Written by Staff Writer-Now Moments TIMES
Anacostia Park will look a little different this weekend. Where runners and cyclists usually pass by, expect to see adults locked in tug-of-war battles, racing in relays, and launching dodgeballs under the spring sun. Laughter will carry across North Field A and B as The Big Kid Games returns to Washington, D.C. on Saturday, May 17th.
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The event, organized by All Good Friends and Something Different DC, offers what its name promises: one big adult field day. Designed as an escape from the usual weekend routine, the day invites locals to rediscover the fun of classic playground games, this time with a grown-up spin. The experience aims to bring together friends, strangers, and community members for a few hours of competition, music, food, and connection.
More than just a chance to revisit recess favorites like dodgeball, capture the flag, and relay races, The Big Kid Games builds community in a way traditional networking events don’t. There are no name tags or formal introductions—only shared moments, group challenges, and nonstop laughter that turns strangers into teammates.
A lineup of local DJs will set the soundtrack throughout the day. Players can cool off between games at the food trucks and vendor booths featuring local brands and small businesses. The event also includes giveaways and sponsor activations designed to keep the energy going on and off the field.
The North Field setting adds to the laid-back atmosphere. There are no grandstands or velvet ropes, only open space and an open invitation for attendees to move, compete, and channel their inner ten-year-old. Whether showing up solo or rolling in deep with friends, participants must dress comfortably, expect the unexpected, and lean into the fun.
The Big Kid Games taps into a larger cultural trend: the search for offline connection in an era of constant scrolling. It offers the kind of shared experience that lives beyond social media posts—a throwback to simpler times when a Saturday afternoon meant sunshine, community, and play.
The day wraps at 4 p.m., but the impact for many participants tends to linger long after. The organizers’ vision has always been about more than games. It’s about creating a rare space where culture, community, and fun meet on equal footing.
