The Ember List

The Ember List · Washington, DC

Toddler & baby activities in Washington, DC this week

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

We reviewed 6,000+ Washington-area events to pick the 52 best toddler & baby activities in Washington, DC between September 29 and October 5. Updated daily.

Our best picks: toddler & baby activities in Washington, DC — 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.

10:30 AM – 11 AM·Lamond-Riggs/Lillian J. Huff Neighborhood Library · Washington

Join this 30-40 minute story time designed to be enjoyed by all ages. Promoting early literacy skills through books, songs, rhymes, and movement, Family Story Time is a great way to further your child’s lifelong love of reading and learning. The whole family is encouraged to participate!

10:30 AM – 12 PM·Shepherd Park (Juanita E. Thornton) Neighborhood Library · Washington

Curious about how you can engage with your little one, even before they've figured out walking? Come to Baby Lap Time at Shepherd Park library - we'll be reading books, singing songs, and having some parachute time. There's also an hour playtime after the 30min structured session, so you can meet other caregivers - and…

10:30 AM – 12 PM·1st Floor, Explorer Theater in the Sant Ocean Hall, Natural History Museum · Washington

Join us on Tuesdays for special family play dates with museum educators! This Tuesday will be all about taking a closer look at what life is like in the deep sea at the bottom of the ocean! Even though it is very dark (except for the bioluminescent animals), the deepest parts of the ocean are still full of life. Togeth…

10:30 AM – 11 AM·Parklands-Turner Neighborhood Library · Washington

Share the joy of reading with your children ages 3-5 years! In these 30-40 minute programs, preschoolers and their grown-ups will explore stories and activities designed to promote language and listening skills, expand children’s imaginations, and arouse their curiosity about the world around them.

10:30 AM – 11 AM·Anacostia Neighborhood Library · Washington

Promoting early literacy skills through books, songs, rhymes, and movement, Family Story Time is a great way to further your child’s lifelong love of reading and learning. The whole family is encouraged to participate!

10:30 AM – 11 AM·Southwest Neighborhood Library · Washington

These 30-40 minute story times are designed to be enjoyed by all ages. Promoting early literacy skills through books, songs, rhymes, and movement, Family Story Time is a great way to further your child’s lifelong love of reading and learning. The whole family is encouraged to participate! If you would like to visit wit…

10:30 AM – 11 AM·Level 3, imagiNATIONS Activity Center, American Indian Museum DC · Washington

Designed for early learners (ages 0-2), their caregivers, and families, this drop-in program offers young visitors the opportunity to enjoy a book by a Native author or illustrator read by a Museum Educator, engage in free play and sensory enrichment, and participate in other hands-on learning. *Due to limited capacity…

WEDNESDAY
30
SEPTEMBER

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 – 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 · 10:45 AM·Tenley-Friendship Neighborhood Library · Washington

Family Story Time is designed to be enjoyed by all ages. Promoting early literacy skills through books, songs, rhymes, and movement. It's a great way to further your child’s lifelong love of reading and learning. The whole family is encouraged to participate. Space is limited. Pick up tickets at the Children's Desk. Ad…

10 AM · 10:45 AM·Takoma Park Neighborhood Library · Washington

Promoting language and literacy skills, these story times are a great way to further your child’s lifelong love of reading and learning. Children and their grownups are encouraged to actively engage and participate with the stories and activities during the program.

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…

10:30 AM – 11 AM·West End Neighborhood Library · Washington

Meet MPD K-9 teams and learn about the work they do to keep our community safe. This librarian-led story time will feature police dogs and officers. It is intended for children 0-5 and their engaged adults.

10:30 AM – 12 PM·Shepherd Park (Juanita E. Thornton) Neighborhood Library · Washington

Come and join us in one of our upstairs meeting rooms of Shepherd Park Library to enjoy a storytime and playtime! This storytime is planned to work for a variety of ages, so the whole family can find something to enjoy :) Please pick up your free tickets at the desk - one for each person attending, child or adult - the…

10:30 AM – 11:15 AM·Benning (Dorothy I. Height) Neighborhood Library · Washington

Connect with other parents/caregivers and bring your little ones together to play with toys, make friends and have fun. Register to stay informed of any changes.

10:30 AM – 11 AM·Level 3, imagiNATIONS Activity Center, American Indian Museum DC · Washington

Designed for early learners (ages 0-2), their caregivers, and families, this drop-in program offers young visitors the opportunity to enjoy a book by a Native author or illustrator read by a Museum Educator, engage in free play and sensory enrichment, and participate in other hands-on learning. *Due to limited capacity…

THURSDAY
1
OCTOBER

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 – 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·Northeast Neighborhood Library · Washington

Join us for stories & songs on the Balcón (2nd floor) at Union Market's La Cosecha. The event is free and open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis.

11 AM – 11:30 AM·Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library - Central Library · Washington

Designed especially for children ages 18-36 months and their grown-ups to enjoy together, these 20-30 minute interactive programs are full of books, songs, and fun activities that promote language and motor skill development. If you would like to visit with a school, childcare, or camp group, please call ahead to make…

1 PM – 2 PM·Southwest Neighborhood Library · Washington

These 20-30 minute story times are specially designed for infants from birth until they begin walking, along with their grown-ups! Participants are introduced to developmentally appropriate books, songs, rhymes, tickles, and bounces in a positive and fun atmosphere. Because Baby Lap Time emphasizes lots of interaction…

1 PM – 1:30 PM·Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library - Central Library · Washington

A story time experience for our youngest library users and their caregivers. These 15-to-25-minute story times introduce books, songs, rhymes, tickles and bounces developmentally appropriate for children from birth to when they start walking. Baby Lap Time is a wonderful way to introduce your child to the joys of readi…

1:30 PM – 2 PM·Takoma Park Neighborhood Library · Washington

Limited to pre-walking babies. A story time experience for our youngest library users and their caregivers. These 20-to-30-minute story times introduce books, songs, rhymes, tickles and bounces developmentally appropriate for children from birth to when they start walking. Baby Lap Time is a wonderful way to introduce…

2 PM – 2:30 PM·Georgetown Neighborhood Library · Washington

These 20-30 minute story times are specially designed for infants from birth until they begin walking, along with their grown-ups! Participants are introduced to developmentally appropriate books, songs, rhymes, tickles, and bounces in a positive and fun atmosphere. Because Baby Lap Time emphasizes lots of interaction…

4:30 PM – 5:30 PM·Southeast Neighborhood Library · Washington

These 20-30 minute story times are specially designed for babies who are not yet walking, along with their grown-ups! Participants are introduced to developmentally appropriate books, songs, rhymes, tickles, and bounces in a positive and fun atmosphere, followed by some free time for playing and socializing. Because Ba…

FRIDAY
2
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. Due to inclement weather, Wonderplace will open at 12 noon on Friday, J…

10:30 AM – 11 AM·Mt. Pleasant Neighborhood Library · Washington

Let your creativity soar while building new worlds here at the Mount Pleasant Library. This event is geared towards Daycares, community members are also welcome!

10:30 AM – 11 AM·Mt. Pleasant Neighborhood Library · Washington

The Mt. Pleasant Library invites children from 0 to 5, accompanied by an adult, to enter into a world of fun and make-believe. Through stories, songs and movement, children will be able to discover the joy of reading and savor the flavor of language. La bibliothèque de Mt. Pleasant invite les enfants de 0 à 5 ans, acco…

10:30 AM – 11 AM·Cleveland Park Neighborhood Library · Washington

Promoting early literacy skills through books, songs, rhymes, and movement, Family Story Time is a great way to further your child’s lifelong love of reading and learning. The whole family is encouraged to participate! If you would like to request an accommodation, please contact dcplaccess@dc.gov at least one week pri…

11 AM – 12 PM·Deanwood Neighborhood Library · Washington

Strong Start is DC’s Early Intervention Program (DC EIP). The Community Playgroups provide families with information about their child’s development, early childhood developmental screenings, the early intervention process, and community resources. Facilitated by early intervention professionals, the playgroups offer a…

3 PM – 4 PM·Northeast Neighborhood Library · Washington

These 20-30 minute story times are specially designed for babies who are not yet walking, along with their grown-ups! Participants are introduced to developmentally appropriate books, songs, rhymes, tickles, and bounces in a positive and fun atmosphere, followed by some free time for playing and socializing. Because Ba…

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

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 – 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 – 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…

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…

11 AM – 11:30 AM·Northeast Neighborhood Library · Washington

These 30-40 minute story times are designed to be enjoyed by all ages. Promoting early literacy skills through books, songs, rhymes, and movement, Family Story Time is a great way to further your child’s lifelong love of reading and learning. The whole family is encouraged to participate! Northeast's Family Story Time…

11 AM – 11:45 AM·Georgetown Neighborhood Library · Washington

Share the fun of reading with your children ages 3-5 years! Children and their grownups will explore stories and activities to encourage children to develop a lifelong love of reading and learning. These 30-to-40-minute programs are designed to promote language and listening skills, expand children’s imaginations and a…

11 AM – 11:30 AM·Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library - Central Library · Washington

These 25-30 minute story times are designed to be enjoyed by all ages. Promoting early literacy skills through books, songs, rhymes, and movement, Family Story Time is a great way to further your child’s lifelong love of reading and learning. The whole family is encouraged to participate! If you would like to visit wit…

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…

MONDAY
5
OCTOBER

10:30 AM – 11:30 AM·Southwest Neighborhood Library · Washington

Children birth to 5 and their caregivers are invited to a special early literacy play date themed around building, knocking down, and building back up again!

10:30 AM – 11 AM·Chevy Chase Neighborhood Library · Washington

Participants are introduced to developmentally appropriate books, songs, rhymes, tickles, and bounces in a positive and fun atmosphere. Because Baby Lap Time emphasizes lots of interaction between the caregiver and the child on their lap, we recommend that each baby have their own grown-up with them. If you would like…

10:30 AM – 11 AM·Capitol View Neighborhood Library · Washington

This 20-to-30-minute story time is full of books, songs, rhymes and fingerplays for children from birth to 3 years old. It’s a great way to introduce your child to language skills in a positive and fun environment.

11 AM – 11:30 AM·Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library - Central Library · Washington

We will both sign and vocalize our stories and songs. No prior knowledge of ASL is required. This fun story time is recommended for kids ages 2-5 with a caregiver. If you would like to request an accommodation for a disability, please contact the DC Public Library Center for Accessibility at least 72 hours prior to the…

11 AM – 12 PM·Northeast Neighborhood Library · Washington

Toddler Explorations is an open interactive engagement program for young children and caregivers that uses play and exploration to develop pre-literacy and social skills. Join us in the big meeting room in the basement! Otherwise, if weather and temperatures permit, join us outside in the garden!

11 AM – 11:45 AM·Woodridge Neighborhood Library · Washington

A story time experience for our youngest library users and their caregivers. These 20-30 minutes story times introduce books, songs, rhymes, tickles and bounces developmentally appropriate for children ages birth to when they start walking . Baby Lap Time is a wonderful way to introduce your child to the joys of readin…

3 PM – 4:30 PM·Northwest One Neighborhood Library · Washington

Get ready to build, create, and imagine at Magnetic Tile Mondays! Kids ages 0–12 are invited to explore and experiment with Magna‑Tiles in a relaxed, welcoming space. This open play time encourages creativity, problem‑solving, and social interaction as children stack, design, and construct with colorful magnetic tiles.…

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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Toddler & Baby Activities in Washington, DC This Week — September 2026