If you are searching for things to do in Northern Virginia and the DC area this week, you have three excellent options within a short drive of Reston, Vienna and Great Falls. This week brings a Major League Baseball series at Nationals Park, a hit Broadway musical at the Kennedy Center, and a hands-on dinosaur adventure for kids at Wolf Trap. Whether you are new to the area, considering a move to Northern Virginia, or simply planning a family weekend, this guide breaks down the schedule, ticket prices, venue details and insider tips you need.
Living in a community with this much going on matters. When clients ask me what makes Reston, Vienna and Great Falls such desirable places to put down roots, I point to exactly this kind of weekend. A twenty minute drive gets you to a professional ballgame, a Tony winning musical, and a children’s theater show that makes learning about science feel like an adventure. Local access to arts, sports and family entertainment is part of what shapes property values and quality of life in this corridor, and it is something every buyer should factor into their search.
Below you will find everything you need to plan your week, along with answers to the most common questions people ask about visiting these venues.
1. Washington Nationals vs Toronto Blue Jays at Nationals Park
The Washington Nationals host the Toronto Blue Jays at Nationals Park on Tuesday, July 28, 2026 at 6:45 PM and Wednesday, July 29, 2026 at 1:05 PM.
Nationals Park sits in the Navy Yard neighborhood along the Anacostia River, and it has been the home of Major League Baseball in the district for nearly two decades. Beyond regular season games, the stadium hosts everything from concerts to novelty exhibitions like the Savannah Bananas.
Why This Matchup Is Worth Catching
An interleague series against the Blue Jays brings a different style of play and a different visiting fan base to the ballpark, which tends to create a livelier atmosphere than a typical divisional game. A Tuesday evening game is ideal for families who want a shorter night, while the Wednesday afternoon game works well for retirees, remote workers, or anyone who prefers to beat the summer evening humidity.
Getting to Nationals Park
- Address: 1500 S Capitol St SE, Washington, DC 20003
- Nearest Metro: Navy Yard Ballpark station on the Green Line, a short walk from the main gate
- Parking: Several garages surround the stadium, though Metro is generally faster and cheaper on game days
- Contact: mlb.com or 1-888-632-6287
Tips for Families and First Time Visitors
- Arrive at least 45 minutes before first pitch to avoid gate lines
- The Navy Yard neighborhood has dozens of restaurants and bars for a pre or post game meal
- Check for promotional giveaways on the Nationals schedule page before you buy tickets
- Weekday afternoon games are typically less crowded and easier for families with young children
2. Mrs. Doubtfire at the Kennedy Center
Quick answer: Mrs. Doubtfire, the musical adaptation of the beloved film, runs at the Kennedy Center from July 14 through August 2, 2026, and is recommended for ages 8 and up.
Everyone’s favorite Scottish nanny has made the leap from screen to stage in this internationally acclaimed musical comedy. Critics have called it wonderful, heart-warming and laugh-out-loud funny, and the story still lands the same emotional gut punch as the original film while adding an entirely new layer of music and comedy.
The Story Behind the Musical
Mrs. Doubtfire follows an out-of-work actor who disguises himself as a British nanny so he can stay close to his children after a difficult divorce. It is a story about a parent doing whatever it takes to remain present in his kids’ lives, wrapped in genuinely funny physical comedy and heartfelt songs. Reviewers have praised it as a big-hearted comedy that proves families are better together, which is a theme that resonates with audiences of every age.
Why This Matters for Local Families
A world class touring production landing at the Kennedy Center means Northern Virginia families do not need to travel to New York or fly anywhere to see Broadway caliber theater. This kind of accessibility to the arts is a real quality of life factor, and it is one of the reasons the DC metro consistently ranks among the most culturally rich regions in the country.
Planning Your Visit
- Recommended for children age 8 and older due to length and content
- Book early, since the show closes August 2 and weekend performances sell out quickly
- The Kennedy Center offers discounted parking and Metro access via the Foggy Bottom station with a free shuttle
3. Dinosaur Hunter Safari at Children’s Theatre in the Woods, Wolf Trap
Quick answer: Dinosaur Hunter Safari plays at Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods at Wolf Trap on Wednesday, July 29 and Thursday, July 30, 2026, both at 10:30 AM.
This one is a favorite for the Reston and Vienna crowd because Wolf Trap is practically a neighborhood venue for families in this part of Northern Virginia. Dinosaur Hunter Safari, starring David Engel as the wacky Professor Livingpebble, combines science education with comedy and a healthy dose of silliness, including a life sized, entirely vegan pet velociraptor named Mary.
What Makes This Show Different
Rather than simply performing a story at children, the show invites participation. Kids learn how fossils form and get a taste of what dinosaurs may have sounded like, all while laughing along with the professor’s antics. It is the kind of morning that turns a rainy or overly hot summer day into a genuine highlight for young children.
Event Details
- Venue: Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods, 1551 Trap Road, Vienna, VA 22182
- Suggested ages: 4 to 12
- Price: $12 including fees, free for children under 2
- Gates open: 10:00 AM, show begins at 10:30 AM
- Group discounts: Available for groups of 10 or more
Why Vienna Families Love Wolf Trap
Wolf Trap’s Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods is one of the most consistently praised family programs in the DC area precisely because it is affordable, short enough for young attention spans, and educational without feeling like a classroom. For families evaluating a move to Vienna or Great Falls, having a resource like this within minutes of home is a meaningful part of everyday life, not just an occasional treat.
How These Events Reflect Life in Northern Virginia
Whether it is a weekday ballgame at Nationals Park, a Tony caliber musical at the Kennedy Center, or a morning of dinosaur science in Vienna, this week is a good snapshot of why so many families choose to live in the Reston, Vienna and Great Falls corridor. Easy Metro and highway access to DC’s biggest venues, paired with hyper local, family friendly programming like Wolf Trap’s summer series, is a combination that is genuinely hard to find anywhere else in the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What time does the Nationals game start on July 28, 2026?
The Washington Nationals face the Toronto Blue Jays at Nationals Park at 6:45 PM on Tuesday, July 28, 2026.
- Is there a day game in the Nationals vs Blue Jays series?
Yes. The Wednesday, July 29, 2026 game starts at 1:05 PM, which is a good option for families avoiding the evening heat.
- How do I get to Nationals Park without driving?
The Navy Yard Ballpark Metro station on the Green Line lets out just steps from the main entrance, making it the easiest way to reach the stadium.
- Is Mrs. Doubtfire appropriate for young children?
The Kennedy Center recommends Mrs. Doubtfire for ages 8 and up due to its length and some mature comedic themes.
- When does Mrs. Doubtfire close at the Kennedy Center?
The musical’s run ends August 2, 2026, so tickets should be booked as early as possible.
- What is Dinosaur Hunter Safari about?
It is a family science comedy show featuring Professor Livingpebble and his vegan velociraptor sidekick, teaching kids about fossils and dinosaurs through humor and participation.
- How much are tickets to Dinosaur Hunter Safari? Tickets are $12 including fees, and children under 2 attend free.
Conclusion
This week alone proves how much life the Northern Virginia and DC corridor has to offer, from a Major League Baseball series at Nationals Park to a Broadway caliber musical at the Kennedy Center and a hands-on science adventure for kids at Wolf Trap. If you are weighing what it is really like to live in Reston, Vienna or Great Falls, weeks like this one are the answer.
Reach out today to talk about homes in the neighborhoods that put all of this right in your backyard.
