Great American State Fair

July 1-10. The Great American State Fair is a 16-day national exposition that runs through July 10 on the National Mall, spanning from the U.S. Capitol to the Washington Monument, uniting all 56 U.S. states and territories in a World's Fair-scale event. Attractions include a 110-foot Ferris wheel overlooking the National Mall, the refurbished Smithsonian National Carousel, robotics demonstrations, augmented reality activations and daily themed cultural programming for families. Free, with RSVP recommended.

  • Location: National Mall, from the U.S. Capitol to the Washington Monument, Washington, DC

Curious George: Let's Get Curious! Returns to National Children's Museum

July 1-31. Young learners ages 3-7 can join Curious George for hands-on STEM adventures that encourage curiosity, problem-solving and playful discovery. Families can explore interactive spaces including an apartment building with pulleys, a counting-and-sorting produce stand, a construction site, mini golf, a wind-powered art farm and George's space rocket. Included with museum admission; children under 1 and museum members are free.

  • Location: National Children's Museum, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC

Taste of History: Ongoing Food Experience on the National Mall

July 1-31. Families visiting the National Mall can make mealtime part of the outing with Taste of History, an ongoing food kiosk experience near major landmarks and Smithsonian museums. Visitors can explore multiple kiosks, try location-inspired menu items and use mobile ordering for a quicker stop between museum visits. Free to explore; food purchases are available.

  • Location: National Mall, multiple locations along Jefferson Drive SW, Washington, DC

The Little Prince

July 2-5. Families can follow the adventures of a curious child from a tiny planet in this puppet adaptation of The Little Prince. When a stranded aviator meets the young traveler in the Sahara Desert, he is reminded to see the world through a child's eyes. Based on the beloved classic by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, this production is recommended for ages 4 and up and runs approximately 45 minutes. Tickets are required.

  • Location: The Puppet Co. Playhouse, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, MD

Hershey Super Sweet Adventure

July 2-4. Families can step inside a candy-themed adventure filled with hands-on games, multi-sensory activities and interactive play inspired by Hershey's iconic treats. Highlights include Reese's, Hershey's Kisses, Twizzlers, Jolly Rancher, Bubble Yum and a finale where guests can personalize a Hershey's Milk Chocolate bar wrapper. Tickets are required.

  • Location: Tysons Corner Center, 1961 Chain Bridge Road, Tysons, VA

Spirit of '76 Jubilee

July 2-4. The Capitol Visitor Center is hosting the Spirit of '76 Programming Jubilee to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The free, family-friendly event features America 250 Capitol tours, a bicentennial road trip, curator talks and special guest presentations from the U.S. Mint, Smithsonian National Postal Museum, Library of Congress and U.S. Botanic Garden on July 2. Stop by on July 4 for complimentary birthday cake while supplies last. All tours, programs and activities are free and open to the public.

  • Location: Capitol Visitor Center, 1st St. SE, Washington, DC

The Source Overview

July 3-4. Kids and teens can explore The Source, a new experiential research gallery at the Library of Congress. Visitors can dive into Library collections, interact with primary sources and discover how original documents, images and materials help tell stories from the past. Free.

  • Location: The Library of Congress, 101 Independence Ave. SE, Washington, DC

Young Washington

July 3-4. Families can learn about George Washington's early life in this short performance tracing his journey from surveyor to commander and first president of the United States. The 30-minute production offers a timely Independence Day weekend outing for kids interested in American history. Tickets are required.

  • Location: Miracle Theatre, 535 8th St. SE, Washington, DC

America 250 July Music Performances

July 3-31. Families can enjoy free outdoor music performances every Friday in July at Eastern Market Metro Park. The series features local talent, lively summer sounds and a relaxed Capitol Hill setting where visitors can bring a picnic blanket, pick up nearby food and enjoy an evening in the park. Free.

  • Location: Eastern Market Metro Park, 701 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, DC

July Fourth at the National Archives

July 4. Families can celebrate Independence Day at the National Archives with a patriotic tradition that includes a ceremonial reading of the Declaration of Independence on the museum steps. Free family activities begin at 8:30 a.m., making this a meaningful July Fourth outing in the heart of Washington, DC.

  • Location: National Archives Museum, 701 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC

Sleeping Beauty: The Time Traveler

July 4-26. Families can enjoy a time-traveling twist on Sleeping Beauty as Rolly is swept back to the Age of Charlemagne and meets Aurora, a brave 12-year-old princess dreaming of adventure. This musical production blends magic, friendship and courage as the pair work to outsmart a mysterious curse. Tickets are required.

  • Location: Adventure Theatre, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, MD

Minecraft Animation

July 6-10 and July 27-31. Kids can turn their love of Minecraft into a hands-on tech camp focused on animation, creativity and computational thinking. Guided by Code Ninjas instructors, campers build digital skills while exploring technology, problem-solving and collaboration through a theme they already enjoy. Registration required.

  • Location: Code Ninjas Alexandria, 4694 King St., Suite 15, Alexandria, VA

Bluegrass Forever at the National Postal Museum

July 16. Families can celebrate the Bluegrass Forever stamp with an evening of music, printmaking and hands-on activities at the National Postal Museum. Guests can enjoy live music from King Street Bluegrass, explore museum exhibits and learn about the art behind postage. Free; registration is recommended.

  • Location: Smithsonian National Postal Museum, 2 Massachusetts Ave. NE, Washington, DC

Smithsonian Family Day

July 25. The Smithsonian is hosting a free Family Day, bringing together families to celebrate America's 250th birthday through a full day of hands-on activities, live performances and outdoor fun in the Haupt Garden. The historic space will feature theater and dance performances, live music and singalongs, historical re-enactors and educational activity zones for all ages.

  • Location: Arts and Industries Building 900 Jefferson Drive, SW, Washington, DC