Each week, there are hundreds of free or low-cost events for families and kids in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia. We've done the hard work for you, sifting through our extensive kids' event calendar to let you know which events are sure to please. Have fun, make memories and go on an adventure with your family!

May 24. Creatures of the Night by Firelight. 7:30 to 9 p.m. Why do coyotes howl? Why do owls hunt at night? Hear stories, sing songs and enjoy a toasted snack. Preregister by emailing naturecenter@reston.org $$ WNC Campfire Ring, Soapstone Dr. between Glade Dr. and Lawyers Rd., Reston, VA. reston.org

May 25 & 26. Sunset Celebration at Mount Vernon. 6 to 9 p.m. Take a trip back to the 18th century by touring the mansion and enjoying wagon rides and music on the lawn overlooking the Potomac. Costumed residents will make this event memorable for visitors of all ages. $$ George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate, Mount Vernon, VA. mountvernon.org

May 25 - 27. Hometown Holidays. Check website for full schedule. The city of Rockville is hosting a huge festival Memorial Day weekend with free concerts, Taste of Rockville, kids' amusements and a Memorial Day parade. FREE Rockville Town Center, Rockville. rockvillemd.gov/events/hth/

May 25 & 26. Celebrate Hawaii Festival. 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sat., 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sun. Coinciding with Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, this celebration of Hawaiian culture includes cooking demonstrations, film screenings and hula dancing. FREE American Indian Museum, Washington, DC. si.edu/events

May 25 & 26. Strawberry Jubilee. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Attend the biggest U-pick strawberry festival in Northern Virginia. The celebration includes live music, farm contests, strawberry picking and lots of food. $$ Great Country Farms, Bluemont, VA. greatcountryfarms.com

May 25. River Monsters. 10 a.m. Explore the Bull Run stream to discover river monsters. Fish for giant catfish and search for Northern Water snakes. Bring a fishing pole and bait. Kids ages 8+. Preregister. $$ Hemlock Overlook, Clifton, VA. fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes

May 26. Movies on the Potomac. Sunset. Spend a summer evening watching a film under the stars. Today's flick: Wreck-It Ralph. FREE Waterfront Plaza, National Harbor, MD. nationalharbor.com

May 26. Support Our Troops: Missives to the Battlefield. Noon to 3 p.m. Join a ranger in a Civil War tent to learn more about the Civil War through personal letters. Then, using a quill and ink, write a letter to an active-duty U.S. soldier. Kids ages 8 to 12. FREE Rock Creek Park Nature Center, Washington, DC. nps.gov/rocr

May 28. Story Time on the Lake. 10:30 a.m. Head out on a pontoon boat ride, where you'll hear a story and learn about Little Seneca Lake. Today's program focuses on dragonflies. Kids ages 3+. Preregister. $$ Black Hill Visitor Center, Boyds, MD. parkpass.org

May 29. Nature Detectives: Skulls and Bones. 4 p.m. Learn to identify the skulls and bones of some of the most common animals in Arlington. Kids ages 6 to 10. Preregister. $$ Gulf Branch Nature Center, Arlington, VA. arlingtonva.us

Looking for something that's not listed here? Visit our kids' event calendar for lots more ideas for fun family activities in DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia.