Dino-fy Yourself: Make Your Own Prehistoric Animal Costume
June 1, 10:30 a.m.-noon
Become a dinosaur for the day! Kids 8 and up can create prehistoric costumes inspired by the museum’s new Fossil Hall. // Natural History Museum: 10th St. & Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC; free
25th Annual Heritage Railway Festival
June 1, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
All aboard! Climb on the train for a round trip with some of your favorite princesses and superheroes. After your ride, check out some of the model train displays, memorabilia and live entertainment. // Historic Downtown Manassas: 9201 Center St., Manassas; $5-$6
The Talented Clementine
June 1-2 and June 7-9
Clementine wants to help her class raise money during the talent show for the spring trip, but she doesn’t have a talent. Can she find an act in time for the big performance? // Gunston Arts Center: 2700 S. Lang St., Arlington; $12-$15
Shrek The Musical
June 7-16
One of the most beloved children’s movies is now a musical. Watch Shrek and Donkey as they venture to rescue Fiona from the dragon in this unexpected love story. // Fauquier Community Theatre: 4225 Aiken Drive, Warrenton; $13-$15
Sesame Street Road Trip
June 8
In celebration of 50 years of the Sesame Street Muppets, Big Bird, Elmo and the rest of the gang are traveling to 10 cities this summer to film segments for the 50th season of the enduringly popular and important show. The free festival will make a stop in the nation’s capital in June. Kids and adults alike can enjoy live performances and family-friendly activities. Seeing Cookie Monster, Bert and Ernie and the rest in person will be a thrill for your kids—and, admit it, just as magical for you, too. // Anacostia National Park: 1900 Anacostia Drive, Washington, DC; free
Summer Scavenger Hunt
June 9, 2-3:30 p.m.
Explore the park as you search the raptor house, frog pond and more for answers. Receive a special prize when completing the scavenger hunt sheet. Recommended for children 7 and older. // Potomac Overlook Regional Park: 2845 Marcey Road, Arlington; $7
Smithsonian Sleepovers
Select dates through August
The coolest place you’ll ever have a sleepover is at the Smithsonian. Four museums—American History, Natural History, Udvar-Hazy and the Portrait Gallery—host sleepovers this summer. A bucket list item for any Washington-area kid, this summer’s sleepovers at the Natural History Museum might be the coolest of all, as kids get access to the museum’s reopened and expanded Fossil Hall. // $100-$120; 202-633-3030 for registration; children 8-14 may participate at American History, Natural History and Udvar Hazy; children 10-14 may participate at National Portrait Gallery; at least one adult must be present for every three children
Night Hike at Potomac Overlook
June 22, 7-8 p.m.
Explore what the park is like when the sun goes down. Learn about the different creatures that come out at night and other nature topics. Recommended for families with children age 6 and older. // Potomac Overlook Regional Park: 2845 Marcey Road, Arlington; $10
Kids Obstacle Challenge
June 29, 8:30 a.m.
This kids version of a tough mudder is a 2-mile course that includes 13 to 15 obstacles, like a mud crawl, rope swing and ball pit. Plus, every kids’ ticket comes with two free parent tickets. Just make sure to bring an extra change of clothes. // Bull Run Special Events Center: 7700 Bull Run Drive, Centreville; $44-$60
The Reluctant Dragon
Through July 6
A little boy becomes secret friends with a dragon who would rather read than breathe fire. When dragon slayer St. George hears of the tall tales from the townspeople, he plans to slay the creature, but the boy and dragon have another plan. // Riverside Center for the Performing Arts: 95 Riverside Parkway, Fredericksburg; $16
This post originally appeared in our June 2019 issue. Want more family content? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter.