The Best Things to See and Do With Kids in Washington, D.C. This April

Posted Mar 25, 2019 Things to Do DC/MD/VA

There is just something special about April, the birds are chirping, the flowers are blooming, the weather is warmer and there are plenty of indoor and outdoor family-friendly activities to enjoy. It's enough to make us want to break out in song (we won't, don't worry). The D.C. area is jam-packed with family fun, from cherry blossom viewing and Earth Day celebrations to Easter egg hunts, baseball games, interactive play experiences and more!

Check out our list of the top things to see and do with kids in Washington, D.C. this April.

Cherry Blossom Viewing and Festivities, D.C.
The National Park Service predicts peak bloom for the cherry blossoms between April 3rd - 6th. The National Cherry Blossom Festival runs from March 23rd - April 13th with a full slate of family-friendly events and activities throughout the D.C. area from the ANA Stage performances at the Tidal Basin area to the signature National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade on April 13th to the closing of the 2019 National Cherry Blossom Festival at the Anacostia River Festival on April 14th. Follow the official events calendar on the National Cherry Blossom Festival website so you don't miss out on any of the fun! And be sure to check out our article 6 Tips for Viewing Washington, D.C. Cherry Blossoms With Kids.

National Cherry Blossom Festival

In Peak Bloom, ARTECHOUSE, D.C.
ARTECHOUSE brings the cherry blossoms to life in the digital realm with a large-scale interactive and immersive art installation, In Peak Bloom. Experience the beauty and symbolism of the short-lived bloom through interactive media showcasing the collective efforts of five women artists from March 20th - May 27th. Save on admission with this CertifiKID offer.

In Peak Bloom, ARTECHOUSE

Spend a Day at Super, Awesome & Amazing, Springfield, VA
Looking for something exciting to do with the kids for spring break? Or how about an experience gift for their Easter baskets that is sure to be a huge hit? At Super, Awesome & Amazing's Active Entertainment Center and Interactive Waterpark there is something for everyone! Over 30,000 square feet of non-stop fun, this massive indoor complex is a fantasyland for kids with a Ninja Warrior Course, multi-level Nerf Battle Zone, Climbing Structures & Ropes Courses, Trampoline Zone, Virtual Reality Games and more! Save 27% off admission to Super, Awesome & Amazing with this CertifiKID offer.

The Washington Nationals Major League Baseball Blossoms and Baseball, D.C.
Join the Washington Nationals as they celebrate spring, the blossoms and the opening of baseball season. Enjoy the beauty of the Japanese Flowering Cherry Trees at the ballpark as the Nats take on the Phillies on April 3rd at 1:05 p.m. Save up to 46% off Nats' game tickets on select dates with this CertifiKID offer.

2019 Washington Auto Show, Walter E. Washington Convention Center, D.C.
If you have a car fan in the family, cruise on over to one of the nation's top five auto shows, The Washington Auto Show, featuring hundreds of cars with cutting-edge exhibits, historic vehicle displays, and the latest model cars. The event hosts tours led by award-winning writers, live painting demonstrations on cars with Art-on Motion and visits from celebrity and sports personalities. The ten-day showcase event takes place from April 5th - 14th.

Washington Auto Show

National Cherry Blossom Festival Petalpalooza, The Wharf, D.C. - FREE
Celebrate spring at The Wharf's Petalpalooza for a full day of family fun activities with live music, giveaways, fireworks and more. The festival begins at 12 p.m. on April 6th and concludes with an exciting firework show at 8:30 p.m.

National Cherry Blossom Festival, The Wharf, Petalpalooza, Photo by Doug Van Sant

Jack and the Beanstalk at The Puppet Co., Echo, Maryland
Located 10 minutes outside of Washington, D.C., the Puppet Co. is critically acclaimed for its award-winning puppet shows. On select dates throughout April, the tale of Jack and the Beanstalk takes center stage. This show is recommended for ages 5 - 9. Save 34% off tickets for Puppet Co.'s Jack and the Beanstalk. 

Smithsonian Gardens Orchid Family Day, Smithsonian American Art Museum, D.C. - FREE
Explore the Kogod Courtyard of the Smithsonian American Art Museum to see boundless beautiful orchids. On April 6th from 11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. learn how orchids have adapted to diverse habitats throughout all continents of the globe (except Antartica). Explore what makes orchids unique to other flowers, enjoy music, treats, and create a paper orchid to take home.

6th Annual Virginia Touch-A-Truck, StoneSprings Hospital Center, Dulles VA
Truck lovers rejoice! Here's your chance to get up close and personal with a unique hands-on experience with trucks at Virginia Touch-A-Truck. Touch, see, climb inside, get behind the wheel and explore a variety of trucks and service vehicles in a fun and safe environment. The first 300 kids to the event on April 6th from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. will receive a FREE diecast vehicle. Starting at 1 p.m., the first 50 kids will receive a FREE t-shirt. There will be a horn-free hour from 10 - 11 a.m.; outside that hour, you may want to bring some earplugs for the young attendees. 

Virginia Touch-A-Truck, Dulles VA, Photo by Christine Louder

Growing Community, National Building Museum, D.C.
Celebrate the Cherry Blossom season with the National Building Museum's Growing Community family event, highlighting the intersection of design, the natural environment and community building. Explore ways green space and play creates a sense of belonging and helps anchor our communities. Attendees will experience photography exhibits, displays, educational activities and storytelling. The program is FREE with admission and takes place on April 7th from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Save 50% off admission to the National Building Museum with our offer. 

NSO Family Concert: Symphonic Storytelling The Travels of Babar, The Kennedy Center, D.C.
Experience a concert with a mixture of story, images and music based on The Travels of Babar with the NSO Family Concert. There are two concert times to choose from on April 7th with a sensory-friendly performance at 2 p.m. and an additional concert at 4 p.m. Come one hour prior to the performances for the musical instrument "Petting Zoo".

Hop on Over to an Easter Egg Hunt
The D.C. area has a ton of Easter egg hunts with a wide range of dates throughout the month of April. Check out our article on Easter Egg Hunts and Celebrations Around Washington, D.C. to find festivities near you.

Tudor Place Eggstravaganza, Photo by An Endless Pursuit

Open Studio: Celebrate the National Cherry Blossom Festival at Freer|Sackler, D.C. 
The Freer Gallery of Art is celebrating the National Cherry Blossom Festival with an Open Studio event that includes a family-friendly tour learning about nature in Japanese art. Experience artist demonstrations inspired by the season and enjoy art-making activities at this family fun event. The program is being offered on two separate dates, April 6th from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. and April 13th 12 - 4 p.m.

Discovery Theater S. Dillion Ripley Center, D.C.
An engaging and educational program, Discovery Theater provides performances and activities to excite all audiences. On April 10th - 12th experience Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, learn about friendly people who make the neighborhood a terrific place to live, craft, sing and dance (recommended for ages 3-6). Celebrate Earth Month on April 23rd - 24th with the Discovery Theater theme Beautiful Biomes (recommended for ages 5-10). Explore unique environments that nurture plants and creatures and meet with Haupt Garden horticulturists to learn and discover how all living things are connected. Tickets are required for all ages.

Cherokee Days Festival, American Indian Museum, D.C. - FREE
The National Museum of the National Museum of the American Indian hosts their annual Cherokee Days Festival showcasing three federally recognized Cherokee tribes and their shared history through exhibits, demonstrations, storytelling, flute playing, weaponry, wood carving, beadwork, traditional games, music and dance. The celebration takes place on  April 12-14th from 10 a.m - 5:30 p.m. Check out our family-friendly review of the National Museum of the American Indian.

Cherokee Days Festival, American Indian Museum, D.C.

Aladdin on Ice at The Gardens Ice House, Laurel, MD
Join The Gardens Figure Skating Club as they present Aladdin On Ice, a figure skating rendition of the beloved Disney movie and Broadway Show. See the ice spectacular on April 13th - 14th at 1 p.m. or 3:30 p.m. Inspired to spend a day ice skating? CertifiKID has a special offer for 33% off admission + skate rental at The Gardens Ice House.

Teen Workshop: Women in Power, Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, D.C. - FREE
Explore the exhibition Empresses of China's Forbidden City at the Teen Workshop: Women in Power and discuss gender and power, stereotypes and influence with an educator-led tour. Create light sculptures with the teaching artist, Althea Rao. The event is on April 14th from 1-3 p.m and is FREE but advance registration is required (recommended for ages 13-18). Snacks and all materials will be provided.

Empresses of China’s Forbidden City, 1644–1912 Exhibition, Teen Workshop: Women in Power

Outdoor Attractions Open at Adventure Park USA, Monrovia, MD
Located just 45 minutes outside of D.C., Adventure Park USA is your family fun headquarters! This Wild West theme park offers a full day of thrills for the whole family with indoor fun such as laser tag, rock climbing, arcade games, Virtual Reality, rope courses and bumper cars. And on April 20th the thrills elevate as the outdoor attractions open back up for the season with roller coasters, bumper boats, go-karts, carnival rides, mini golf, gemstone mining, games and more! Save up to 33% off on an All-Day Pass with this CertifiKID offer.

Adventure Park USA, Monrovia, MD

Celebrate Earth Day
Earth Day (April 22nd) is a global event to bring awareness and civic participation in protecting our planet's survival. This Earth Day, teach the kids to be kind to our earth by finding ways to reduce, reuse and recycle every day. Check out our article for projects to celebrate Earth Day with kids for ideas.

Alexandria Earth Day,Trashin Fashion Show

Celebrate and learn more about Earth Day at these area events:

• Earth Optimism Celebration, Smithsonian's National Zoo, D.C. - FREE
  This year's Zoo festivities include both it's annual Easter Monday and Earth Optimism Celebration bundled into one family fun day. The event on April 22nd from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. features hands-on learning opportunities, animal demonstrations, live music, egg hunts, local food trucks, games, meet and greets with scientists and conservationists working to protect wildlife around the globe and more.
• Celebrate Earth Day!, United States Botanic Garden, D.C. FREE 
  Join the U.S. Botanic Garden in celebrating Earth Day, featuring engaging hands-on activities, meet and greets with representatives from environmental organizations and educational demonstrations. Learn ways to make the planet a healthier place on April 26th from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
• Alexandria Earth Day 2019, Braddock Park, Alexandria, VA
  Join the city of Alexandria at the Lenny Harris Memorial Fields in Braddock Park on April 27th from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. for hands-on activities, demonstrations and educational exhibits.
• Living Earth Festival 2019, American Indian Museum, D.C - FREE
  Bringing attention to environmental issues through lectures, demonstrations and cultural performances, the Living Earth Festival offers eco-tours of the Museum's Native American landscape, conversations and kid-friendly activities for learning and exploring. The festival takes place on April 27th - 28th from 10 a.m. - 5: 30 p.m.

Adventures in Wonderland, Lake Fairfax Park, Reston, VA
Welcome spring with this limited time, interactive play experience, Adventures in Wonderland. The outdoor play area is an adventure for all ages. Climb through logs, get lost in the mushroom garden and take lots of photos! Allow your curiosity to find Adventures in Wonderland on weekends from April 26th - May 12th. Save up to 50% off tickets with this CertifKID deal.

Adventures in Wonderland, Lake Fairfax Park, Reston, VA

Science Saturday at the National Law Enforcement Museum, D.C.
Experience a fun-filled afternoon of science activities in the Museum's Learning Center on Saturday, April 27th from 1 - 3 p.m. This month’s theme is Pollen, Spores, and Insects. Learn how to solve a crime using plant and insect evidence and what a 'maggot milkshake' is. Event is FREE with Museum admission. Click HERE for more information. Save 27% off admission to the National Law Enforcement Museum. 

National Law Enforcement Museum, D.C.

Arbor Day Festival, Oxon Run Park, D.C.
Join the Urban Forestry Division in the first-ever Arbor Day Festival, a celebration of trees! Explore DC's largest city park, help plant a new tree, climb trees, bike ride, hike and relax in the shade and listen to live music, such as the JoGo Project. Bring your own food and drinks or purchase from local food trucks. Event is on April 27th from 10 a.m - 3 p.m.

Alexandria Love Your Pet Day Block Part, Alexandria, VA - FREE
Bring your family pet or just come out to admire all the four-legged pals at the 3rd Annual Alexandria Love Your Pet Day. On April 28th enjoy a fun-filled block party from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. with food and shopping vendors, giveaways, music and engaging family and pet activities.

Alexandria Love Your Pet Day, Photo by Shelley Castle Photography

Tyler Henry - The Hollywood Medium, MGM National Harbor, Oxon Hill, MD
Are you ready to be amazed? The star of E! Entertainment's hit television show Hollywood Medium, Tyler Henry is taking the stage to share Life Lessons I've Learned From the Departed with his unique gift. This event is probably best to experience with the older kids/teens. The date of the event is April 30th at 8 p.m. Save 23% off admission with this CertifiKID offer.

Looking for even more family fun this spring? Check out our family-friendly deals to save up to 50% spring getaways -- from beach escapes to camping to tiny cabin getaways!

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