May 2018 Family Fun Events Guide around Washington, DC

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Spring in DC is finally here and it is glorious! The season brings many things to do that will keep the family entertained and engaged in our area. This May 2018 family fun events guide includes a selection of highlights, but it is by no means an exhaustive list of options for the Washington, DC area. Good luck choosing how to spend these beautiful days with your little ones!

 Through June 3
Judy Moody & Stink: The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt 
The Adventure Theater
Glen Echo, MD

This production, recommended for kids ages 4 and up, is adapted from the books written by Megan McDonald. This story follows Judy Moody and her little brother Stink as they embark on a Treasure Hunt adventure that changes her mood dramatically.

 
MAY 1-27
Postman of the Skies: Celebrating 100 Years of Airmail Service
National Postal Museum
Washington, DC

The exhibition celebrates 100 years of airmail flight and its impact on our culture. The opening day of the exhibit (May 1) will be celebrated with a First-Day-Of-Issue ceremony for the airmail centennial commemorative stamp, as well as programs and activities such as a self-guided scavenger hunt and playing vintage games where you can learn about the impact of airmail on American culture. 

 
MAY 2-6
Theater for the Very Young: Outside the Lines
Atlas Theater
Washington, DC

This programming is geared toward toddlers and pre-schoolers. It aims to introduce young children to storytelling through the theater and to stimulate their social and verbal skills.

 
May 4-5
All Hallows Guild Flower Mart
Washington National Cathedral
Washington, DC

There is something for everyone at this spring festival. Kids can enjoy games, carnival rides, and a carousel. There is a wide variety of entertainment and food options, as well as an International Floral Exhibit designed by a number of embassies.  And, of course, folks with a green thumb can shop for plants.

 
MAY 4-6
Day Out With Thomas
B&O Railroad Museum
Baltimore, MD

Families will be able to take a 25-minute ride on Thomas the Tank Engine and meet Sir Topham Hat! There are many other activities and entertainment to keep the family engaged for a day at the railroad museum. Times vary by day and tickets can be purchased ahead of time.

 
MAY 4-6
Azalea Garden Festival
Landon School
Bethesda, MD

This annual festival on Landon’s campus includes carnival rides, upscale resale, plant sales, food vendors, live music, and more. The event and parking are free, but wristbands for the rides in “Funland” can be purchased at the festival or in advance online.

 
MAY 5
Around the World Embassy Tour
Washington, DC

Embassies open their doors to the public, free of charge, so that we can experience the music, food, art, and other cultural offerings from countries all over the world. See the link for participating embassies.

 
MAY 12
5th Annual Funk Parade
U Street
Washington, DC

This unique parade, street fair, and music festival celebrate the cultural diversity of DC with live music, dancers, and visual artists. It aims to celebrate “the Spirit of Funk that brings us all together.”

 
MAY 12
Spring Farm Day
Frying Pan Farm Park
Herndon, VA

Family fun can be had on the farm during this fundraising event. Visitors can milk a cow or goat, observe sheep shearing and farm equipment demos, play games, make crafts, and indulge in fair food.

 
MAY 19
McLean Day 2018
Lewinsville Park
McLean, VA

Fun for the whole family can be found at McLean’s largest annual event. Live entertainment, food trucks, carnival rides, and free activities such as laser tag and a rock climbing wall will delight all ages.

 
MAY 19
Fiesta Asia! Street Festival 
Capitol Hill
Washington, DC

This annual event has been a part of DC’s Asian Heritage Month commemoration since 2006. There will be live performances, food vendors, craft exhibitions, cooking and martial arts demos, and much more.

 
MAY 19
DC Bike Ride
Washington, DC

This 20-mile, car-free bike ride is a celebration of bicycling in the city. The route takes participants through Hains Point, the National Mall, Georgetown, and past the Kennedy Center. Bicyclists aged 3 years and up are welcome and there is a Finish Festival with live music performed by Trouble Funk.

 
MAY 19-20
Washington DC Dragon Boat Festival
Thompsons Boat Center
Washington, DC

This two-day event uses dragon boat racing to celebrate and promote Taiwanese culture. It also includes cultural exhibitions and craft demonstrations.

 
MAY 20
31st Annual Taste of Arlington
Ballston
Arlington, VA

Over 50 restaurants and food trucks will participate in this street festival that highlights Arlington’s food scene. There will be a KidZone with activities and entertainment for toddlers up to teenagers. This is also a pet-friendly event.

 
MAY 26-28
Hometown Holidays
Rockville, MD

This three-day music festival spanning Memorial Day weekend features a parade, food, entertainment for the kids, and, of course, tons of live music. You can also buy food samples from participants in the Taste of Rockville.

 
MAY 28
The National Memorial Day Parade
Constitution Ave, NW
Washington, DC

This is the largest Memorial Day parade in the nation. Marching bands, floats, performers, and veterans march down Constitution Avenue to honor the men and women who have served or are currently serving in the military. The parade begins at 2 pm, but you should arrive early for the best viewing options.

Would you add some very favorite happenings to this May 2018 kid-friendly events guide?  If so, please let us know by leaving it in our comments below.  Thank you!

 

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Julie Hart
Julie is a proud born and bred Texan, but has called DC home since 2001. She studied at the University of Texas and then moved to DC to get her MPA at the George Washington University. Julie worked for ten years for a Member of Congress, where she loved working to impact public policy. In 2013, her world turned inside out when she gave birth to twins and decided to become a stay-at-home mom. Currently Julie lives in the H Street Corridor with her husband, two kids, and their increasingly grouchy senior dog, Presley. Yes, please: movie dates with her husband, trying new restaurants, exploring DC with her kids, last minute road trips, being outdoors, festivals (of any kind), girls’ night out, and a rainy day with “Pride and Prejudice.” No, thank you: hot and humid summers, mistreating animals, Legos (ouch!), public speaking, laundry, raw fish

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