About Kinderfest

People walking around large colorful moon-bounces at a festival on a sunny day.
Families from all around the Washington metropolitan area are invited to participate in Kinderfest - a day focused on children featuring festivities, programs, and entertainment for the whole family. This annual Fall festival for children is held at Watkins Regional Park on the first Saturday in October.

First Kinderfest


First held as an "Oktoberfest" for youth and their families and friends, Kinderfest has grown bigger and better every year. The population of Prince George's County was just over 665,000 in 1981. Nearly 3,000 residents and guests came to Watkins Regional Park that year to enjoy:
  • Carnival games
  • Costumed characters
  • Dancers
  • Hay rides
  • Lots of sweets and savory refreshments
  • Magician
  • Pony rides
  • Roving clowns
  • Scarecrow workshops
  • Singers
  • Watkins Park carousel and miniature train
Colorful logo for Kinderfest with a drawn purple horse leaping around trains, trees, and tents.

Future Plans


Department of Parks and Recreation employees and more than 50 community volunteers planned and conducted the first Kinderfest. These traditions continue today. As a signature event of the Maryland-National Capital Park & Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), Kinderfest is near and dear to the community and to our staff. We are continuously planning to add new games, exhibits, activities, and programs with support from local businesses and corporate partners.