Home Blog Page 34

Spraygrounds & Splash Pads

‹‹ All-Things-Water

Cool off this summer at these local favorites! From interactive town center fountains to dedicated park spraygrounds, there is a place for every age to play!

ALDIE, VA
ALEXANDRIA, VA
ARLINGTON, VA
ASHBURN, VA
FAIRFAX, VA
GAINESVILLE, VA
LEESBURG, VA
PURCELLVILLE, VA
RESTON, VA
STERLING, VA
TYSONS, VA
WOODBRIDGE, VA
SPLASH PADS @ WATERPARKS

These destinations are part of a larger, fee-based waterpark or outdoor pool:

Disclaimer: Event details are curated from public sources and subject to change. Verify all information via the provided links before attending.

Updated July 13, 2026

US National Arboretum

0


By DullesMoms, August 2026

Looking for a big outdoor day that doesn’t cost a thing? The US National Arboretum spans 451 acres in Washington, DC, with bonsai pavilions, a youth garden, themed plant collections, and 9 miles of roadways to wander — all open to the public for free.

Grove of State Trees

This 30-acre site showcases a diverse array of trees representing each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Each plot is home to a group of a state’s official tree species or an indigenous species suited to the local climate. Picnic tables are located close to the entrance portal and the M Street parking lot.

National Bonsai & Penjing Museum

The arboretum houses an impressive collection of bonsai and penjing (the Chinese equivalent of bonsai) displayed throughout its Japanese, Chinese, North American, and International Pavilions, as well as in a conservatory.

Themed Gardens

The arboretum boasts several themed gardens, including the Fern Valley Native Plant Collections, a flowering tree collection, and the National Herb Garden featuring historic roses and more.

Washington Youth Garden

The Washington Youth Garden introduces children to the origins of their food and promotes environmental advocacy. Established in 1971, this one-acre education garden includes a pollinator garden, a sensory garden, a food production area, and a Nature Explore classroom, and it grows thousands of pounds of produce each year for DC students and families. Yearly, it hosts a variety of hands-on events for young visitors, and kids are invited to see real crops growing.

National Capitol Columns

This collection of twenty-two Corinthian columns once formed part of the East Portico of the United States Capitol building, offering a glimpse of architectural history.

With a destination this large, plan ahead with these tools:

∙ Map of the Grounds
∙ Plant Finder & Interactive Map
∙ Calendar of Events

Offering even more information, be sure to visit Friends of the National Arboretum’s website, too.

Visiting is free, and no tickets are needed! The outside grounds of the US National Arboretum are open daily, 8 am-5 pm, except Christmas Day. However, click here to learn more about seasonal and special closures to specific exhibits and features.

Details:
Website

Location:
US National Arboretum ∙ 3501 New York Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002

LEARN MORE

Disclaimer: Event details are curated from public sources and subject to change. Verify all information via the provided links before attending.

Everyday Fun @ Clemyjontri Park

0

Clemyjontri Park is a Northern Virginia favorite!

This 2+ acre, all-inclusive, adaptive playground boasts six elevated climb-on structures, plus a wide variety of ground-level climb-on features — both static and dynamic — for kids of all abilities. There are also plenty of open space areas to run, as well as swings and even a maze to explore!

The rubber ground surface is stroller- and wagon-friendly, and plenty of shaded areas offer a place to sit during warmer months. You’ll also find picnic tables, vending machines (drinks, cash/credit), and on-site bathrooms. Learn more about Clemyjontri Park here.

You’ll also find these seasonal features:

Carousel
Clemyjontri’s fully accessible carousel features chariots, a spinning teacup, and 14 prancing steeds. Recessed to ground level for wheelchair access, it lets kids who use wheelchairs, walkers, or braces — or who have sensory or developmental disabilities — ride right alongside everyone else.

Trackless Train
Clemy’s trackless train loops the park, with views of the natural surroundings, the colorful playground, and the former home of Adele Lebowitz, who donated the 18.6-acre property to the Fairfax County Park Authority in 1997. Fee-based and seasonal.

Details:
Website

Location:
Clemyjontri Park ∙ McLean, VA

LEARN MORE

Disclaimer: Event details are curated from public sources and subject to change. Verify all information via the provided links before attending.

SuperCon Fest

This opportunity is over; visit our calendar for up-to-date fun!

‹‹ Even More Summer Fun

Superfans, assemble — an epic weekend is calling! SuperCon Fest 2026 is bringing the DMV’s first-ever outdoor fandom festival to Bull Run Park Special Events Center on July 25-26, 2026!

Whether your crew loves Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, anime, gaming, or collectibles, this all-ages summer festival has something for every kind of fan. No stuffy convention centers, just pure fandom energy under the open sky!

Seven zones await:

  • Noms Alley
    10 food trucks and booths serving local eats, sweet treats, and refreshing drinks.
  • Cosplay Commons
    The social heart of the festival — photo ops, fandom meetups, DMV-famous cosplayers, and a special guest celebrity appearance!
  • Artist Alley
    Beautiful illustrations and handmade crafts straight from independent artists.
  • Treasure Cove
    The ultimate destination for comics, collectibles, and unique pop culture finds.
  • Aspiring Artist Alley
    A dedicated space featuring young creators under 18 who run their very own mini-businesses — and keep 100% of their profits!
  • Workshop Grove
    Hands-on drawing and sewing workshops led by experts.
  • Festival Fun Zones
    Barrel rides traveling around the festival grounds and more!

The Main Stage brings live music all weekend, a novelist panel, an Epic Huntrix Sing-Along, Cosplay Karaoke on Saturday, and The Ultimate Cosplay Contest & Runway on Sunday — with a grand prize up for grabs!

Tickets are fee-based with several options available, including a two-day Super Pass, single-day tickets, and kids’ admission. Children under 5 are free!

Details:
Eventbrite

Dates:
July 25-26, 2026

Location:
Bull Run Park Special Events Center ∙ Centreville, VA

LEARN MORE

Disclaimer: Event details are curated from public sources and subject to change. Verify all information via the provided links before attending.

Washington Chinese Culture Festival

This opportunity is over; visit our calendar for up-to-date fun!

Washington Chinese Culture Festival

The Washington Chinese Culture Festival — hailed as the largest Chinese cultural celebration in the greater Washington region — returns to Pennsylvania Ave on August 29, 2026.

This landmark community event draws thousands of local residents, tourists, and dignitaries each year for a big day of live performances, authentic food vendors, Chinese games, and traditional arts.

Admission to this special day is free!

Details:
Website

Date:
Aug 29, 2026

Location:
Pennsylvania Ave NW ∙ Washington, DC
Between 3rd St & 6th St NW

LEARN MORE

Disclaimer: Event details are curated from public sources and subject to change. Verify all information via the provided links before attending.

Preschool Wednesdays on the Farm

This opportunity is over; visit our calendar for up-to-date fun!

‹‹ Even More Summer Fun

Do you have a preschool-age child? Then the Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum is the place to be on Wednesdays, from June 10-August 12, 2026!

On Wednesdays (2 morning sessions), kids will enjoy themed weekly fun, including music, games, and stories. Plus, the chance to make new friends!

Register for one day or as many as you like:

Get to know the Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum! This special, local museum highlights 250 years of Loudoun County’s agricultural heritage through various exhibits, hands-on activities, and seasonal events. This kid-friendly destination is a place where you can literally get your hands on local history!

Details:
Website

Dates:
Wednesdays, June 10-Aug 12, 2026

Location:
Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum ∙ Sterling, VA

LEARN MORE

Disclaimer: Event details are curated from public sources and subject to change. Verify all information via the provided links before attending.

Festival of Kites & Crafts

This opportunity is over; visit our calendar for up-to-date fun!

‹‹ Even More Summer Fun

Kites, crafts, and entertainment come together for a high-flying day of fun at the Festival of Kites & Crafts!

On August 22, 2026, you’re invited to Ida Lee Park to watch colorful kites take to the skies in all shapes and sizes. Bring your own kite and join in on the fun, too!

There will also be live entertainment, good food, and fun activities like games, face painting, a coloring tent, and moon bounces. Plus, shop and support local artisans, crafters, and small businesses, finding everything from fine art, jewelry, and ceramics to every creative item in between.

This special outdoor event is free to attend.

Details:
Facebook ∙ Eventbrite

Date:
Aug 22, 2026

Location:
Ida Lee Park ∙ Leesburg, VA

LEARN MORE

Disclaimer: Event details are curated from public sources and subject to change. Verify all information via the provided links before attending.

Around the World Cultural Food Festival

This opportunity is over; visit our calendar for up-to-date fun!

‹‹ More Food, Wine, & Beer Festivals

Get those taste buds ready for the Around the World Cultural Food Festival! Hosted at Oronoco Bay Park on August 29, 2026, this year marks a special milestone — it’s the festival’s 10th anniversary!

At this delicious event in Old Town Alexandria, taste your way through more than 150 authentic dishes representing 45+ countries, served up by 30+ ethnic food and dessert vendors along the waterfront.

Between bites, catch 10+ traditional live performances from singers and dancers representing cultures around the globe, and shop for handmade creations from 100+ international artisans and crafters. Little ones will love the Kids Zone, and grown-ups can take a break in one of two beer gardens.

Admission is free, with traditional dishes and beverages available for purchase.

Details:
Website ∙ Facebook

Date:
Aug 29, 2026, 11 am-7 pm

Location:
Oronoco Bay Park ∙ Alexandria, VA

LEARN MORE

Disclaimer: Event details are curated from public sources and subject to change. Verify all information via the provided links before attending.

Support for Families with Special Needs

0

Check out these groups, clubs, organizations, and more for children and families with special needs:

SUPPORT GROUPS & ORGS
ART, DRAMA, & MUSIC
SPORTS & RECREATION
MORE

Disclaimer: Event details are curated from public sources and subject to change. Verify all information via the provided links before attending.

Updated July 29, 2026

RSM Back 2 School Bash

This opportunity is over; visit our calendar for up-to-date fun!

What happens when math meets music, magic, and games? Find out at the Russian School of Mathematics’ Back 2 School Bash on August 28, 2026!

Hosted in Herndon, this free event brings the community together for hands-on activities that make learning feel like play, plus a chance for parents to meet the RSM team and learn more about what they offer. Please RSVP online.

Get to know the Russian School of Mathematics! RSM is proud to help students develop the confidence and skills necessary to achieve excellence for a lifetime! This award-winning math program uses mathematics not only to improve math fluency but also to develop intellect and character.

Their continuous math programs, designed for K-12 students, encourage them to ask “Why?” rather than just “How?” The curriculum builds connections between concepts, strategically combining early abstract thinking, mental flexibility, consistent challenges, and well-developed classroom environments to keep students highly engaged.

Their programs include a variety of afterschool opportunities, camps, and classes, plus year-round enrichment and even competition opportunities. With multiple Northern Virginia locations, each program has talented faculty ready to challenge students in every lesson. The program’s leveled approach meets children where they are, and students are placed appropriately so that they can begin at any time!

Learn more and schedule a free evaluation.

Details:
Eventbrite

Date:
Aug 28, 2026

Location:
Russian School of Mathematics ∙ Herndon, VA

LEARN MORE

Disclaimer: Event details are curated from public sources and subject to change. Verify all information via the provided links before attending.