It’s a fantastic weekend in DC, perfectly timed for Cherry Blossom fun! Highlights include the massive, free Petalpalooza fireworks show down at Navy Yard and the beautiful White House Spring Garden Tours. If you need indoor fun, catch a classic musical like Disney’s 'Beauty and the Beast,' or take the kids to the National Gallery of Art for free family activities.
See our top picks
Petalpalooza® at Navy Yard
Capitol Riverfront at the Yards
Free, massive outdoor festival ending with fireworks on Saturday night.
Disney's 'Beauty and the Beast'
The National Theatre
Catch the final performance of this spectacular musical indoors on Sunday.
Cinderella
The Puppet Co.
A charming, short puppet show perfect for the under-six crowd on Saturday morning.
· April 4
10PETALPALOOZA® AT NAVY YARDFREE : This huge Cherry Blossom Festival event features outdoor performances, interactive art, and family fun along the Yards Park. Make sure you stay until 8:30 PM for the official fireworks show set to music over the water!It's the huge, free, headline event this weekend with spectacular fireworks, perfect for a family outing.
FREE : Get a rare look at the famous White House grounds, including the Rose Garden and South Lawn. Tickets are free but distributed on-site the morning of the tour.This is a unique, historical, and free chance to explore the grounds that is only available this weekend.
FREE : This suburban celebration of spring includes cherry blossom-inspired crafts, a petting zoo, and a kids' game corner. It’s a great way to enjoy the blooms with structured kid activities.Offers a variety of structured, free activities like a petting zoo and crafts specifically for families outside the city center.
: DC's massive pop culture convention runs all weekend, featuring comics, movies, and tech. Definitely check out the dedicated Awesome Con Jr. area if you have younger kids in tow.It’s a major multi-day event that caters heavily to older kids and teens interested in fandoms.
TRAINS & CAROUSEL SPINS (SEASON OPENING) : The Cabin John Train and Wheaton Train/Carousel open for the season this weekend! For just a few dollars, kids can ride historic replicas of steam locomotives and beautiful carousels.This is the opening weekend for two classic seasonal amusement rides popular with younger children in the immediate area.
BLUEBELLS AT THE BEND : Celebrate the beautiful Virginia Bluebells along the Potomac River at this festival featuring wildflower walks, live animals, and concessions. It's a wonderful family nature outing near the city.It capitalizes on the spring bloom outside the city center with structured, family-focused nature activities.
75TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION FAMILY FUN DAY : Join the nursery school's big anniversary party! They are bringing in a bounce house, petting zoo, face painting, and games for a fun, family-focused fundraising event.A high-activity, dedicated family event with classic fun like bounce houses and petting zoos.
EARTH TO SPACE FESTIVAL FAMILY WEEKEND (WEEKEND 1)FREE : The Kennedy Center partners with NASA for a space-themed weekend! Expect hands-on art activities in the Moonshot studio and workshops where kids can design their own Martian spacesuits.It blends NASA science with hands-on art activities, making STEM exciting for kids this weekend.
NATIONAL CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL CELEBRATION AT THE LAB : Take a quick trip to Fairfax for cherry blossom-themed science fun! Activities include programming a robot, creating origami, and hunting for clues during a scavenger hunt.It combines the Cherry Blossom theme with hands-on science and robot programming, which is unique.
CINDERELLA : The Puppet Co. puts on a classic performance featuring 15 handmade rod puppets telling the rags-to-riches tale of Cinderella. It's a perfect, contained show for younger audiences.A low-commitment, classic story brought to life by puppets is ideal for the younger end of the family spectrum.
· April 5
2: Catch the final days of the North American tour of Disney's beloved musical! This spectacular production features the classic songs and spectacular new sets.It's a massive, high-quality, family-friendly Broadway-caliber show running through Sunday.
MIGHTY MILESTONE MAKERS PRESENTS: EASTER BUNNY COMMUNITY EVENT : Since it is Easter weekend, head out Sunday for a community event featuring the Easter Bunny at Pj's Coffee. It's a great little event to wrap up the holiday weekend.This is the only specific Easter-themed event listed for Sunday, April 5th.
Also On· anytime this weekend
3FREE : Celebrate Japanese Culture Day at the Library of Congress! This free, ticketed event is packed with family activities, storytelling, and demonstrations of traditional musical instruments.It’s a great free, indoor activity focusing on culture to complement the Cherry Blossom theme.
FREE : Head to the National Gallery of Art for their monthly free First Saturday event, focusing this time on Elizabeth Catlett. They feature drop-in art making, kids storytime, and even face painting.Free museum activities specifically geared toward young attendees on a Saturday morning.
: Nothing says spring like catching a Nats game! If you attend on Sunday, they often have special kid activities like base running after the game.It's opening weekend vibes for a quintessential spring DC activity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Washington DC this weekend?
This weekend (Apr 04-05) the best free options are Petalpalooza® at Navy Yard (Sat, free fireworks!), the First Saturday activities at the National Gallery of Art (Sat), and the White House Spring Garden Tours (Sat/Sun).
Are there any big outdoor festivals this weekend?
Yes! The biggest is Petalpalooza® at Navy Yard on Saturday, featuring entertainment and fireworks. Also, check out the Bluebells at the Bend festival in Great Falls, VA, on Saturday for a nature-focused outing.
What can we do on Sunday, April 5th?
Sunday features the final day for Disney's 'Beauty and the Beast' at The National Theatre, White House Spring Garden Tours (ends 2:30 PM), and a small Easter Bunny Community Event in Morningside.
