14 Kid-Friendly Cultural Events You Can’t Miss in 2022

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This 2022 I want to encourage everyone to participate in more kid-friendly international and cultural events for your family. Washington, D.C. is home to people of more than 170 nationalities and ethnic groups, making it one of the most diverse cities in the U.S. So, if you live in or visit the area, there is almost always a multicultural and/or international kid-friendly event going on. Here is a list of our favorites that are perfect for the whole family. There’s one for each month!

Please note these events and dates may change or be canceled for health. or safety reasons. Please confirm with the organizer before making any plans. 

Kid-Friendly Cultural Events happening all year long: 

Virtual guided tours of European cities and museums

The Red Square and Kremlin, Machu Picchu mountains, Morocco, and many more. Travel the world through these virtual guided tours and learn about different international cultures and places.

Location: VIRTUAL
Cost: Free and paid options.

Discover the world of Asian Art

From Chinese jades and ancient bronzes to luxury metalwork from Iran, these recently renovated Asian Art galleries contain 26,000 objects of art. Don’t miss: the Peacock room, which opens its shutters once a month (on third Thursdays) turning the room into “a glowing jewel of blue, green, and gold tones”. Also, check out the Enid A. Haupt Garden just outside of the galleries.

Location: The Arthur M. Sackler Gallery and the Freer Gallery of Art
Cost: Free
Time: Open 10:00AM – 5:30PM

Visit the legendary collection of miniature Japanese and Chinese trees

Learn about the fascinating art of Penjing and Bonsai of growing beautiful trees in a container. They are also said to have the ability to canalize energy, calm the observer, and spread joy and contentment to all who see it. The Tropical Conservancy, Exhibit Gallery, and the Chinese Pavilion are currently closed due to COVID-19 until further notice. 

Location: National Bonsai & Penjing Museum in The U.S. National Arboretum
Cost: Free
Time: Open 10:00AM to 4:00PM

Kid-Friendly Cultural Events by month

January 27 – February 06, 2022 – REACH Winter Lanterns

The DC Chinese New Year Parade that was going to take place in Chinatown was unfortunately cancelled this year. But you can celebrate the Year of the Tiger with colorful lights, photo ops with traditional characters, and Lunar New Year refreshments and freebies with the return of the REACH Winter Lanterns!

Location: REACH at Kennedy Center
Cost: Free
Time: Thursdays–Saturdays, 5:30-9:30 p.m.; Sundays, 4-9 p.m.

March 20 – April 17, 2022 – National Cherry Blossom Festival

The National Cherry Blossom Festival is a must with kids and a major event in our nation’s capital! The free Cherry Blossom Kite Festival is always a favorite along with going to unique places to view cherry blossoms. Peak Bloom will be announced on March 1st HERE. You can also purchase tickets to the Cherry Blossom Festival Parade HERE.

April 09 – April 10, 2022 – Japanese Street Festival – Sakura Matsuri

The Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival a celebration of everything Japan has to offer! Performances, food, art, sake tasting, and marketplace.

Location: Pennsylvania Avenue, NW – Between 3rd and 7th Streets
Cost: $10
Time: 10:30AM – 6:00PM (Sat) and 10:30AM – 4:00PM (Sun).

April 28 – June 04, 2022 – Mormon Temple Open House

For the first time in nearly 50 years, the Washington D.C. Temple will be open for public tours this year.

“Visitors will not only experience beautiful architecture, art, and décor but also the unique feeling of peace and hope that fills this sacred building. Everyone is welcome.”

A once in a lifetime opportunity to experience the architecture, spaces, and murals offering peace, purpose, and connection with God for its members.

Location: Washington D.C. Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Cost: Free but Parking and Shuttle tickets required
Time: Daily, excluding Sundays, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

kid-friendly cultural events dcMay 01 – May 31, 2022 – Passport DC and Around the World Embassy Tour

The Passport DC and Around the World Embassy tour is probably my favorite event in D.C.! Celebrate D.C.’s thriving international culture by stepping inside as many as you can of the 50-plus participating embassies. A typical visit involves: tour of embassy, kid-friendly cultural events, food tasting, art, music, and dance.

Location: Participating embassies on Embassy Row and International Drive
Cost: Free
Time: Open 10:00AM to 4:00PM

September (date TBD) – Fiesta DC and Parade of Nations

Fiesta DC coincides with Hispanic Heritage Month and celebrates the rich Latin American and Hispanic customs through music, dancing, and an amazing Parade of Nations.

Location: Downtown Washington, D.C.
Cost: Free

October (date TBD) – Kids Euro Fest

Two days of Kids Euro Fest Family Days, in which the European Union and Member States feature European performances, interactive workshops, food vendors, and music for all the family. We had a blast at the 2021 Kids Euro Fest!

Location: Embassy of France and Embassy of Sweden Washington, D.C.
Cost: Free (registration required)

October (date TBD) – Turkish Festival at The Wharf

The Turkish Festival at The Wharf features authentic Turkish cuisine, live music and entertainment, folk dancing and performance, Turkish arts and crafts vendors, Turkish coffee, and kid-friendly cultural events and games.

Location: The Wharf, D.C. (Check for updated location on website)
Cost: Free

kid-friendly cultural events DC

October/November (date TBD) – Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)

Dia de los Muertos is a Mexican holiday celebrating the lives of loved ones who have passed away which entails food, drink, parties, and activities that they enjoyed in life. Programming includes: Traditional Day of the Dead Altar, artists and creators, and tasting experiences.

Location: Mexican Cultural Institute of the Embassy of Mexico at 2829 16th St. NW, Washington, DC
Cost: Free (pre-register for Tasting Experiences)

November (date TBD) – Czech Christmas Market

Visit the Embassy of the Czech Republic for a different kind of Christmas Market. Find unique artisanal and handcrafted gifts while trying Moravian wines and Czech pastries, and listening to Czech Christmas Carols.

Location: Embassy of the Czech Republic Washington, D.C.
Cost: Free (reservation required)

December (date TBD) – German Christmas Village

With more than 30 vendors, arts, jewelry, clothes, toys, and beer, German bratwursts, and many more traditional treats, Baltimore celebrates the holiday spirit with its very own authentic German Christmas Village and Market. There is also a Ferris wheel and carousel for the youngest members of the family, as well as the Aquarium a few feet away.

Location: West Shore Park/ Inner Harbor Baltimore, MD
Cost: Free

That’s it! Now you know where I’ll be every month! We will continue to update this list as more kid-friendly cultural events re-open or are announced. Also if you know of any multicultural events in the area, please let us know!