Plan a fun-filled, family-friendly holiday weekend in the nation’s capital
Spring is a wonderful time to visit DC, so why not take advantage of one of the season’s holidays to explore all the vibrant city has to offer? We’ve detailed a mix of timely and family-friendly things to do that are sure to make an Easter weekend trip to the District memorable.
Check out a kid-friendly museum
DC’s wealth of museums and attractions means there are always magical places where kids are transported from the ho-hum of touring to the “Wow!” of experiencing. Many of these sites feature interactive exhibits and entertainment to help capture the attention of even the smallest sightseer.
Stay at a family-friendly hotel
The District’s status as a family-friendly destination can’t be denied, as the nation’s capital is filled with free things to do and also features America’s most famous monuments and memorials. The city makes for an engaging and educational destination for the kids, and there are numerous DC hotels sure to make your family’s visit that much more enjoyable, with many offering seasonal deals and discounts.
Take advantage of free things to do all over the city
It’s easy to budget for a holiday weekend in DC thanks to the fact that so many of its coolest attractions, including Smithsonian museums and monuments and memorials, are free to visit. There are also free seasonal activities to enjoy, as well as arts and culture-focused things to do and off-the-beaten-path attractions to visit.
Treat the family to dinner at an award-winning restaurant
Since you’ve saved so much thanks to DC’s awesome hotel deals and free things to do, you can splurge on dinner or lunch at an award-winning restaurant in the city. Don’t worry; there’s a bounty of high-value and family-friendly fast-casual spots as well.
Events
Bond In Motion – March 1 – April 2025
Across more than six decades of films, James Bond has become the on-screen embodiment of spies for millions. The International Spy Museum pays homage to the fictional character, along with his allies and adversaries, with a breathtaking display of iconic vehicles from the movies. In total, visitors can fix their eyes on 17 pieces, including cars, motorcycles, submarines and even more from the Q Branch Garage.
Hours & Admission
International Spy Museum, 700 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, DC 20024
ISEKAI: Blooming Parallel Worlds – March 9 – June 1
ARTECHOUSE welcomes visitors to its seventh annual installation dedicated to celebrating the beauty of the cherry blossoms in DC. The museum treats your eyes to an exhibit inspired by the Isekai genre of Anime, allowing for the exploration of alternate universes stacked with colors, adventures and immersive technologies. Make sure to take advantage of tickets with a 10% discount.
Tickets (10% off)
ARTECHOUSE, 1238 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20024
Mosaic Theater: Nancy – March 28 – April 21
The Atlas Performing Arts Center turns into a time machine to 1985 thanks to a new play presented by Mosaic Theater and written by award-winning playwright Rhiana Yazzie. Nancy concerns one Nancy Reagan (yep, that one), who’s steering her husband’s decisions from the Oval Office according to astrological signs, and Esmeralda, a Navajo mother standing up for her community. When Nancy’s familial connection to Pocahontas is discovered, a captivating adventure unfolds filled with humor, heart and empathy.
Tickets
Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
Pattern and Paradox: The Quilts of Amish Women – March 28 – Sept. 2
Learn about the fascinating connection between Amish Women and quilting thanks to a new exhibit at the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Over time, the practice has transcended its utilitarian roots and become a form of artistic expression for Amish Women. Treat your eyes to a wondrous mix of colors and patterns as you marvel at the innovation of extraordinary quilts.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20004
A Conversation with Larry David – March 29
The Anthem welcomes the crankiest cultural icon of all-time. As the co-creator of Seinfeld and the creator and star of Curb Your Enthusiasm, Larry David has left an imprint on comedy that few others can match in the history of entertainment. We think he’ll have a few interesting things to share during this chat at The Anthem, which is perfectly timed, as it takes place nine days before the series finale of Curb.
7:30 p.m. | Tickets
The Anthem, 901 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Steve Aoki – March 29
An icon of electronic dance music, Steve Aoki has transcended the genre and achieved worldwide success. Echostage, one of DC’s premier venues and the ideal setting for one of Aoki’s shows, will host the DJ/producer/musician. Aoki has legions of fans around the world, so expect a packed house and dancing that will shake the floor.
9 p.m. | Tickets
Echostage, 2135 Queens Chapel Road NE, Washington, DC 20018
Unknown Soldier – March 29 – May 5
Arena Stage welcomes an elegiac musical that concerns Ellen Rabinowitz, who discovers a photo of an anonymous soldier while cleaning out her grandmother’s home. Daniel Goldstein and the late Michael Friedman penned this captivating tale of a woman’s journey to uncover the secrets of her family’s past, inevitably leading her towards the future.
Tickets
Arena Stage, 1101 6th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Blossom Kite Festival – March 30
Head to the Washington Monument grounds for this free kite-flying extravaganza, one of the most highly anticipated events of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, presented by Amazon. The entire family can watch expert kite fliers from all over the world, whether enjoying the event near the Monument or at a featured park. More information is available on the Festival's website.
Robert Glasper – Black Radio: A Duke x Dilla Celebration – March 30
Five-time Grammy winner Robert Glasper, who’s also a founding member of the Kennedy Center’s Hip Hop Culture Council, hosts a special celebration in honor of Duke Ellington’s 150th birthday and the late great J. Dilla’s 50th. The one-night-only tribute to the musical legacies of two icons features Glasper along with the Black Radio Orchestra led by two-time Grammy winner Derrick Hodge.
8 p.m. | Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
Mark Rothko: Paintings on Paper – Through March 31
Known for his abstract paintings on canvas (some of which can be seen at the Phillips Collection in DC), Mark Rothko also crafted more than 1,000 paintings on paper over the course of his illustrious, decades-long career. The National Gallery of Art will showcase more than 100 of these tableaus, many of which will be on view to the public for the first time, making for a unique opportunity to see new work from one of the most important artists of the 20th century.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
National Gallery of Art, 6th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC
Dorothea Lange: Seeing People – Through March 31
The National Gallery of Art showcases roughly 100 images from one of the greatest photographers ever live in a new exhibit on Dorothea Lange. Seeing People will examine Lange’s prolific and trailblazing career through the lens of portraiture and her exceptional ability to capture the character, resilience, heartbreak, joy, wonder and beauty of her human subjects.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free admission
National Gallery of Art, 6th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC
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