THURSDAY
3
SEPTEMBER
The Ember List · the DC area
Things to do with kids in the DC area
Find things to do with kids in the DC area, from story times and classes to family festivals and puppet shows.
We reviewed 6,000+ Washington-area events to pick the 23 best kids & family events in the DC area between September 3 and September 9. Updated daily.
Highlights for September 2 – September 8
Spark!Lab (American History Museum – Spark!Lab)
Kids 6‑12 work on hands‑on invention projects, mixing STEM challenges with art and history. Wednesday through Sunday, September 2–6, 10 am–4 pm. Free. Ages 6–12; first‑come, first‑served.
Wonderplace (American History Museum – Wonderplace)
A hands‑on museum space where children under 6 explore history objects and interactive activities. Wednesday through Sunday, September 2–6, 10 am–4 pm. Free. Ages 0‑6; no tickets required.
Baby & Toddler Story Time (Georgetown Neighborhood Library)
Short story, song and rhyme session for babies and toddlers up to two years. Wednesday, September 2, 10 am–10:30 am. Ages birth‑2; registration required, one name per group.
Little Critters: Nature Play at the Bird House (National Zoo – Bird House Classroom)
Drop‑in nature play at the Zoo’s Bird House, exploring pond plants and animals. Thursday, September 3, and Saturdays September 5 & 8, 9:30 am–1:30 pm. Free. Ages 0‑5; no registration required, caregivers must stay.
Nature Scavenger Hunt (Long Branch Nature Center)
Guided trail walk where families hunt for natural items like acorns and bugs. Saturday, September 5, all day. All ages; may be canceled if raining.
Play Date at NMNH: Volcanic Explorations (National History Museum)
Family play date with museum educators exploring volcanoes through art and rock specimens. Tuesday, September 8, 10 am–12 pm. Free. Ages 0‑5; drop‑in, no registration needed.
Our best picks: kids & family events in the DC area — September 3–9
Step back in time and experience the past in a truly immersive way with Homeschool History at the Farm Park. This program series combines historical learning with practical, hands-on activities that bring history to life. Each class will cover a different theme from the Farm Park’s history, in which students will gain…
We have a limited number of available time slots. Readers can sign up for a time slot starting at 3:00 at the Information Desk. Each reader will have ten minutes to read one-on-one with either Bernie, Alyce, Emmy Lou, or Gidget, our certified therapy dogs! This program is specifically targeted to children 5 years old a…
Join us for our annual End of Summer Party! We will meet outside on back patio of the library. We will have light snacks for children, crafts, water games, and more! Bring your bathing suits, towels, and sunscreen. (For toddlers-12). The party is not recommended for infants or small babies. Participants of the "Can You…
FRIDAY
4
SEPTEMBER
This program is for grades 6-12 Start your weekend with a blast of creativity! Whether you're flying solo or teaming up with friends, come build wild creations, tackle fun challenges, or just kick back and chat. We’ve got the LEGO® bricks—you bring the imagination. NO REGISTRATION. For more information, call Glencarlyn…
Celebrate nature’s cleanup crew by finding out what it takes to be a vulture! Fly through the forest on this self-guided ultimate scavenger hunt and find the hidden vultures. Answer trivia, solve puzzles, and learn some vulture jokes as you “carrion” down the trail. When you finish your trail challenge come and see our…
(4-Adult) Learn the science and art of building a fire and then test your skill with primitive fire bows and modern fire-making techniques. Use your new skills to roast some s'mores at the end. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.
(5-Adult) Enjoy the beauty of the lakefront at sunset while learning the basics of fishing with a naturalist. Many fish like to come up to eat when the water cools after a hot day, making it a great time to fish with family members and enjoy each other’s company. Rod and bait will be provided. Participants 16 and older…
SATURDAY
5
SEPTEMBER
Families. We'll walk on the trails to complete our nature scavenger hunt list. Together we'll search for acorns, rocks, leaves, bugs, other animals and more! We will meet in Glen Carlyn park to embark on the scavenger hunt. Canceled if raining.
Goodnight pandas, goodnight elephants, goodnight cows! Join us for creative, drop-in play at the Zoo as we learn about what happens at night when the moon comes out. Little Critters: Nature Play is designed for ages 0-5 and their caregivers and families. Activities are designed with early learners in mind, but all ages…
Bring your little ones to this fun yoga class with a nature theme and a view of the garden. Physical exercise and mindfulness will awaken your senses, boost your energy, and give you good garden vibes to start your day. Bring your own mat or borrow one of ours. Adults are free and must accompany children to the class b…
Kick off Library Card Sign-Up Month with DC Public Library’s Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library and discover the many things this central library can do for you! Come play yard games under the loggia, make cool art, watch a movie, enjoy some snacks, get or renew your library card, and learn about what you can do a…
Read and craft with your friends on the Carlyle House front lawn for Family Fun Day on the first Saturday of the month from March-November!
(3-Adult) Enjoy an evening in the woods and learn about the constellations, their stories and other night-sky features. Our naturalist will identify the stars and will have some telescopes to use. The program concludes with a campfire. S'mores ingredients provided. All participants, including accompanying adults, must…
SUNDAY
6
SEPTEMBER
This learning space designed especially for children ages six and under combines age appropriate activities with museum collections and touchable objects to provide a gateway to history and a place to exercise curiosity for the youngest historians. Admission to Wonderplace is on a first come, first-served basis. At bus…
Spark!Lab is where museum visitors become inventors. The Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation invites children between the ages of 6 and 12 to create, collaborate, explore, test, experiment and invent. Activities for children and families incorporate traditional science, technology, engineering and…
We are bringing the nature center to you! Come talk with a naturalist and explore the natural world through various programs with our Nature on Wheels. We are bringing the nature center to you! Each season's Pop-Up has a different theme. Come talk with a naturalist about the park, ask questions and try out the pop-up e…
(6-Adult) Hike the trail and learn about the history of abandoned sites hidden from most visitor’s view. Follow trails of forested areas and Cain’s Branch waterway to learn about the life of early inhabitants who made Sully their home. This outdoor guided program does involve some walking over uneven terrain and along…
MONDAY
7
SEPTEMBER
Strong Start is DC’s Early Intervention Program (DC EIP). The Community Playgroups provide families with information about their child’s development, early childhood developmental screenings, the early intervention process, and community resources. Facilitated by early intervention professionals, the playgroups offer a…
Join us every other Monday for a super-fun, high-energy chess experience in which kids celebrate new chess tactics and skills with their peers and two experienced teen coaches. Registration required. Designed for ages 8-12.
TUESDAY
8
SEPTEMBER
Goodnight pandas, goodnight elephants, goodnight cows! Join us for creative, drop-in play at the Zoo as we learn about what happens at night when the moon comes out. Little Critters: Nature Play is designed for ages 0-5 and their caregivers and families. Activities are designed with early learners in mind, but all ages…
Join us aboard the pontoon boat to hear a story and scout out the wonders of Little Seneca Lake! Designed for children ages 3-5, accompanied by an adult. (no younger siblings, please). We’ll provide the required PFDs for all children to wear. Please register and pay for every participant. Meet at the pontoon boat dock,…
Join us on Tuesdays for special family play dates with museum educators! This Tuesday is all about exploring volcanoes! Families will learn about different types of lava flow, create their own lava-flow inspired volcano artwork, and look up close at Igneous rock specimen (rocks that are formed when magma or lava cools…
Learn fun painting techniques, personalize your game pieces, and take home a handmade set that's perfect for playing with friends and family. Open to Middle & High School Students Join us for a fun, hands-on project and turn ordinary rocks into a game you'll be proud to show off! Questions about this program? Contact t…
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