We reviewed 6,000+ Washington-area events to pick the 24 best kids & family events in Washington, DC between August 17 and August 23. Updated daily.
to see a personalized list by location, interest, and age group.
Highlights for August 18 – August 21
Beach Scavenger Hunt (Northwest One Neighborhood Library)
A self‑guided scavenger hunt inside Northwest One Library where kids search for beach‑themed pictures and collect a sheet for a prize. Tuesday, August 18 – Monday, August 24, all day. Ages 0–13; no registration needed.
Little Critters: Nature Play at the Bird House (Rainforest Animals) (Bird House Classroom, National Zoo)
Drop‑in rainforest play at the Zoo’s Bird House Classroom, where children explore Amazon plants and animals with hands‑on activities. Tuesday, August 18 & Thursday, August 20, 9:30 am–1:30 pm. Free. Ages 0–5; parents must stay with children.
Spark!Lab (Spark!Lab, First Floor, West Wing, American History Museum)
A maker‑lab where kids design, build and test inventions using STEM tools and art under guidance of museum staff. Wednesday, August 19 – Sunday, August 23, 10 am–4 pm. Free. Ages 6–12; first‑come, first‑served.
Wonderplace (Wonderplace, 1 West, American History Museum)
A touch‑friendly museum space for children six and under with interactive exhibits and objects from the American History Museum’s collection. Wednesday, August 19 – Sunday, August 23, 10 am–4 pm. Free. Ages 6 and under; first‑come, first‑served, timed tickets if busy.
Back-To-School Pop-Ups (National Children’s Museum, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC)
A weekend of pop‑up activities at the National Children’s Museum offering science, reading, geometry and mindfulness stations for young learners. Friday, August 21 – Sunday, August 23, all day. $18.95. Tickets include museum admission; suitable for all ages.
Our best picks: kids & family events in Washington, DC — August 17–23
Tuesday, August 18
Enjoy some end‑of‑summer fun at Northwest One Library by exploring the branch and spotting beach‑ and ocean‑themed pictures hidden throughout the space! Kids ages 0–13 can look for seashells, waves, sea creatures, and other summery images at their own pace during library open hours. Find all the pictures and bring your…
DC Way presents: Art & Soccer Summer Camp , a dynamic program combining creative expression with high-quality soccer training led by professional coaches. Can a camp build both athletic skills and creativity at the same time? DC Way’s Art & Soccer Summer Camp offers participants a balanced day of movement and imaginati…
Come explore the rainforest! Join us for creative, drop-in play at the Zoo as we explore the different plants and animals that live in the Amazon rainforest. 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 wel…
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Wednesday, August 19
Spark!Lab is where museum visitors become inventors. The Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation invites children between the ages of 6 and 12 to create, collaborate, explore, test, experiment and invent. Activities for children and families incorporate traditional science, technology, engineering and…
Learn to spot common species, make a fun craft, and join our resident bird lover for a relaxed nature adventure. For all ages. All children must be accompanied with a parent and/or guardian. We will meet at the Oxon Run Park James E. Bunn Amphitheater. Weather permitting. Know Before You Adventure ✔ Bring Binoculars ✔…
This program is recommended for ages 8 and up. Registration is encouraged but not required. If you would like to request an accommodation, please contact dcplaccess@dc.gov at least one week prior to the event.
Thursday, August 20
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…
The Benning/Dorothy I. Height Neighborhood Library is excited to welcome families to our 3rd Annual Back to School Bash , an afternoon filled with fun, music, resources, and everything you need to kick off a successful school year. Bring the whole family and enjoy: 🎧 Live DJ & music 🎲 Games and activities 🎁 Prizes a…
Teens, join us in the Alma Thomas Teen Space to take a stab at a different kind of DIY or hobby project! First and third Thursday of the month at 4pm. Materials to be provided. This program is for patrons between the ages of 13 and 19.
Phillips Educators will lead participants in an exploration of Jacob Lawrence’s The Migration Series, as well as a hands-on art activity inspired by the artworks. Participants will have the chance to experiment, create, and connect with artwork in a new way. This program is designed for learners ages 8 and up and requi…
Friday, August 21
Celebrate the start of a new school year with a weekend of Back-To-School Pop-Ups - a program that helps prep young learners for the classroom! From Friday, August 21 to Sunday, August 23, join the National Children's Museum and let the students stretch their learning muscles while exploring things like science, geomet…
If you have a little one to take care of and are looking for something fun to do, come read and sing all about nature with a park ranger! This program includes nature books, animal puppets, body movements, and songs. Due to high summer temperatures, we will only be doing this program at Peirce Mill Barn for the month o…
Discover the power of storytelling and community through our early learners storytime experience inspired by We Make History ! Through engaging stories, interactive gallery moments, and hands-on activities, children and caregivers will explore how everyday people, neighborhoods, and changemakers shape history in Washin…
Saturday, August 22
Spark!Lab is where museum visitors become inventors. The Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation invites children between the ages of 6 and 12 to create, collaborate, explore, test, experiment and invent. Activities for children and families incorporate traditional science, technology, engineering and…
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…
We will have a variety of toys and themed activities so kids can play and create while families socialize and learn about local resources. Each session will open with a themed story time at 10:30 and close out with a dance party. Themes for the sessions include June: Water Safety July: Disability Pride Month August: Ba…
Phillips Educators will lead participants in an exploration of Jacob Lawrence’s The Migration Series, as well as a hands-on art activity inspired by the artworks. Participants will have the chance to experiment, create, and connect with artwork in a new way. This program is designed for learners ages 8 and up and requi…
Sunday, August 23
Enjoy some end‑of‑summer fun at Northwest One Library by exploring the branch and spotting beach‑ and ocean‑themed pictures hidden throughout the space! Kids ages 0–13 can look for seashells, waves, sea creatures, and other summery images at their own pace during library open hours. Find all the pictures and bring your…
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…
Spark!Lab is where museum visitors become inventors. The Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation invites children between the ages of 6 and 12 to create, collaborate, explore, test, experiment and invent. Activities for children and families incorporate traditional science, technology, engineering and…
Festivities include: Bilingual Story Time (1:30pm, English and Spanish) Zumba (2:15 -3:00pm) Children's Craft Corner Teen Gaming Lounge Children's Scavenger Hunt Sidewalk Chalk Art See you there!
Calling all tiny fashionistas! Now's your chance to strut your stuff. Join us for our first ever Northeast Library Toddler Runway Show. You bring your child dressed to impress, and we bring the lights, camera and "press". Children who are able to move independently ages 4 and under are welcome to participate. Slots are…
Monday, August 24
DC Way presents: Art & Soccer Summer Camp , a dynamic program combining creative expression with high-quality soccer training led by professional coaches. Can a camp build both athletic skills and creativity at the same time? DC Way’s Art & Soccer Summer Camp offers participants a balanced day of movement and imaginati…