, Baby & Toddler Story Time is a fun way to introduce your child to language and literacy skills through an interactive experience for children…

10 AM – 10:30 AM·Gaithersburg Library

Ideal for ages 18 months to 5 years with a parent or caregiver. Join us for Spanish-English bilingual storytime where we'll wiggle and laugh along to action-oriented books, fingerplays, songs, and rhymes that focus on early literacy skills in both Spanish and English. Questions about this program? Please contact Gaithe…

10 AM – 10:30 AM·Brambleton Library · Ashburn

Please visit and subscribe to our YouTube Channel – Loudoun County Public Library Online Programs – for more programs.

10 AM – 10:30 AM·Rust Library · Leesburg

Please visit and subscribe to our YouTube Channel – Loudoun County Public Library Online Programs – for more programs.

10:10 AM – 10:50 AM·Hill Center DC, 921 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, Washington, DC

Toddler & Me dance classes are for children 18 months up to the age of 3 years. Music, movement, balance and the basic dance steps are introduced in a fun, friendly and positive manner. This type of class includes mom or dad, another loved one or a caretaker participating in the class along with the little dancer. Our…

THURSDAY
1
OCTOBER

Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 N Military Rd, 22207 · Arlington

Ages 18 to 35 months with adult. Tiny Tot programs provide opportunities to interact one-on-one with your child while discovering the wonders of nature. Each program will engage your child with hands-on learning and may include a variety of activities like songs, games, crafts, and mini-hikes. Tiny Tot programs are off…

Reston Regional Library

Black cats are pawing around Reston Regional Library! Spot 10 kitties in the Children's Section during the month of October for a prize. Ages 0-13, with an adult.

9:30 AM – 1:30 PM·Bird House Classroom, National Zoo · Washington

Not all birds fly- but all birds rock! Celebrate World Cassowary Day with creative, drop-in play at the Zoo as we learn about flightless birds, like cassowaries! Little Critters: Nature Play is designed for ages 0-5 and their caregivers and families. Activities are designed with early learners in mind, but all ages are…

10 AM – 10:30 AM·Brambleton Library · Ashburn

Please visit and subscribe to our YouTube Channel – Loudoun County Public Library Online Programs – for more programs.

10 AM – 10:30 AM·Gum Spring Library · Aldie

Please visit and subscribe to our YouTube Channel – Loudoun County Public Library Online Programs – for more programs.

10 AM – 10:30 AM·Ashburn Library

Please visit and subscribe to our YouTube Channel – Loudoun County Public Library Online Programs – for more programs.

10 AM – 11 AM·Lovettsville Library

Please visit and subscribe to our YouTube Channel - Loudoun County Public Library Online Programs - for more programs.

10 AM – 10:30 AM·Rust Library · Leesburg

Please visit and subscribe to our YouTube Channel – Loudoun County Public Library Online Programs – for more programs.

10 AM – 4 PM·Wonderplace, 1 West, American History Museum · Washington

This learning space designed especially for children ages six and under combines age appropriate activities with museum collections and touchable objects to provide a gateway to history and a place to exercise curiosity for the youngest historians. Admission to Wonderplace is on a first come, first-served basis. At bus…

11 AM – 11:45 AM·Mount Rainier Nature Center, 4701 31st Place, Mount Rainier, MD

Introduce your toddler to the wonders of nature through hands-on exploration, stories, songs, crafts, and outdoor discovery. — Introduce your toddler to the wonders of nature through hands-on exploration, stories, songs, crafts, and outdoor discovery. Each Toddler Time session features a unique theme focused on animals…

FRIDAY
2
OCTOBER

Long Branch Nature Center, 625 S Carlin Springs Rd, 22203 · Arlington

Ages 18 to 35 months with adult. Tiny Tot programs provide opportunities to interact one-on-one with your child while discovering the wonders of nature. Each program will engage your child with hands-on learning and may include a variety of activities like songs, games, crafts, and mini-hikes. Tiny Tot programs are off…

10 AM – 12 PM·Lovettsville Library

Please visit and subscribe to our YouTube Channel - Loudoun County Public Library Online Programs - for more programs.

10 AM – 12 PM·Ashburn Library

Please visit and subscribe to our YouTube Channel - Loudoun County Public Library Online Programs - for more programs.

10 AM – 11 AM·Thomas Jefferson Library — Thomas Jefferson Meeting Room 1, Thomas Jefferson Meeting Room 2 · Falls Church

Playdate cafe is our regular weekly time for kids and adults to enjoy free-play and socialize in an informal setting - blocks, cars, puppets, music, and more. Ages 0-5 with caregiver. No registration required.

10 AM – 4 PM·Wonderplace, 1 West, American History Museum · Washington

This learning space designed especially for children ages six and under combines age appropriate activities with museum collections and touchable objects to provide a gateway to history and a place to exercise curiosity for the youngest historians. Due to inclement weather, Wonderplace will open at 12 noon on Friday, J…

10 AM – 11 AM·Courthouse Library — Children's Area · Arlington

For families with Preschoolers Join us for open play featuring a mix of games and activites that explore the STEAM- based concepts of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, or Math! No registration required. Attendance is first-come, first-served until event capacity is reached. Please call 703-228-3352 or email Lib-Co…

10 AM – 11 AM·Brambleton Library · Ashburn

Please visit and subscribe to our YouTube Channel - Loudoun County Public Library Online Programs - for more programs.

10:15 AM – 11:15 AM·Purcellville Library

Please visit and subscribe to our YouTube Channel - Loudoun County Public Library Online Programs - for more programs.

10:15 AM – 10:45 AM·Central Library — Barbara M. Donnellan Auditorium · Arlington

For families with young children Family Storytime is for children 0-5 years and an accompanying adult. This fun and interactive program combines activities such as read-aloud stories, songs, rhymes, fingerplays and flannel boards and introduces children to listening skills, picture books, the library, and the joy of re…

5 PM – 7 PM·Hill Center DC, 921 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, Washington, DC

Bring the family out to enjoy a Friday evening filled with live music perfect for all ages! This concert will be outdoors, perfect for little ones to run, dance, laugh, and play to the beat of their favorite songs! KING BULLFROG is a kindie rock trio that plays high-energy tunes that are developmentally appropriate for…

SATURDAY
3
OCTOBER

Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 N Military Rd, 22207 · Arlington

Ages 18 to 35 months with adult. Tiny Tot programs provide opportunities to interact one-on-one with your child while discovering the wonders of nature. Each program will engage your child with hands-on learning and may include a variety of activities like songs, games, crafts, and mini-hikes. Tiny Tot programs are off…

9:30 AM – 10 AM·Hill Center DC, 921 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, Washington, DC

This class is a wonderful transition between Toddler & Me and Ballet, Tap & Jazz class. Music, movement, balance and the basic dance steps are introduced in a fun, friendly and positive manner. The dancers do not have mom, dad or another loved one by their side during the class, so this class is great for children who…

10 AM – 11 AM·Croydon Creek Nature Center, 852 Avery Road, Rockville, MD

Designed for young children and their caregivers, this nature program encourages slowing down and experiencing the outdoors together. Through sensory awareness activities, gentle movement, and guided observation, participants will explore nature in a calm and supportive setting. Time will be spent outdoors fostering cu…

10 AM – 10:30 AM·Cascades Library · Sterling

Please visit and subscribe to our YouTube Channel – Loudoun County Public Library Online Programs – for more programs.

10 AM – 4 PM·Wonderplace, 1 West, American History Museum · Washington

This learning space designed especially for children ages six and under combines age appropriate activities with museum collections and touchable objects to provide a gateway to history and a place to exercise curiosity for the youngest historians. Admission to Wonderplace is on a first come, first-served basis. At bus…

10 AM – 10:30 AM·Gum Spring Library · Aldie

Please visit and subscribe to our YouTube Channel – Loudoun County Public Library Online Programs – for more programs.

10 AM – 10:30 AM·Ashburn Library

Please visit and subscribe to our YouTube Channel – Loudoun County Public Library Online Programs – for more programs.

10 AM – 10:30 AM·Rust Library · Leesburg

Please visit and subscribe to our YouTube Channel – Loudoun County Public Library Online Programs – for more programs.

10 AM – 2 PM·Bird House Classroom, National Zoo · Washington

MOO! OINK! CLUCK! Join us for creative, drop-in play at the Zoo as we learn about different animals that live on the farm. Little Critters: Nature Play is designed for ages 0-5 and their caregivers and families. Activities are designed with early learners in mind, but all ages are welcome. Parents and guardians must re…

3 PM·Audi Field, 100 Potomac Ave. SW, Washington

Sign-up for Priority Pre-Sale Access: https://form.typeform.com/to/AyEu5hvh#cid=xxxxx&source=TM.com Howard Fan Sections: C6-C9, F7-F12, 106-110 116-127 Hampton Fan Sections: C1-C4, F1-F6, 101-105, 128-134 Children under 2 years old do not need a ticket if they are sitting on a guardians lap.

SUNDAY
4
OCTOBER

10 AM – 4 PM·Wonderplace, 1 West, American History Museum · Washington

This learning space designed especially for children ages six and under combines age appropriate activities with museum collections and touchable objects to provide a gateway to history and a place to exercise curiosity for the youngest historians. Admission to Wonderplace is on a first come, first-served basis. At bus…

10:30 AM – 11 AM·Rockville Memorial Library

ATTENDANCE LIMITED TO 60 PEOPLE, TICKETS FIRST COME FIRST SERVED. These 25-30-minute programs are designed to delight children of all ages and are filled with diverse stories and activities that promote and develop language skills and imagination. These programs encourage children to develop a lifelong love of reading…

10:30 AM – 11:30 AM·Germantown Library

Registration is required. Registration opens two weeks prior to the event. Co-sponsored by Friends of the Library, Montgomery County. Questions about this program? Contact the branch (240) 777-0110 Library Program Attendance (both virtual and in the branch) is limited to participants within the suggested age range of t…

MONDAY
5
OCTOBER

10 AM – 10:30 AM·Ashburn Library

Please visit and subscribe to our YouTube Channel – Loudoun County Public Library Online Programs – for more programs.

10 AM – 12 PM·Lovettsville Library

Please visit and subscribe to our YouTube Channel - Loudoun County Public Library Online Programs - for more programs.

10 AM – 10:30 AM·Middleburg Library

Please visit and subscribe to our YouTube Channel – Loudoun County Public Library Online Programs – for more programs.

10 AM – 11 AM·Courthouse Library — Children's Area · Arlington

For families with Preschoolers Join us for open play featuring a mix of games and activites that explore the STEAM- based concepts of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, or Math! No registration required. Attendance is first-come, first-served until event capacity is reached. Please call 703-228-3352 or email Lib-Co…

10 AM – 10:30 AM·Cascades Library · Sterling

Please visit and subscribe to our YouTube Channel – Loudoun County Public Library Online Programs – for more programs.

10 AM – 11 AM·Brambleton Library · Ashburn

Please visit and subscribe to our YouTube Channel – Loudoun County Public Library Online Programs – for more programs.

10 AM·Nature House Multi-purpose Room, 11450 Glade Drive, Reston

Join the Halloween bash that’s perfect for toddlers. Wear your costume on a walk along the trails. Meet a couple of fun characters and a real Corn Snake. Decorate a pumpkin and collect a goody bag to take home. No frights at this fest! Register by October 2. Ages 18-35 monthsOffered on both October 5th and 6th, content…

10 AM – 11:15 AM·Downtown Silver Spring

Help RECs spread the word about their FREE Infant & Toddler Open Gym at Long Branch Community Recreation Center! Ages: 0–4 Mondays | Sept. 14, 2026 – June 14, 2027 10:00–11:15 a.m. SIGN UP on ActiveMontgomery Activity Search R03015-103 Little ones will enjoy open gym time and The Little Free Library.Please share the at…

10:15 AM – 10:45 AM·Purcellville Library

Please visit and subscribe to our YouTube Channel - Loudoun County Public Library Online Programs - for more programs.

10:15 AM · 11:15 AM·James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library · Alexandria

Fingerplay and songs for ages 0-14 months. Please choose one time to attend. Juegos con los dedos y canciones para los más pequeños. (De 0 a 14 meses) Sala de reuniones de Duncan Library. Tickets are first-come, first-served, and will be distributed at the Children's Desk beginning 15 minutes before the program. Audien…

Questions

What counts as a toddler or baby activity?

An event the organizer lists for children 5 and under, or whose listing names babies, toddlers or preschoolers: story times, playgroups, music and movement, open play and parent-and-child classes.

Are these activities free?

Most are. Library programs are free; some classes, such as swim, gymnastics or music, charge a fee. Each event's page has the details.

How often is this list updated?

Every day. We collect events from public library, park and venue calendars and rebuild this page each night.

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