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Supernova

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

Get ready for four full days of gaming fun, fandom, and fierce competition — Supernova is back!

From August 6-9, 2026, families are invited to experience Supernova at the Baltimore Convention Center — an immersive celebration of video games, pop culture, and live entertainment centered on the world’s biggest Smash event! Please note the event’s new location — this year, the festival moves from Chantilly, VA, to Baltimore, MD.

Beyond the competitive arena — which includes flagship Smash tournaments and, for the first time ever, a headline Mario Kart tournament — enjoy live shows, a cosplay contest, the Smashies Awards, the fan-favorite Combo Contest, and a Friday night music experience featuring Virtual Riot. Explore a vendor marketplace with 90+ booths, an expanded trading card and tabletop gaming presence, an arcade with free play and friendlies, and even a National Free Throw Contest with big prizes on the line!

Whether you want to compete, explore, or just soak in the excitement, Supernova promises something for everyone. Competitor, spectator, and single-day passes are available; register in advance at the link below!

Details:
Website

Dates:
Aug 6-9, 2026

Location:
Baltimore Convention Center ∙ Baltimore, MD

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

A Circus With a Splash: Cirque Italia

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Cirque Italia Water Circus
‹‹ More Live Shows for Kids

Big-top thrills are making a splash at Cirque Italia’s Water Circus from July 17-20, 2026!

Hosted under a climate-controlled big-top tent just outside Fair Oaks Mall for a limited four-night engagement, this Cirque Italia performance will feature an international cast of aerialists, acrobats, contortionists, jugglers, and dancers performing over a custom-designed stage holding 35,000 gallons of water — complete with synchronized glowing fountains and raining effects!

Founded in 2012, Cirque Italia brings a European-style circus experience to audiences across North America, drawing more than one million spectators annually and wowing crowds at every stop.

Get your tickets online; kids get in free with code FREE (1 child/paying adult).

Details:
Website ∙ Tickets

Dates:
July 17-20, 2026

Location:
Fair Oaks Mall ∙ Fairfax, VA

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

Children’s Entertainers & Performers

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The DMV is home to many talented children’s artists and performers. Find a few here!

123 Andres

Andres and Christina make up the Latin GRAMMY-winning musical duo 123 Andres! Their catchy songs and lively concerts get the whole family singing, dancing, and learning in Spanish and English.

Abracadabra Alex

Alex Wohl, also known as Abracadabra Alex, is a local master magician and balloon animal artist! He discovered his passion for magic at age 12 and has been entertaining audiences ever since. Alex’s shows are all about fun, laughter, and audience engagement, making every child feel special! Perfect for birthday parties, Alex ensures the birthday child is the star of the show, creating unforgettable memories for everyone involved.

Alex & the Kaleidoscope

Alex & the Kaleidoscope takes kids on a musical journey around the world with lively songs that spark curiosity and celebrate adventure! Their interactive shows offer plenty of chances to sing and dance along!

Beech Tree Puppets

Beech Tree Puppets has been bringing the magic of puppetry to kids for years! These family performers create wildly entertaining, whimsical shows that leave audiences feeling uplifted and amazed by the craftsmanship on display.

Bert the Nerd

With a proven track record of over 30 years, Bert the Nerd fills a stage with feats of skill, daring stunts, and incredible magic — and then he opens his suitcase! Whether perched atop a unicycle flinging around knives and torches, walking a rope, or simply smashing crackers with a sledgehammer, Bert manages to command the force of gravity but gets mystified by his necktie.

Cody & BJ

Cody & BJ are high-energy children’s entertainers who perform interactive music shows! Plus, all their songs have positive, encouraging messages! Through their original songs, Cody & BJ’s hope is to inspire people of all ages to give back to society, help Mother Earth, and contribute to making the world a better place.

Drew Blue Shoes

Drew Blue Shoes captivates audiences of all ages with wondrous magic, hilarious comedy, and unpredictable audience participation. With years of experience entertaining families in the DMV, Drew sees every event as an opportunity to make people laugh and give them something to remember forever.

Eric Energy

Eric Energy and his team perform interactive, hands-on science shows in the DMV filled with wacky learning opportunities! With over 15 years of experience performing for schools, camps, festivals, and other venues, Eric Energy seamlessly combines education and entertainment, leaving audiences astounded.

Geoff Marsh

For 15 years, children’s entertainer Geoff Marsh has captivated global audiences with his one-of-a-kind circus acts, as well as magic and marionette puppet shows. Beyond his dynamic performances, Geoff’s compassionate spirit shines as a volunteer with “Clowns Without Borders,” bringing laughter to hospitals, refugee camps, disaster zones, and impoverished communities worldwide.

Good Gollie, It’s Mollie

Formerly of Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus, Mollie (Melanie Bennett), a certified Special Education teacher in Northern VA, brings smiles and laughs to children and families in the DMV!

Great Zucchini, The

As an award-winning family performer, the Great Zucchini has delighted families for over two decades with hands-on, interactive comedy and magic! Get ready for giggles, laughs, and smiles at his popular show designed just for kids!

Groovy Nate

Groovy Nate’s high-energy shows mix music, puppets, movement, and comedy to get kids singing, dancing, and playing along. With catchy songs and positive messages about kindness, reading, and healthy habits, it’s fun with a purpose!

Ken Caplan Magic

Combining comedy and magic, Ken Caplan entertains audiences young and old throughout the Mid-Atlantic! From kids’ parties to strolling magic performances, Caplan knows the magic is in the presentation. As an active member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, Caplan has won numerous awards and brings laughter and fun wherever he goes!

Lohr Family Antics (Mark Lohr)

Surprise after surprise awaits audiences of all ages with Lohr Family Antics! This vaudeville-style show is packed with circus skills and plenty of magic! Laugh out loud with the comedic talents of Poppa Lohr, his family, and all their slapstick silliness!

Lorenzo the Great

For more than two decades, Lorenzo the Great has been astonishing families in the DMV with masterful magic and rip-roaring comedy! With his smiley-face tie, silly puppets, and highly interactive performances, Lorenzo the Great guarantees an enchanting experience.

Magician Brian Curry

Ooh and ahh at Brian’s sleight of hand as you experience the wonderment of magic!

Marsha & the Positrons

This DC-based kindie band (kids + indie rock) is known for shows that are a ton of family-friendly fun! Both playful and educational, their original songs about science and the world around us are entertaining for adults and kids alike. In addition to getting audiences singing along and dancing to songs that inspire curiosity about science, they also play traditional favorites, kid-appropriate pop covers, and parodies!

Milkshake

Milkshake is a band on a mission: to create great rock music for kids! Led by singer Lisa Mathews and guitarist Mikel Gehl, whose songs for grown-ups have been featured in movies and prime-time television, and whose indie rock group Love Riot garnered critical praise during its 10-year run, Milkshake has won over preschoolers without compromising songcraft, stagecraft, or their authentic rock & roll spirit!

Mr. Jon & Friends

Mr. Jon & Friends is a family performer who makes music that inspires fun, laughter, and a whole lot of dancing! This award-winning singer/songwriter creates an energetic atmosphere sure to bring a smile to your face!

Munit & Z Love Bugs

Munit & Z Love Bugs blend upbeat global rhythms, soulful vocals, and joyful energy into a feel-good musical experience for the whole family! With songs that celebrate love, self-expression, and more, their interactive shows get everyone clapping, dancing, and singing along.

Nicolo Whimsey

For more than 30 years, Nicolo Whimsey has been bringing laughter, amazement, and wonder to children and families worldwide with a blend of poetry, music, juggling, comedy, character acting, and audience participation.

Oh, Susannah!

Award-winning singer-songwriter and guitarist Oh, Susannah (Susan McNelis), known for her lively originals and unique renditions of family favorites, performs for hundreds of children weekly at area events throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. Previously a singer in an adult rock band, she transitioned to children’s music after her son was born and considers performing for families and kids her calling.

Peter McCory, the One-Man-Band

From guitars and harmonicas to drums and kazoos, Peter McCory plays it all, and he plays it all at once! Northern Virginia’s most beloved one-man band performs upbeat, familiar songs that keep both kids and adults happy and engaged. McCory’s shows are completely interactive, lively, and full of singing, yodeling, whistling, and all the percussion instruments little ones will love!

Pravin, the Magician

Pravin, the Magician, is a DMV children’s entertainer who’s been delighting young audiences for over a decade! His shows amaze kids and adults alike with sleights of hand, magical illusions, and interactive magic tricks!

Rainbow Rock Band

Kids won’t be able to resist the fun, upbeat sounds of the Rainbow Rock Band, spearheaded by the bright-haired Rainbow Lady and her other musical friends. At this band’s live performances, young rockers are encouraged to stand up, dance, and join in the fun by playing along!

Rocknoceros

Rocknoceros — a pair of musical best friends — are playing all the kid-friendly tunes they’re loved for. With their clever turns of phrase and bright melodies, Willie Bob and Boogie Bennie are favorites of toddlers, kids, and kids-at-heart!

Science Guys of Baltimore

The Science Guys of Baltimore make science accessible and exciting for children and adults alike! Boasting a team of passionate science educators, they specialize in delivering interactive science demonstrations and experiments that combine humor, theatricality, and hands-on activities. Their goal is to spark curiosity and promote a deeper understanding of scientific concepts.

Talewise

Kids and their families love Talewise’s educational, interactive programs featuring stories and audience participation! Led by enthusiastic presenters, kids of all ages are sure to leave with a smile and a greater love of science.

The Grandsons Jr

Perfect for families, The Grandsons Jr brings playful music, silly fun, and plenty of audience interaction to the stage! This kid-focused spin on the longtime local favorite band keeps little ones singing, dancing, clapping, and laughing along from start to finish.

Tony M. Music

Tony, a full-time children’s music entertainer, integrates music, literature, and storytelling into an educational, interactive, and fun experience!

Tracey Eldridge

Tracey infuses creative interactive play and music with gleanings from her experience in theater, movement, and clowning. Her contagious exuberance motivates children to participate without self-consciousness!

Turley the Magician

Turley the Magician provides fun and entertainment for parties, festivals, schools, and many other special events! Known as Washington, DC’s Favorite Family Entertainer, Turley’s claim to fame includes an appearance on the NBC Today Show, performances for royal families, and command performances at the White House. No matter the age, audiences will delight in his unique magic and comedic antics!

Uncle Devin Show, The

The Uncle Devin Show is an interactive musical experience for children that uses percussion instruments to cultivate their minds — a dynamic cross between Fat Albert and Schoolhouse Rocks! Uncle Devin takes children on a magical journey through the Land of Percussion, allowing them to hear, see, and play different percussion instruments and help kids understand the history of percussion and why it is the easiest, oldest, and most diverse form of musical creativity!

Uncle Ty-Rone

Uncle Ty-Rone is a crowd-favorite ventriloquist who combines comedy, puppets, and positive messages into one unforgettable show! With laugh-out-loud moments and engaging audience interaction, he keeps kids entertained while promoting kindness, confidence, and creativity.

Unicycle Lady, The

The Unicycle Lady has been riding a unicycle for almost 40 years and used it as her sole mode of transportation until the age of 35. She amazes and amuses audiences of all ages, combining her artistry with zany comedy routines while performing at theaters, schools, fairs, and festivals.

Vienna Singing Princesses

The Vienna Singing Princesses bring fairy tales to life through enchanting live performances filled with music, magic, and heart! With beloved songs, sparkling gowns, and warm interactions, these talented vocalists create a royal experience that delights kids and families alike.

YoJo Show, The

The YoJo Show is a larger-than-life comedy experience that brings energy, laughter, and positivity to every performance! Featuring YoJo — a fun-loving purple character — this interactive show blends comedy, humor, and audience participation to keep kids entertained from start to finish.

Yosi Music

The popular composer and performer of children’s songs, Yosi, has devoted himself to his true calling: bringing a joyful experience to children everywhere through his music! Yosi performs more than 450 high-energy, humorous children’s shows each year to overwhelmingly enthusiastic audiences!

Zain the Magician

Zain began his journey into the world of magic as a child after having a magician perform at his birthday party. Since then, he has studied under some of the most renowned performers in the world of magic. Boasting more than 20 years of experience, Zain the Magician gives award-winning performances for all ages!

Zig Zag, the Magic Man

Zig Zag, a former educator who knows what it takes to get kids to smile, performs interactive, kid-friendly shows full of humor and magic!

Meow! Kitty Cat Cafes

Kitty Cat Cafes

We’re letting the cat out of the bag with these purr-fect places to get some sweets, treats, and, best of all, cat snuggles!

Shown in order of distance from Dulles Airport…

Meows Corner
Sterling, VA ∙ Approx 10 miles from Dulles Airport

The sweet sounds of kitties purring await you in Sterling, as Meows Corner offers a purr-fect spot to meet and play with adoptable cats! Read, sit, chat, and enjoy snuggles and purrs from the many available kitties. Meows Corner is for guests seven and up; reservations are recommended.

Catty Corner Cafe
Leesburg, VA ∙ Approx 15 miles from Dulles Airport

Sip and swoon over furry little felines at Catty Corner Cafe, Leesburg’s very own cat-friendly coffee shop. Not interested in leaving your new furry friend behind? The cats from the Humane Society of Loudoun County are available for adoption! Reservations recommended.

Patriot Pawsabilities
Fairfax, VA ∙ Approx 20 miles from Dulles Airport

Play, relax, and maybe even take home your new best friend at Patriot Pawsabilities, a veteran-owned and operated business located at University Mall in Fairfax. This special space features the Main Lounge & Kitten Room, offering purr-fect areas for events like Crafting with Cats, Meowvie Night, or your own private party. Visit with adoptable cats and see who steals your heart! Reservations recommended.

Meow Town Cat Lounge
McLean, VA ∙ Approx 20 miles from Dulles Airport

Step into a chic, New York-style loft at Meow Town Cat Lounge, McLean’s nonprofit cat haven. Visitors can hang out in a Central Park-inspired lounge or relax in Times Square-themed theater seating alongside adoptable felines from the Fancy Cats Rescue Team. Beyond saving cats, Meow Town proudly champions inclusive employment by providing a supportive workplace for neurodiverse individuals. Reservations recommended.

Meow Maison
Washington, DC ∙ Approx 25 miles from Dulles Airport

Located in the heart of Georgetown, Meow Maison is a whimsical boutique cat lounge where you can relax with adoptable friends from Lucky Dog Animal Rescue. Enjoy the cozy, pastel-hued atmosphere and maybe even find your new best friend! Reservations are recommended; guests must be 7 years or older.

Crumbs & Whiskers
Washington, DC ∙ Approx 25 miles from Dulles Airport

Washington, DC’s only kitten and cat cafe is the sweetest spot to make a new furry feline friend. Coffee and sweet nibbles aren’t the only things you’re sure to love. As you stay and play, you might just want to adopt one (or more!) of these rescue friends. Crumbs & Whiskers is for guests ages 7 and up, and kids under 13 must be accompanied by an adult who is part of the booking; reservations are recommended.

Mount Purrnon Cat Cafe & Wine Bar
Alexandria, VA ∙ Approx 30 miles from Dulles Airport

Have lunch or coffee with your new best friend at Mount Purrnon Cat Cafe and Wine Bar! Alexandria boasts this exclusive treasure, a place fit for kings and queens of the feline variety. Plus, adopt while you eat, as all of the rescue cats are looking for their new homes. Reservations recommended.

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

Updated July 16, 2026

You-Pick Sunflowers & Wildflowers

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

‹‹ More Sunflower Fun

Set on a 154-acre family farm, Valley View Acres invites families to wander through more than 40 acres of colorful sunflower and wildflower fields! For two weekends this summer, from July 3-12, 2026, enjoy picking the perfect bouquet!

For one flat fee per person, guests can pick to their heart’s content from the farm’s beautiful fields.

Visit the farm online for full details, FAQs, and to plan your visit. Please note this is a cash-only event — no pre-sales; pay at the gate.

Details:
Website

Dates:
Weekends, July 3-12, 2026

Location:
Valley View Acres ∙ Middletown, MD

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

Summer Fountain Fun

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

‹‹ More Summer Movie Fun

Summertime is the perfect time to enjoy movies and live entertainment at Lansdowne Town Center’s fountain! The schedule includes:

In the event of inclement weather, please visit the Center’s Facebook page for the most up-to-date information.

Details:
Website ∙ Facebook

Location:
Lansdowne Town Center ∙ Leesburg, VA

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

Summer of Sunflowers @ Great Country Farms

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‹‹ More Sunflower Fun

Here comes the sun! Great Country Farms’ Summer of Sunflowers returns from July 11-August 14, 2026!

You’re invited to hand-cut sunflowers by the bloom. Purchase by the stem, or get 20 for a full bouquet experience. The Farm will even provide the supplies!

For an even more memorable visit, stop by the Sunflower Field Bar on weekends for a glass of Bluemont Vineyard wine or a Henway Hard Cider while you stroll through the fields. Sip, wander, and take it all in!

Your Summer of Sunflowers tickets include access to Great Country Farms’ 15-acre play area. Visit furry, feathered, and hoofed friends, play on rope swings or a giant jumping pillow, and zoom down 80-foot slides!

Details:
Website

Dates:
July 11-Aug 14, 2026

Location:
Great Country Farms ∙ Bluemont, VA

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

Great Falls National Park

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Great Falls National Park

As the world emerges from lockdown, outdoor opportunities that were unavailable are now opening up, including Great Falls National Park in McLean, VA.

At the site of a steep drop in the Potomac River, the park spans 800 acres and lines the riverbanks in northern Fairfax County. Guests come to walk and hike and leave amazed by the views and natural beauty. The park offers 15 miles of hiking trails, including scenic trails near the river with great views of the natural falls. Click here for information on three prime spots to view the falls, including Overlooks 1, 2, and 3; see the park’s maps here.

Bring some water and even a picnic to make the most of your day. Plus, kids can even dedicate some of their visit to becoming a Junior Ranger and a Web Ranger!

Parking is fee-based; learn more about entrance fees, permits, and digital passes here. Please note that on weekends, the entrance tends to back up, so plan ahead for delays.

Great Falls National Park is located at 9200 Old Dominion Dr, McLean, VA 22102.

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

Slick City Action Park

Slick City indoor slide park
‹‹ More Indoor Play Fun

The race to fun just got faster in the DMV — Slick City, the world’s first indoor slide park, is now open!

Located at Potomac Mills Mall in Woodbridge, VA, this location spans 70,000 square feet — making it Slick City’s largest in the country. This exciting indoor destination features 15+ slides (some reaching 20′ tall), plus basketball air courts, go-karts for kid racers, putt-putt, and more!

Continue reading after images; images courtesy of Slick City (may represent slides and features at nationwide locations)…

SLIDES
From gentle spirals for first-timers to heart-dropping launches — there’s a thrill for everyone!

  • Mega Launch
    Slick City’s signature and most iconic slide — a heart-dropping experience the park is known for!
  • Royal Flush
    Take the plunge and ride the whirl! After a steep drop, you’ll spin through a massive bowl before exiting.
  • Fast Lane
    Race your crew to the bottom on this high-speed, four-lane slide built for friendly competition and serious thrills.
  • Big Wave
    Launch down a steep drop, building speed fast before gliding back and forth along giant blue half-pipe walls.
  • Junior Slides
    Mini versions of the Rush and Mega Launch slides, designed just for the little kids.

And that’s just a taste! See the full lineup of slides Slick City offers.

MORE WAYS TO PLAY
More than just slides, there’s a whole lineup of action — from air courts and go-karts to mini golf and play zones!

  • Sport Air Court
    Basketball and dodgeball get a whole new bounce on this springy, air-cushioned floor.
  • Freestyle Air Court
    Multi-use air court for parkour tricks, awesome flips, and more!
  • Mini Motors
    Kid-sized go-karts let young racers take the wheel and zoom around the track in their very own ride.
  • Uptown Putt
    A 10-hole mini golf course — a great way to mix things up between slides!
  • Junior Jungle
    Mini slides, climbing obstacles, and padded adventures — perfect for little explorers with big energy.
  • Web Crawler
    Kids can climb inside the giant net, explore, and swing on playful hanging features.

Details:
Website

Location:
Potomac Mills Mall ∙ Woodbridge, VA

LEARN MORE

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

The US Botanic Children’s Garden

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United States Botanic Garden

Located on the National Mall, minutes from the US Capitol, the United States Botanic Garden is a family-friendly living plant museum steeped in history!

Established in 1820, it’s the oldest continuously operating public garden in the United States, and it highlights the crucial role plants play in the ecosystem. Visitors can explore a collection of more than 9,500 accessions, totaling about 44,000 plants! Admission is free, and no tickets are required.

The Botanic Garden is great for young visitors, too! Kids are invited to see what’s in bloom, dig, plant, water, touch, and smell the plants in the outdoor Children’s Garden, featuring:

Discovery Platforms
Kids can enjoy a series of terraced platforms that form a climbing structure, with overhead arching aluminum posts that mimic the Conservatory’s architectural style. Interactive panels on the platforms demonstrate the diversity and usefulness of plants.

Stations
Throughout the garden, children will enjoy watering and planting stations with child-sized digging tools and watering cans. Look for plant containers near the tools so children can plant themselves!

Kid-Sized Plants
Children are invited to look for small fruiting plants such as bananas, apples, and figs.

Keep Cool
The Children’s Garden boasts motion-activated misting poles.

Tunnel
This special tunnel, supported by a metal arbor, grows kiwifruit vines that enclose a tunnel large enough to walk through.

Shaded seating for kids and grown-ups is available throughout the garden. The Children’s Garden is open seasonally, from spring to fall — approximately May through October.

Details:
Website

Dates:
United States Botanic Garden: Open Daily
Children’s Garden: Approx May-Oct

Location:
United States Botanic Garden ∙ Washington, DC

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