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Best Things to Do for Kids in Washington DC in July 2026
Top Things To Do in DC with Kids in July: 4th of July Events
Vienna's Independence Day Celebration and Fireworks
Vienna, VA - FREE
Thursday, July 2, 2026
Celebrate July 4th with live music, kids' entertainment, food trucks, and a spectacular fireworks show. The fireworks begin at dark, at approximately 9:30pm. Website
National Independence Day Parade
Washington, DC - FREE
Saturday, July 4, 2026
Families can watch marching bands, floats, military units, giant balloons, and more to celebrate Independence Day in this patriotic celebration of America's birthday. Website
Washington, DC Salute to America Celebration and Fireworks
Washington, DC - FREE
Saturday, July 4, 2026
Join hundreds of thousands of visitors on the Washington Monument grounds and surrounding areas for a full day of performances, flyovers, first-time aerobatic demonstrations over DC, and a live broadcast evening program, culminating with the largest fireworks display in history. The fireworks start at 9:09pm and launch from both sides of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. Website
Baltimore 4th of July Celebration
Baltimore, MD - FREE
Saturday, July 4, 2026
Celebrate July 4th in Baltimore's Inner Harbor with an afternoon picnic, live music, and a drone and fireworks show over the water. Website
July 4th at the National Archives
Washington, DC - FREE
Saturday, July 4, 2026
Celebrate the anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. The day includes a reading of the Declaration of Independence, live music, presentation of the colors, and more. Website
4th of July Hometown Celebration & Fireworks (at Great Falls Village Centre)
Great Falls, VA - FREE
Saturday, July 4, 2026
The city of Great Falls celebrates the 4th of July throughout the day with a parade and fun activities in the morning followed by a fireworks display at 9pm. Website
Kensington's Annual Fourth of July Bike Parade
Kensington, MD - FREE
Saturday, July 4, 2026
This annual bike parade is open to any and all. Join in with bikes, scooters, wagons, and strollers as the Kensington Volunteer Fire Department leads the parade. Website
City of Fairfax Independence Day Parade
Fairfax, VA - FREE
Saturday, July 4, 2026
Fairfax City's annual Independence Day parade, beginning at 10am, includes high school marching bands, large balloons, floats, and costumed characters. Website
Takoma Park 4th of July Parade and Evening Celebration
Takoma Park, MD - FREE
Saturday, July 4, 2026
Takoma Park's 4th of July parade begins at 10am. The evening celebration features music, games, food and drinks, and other fun activities and begins at 6:30pm. Website
An American Celebration at George Washington's Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon, VA - FREE
Saturday, July 4, 2026
Meet George Washington, watch made-for-daytime fireworks, listen to live music, watch a US citizenship ceremony, and more during Mount Vernon's annual Independence Day Celebration. Website
More Great Things to Do in DC with Kids in July 2026
Great American State Fair
Washington, DC - FREE
Daily, through July 5, 2026
Great American State Fair is a 16-day national exposition spanning from the US Capitol to the Washington Monument. The celebration will unite and showcase all 56 US states and territories in a single World's Fair-scale event. This is an opportunity for visitors from across America to experience an unforgettable celebration of the people and traditions that define our nation. This once-in-a-generation celebration will feature live music, carnival rides, and dozens of hands-on partner activations, where visitors can taste, touch, and experience what makes each state and territory unique. Website
Pete the Cat: A Live Rock Musical (at Imagination Stage)
Bethesda, MD
Daily (except Mondays and July 3 & 4), through July 26, 2026
Life is a really, really, really big adventure as Pete the Cat and the Biddle family rock out in a fast-paced, globe-trotting musical based on the smash hit book series. When Jimmy Biddle is anxious about finishing second grade, Pete takes him to Paris in his VW bus and Jimmy connects with his inner artist. Website
Sleeping Beauty: The Time Traveler (at Adventure Theatre)
Glen Echo, MD
Fridays - Mondays, through August 23, 2026
Rolly’s ordinary summer takes an extraordinary twist when he’s whisked back in time to the Age of Charlemagne! There he meets Aurora, a 12-year-old princess with dreams of knighthood and adventure. But her overprotective royal parents have other plans—thanks to a mysterious curse that threatens to plunge her into a century-long sleep. As Rolly and Aurora plot a daring escape to the modern world, secrets are revealed, destinies collide, and the past and present merge in an epic journey filled with courage, friendship, and magic. Can they outsmart fate and live happily ever after? Website
The Playground at the National Building Museum
Washington, DC
Friday, July 3 - Sunday, August 30, 2026
The National Building Museum is partnering with New York-based design firm Snarkitecture for a spectacular interactive summer installation. THE PLAYGROUND transforms the historic Great Hall into a monumental, sculptural landscape that reimagines the familiar experience of parks and playgrounds with a delightful twist. Designed for all ages, the installation supports motion, exploration, and togetherness in an immersive environment where play becomes a shared social and cultural experience. Website
Free Entrance Days in the National Parks
Various locations - FREE
Friday - Sunday, July 3-5, 2026
On select days throughout the year, all national parks in the United States are open to the public with no admission fee. Yay! Website
Summer Movies On the Lawn at Library of Congress
Washington, DC - FREE
Thursdays, July 9 - August 6, 2026
This Library of Congress's annual Summer Movies on the Lawn series showcases iconic films from the Library’s National Film Registry. It is presented on Thursday evenings at sundown on the southeast lawn of the Library’s Thomas Jefferson Building, located on the corner of 2nd Street SE and Independence Avenue. Website
USA/Alexandria Birthday Celebration
Alexandria, VA - FREE
Saturday, July 11, 2026
Families can celebrate the 250th birthday of the USA and the 277th birthday of the City of Alexandria with a host of activities at Oronoco Bay Park. Guests can expect music by the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra, cupcakes, a cannon salute, and fireworks. Website
Library Day with President Lincoln's Cottage
Washington, DC - FREE
Saturday, July 11, 2026
Do you like museums, libraries, and things that are free? If so, bring your family to an exciting morning and afternoon full of crafts, games, and community on Abraham Lincoln’s lawn! Library Day is part of DCPL’s Discover Summer initiative. Enjoy free exhibits, Crafting Connections, lawn games, and hat making. Website
Family Game Night at Tysons Corner Center
Mclean, VA - FREE
Thursdays, through August 27
Tap into your competitive side with a friendly game of cornhole or ping pong, all set to an live music on PenFed Plaza. Between matches, savor happy hour specials from Barrel & Bushel’s summer menu just steps away. Game equipment will be provided and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Website
Good Kid-izen – Color Burst Park
Columbia, MD - FREE
07/09 – Raul Midón
07/23 – Tabitha Meeks
08/06 – Birckhead
08/20 – LADAMA
Merriweather District’s Good Kid-izen is a family-friendly, child-centered event designed to inspire kids ages 2-10 through interactive activities, storytelling, hands-on learning, and plenty of fun. Hosted by Howard Hughes Communities and sponsored by Goldfish Swim School, each session features a signature themed presentation from a local partner, followed by hands-on crafts, interactive activities, and take-home giveaways. Website
Cinematery (at Congressional Cemetery)
Washington, DC
Friday, July 17, 2026
Cinematery is back at Historic Congressional Cemetery, bringing classic monster-related films to romp through the grounds with Dinosaurs & Declarations! Watch National Treasure on July 17 and Jurassic Park on September 11. Website
National Ice Cream Day Celebration at Port Discovery
Baltimore, MD
Saturday, July 18, 2026
Celebrate National Ice Cream Day at Port Discovery by grabbing some free ice cream samples and participating in ice cream-themed games. Website
Lotus and Water Lily Festival at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens
Washington, DC - FREE
Saturday & Sunday, July 18 & 19, 2026
Visit Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens for its annual Lotus and Water Lily Festival. During this fun event, guests can expect family games, arts and crafts, and cultural performances from around the world. Lotuses and water lilies are on display. Website
Loudoun County Fair
Leesburg, VA
Tuesday - Saturday, July 21-25, 2026
Enjoy food, carnival rides, live entertainment, games, a petting zoo, a demolition derby, and more at the annual Loudoun County Fair. Website
Fairfax County 4-H Fair and Carnival
Herndon, VA
Thursday - Sunday, July 30 - August 2, 2026
This annual festival includes carnival rides and games, 4-H exhibits and shows, food, farm animals, live entertainment, tractor demos, and lots more family fun. Website