Mayor Bowser and DPR Highlight Fun, Free Spring Break Programming for Young People Across DC

(Washington, DC) - As DC Public Schools (DCPS) prepare for Spring Break, Mayor Muriel Bowser is reminding parents and families that the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) is hosting a full week of fun, engaging activities for young residents from Saturday, April 11, through Saturday, April 18. DPR Spring Break will feature a wide range of free events across the District to keep kids and teens engaged in positive activities while they are on break, including outdoor games and activities, youth talent shows, horse riding, lifeguard training, ice skating instruction at the brand-new Fort Dupont Ice Arena, and much more. View a full list of events and register today at dprspringbreak.splashthat.com.

In addition to these great events, 12 DPR indoor pools will be open across the District for those who want to spend Spring Break swimming, including Wilson, Marie Reed, Takoma, Roosevelt, Dunbar, Deanwood, and Ballou. To view the opening hours of individual pools, please visit dpr.dc.gov/page/indoor-pools.

Pump It Up Palace
Come experience a pop-up indoor amusement park filled with huge inflatables, life-size board games, and more exciting attractions. Don't miss out on the ultimate day of laughter, play, adventure, and all-ages fun!

• Dates: April 13, 14, 15, 17
• Times: 1 pm - 7:30 pm
• Location: Kennedy Recreation Center, 1401 7th Street NW
  

Rosedale Spring Fling
Rosedale's Spring Fling is a festive event celebrating the Rosedale community with food, music, and games. Join us for carnival-style fun, crafts, vendors, and family-friendly entertainment including face painting and live performances.

• Date: April 15
• Time: 11 am - 6 pm
• Location: Rosedale Community Center, 1701 Gales Street NE
  

Barry Farm Field Day
Join us for a fun outdoor event with games, activities, and food to bring the community together.

• Date: April 15
• Time: 12 pm - 4 pm
• Location: Barry Farm Recreation Center, 1230 Sumner Road SE
  

Design Den
Teens will have the opportunity to put their artistic mark on furniture and other items to be placed at DPR centers and used for upcoming teen events. All items will start out white and each participant will have the opportunity to design the items in any way they please under DPR direction.

• Date: April 15
• Time: 5 pm - 6 pm
• Location: Columbia Heights Community Center, 1480 Girard Street NW
  

Next Up DC: Youth Talent Show
Come enjoy this Youth Talent Show for Spring Break, focused on youth voice, confidence, creativity, and cross-program collaboration.

• Date: April 15
• Time: 6 pm - 8 pm
• Location: Southeast Tennis & Learning Center, 701 Mississippi Avenue SE
  

Saddle Up Daddy & Daughter Dance
Saddle up for a good time at our cowboy-themed Daddy & Daughter Dance. Grab your boots and hats and join us for an unforgettable evening filled with delicious food, great music, fun photo moments, and memories that will last a lifetime.

• Date: April 15
• Time: 6 pm - 8 pm
• Location: Emery Heights Recreation Center, 5701 Georgia Avenue NW
  

Berry Fun Spring Jam
Join us for a day packed with excitement, laughter, and unforgettable memories. From high-energy moon bounces and classic carnival games to hands-on, spring-themed activities, there's something fun for everyone in the family!

• Date: April 17
• Time: 2 pm. - 5 pm
• Location: Kennedy Recreation Center, 1401 7th Street NW
  

Boost Camp Horsepower
A one-day session for those who want to learn about the wonderful world of horses - no experience needed! Participants will learn basic horsemanship fundamentals, riding instruction and proper position, barn and horse safety, and more. Lunch will be provided. Come join us for this exciting day and learn everything you need to know about horses!

• Date: April 17
• Time: 9 am - 3 pm
• Location (transportation leaves from): Hillcrest Recreation Center, 3100 Denver Street SE
  

DC Talent Showcase
The DC Talent Showcase celebrates young people who are excited to share their creativity and contribute to the artistic vibrancy of our city.

• Date: April 18
• Time: 12 pm- 5:pm
• Location: Barry Farm Recreation Center, 1230 Sumner Road SE
  

High School Lifeguard Training
The International Lifeguard Training Program is a hands-on, confidence-building course that prepares you to be a DPR lifeguard. You'll learn how to prevent incidents before they happen, recognize hazards quickly, perform water rescues, and provide first aid, CPR, oxygen support, and AED care using industry standard techniques. To enroll, you'll need to complete a 100-yard swim, retrieve a 10-lb brick from the bottom of the pool, and tread water for one minute without using your hands.

• Dates: April 14, 15, 16
• Time: 10 am - 6 pm
• Locations: Roosevelt Aquatic Center, 4301 13th Street NW | Dunbar Aquatic Center, 101 N Street NW
  

Free Open Skate at Fort Dupont Ice Arena
District residents ages 17 and under can enjoy free entry and skate rental for the week at the Fort Dupont Ice Arena in Ward 7.

• Open skate hours:
  • Monday, April 13 | Tuesday, April 14 | Wednesday, April 15:
    • 10 am - 12 pm
    • 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm
    • 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm
    • 6 pm - 8 pm
  • Friday, April 17:
    • 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm
    • 6 pm - 8 pm
• Location: Fort Dupont Ice Arena, 3779 Ely Place SE
  

Youth Ice Academy
These sessions introduce young people to ice skating through a structured, entry-level program focused on building strong fundamentals, confidence, and on-ice safety.

• Dates & Times:
  • Ages 9-12: April 13 & April 15, 10:30 am - 11:30 am
  • Ages 13-17: April 14 & April 17, 2 pm - 3 pm
• Location: Fort Dupont Ice Arena, 3779 Ely Place SE
  

Learn more about these events and sign up at dprspringbreak.splashthat.com.

The Bowser Administration offers free and low-cost programming year-round through the Department of Parks and Recreation, ensuring DC youth have safe and productive opportunities to learn, play, and grow. In Fiscal Year 2025 alone, DPR offered more than 1,700 programs for kids ages 3-17, serving more than 21,500 participants. DPR's Roving Leaders Program hosted 61 special events for at-risk and hard-to-reach youth, engaging with more than 25,000 participants. And the District's Late Night Hypes, Holiday Hypes, and Late Night Drips-teen and family-focused late-night events-served more than 14,000 participants. Additionally, DPR's Rec for All Grants, which fund other organizations to do programming to reach youth that do not come to DPR recreation centers, funded 87 grants at almost $1.7 million, serving more than 3,500 youth.

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