You can always find something to do in DC. Being the nation’s capital, events of all sizes and topics are always happening. Even better, many of them are free to attend.
Events are also great places for kids to learn and experience new things. If you’re interested in checking out a few of them, here are the DC events for families we recommend attending in 2024.
The Future of Orchids: Conservation and Collaboration
January 27-April 28
Where: Smithsonian American Art Museum
Cost: Free
The Smithsonian puts on a display of 200+ orchid species in a different location each year. This year, it’s at the American Art Museum, just off the Mall. Kids can explore the world of orchids while enjoying the printable activities.
Mount Vernon Free Admission
February 19 and 22
Where: Mount Vernon, VA
Cost: Free
Enjoy free admission to Mount Vernon on George Washington’s birthday, a massive celebration with fun demonstrations. Kids can watch colonial cooking and musical performances and even meet the president himself.
Cherry Blossom Festival
March 20-April 14
Where: Downtown DC
Cost: Free (except for certain events)
The four-week Cherry Blossom Festival is a yearly DC highlight and entirely customizable for your family. You can come down and observe the cherry blossoms in full bloom or attend one of the multiple free events, like the kite flying on March 30.
Cherokee Days Festival
TBA
Where: National Museum of the American Indian
Cost: Free
Learn more about the Cherokee people at this three-day festival, which includes cooking demonstrations, musical performances, and kid-friendly activities. Tour some museum exhibits when you’re done to learn more about the American Indian.
Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival
April 13-14
Where: Pennsylvania & Constitution Aves. 3rd-7th St NW
Cost: $15-$20 for adults (children under 12 are free)
Get a taste of Japanese culture at this weekend festival. You can see music, martial arts, and dance performances throughout the day while enjoying authentic Japanese cuisine.
Washington DC Dragon Boat Festival
May 18
Where: Thompson’s Boat Center
Cost: Free
Dragon boat racing is an ancient Chinese sport where teams race boats decorated like, you guessed it, dragons. But you don’t have to travel to China to see it, thanks to this local festival. Afterward, consider making your own paper dragon boats and racing them.
Smithsonian Folklife Festival
June 26-30, July 3-7
Where: National Mall
Cost: Free
The Smithsonian Folklife Festival is another wonderful way to experience other cultures. This year, it highlights American indigenous peoples through two weeks of demonstrations and performances.
A Capitol Fourth
July 4
Where: United States Capitol Building and The National Mall
Cost: Free
Being the capital, DC goes all out for Independence Day, culminating in the Capitol Fourth concert and fireworks. It’s a crowded event, but fun to take the kids to once or twice.
Library of Congress National Book Festival
August 24
Where: Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Cost: Free
The Library of Congress annually hosts the National Book Festival. At the one-day event, you can browse booths, listen to authors speak, and even get your books signed, all for free! It also has plenty of children’s activities and a stage dedicated to children’s book authors.
Downtown Holiday Market
November 17-23
Where: Centered at 8th and F Streets, NW
Cost: Free
This annual Christmas market has booths, photo ops, and food trucks available to celebrate the season. It’s fun to wander through with the kids and maybe get a few Christmas photos for the grandparents.
Season’s Greenings
November 23-January 1
Where: United States Botanic Garden
Cost: Free
Thousands of visitors come to the Botanic Garden each year to view their train display. Multiple locomotives run on tracks surrounded by plants and displays made from natural materials. Kids of all ages love watching them and may even spot iconic engines like Thomas or Percy.
We hope you can attend and enjoy some of these free DC events this year. They’re all a great way for kids to learn and try new experiences.
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