School’s Out: Mayor Bowser Highlights Summer Opportunities for Kids, Teens, and Families

(Washington, DC) - With today marking the last day of school for students in DC Public Schools (DCPS), Mayor Muriel Bowser is highlighting the full range of summer programming, resources and support available to DC youth and families this summer. From sports and camps to free meals and library programs, the District is ready to make Summer 2026 the best one yet. Throughout the summer, families can visit summer.dc.gov to learn more about programming and opportunities for children and teens.

"Summer in DC is special. We have the number one park system in the country, which includes our playgrounds and pools. We have free world-class museums and modern libraries. We have the best youth jobs program in the country. And we want to make sure our families have the information they need to make the most of it," said Mayor Bowser. "We're asking adults in the community to make sure our kids and teens know about what's available, that they know how to access free meals and register for events like Late Night Hype and that together, we have a great summer."

DPR Events and Programs

The DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) has a packed summer calendar of free and low-cost events across the city, including the return of Late Night Hype-the District's carnival-inspired Friday night program giving teens and young adults safe, high-energy spaces to dance, play and connect at recreation centers across the District.

DPR X Washington Wizards Community Basketball Clinic

This Saturday, join us for an exciting day of basketball, community engagement and skill-building at refurbished DPR courts. These free community clinics are designed to bring residents of all ages to enjoy the game of basketball, learn new techniques and foster a sense of community. There will be themed clinics featured such as parent and child sessions, to encourage family participation and bonding.

Late Night Hype

Come out to Late Night Hype for free, themed teen night events featuring music, dancing, video games, food and a wide range of interactive activities hosted at neighborhood recreation centers. Happening on most Fridays from 7 pm to 11 pm at multiple locations around the city, Late Night Hype is a fun, safe space for District teens to gather and have a great time. Learn more, register, or sign up to become a Late Night Hype volunteer at latenighthype.splashthat.com.

Late Night Drip

Mark your calendar for Late Night Drip-a vibrant late-night pool party featuring inflatables, upbeat music and fun interactive games. RSVP at latenightdrip.splashthat.com.

• July 11 - Anacostia Pool, 1800 Anacostia Drive SE
• July 18 - Langdon Park Pool, 2860 Mills Avenue NE
• July 25 - Banneker Pool, 2500 Georgia Avenue NW

Movies on Deck

Movies on Deck allows residents to enjoy a family-friendly movie and a swim in one of DPR's outdoor pools.

• Saturday, July 18 from 7 pm to 10 pm | Langdon Park Pool, 2860 Mills Avenue NE
• Saturday, July 25 from 7 pm to 10 pm | Banneker Pool, 2500 Georgia Avenue NW

6th Annual Roving Leader Day

On July 18, DPR's Roving Leaders will host a fun, family field day with games, moon bounces, food giveaways and much more.

• When: Saturday, July 18, 12 pm to 6 pm
• Where: Langdon Park, 2901 20th Street NE

Play in the Park

Play in the Park allows families to head to one of the District's parks and enjoy jumbo games, skating and biking, popcorn and more.

• Bruce Monroe Park, 3012 Georgia Avenue NW | Tuesdays, July 7 through August 4, 5 pm to 8 pm
• Oxon Run Park, 1200 Mississippi Avenue SE | Thursdays, July 9 through August 6, 5 pm to 8 pm
• Learn more at playinthepark.splashthat.com

Jazz in the Park

Jazz in the Park brings vibrant music and community spirit to neighborhoods across the District, with free popup performances every Tuesday and Thursday in July and August. Residents are invited to simply show up, relax and enjoy an evening of live jazz in their own backyard.

Families can explore the full lineup of DPR events at <a data-cke-saved-href=" https:="">dprevents.com and find camps, courses and programs at dprprograms.com.

Want to give back to the community this summer? DPR is looking for volunteers to help out with programming at Fort Dupont Ice Arena and at the District's Late Night Hype series for teens. Learn more and apply on the DPR website.

DC Youth Meals: Free Summer Meals Citywide

While school is out this summer, children and teens ages 18 and younger can access no-cost meals and snacks at more than 100 DC Youth Meals sites across all eight wards. The program is administered by the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) through the US Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Summer Food Service Program and sites operate June through August with days and hours that vary by location.

The DC Youth Meals program will officially begin on Monday, June 22. No application or ID is required. All a student needs to do to receive a free meal is show up during posted mealtimes. Sites and daily hours will be posted on [osse.dc.gov/dcyouthmeals]osse.dc.gov/dcyouthmeals. Families can also text FOOD (or COMIDA) to 304304 or call 1-866-3-HUNGRY for help finding open locations.

No Child Goes Hungry: DC SUN Bucks Returns for a Third Year

For the third consecutive year, the Bowser Administration is bringing back DC SUN Bucks-a federal nutrition assistance program that provides a one-time $120 Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) benefit to eligible school-age children during summer break. Benefits can be used at any authorized SNAP retailer and are available for approximately four months after issuance.

Students ages 5-18 are automatically enrolled if they participate in SNAP or TANF, are approved for Free and Reduced-price Meals, are experiencing homelessness, or are in foster care. Families can use the DC SUN Bucks Enrollment Checker to verify whether their child is automatically enrolled or needs to apply. The application deadline is August 23, 2026. Visit sunbucks.dc.gov to check eligibility, apply and manage benefits.

Fresh Produce, Free of Charge: DPR Weekly Veggie Giveaways

DPR is also giving away free, fresh, locally grown produce four times a week at three locations across the city-from May through November. Residents can pick up kale, collards, tomatoes, peppers, herbs and more while supplies last. Register and find locations at dprveggies.splashthat.com.

Stay Cool at the Pool and Spray Parks Citywide

Residents of all ages can also beat the summer heat at DC's free pools and spray parks, operated by DPR:

Keep Learning: DCPS Summer Programs and DC Public Library Discover Summer

DC Public Schools offers summer learning and enrichment programs for elementary, middle and high school students at no cost-with breakfast and lunch provided. Students can build skills, make new friends and get ready for the year ahead. Learn more at dcpsstrong.com/summer.

Discover Summer with DC Public Library runs through August 31. This all-ages, citywide celebration of reading and learning invites readers to dream about what America can become over the next 250 years. Learn more and register at any Library location or at dclibrary.org/discover-summer.

MBSYEP and CRESP Start!

The Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program (MBSYEP) officially kicks off on Monday, June 29. Now in its 47th year, MBSYEP gives thousands of DC youth ages 14-24 an opportunity to earn income while they learn, grow and explore potential career paths. The program partners with hundreds of employers in the private and public sectors to provide relevant training and guidance to DC's youth, helping them develop the positive work habits and skills necessary to secure future employment.

The Career Ready Early Scholars Program (CRESP) kicks off on June 29 as well, providing District youth ages 9 to 13 with a chance to engage in comprehensive college and career exploration programming and gain hands-on learning experience during the summer.

Mayor's Opportunity Scholarship Applications Are Still Open

And applications for the Mayor's Opportunity Scholarship are open until Monday, July 6 at 5:00 p.m. The program provides 75 scholarships in the amount of $2,500 each for young adults ages 18-24 who have successfully attained a high school diploma or equivalent, participated in 2026 MBSYEP and enrolled in post-secondary education or occupational skills training or the military. Learn more and apply at summerjobs.dc.gov/page/scholarships.

Plan Ahead: DC Public Schools Afterschool Program Registration for SY26-27 Is Open

Families can get a head start on the school year by applying now for 2026-27 DCPS Afterschool Programs through the My Out of School Time DC (MOST-DC) portal-the District's free, centralized platform for searching, exploring and registering for afterschool and summer programs all in one place. Visit MOST.dc.gov to get started.

Other Family-Friendly Events Happening This Weekend

FIFA World Cup Watch Party at Tingey Plaza in Navy Yard

The World Cup is here-and DC is still celebrating. Mayor Bowser and DC United hosted the first of two official FIFA World Cup 2026 watch parties earlier this month at Franklin Park. The second celebration runs June 19-21 at Tingey Plaza in Navy Yard. For more information and to register, visit dcunited.com/soccer-celebration.

Celebrate Juneteenth with DPR

This Juneteenth weekend, get out, get moving and join with community to honor culture, wellness, and freedom through movement.

On Friday, June 19, FITDC will host Freedom in Motion, a morning of movement, mindfulness and community connection at Franklin Park from 9 am to 12 pm The free event features energizing Pilates sessions, guided meditation and dynamic Capoeira experiences.

Also on Friday, cyclists of all ages are invited to a Juneteenth Freedom Bike Ride from Reservoir Park Community Center to the National Museum of African American History and Culture. The ride starts at 10 am and runs through 12 pm.

Capital Pride Parade

On Saturday, June 20, join the Bowser Administration for the 2026 Capital Pride Parade-celebrating two decades of partnership, advocacy and progress for LGBTQIA+ Washingtonians.

Residents are reminded to stay safe and keep cool this summer, especially when temperatures and humidity rise. Visit heat.dc.gov to find information about the District's heat emergency plan, locate cooling centers and access important safety tips and available services. To stay informed about heat alerts and other emergency notifications, sign up for AlertDC at alert.dc.gov.

• Indoor pools are available year-round across the city. Visit dpr.dc.gov/indoorpools for a full list of locations and hours.
• Outdoor pools operate on a weekend-only schedule through June 21, and will be open six days a week starting Monday, June 22. For locations and schedules, visit dpr.dc.gov/outdoorpools.
• Spray parks across the city operate on a weekend-only schedule through June 21, and will be open daily starting Monday, June 22. Some spray parks may be offline for scheduled weekly maintenance. To find your closest spray park, visit dpr.dc.gov/sprayparks.
• When: Saturday, June 20 | Line up at 2 pm; parade steps off at 3 pm
• Where: 14th Street NW & U Street NW
• RSVP: tinyurl.com/MMBPrideParade2026

Mayor Bowser X: @MayorBowser
Mayor Bowser Instagram: @Mayor_Bowser
Mayor Bowser Bluesky: @MayorBowser
Mayor Bowser Facebook: facebook.com/MayorMurielBowser
Mayor Bowser YouTube: https://www.bit.ly/eomvideos
Mayor Bowser LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mayorbowser