Most people think of Cinco de Mayo either as a national holiday in Mexico which should be celebrated respectfully or an opportunity to greet the warm weather and drink Mexican beer and eat chips! If you have small children you might want to find some kid friendly Cinco de May events to share the fun with them!
Running of the Chihuahuas
This certainly qualifies as one of the best kid friendly Cinco de Mayos on the list! It isn’t your typical day at the races, but it sure is cute. Watch the tiny dogs compete to win pet-friendly gifts at this seventh annual event. Spectator dogs can dress up for a chance to win prizes in the pet costume contest. There’s also a Waterfront Beer and Wine Garden and deejay for adults, a photo booth, mini-golf course and other kids’ activities. Plus, you’ll get to check out the awesome D.C. Wharf, one of D.C.’s newest developments, with shops, restaurants, an 
entertainment venue and leisure activities.
Cost: Free
When: May 5, 1 p.m.-5 p.m.
Where: District Pier, 735 Water St., SW
Online: wharfdc.com
La Milla de Mayo 2018
Are you looking for more kid friendly Cinco de Mayo events? La Milla de Mayo, which translates to the May Mile, is a mile-long run/walk in a block party atmosphere. Free quarter- and half-mile kids runs start off the race, which ends with music, food, salsa dancing and Cinco de Mayo festivities. Proceeds from the event will benefit the city of Gaithersburg’s Dolores C. Swoyer Camp Scholarship Fund, which covers summer camp registration fees for underprivileged youth. Note: Strollers are welcome on the course.
Cost: $17-$28/adult, $10/kids ages 5-11, $5/kids under 5
When: May 5, 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Where: See website for parking locations in Olde Town Gaithersburg
Online: gaithersburgmd.gov
Cinco de Mayo Street Party
Downtown Silver Spring will offer live music by Latin band Sol y Rumba, plus food, drinks, activities and giveaways for the whole family. Note: Go back the next day for Fiesta Asia Silver Spring, which celebrates Asian cultures with music, dance, martial arts, crafts and foods.
Cost: Free
When: May 5, 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
Where: 908 Ellsworth Dr. (Silver Spring, Md)
Online: downtownsilverspring.com
The Mexican Cultural Festival
This family-friendly event will feature traditional crafts, music and dance from Mexico with a three-story mural as the backdrop. Events include Mexican folk art, a mariachi band and “Let’s Celebrate Cinco de Mayo” on May 5. Bonus: The Mexican Cultural Institute (2829 16th St. NW) will participate in the Around the World Embassy Tour on May 5 (10 a.m.-4 p.m.), when more than 40 embassies open their doors to the public.
When: May 1-6, see website for times
Where: Children’s National Health System, 111 Michigan Ave., NW
Online: instituteofmexicodc.org