This weekend (February 28th and March 1st, 2026) is packed with cultural experiences and fun outdoor activities, from maple syrup boiling to immersive theatre! Check out the Beale Street Puppets and the unique Art and Me conservation workshop for little ones.
See our top picks
Family Fun: Lunar New Year
National Museum of Asian Art | National Mall, DC
Free cultural celebration with scavenger hunts and art activities on Saturday morning.
The Enchanted Mermaid
The Puppet Co. | Glen Echo, MD
An indoor treat featuring elegantly crafted Bunraku-style puppets.
Mind-Building for Children
Embassy of Finland
Free story time, crafts, and a Moominvalley episode tailored for ages 12 and under on Saturday.
· February 28
6: Enjoy a magical show featuring elegantly crafted Bunraku-style puppets and incredibly detailed miniature sets. The story is based on the Walter de La Mare short story 'Lord Fish.'Puppet shows are always a classic for DC families, and this one features high-quality craftsmanship.
FAMILY FUN: LUNAR NEW YEARFREE : Celebrate the Lunar New Year at the museum with drop-in activities for everyone! They are hosting a scavenger hunt, story time, and creative sessions like lantern making and ink painting.It’s a wonderful, free, indoor cultural celebration happening Saturday morning.
FREE : Celebrate the 'Nick Cave: Mammoth' exhibition with free drop-in fun at the American Art Museum. Kids can craft their own paper puppet mammoth and explore the exhibition using a themed scavenger hunt.A free, museum-based activity that directly engages with a major contemporary art exhibition.
: Take a guided hike with a naturalist to learn the traditional ways sap is collected and turned into maple syrup. They offer several time slots throughout Saturday and Sunday.It’s a great chance to get outside this weekend and learn about nature's early signs of spring.
SATURDAY MORNING LIVE!: WORDS, BEATS, & LIFEFREE : Catch a free, family-friendly entertainment series featuring beats and performances from Words, Beats & Life. Two morning slots are available this Saturday.It's a high-energy, completely free cultural show happening Saturday morning downtown.
FREE : Head to the Nature Center to explore fascinating exhibits focusing on the historic contributions of African Americans to space science. This is a free event all day Saturday and Sunday.It's a free, educational exhibit perfect for inspiring young scientists this weekend.
· March 1
4: Head out to Colvin Run Mill to watch the sugaring process! You can learn exactly how maple sap is boiled down over an open fire to create delicious, sweet syrup. Bundle up for this unique late-winter experience.This is a perfect seasonal event to witness an old-fashioned process happening right now.
: Dino hatching season is happening, and you can meet some of the cutest, tiniest dinos! This is an indoor meet-and-greet experience—perfect for getting up close with the prehistoric pals.It’s a great chance to interact with 'baby dinos' before this special event ends.
FREE : Bring your little artists for a free Sunday afternoon activity focused on friendship and kindness. They will use watercolor, color pencil, and ink to create their artwork.It's a free, creative drop-in session at a local museum perfect for a Sunday afternoon.
FAIRY TALE CAMPFIRE : Celebrate National Fairy Tale Week by making magic wands and listening to classic tales around a campfire. Marshmallows will be roasted while you listen!A wonderful, seasonal nature-based activity combining storytelling and a campfire treat.
Also On· anytime this weekend
1: See the musical based on the story of a girl who tries everything to get rid of her many freckles! Performances are available both Saturday and Sunday afternoons.This is a stage production specifically created for young children and runs all weekend.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Washington DC this weekend?
This weekend (Feb 28-01) there are 6 confirmed free events: Family Fun: Lunar New Year at the National Museum of Asian Art on Saturday, Mammoth Family Day at the American Art Museum on Saturday, Mind-Building for Children at the Embassy of Finland on Saturday, Reach for the Stars: African Americans in Space at Rock Creek Park Nature Center all weekend, and Saturday Morning Live!: Words, Beats, & Life at the National Theatre on Saturday.
Are there any outdoor winter activities happening?
Yes! Head to Colvin Run Mill on Sunday for the Maple Syrup Boil Down or join a guided Maple Sugar Walk on Saturday or Sunday in Wheaton, MD, to learn how sap is transformed into syrup.
What is happening on Sunday, March 1st?
Sunday features the Maple Syrup Boil Down in Great Falls, VA, family visits to the Baby Dino Days in Bluemont, VA, the Fairy Tale Campfire in Bethesda, MD, and The Great Zucchini magic show in DC.
