Kids Day on the Plaza photo courtesy of the National Harbo

Can’t-Miss August Events for DC Families

1. Enjoy Kids Day on the Plaza at National Harbor

You still have three more chances to take part in a Thursday morning of fun, free kids' activities at National Harbor. Enjoy interactive storytimes, singing, dancing, meeting community helpers, and more. 

2. See a Free Outdoor Concert

There are so many free outdoor concerts all over the DC area throughout the summer. While a few run through September or October, most of them wrap up in August.

3. Watch a Movie Under the Stars

Free outdoor movies are a summertime staple, and there's still time to catch many of them before they finish for the season. Try Sunset Cinema at the Wharf on Thursday nights; Movies in the Parks in Rockville, MD on Thursday nights; or Columbia Pike Movie Nights in Arlington, VA on Saturdays.

4. Go to the Fair

The Montgomery County Agricultural Fair and the Prince William County Fair are in town through August 16, 2025, and the Arlington County Fair takes place August 13-17. With carnival rides and games, live entertainment, food, animals, and more, they make for a perfect family-fun day before school starts again.

5. See Live Theatre

Head to Adventure Theatre by August 17, 2025 to catch The Lightning Thief, the dynamic musical adaptation of the first book in Rick Riordan's bestselling Percy Jackson series. You also have until August 31 to see Sesame Street the Musical at the Kennedy Center. 

6. Attend the Arts in the Parks Children's Entertainment Series

Enjoy free summer entertainment for children at various Fairfax County Parks locations through August 23, 2025. Performers include musicians, puppeteers, magicians, and more. The series takes place Wednesday mornings at Frying Pan Farm Park; Saturday mornings at Burke Lake Park, Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, Mason District Park, and Wakefield Park; and Saturday evenings at Mosaic District and Sully Historic Site.

 
King's Dominion's water park is fun for all ages. Photo courtesy of King's Dominion

Outdoor Adventures To End Summer with a Splash

7. Catch Some Thrills at a Water Park

The area's outdoor water parks also close after Labor Day, so head to one before summer ends to slip, slide, splash, and have fun.

8. Cool off at a Sprinkler Park, Sprayground, or Splash Pad

The DC area has lots of great sprinkler parks, spraygrounds, and splash pads to help kids beat the summer heat. Some of them remain running past Labor Day, but many of them don't—and you don't want to miss the chance to cross them off your summer bucket list!

9. Make a Splash at a Swimming Pool

The DC area's free public swimming pools close for the season after Labor Day. So, be sure to get in a few last-minute swims with the kids and cross this item off your summer bucket list!

10. Hit the Beach

Summer may be winding down, but it's not too late for a beach day—or beach weekend! Check out our list of family-friendly beaches near DC. For a beach day that's more laid-back and closer to home, try one of several parks with beaches near DC or great lakes and swimming holes for DC families.

11. Go Boating, Paddleboarding, and More

Get out on the water while the warm weather is still here with our list of the best places for paddleboarding, kayaking, electric boating, and more near DC.

12. Go Fishing

Fishing is another fun way to enjoy DC's lakes and rivers before summer ends. Check out our list of fishing lakes near DC and more kid-friendly places to go fishing. Need some help? At Friday Night Fishing at Diamond Teague Park, which runs through August 22, staff is on hand to teach you how to fish. 

 
Head to a farm to pick some fresh peaches. Photo courtesy of the Virginia Farm Bureau

More End-of-Summer Activities DC Has to Offer

13. Go Peach Picking

August is when peaches are ripe and ready for picking in the DC area. Head to one of these great farms to go peach picking near DC before the month is over and cross this activity off your summer bucket list.

14. Squeeze in a Summer Camp

If you haven't yet crossed camp off your kiddo's summer bucket list, there may still be time. Check out our Washington, DC Summer Camp Guide to find summer camps that might still have openings.

15. Have Ice Cream for Lunch

Summer break is one of the few occasions when it's perfectly acceptable to feed the kids ice cream for lunch (or dinner). You'll be making those school lunches again before you know it. While you still can, take them to one of these must-try ice cream shops near DC.

16. Dig Up Your Own Potatoes

The Big Dig Potato Harvest at Great Country Farms takes place August 16 and 17, 2025. Enjoy a pancake breakfast and fresh fruit from the orchards, then grab your shovel and dig for potatoes in the potato field.

17. Get Ready for Fall Little League Season

Little sluggers can work on their swing at one of these indoor and outdoor batting cages near DC. You can also try these six Little League baseball drills at home.

18. Catch Thrills at a Theme Park

Visiting a theme park is a quintessential summer experience, and there's still time to do it before the season ends. Head to Six Flags America before it closes in November, Busch Gardens Williamsburg, or one of several other fun amusement parks near DC.

19. Pick Sunflowers

August is sunflower season in the DC area. Pick your own bouquet and take Insta-worthy photos at Great Country Farms through August 15, 2025 or Summers Farm through September 7. 

 
Nothing like a game of putt-putt to close out summer! Photo by Kelly Patino

20. Play A Round of Mini Golf 

Many local mini golf courses reduce their operating hours after school starts, so summer is the perfect time to challenge the family to a game of putt-putt. Check out our roundup of great mini golf courses near DC for families. Or, try the pop-up Putt Across America at the Wharf before it closes on September 1, 2025.