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A planetarium program marking the transit of Venus. Howard B. Owens Science Center 9601 Greenbelt Rd., Lanham, MD | 301-918-8750

At the Discovery Theater. Discovery Theater 1100 Jefferson Dr. SW, Washington, DC | 202-633-8700

Imagine a street festival that cultivates children's creativity. Under one tent they can draw with pastels. Under another they can plant a flower. Yet another tent houses cookie decorating. During this day-long festival, kid-friendly arts organizations, including Adventure Theatre, Be With Me Playseum and Imagination Stage, will offer hands-on activities while musical groups Rockin' Railroad and Rocknoceros perform. Norfolk and Auburn Avenues Norfolk and Auburn Avenues, Bethesda, MD | 301-215-6660

Saturday mornings aren't for cartoons, they are for free shows at the National Theatre! Every weekend, performers showcasing everything from opera to traditional Indian dancing in a way that the youngest audience will enjoy. The summer season kicks off with a klutzy juggler. National Theatre 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC | 202-628-6161

Any youngster into princesses will probably tell you they need a pretty dress, a crown, a carriage and a castle. Children are encouraged to dress up in their royal finery for this day of crown making and horse-drawn carriage riding. The parade will travel from Winmill Carriage Museum to the Governor's Mansion, which, while not a castle, is regal enough for the suburbs. Morven Park 17263 Southern Planter Lane, Leesburg, VA | 703-777-2414

National Children's Museum Launch Zone 112 Waterfront St., Oxon Hill, MD | 301-686-0225

Author and historian Eric Rutkow discusses his book about the nation's trees and how they made our growth possible. U.S. National Arboretum 3501 New York Ave. NE, Washington, DC | 202-245-2726

For 50 years, McLean Project for the Arts has cultivated local work through classes, exhibits and other events, so it is no surprise that for its anniversary they celebrate in a big, inclusive way. Abrakadoodle, a group that hosts art programs and classes for kids, will have activities--and everyone can help decorate an extra-large birthday banner. McLean Central Park 1468 Dolley Madison Blvd., McLean, VA | 703-790-1953

At the Puppet Co. Playhouse. The Puppet Company Playhouse 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, MD | 301-634-5380

Washingtonians of all ages should know jazz music, what makes it special and its history. After all, this was the home of the great Duke Ellington and jazz is a very American sound. As part of the DC Jazz Festival, Phillips Collection will open its doors for two free days of music. Highlights include a performance by Boys & Girls Clubs of Washington with the Capitol Jazz Project (June 2 at 2 p.m.) and a talk with jazz pianist Kenny Barron about his life as an artist (June 3 at 4 p.m.). There will also be storytelling, face painting, and the chance to see and touch instruments up close at an instrument petting zoo. Phillips Collection 1600 21st St. NW, Washington, DC | 202-387-2151