Unique Ways to Celebrate July 4th With Kids in Washington, D.C.

By Anna Wayne
Posted Jun 25, 2019 Things to Do Holidays DC/MD/VA

Pull out your Red, White and Blue for an epic July 4th with these family-friendly events in and around Washington, D.C. There's no place more patriotic or historical than the nation's capital and the D.C. area hosts a variety of kid-friendly, Independence Day activities, from bike parades, concerts, ball games and more. So, grab the sparklers and get ready to celebrate USA's birthday!

But before you do, be sure to check out our list of kid-approved 4th of July events in the Washington, D.C. area below.

Photo Courtesy of Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association

An American Celebration at George Washington's Mount Vernon in Mount Vernon, VA
Salute the first commander in chief during Mount Vernon's annual Independence Day event! Watch dazzling made-for-daytime fireworks shoot off over the Potomac River and listen to the roar of cannon fire while viewing special military re-enactments throughout the day. There will be free birthday cake and a visit with General and Mrs. Washington. The event is included in your admission and takes place on July 4th from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Click HERE to purchase tickets and enjoy 40% off with this special offer.

July 4th at the National Archives Steps on Constitution Ave. NW in Washington, D.C.
Celebrate like it's 1776 at the National Archives! Enjoy musical performances, dramatic readings of the Declaration of Independence, family activities, story time, crafts and more! Meet John and Abigail Adams, Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock, Ned Hector, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington. The steps of the National Archives are perfect for viewing the Independence Day parade. (Parade starts at 11:45 a.m.) The all-day event begins at 8 a.m. runs through 4 p.m. on July 4th.

Photo Courtesy of Town of Kensington

Kensington Fourth of July Bike Parade at St. Paul Park in Kensington, Maryland - FREE
Join in on the fun at the Kensington Fourth of July Bike Parade! All ages are welcome to participate on wheels, from wagons and strollers to bikes and scooters and everything in between. The bike parade takes place on July 4th from 9:45 a.m.- 11 a.m. and is lead by the KVFD Fire Truck. Participants should be lined up on St. Paul Street between Plyers Mill Road and Oberon Street by 9:45 a.m. 

Feed the Animals at Leesburg Animal Park in Leesburg, Virginia
Make it a fun and furry 4th of July at the Leesburg Animal Park! The 21-acre farm is the perfect rural escape. Enjoy watching or petting the wildlife including donkeys, llamas, cows, goats, pigs, zebras, lemurs, a wallaby, and a camel. Feed the animals, play on the playground and make memories at this fun animal park. The park is open from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Save 39% off a Leesburg Animal Park Kid's VIP Pass. Each pass includes a pony ride and souvenir feed cup.

Photo Courtesy of National Independence Day Parade

National Independence Day Parade in Washington, D.C. - FREE
The biggest Independence Day event in Washington, D.C. is the National Independence Day Parade! The parade takes place near historic Constitution Avenue and the Monuments in D.C. The patriotic tunes, cheering of the crowd and celebratory mood makes this America's best Independence Day Parade. The parade starts at 11:45 a.m. and ends at 2 p.m. on July 4th.

See Matilda at Olney Theatre in Olney, Maryland
Take a break from all of your July 4th celebrating to see Matilda The Musical, the original story by Roald Dahl, at Olney Theatre Center on July 4th at 8 p.m. Watch the childhood tale of Matilda unfold with humor and witty musical numbers. This show is recommended for ages 8 and up. Save 29% Off on the July 4th Matilda show. 

Photo Courtesy of U.S. Air Force photos/MSgt Brandon Chaney

U.S. Air Force Concert Band and Singing Sergeants 4th of July Concert at the Air Force Memorial in Arlington, Virginia - FREE
Enjoy this special 4th of July concert by the U.S. Air Force Concert Band and Singing Sergeants. When the concert is over, stick around for a great view of the National Mall's fireworks display. This free family-friendly event will delight all ages. The concert takes place on July 4th from 8 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Photo Courtesy of Paul Morigi/Getty Images for Capital Concerts

A Capitol Fourth at the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. - FREE
Honor our nation's 243rd birthday at A Capitol Fourth, one of the largest concerts celebrating the 4th of July at the West Lawn of the U.S. Capital. This year's entertainment includes Lindsey Stirling, John Stamos, the National Symphony Orchestra, and more. Plus a family-friendly segment featuring your favorite characters from Sesame Street! This free family-friendly event will take place from 8 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. on July 4th. Gates open at 3 p.m. 

Photo Courtesy of National Park Service

Fireworks Display in Washington, D.C. - FREE
End your 4th of July with the incredible Fireworks Display above the National Mall. The fireworks will be launched from West Potomac Park but will be visible throughout D.C. and Northern Virginia. Pack lawn chairs and blankets, sparklers and poppers and get ready for a spectacular show! The fireworks will begin at 9:07 p.m. and will end at 9:27 p.m on July 4th. In the event of inclement weather, the show will be canceled.

Head to the Ballpark to Catch the Washington Nationals in Action
Celebrate Independence Day Weekend on July 5th at a Washington Nationals Game at Nationals Park. Cheer on the Nats as they play against the Kansas City Royals at 7:05 p.m. Save up to 47% off tickets to the Washington Nationals on July 5th.

For more family-friendly fun on Independence Day Weekend check out Family-Friendly Events in Washington, D.C.

Tags: July 4th Family Friendly Events Kid Activities Washington DC 2019

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