Ford's Theatre Presents: Come From Away
The uplifting musical chronicling how the small town of Gander embraced thousands of stranded airline passengers, staged inside one of the city's most storied venues.
For familiesThis weekend in Washington, DC: Fri, Oct 16 – Sun, Oct 18, 2026 · 6 dated events
Family activities in Washington, DC right now: kid-friendly events the whole family will like, restaurants that can handle a toddler, and weekend ideas that work around nap windows.
13 hand-picked things to do in Washington, DC right now · 6 with confirmed dates
Photo: Andy He / Unsplash
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Curated picks for Saturday and Sunday
The uplifting musical chronicling how the small town of Gander embraced thousands of stranded airline passengers, staged inside one of the city's most storied venues.
Stephen Sondheim and George Furth's reverse-chronology classic about ambition and friendship, mounted in Shirlington's intimate black-box space.
Shakespeare Theatre Company presents a gripping dramatic confrontation set against 18th-century Europe in the heart of Penn Quarter.
Tell us who's going and WonderKit drafts three Washington, DC trip ideas in about a minute — free, and you see them before creating an account.
Events and things to do tonight
Mid-day rivalry kickoff along the Capitol Riverfront as the Spirit host Gotham FC on a crisp autumn Saturday afternoon.
An intimate early evening solo set from the Something Corporate and Jack's Mannequin frontman on V Street.
Kristian Matsson brings his kinetic acoustic fingerpicking and ragged folk lyricism to U Street's historic theater.
Seasonal highlights and neighborhood moments
Mid-October brings beech and oak foliage to near-peak amber; wander Beach Drive and cross the 1902 granite Boulder Bridge without car traffic.
As evening temperatures drop into the 50s, the Union Market brasserie rolls out family-style slow-simmered duck and white bean cassoulet served with crusty country loaves.
Weekend road trips within 2–3 hours
Drive 90 minutes west to Shenandoah National Park's Thornton Gap entrance for panoramic views of the Blue Ridge valley bathed in crimson and copper, paired with cider stops in Sperryville.
Just over an hour northwest, explore the 19th-century stone streets where the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers merge, then climb Maryland Heights for views of autumn colors framing the lower town.
Autumn menus and standout tables
Chef Michael Rafidi's flagship Levantine bakery turns out za'atar croissants, cardamom cold brew, and wood-fired flatbreads with charred eggplant labne.
An intimate Brazilian boteco where passion fruit caipirinhas pair with warm pão de queijo and slow-braised pork cheeks while crate-digging DJs spin.
Centered around an open hearth, the charcoal-grilled lamb kebab, sfeeha, and coal-roasted squash make this one of the most vibrant fall tables along the Anacostia.
Ready-made plans for Washington, DC, written out in full and built from real local spots — start from one instead of a blank page.
Family-friendly highlights right now include Washington Spirit vs. NJ/NY Gotham FC at Audi Field, An Evening with Andrew McMahon and His Piano at 9:30 Club, and The Tallest Man On Earth at Lincoln Theatre. WonderKit refreshes this Washington, DC guide daily so the picks stay current.
The "Eat & Drink" section above lists restaurants that work for families in Washington, DC, including spots that handle toddlers and offer kid-friendly menus.
Check the "This Weekend in Washington, DC" section above for current family-friendly events and weekend activities in Washington, DC. Updated daily.
Tell us who's going and WonderKit drafts three Washington, DC trip ideas in about a minute — free, and you see them before creating an account.