Family-Friendly Memorial Day Weekend Events in Washington, D.C.

Posted May 15, 2019 Holidays Things to Do DC/MD/VA

Memorial Day is a great time to teach your kids about honoring those who fought for our country. Washington, D.C. is home to many of our country's war memorials and right next to Arlington Cemetery, and Memorial Day weekend is the perfect time to take the kids to visit. There are also many exciting, family-friendly events happening in our nation's capital Memorial Day weekend, like festivals, concerts, and parades.

No matter how you choose to celebrate Memorial Day weekend with your kids, remember to thank a veteran and cheer on the red, white and blue!

Photo Courtesy of Capital Concerts

National Memorial Day Concert, West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol - FREE
Attend the National Memorial Day Concert on Sunday, May 26th on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C. This is a moving concert with dramatic readings, documentary footage, and musical performances to honor our military servicemen and women who have given their lives for our country. Gates open at 5 p.m. and the concert begins at 8 p.m. For more information click HERE.

Photo Courtesy of American Veterans Center

National Memorial Day Parade, Constitution Ave., D.C. - FREE
Experience the 50th Annual National Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 27th at 2 p.m. along Constitution Avenue in Washington, D.C. This is the nation's largest Memorial Day event with crowds of hundreds and thousands of people. The parade is a moving timeline of American history, beginning at the American Revolution all the way up to the present day. This family-friendly event honors our fallen soldiers and is a meaningful way to pay tribute and remember their sacrifice. 

Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. Photo Courtesy of the National Park Service

Visit the National Mall War Memorials in Washington, D.C. - FREE
Pay your respects at the National Mall memorials in D.C. including the National World War II Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and Vietnam Women’s Memorial; Korean War Veterans Memorial, American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial, and the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial. This is a great way to teach our kids about honoring those who have served, and the meaning behind why we celebrate Memorial Day. 

Rolling Thunder First Motorcycle Rally 
Observe the Rolling Thunder First Amendment Demonstration Run, a three-day event beginning on Friday, May 24th at 5 p.m. and ending on Monday, May 26th at 3 p.m. (click HERE for full event schedule). This event is an annual protest and gathering that began in 1988. Motorcycle riders from around the nation, and even from around the world, come together to rally in the Pentagon parking lots and then begin riding through the Mall area in D.C. After the race, hang out and meet friends, pay respects at the memorials and participate in Memorial Day events. The mission of this event is to bring awareness to the POWs and MIAs missing and left behind in war. 

Washington Nationals Memorial Day Game

Washington Nationals Memorial Day Game 
Kick off Memorial Day weekend at the Washington Nationals Memorial Weekend Games. The Nats play Friday, May 24th - Monday, May 27th with fireworks at the Friday game. On Monday, May 27th, there will be on-field programming, pregame ceremonies, and patriotic uniforms to honor service members and their families. Save up to 47% off tickets to the Washington Nationals Game on Friday, May 24th!

Memorial Day, Arlington National Cemetery, Photo by Rachel Larue

Volunteer to lay Flowers at Arlington National Cemetery- FREE
Spend Sunday, May 26th at Arlington National Cemetery laying flowers at the graves of soldiers who gave their lives defending our country. Volunteers are scheduled to meet at noon on Sunday at McClellan Gate to pick up tote bags of flowers. Click HERE to volunteer.

Service at Arlington National Cemetery - FREE
Every year, a Memorial Day Service is held at the Arlington National Cemetery Memorial Amphitheater on Memorial Day, May 26th. This ceremony includes a prelude from the United States Marine Corp band, a full honor wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and an observance ceremony. The President of the United States usually attends the event and this event is free and open to the public.

National Memorial Day Choral Festival 2019, Kennedy Center 
The 11th Annual National Memorial Day Choral Festival will be held on Sunday, May 26th from 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. It will feature The United States Air Force Orchestra and 200-voice Memorial Day Festival Chorus. This event was designed to honor the nation's veterans and fallen heroes through musical tribute. The Choral Festival will include traditional patriotic favorites; George M. Cohan's "Big Three" ("Yankee Doodle Dandy," Give My Regards to Broadway," and "You're a Grand Old Flag"). Click HERE to reserve tickets.

The Museum of Science Fiction's Escape Velocity Festival at The Gaylord National

The Museum of Science Fiction's Escape Velocity Festival at The Gaylord National
Sci-fi fans won't want to miss the Escape Velocity Festival, the ultimate family-friendly sci-fi event featuring exciting new technology, hands-on STEAM activities, pop culture, gaming, and meet and greets with distinguished authors, artists, scientists, and astronauts.  Have your photo taken inside the cockpit of the Millennium Falcon, trap ghosts with the Ghostbusters, learn to draw Pokemon and more. The festival takes place on May 24th - 26th. For the complete schedule click HERE. Save up to 50% off admission to Escape Velocity with this CertifiKID offer.

NOVA Parks Boat Rentals

Enjoy a Family Boat Ride
Enjoy some quality time on the water with the family Memorial Day weekend by renting a boat to explore one of our many scenic area lakes or waterways. Pohick Regional Park in Lorton and Fountainhead Regional Park in Fairfax Station offer pedal boats, jon boats, stand up paddle boards, kayaks and canoe rentals (options vary by location) for some family fun in the sun. Save 34% off rentals with this CertifiKID offer.

Sleepover at the National Air and Space Museum, Photo by Jeremy Norwood

Sleepover at the Smithsonian Museums, D.C.
Kick off Memorial Day weekend with a truly unique and patriotic experience by sleeping overnight at the National Museum of American History on May 24th. Your child will get to experience their own Night at the Museum with interactive learning games, crafts, and more! Don't worry, parents, these exhibits won't be coming to life! Save 26% for One Smithsonian Museum Sleepover with this CertifiKID offer.

Photo Courtesy of Butler's Orchard

Strawberry Picking at Butler's Orchard, Germantown, MD
Memorial Day weekend is a great time for strawberry picking and old fashioned farm fun with the family. About a 45-minute drive from D.C., Butler's Orchard is well known for their delicious, juicy, flavorful pick-your-own strawberries. Butler's also offers lots of fun for the kids, including giant slides, climbing structures, pedal tractors, rubber ducky derby, farm animals and more! There's also a farm market and a picnic area to enjoy a family lunch. Save 50% off strawberry picking at Butler's Orchard with this offer.

For more affordable family-friendly fun in Washington, D.C., check out these Things to do in D.C. With Kids.

Tags: Memorial Day Weekend Family Friendly Kid Friendly Activities Washington DC

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