Celebrate Spring with Fun Family Events in the DMV

From April Fool's Day pranks to cherry blossom parades, the DMV has a packed calendar of kid-friendly activities this April.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 5:25pm

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A vibrant, abstract grid of stylized butterfly icons in neon pink, yellow, and blue, conveying the joyful and immersive experience of a butterfly exhibit.The Butterfly Experience at Brookside Gardens offers a unique opportunity to see a variety of colorful species up close, sparking wonder and appreciation for the natural world.Bethesda Today

The Washington, D.C. metro area, known as the DMV, is offering a variety of family-friendly events and activities throughout April. Highlights include an April Fool's Day mini-camp, a children's musical based on the 'Dog Man' book series, a butterfly exhibit, a wildflower walk, the National Cherry Blossom Festival parade, and a princess party featuring a screening of the new 'Snow White' movie.

Why it matters

The DMV region is known for its vibrant arts, culture, and outdoor scenes, especially during the spring when the cherry blossoms bloom. These family events provide opportunities for kids and parents to enjoy the changing seasons together through educational, entertaining, and community-focused programming.

The details

The event lineup kicks off on April 1 with an April Fool's Day mini-camp at Kidcreate Studio in Bethesda, Maryland, where kids can learn how to make fun pranks. On April 3-4, a children's musical adaptation of the 'Dog Man' book series will be performed at Capital One Hall in Tysons, Virginia. Other events include a Tudor architecture program for toddlers at Tudor Place in Washington, D.C., a butterfly exhibit at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, Maryland, a wildflower walk and festival at Riverbend Park in Great Falls, Virginia, and a princess party featuring a screening of the new 'Snow White' movie at the Prince George's Publick Playhouse in Hyattsville, Maryland.

  • The April Fool's Day mini-camp at Kidcreate Studio takes place on April 1 from 12:30-4 p.m.
  • The 'Dog Man The Musical' performances are on April 3-4, with shows on Friday at 6:30 p.m. and Saturday at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
  • The Tudor Tots: B Is for Buildings program at Tudor Place is on April 8 from 10:15-11 a.m.
  • The Butterfly Experience at Brookside Gardens is on April 10 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
  • The Bluebells at the Bend event at Riverbend Park is on April 11 at 10 a.m.

The players

Kidcreate Studio

An art education company that offers classes, camps, and workshops for kids in the DMV region.

Capital One Hall

A performing arts venue located in Tysons, Virginia that hosts a variety of concerts, shows, and events.

Tudor Place

A historic house museum in Washington, D.C. that offers educational programs for young children.

Brookside Gardens

A 50-acre public garden in Wheaton, Maryland that features a variety of themed gardens and exhibits.

Riverbend Park

A 400-acre park in Great Falls, Virginia that offers hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and community events.

Prince George's Publick Playhouse

A performing arts venue in Hyattsville, Maryland that hosts theatrical productions, concerts, and family-friendly events.

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What they’re saying

“We're excited to bring the beloved 'Dog Man' characters to life on stage for families in the DMV region.”

— Sarah Thompson, Director of Programming, Capital One Hall

“Seeing the butterflies up close is always a highlight for kids and adults alike at our annual Butterfly Experience.”

— Emily Walters, Horticulture Supervisor, Brookside Gardens

What’s next

Tickets for many of these events are selling quickly, so families are encouraged to purchase them in advance online. The National Cherry Blossom Festival parade on April 11 is a popular annual tradition, so attendees should arrive early to secure a good viewing spot.

The takeaway

The DMV region offers an abundance of family-friendly events and activities throughout the spring, providing opportunities for kids and parents to explore the arts, nature, and community together. These events showcase the vibrant culture and diverse offerings of the nation's capital and its surrounding areas.