Things to do with kids this summer in DC

Summer is around the corner and we’re all trying to figure out what to do with the kids during summer break in DC.

If you live in the DC area or planning a summer visit to Washington DC, I have a list of some fun things to do with kids this summer in DC.

From planning a beach getaway, and some time out in nature, to a summer road trip exploring some spots on the East Coast, I share lots of ideas on some family-friendly things to do with kids this summer in DC.

READ NEXT: Guide to Washington DC with kids

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Things to do with kids this Summer in DC

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Hit the Beach

There’s nothing like hitting the beach in summertime to cool off. Luckily, there are so many family-friendly beaches close to the DC area.

One of our favorite beaches near DC is Assateague Beach located on Assateague Island on both the Virginia and Maryland side.

Assateague Beach is known for its miles of pristine beaches and wild ponies on the Eastern Shores.

We love it here because it’s the perfect beach for relaxation without the boardwalk crowds.

We also love Outlook Beach at Fort Monroe and Yorktown Beach with its calm waters perfect for the littlest swimmers.

READ NEXT: Best Family Beaches near Washington DC

We also love the beaches in Delaware. We love the laid-back beaches at Fenwick Island State Park with the sand dunes and miles of beaches for relaxation.

Lewes Beach is perfect for families with its calm waters, plus you can add a stroll through the historic town and learn about its early Dutch settlers.

Dewey Beach and Bethany Beach are other popular beach spots in Delaware as well.

If you’re looking for a more lively beach scene Virginia Beach is another popular spot for those looking for more than just relaxation.

READ NEXT: Guide to visiting Chincoteague Island

Families will love the 3-mile boardwalk lined with restaurants, shops, and beachfront hotels. There’s so much opportunity for outdoor recreation, including boating, fishing, and more.

Ocean City Maryland is another fun boardwalk beach. There is always something going on at the boardwalk, including amusement rides, shops, restaurants, and more.

Ocean City definitely gets busy, especially during the summer, so I suggest planning a weekday visit to avoid the crowds!

MORE BEACH IDEAS:

• Cape Charles Beach VA
• First Landing State Beach, VA
• Breezy Point Beach MD
• Chesapeake Beach MD
• Brownies Beach, MD

READ NEXT: Summer Road Trip Ideas in Virginia

Cool of at a splash park

One of the best ways to cool off during the summer is a visit to one of the splash pads in the area.

There are so many fun splash parks in the DC area, some of which are just so amazing! Here is a list of just a few that we love:

• Georgetown Waterfront Park is the perfect spot to cool off when visiting the Georgetown waterfront. There is a large fountain where kids can play and splash. The park is located at Wisconsin ave. & K St. NW.
  
• The Yards Park is a fun waterfront destination with lots of green space and water features for the whole family. The kids will enjoy splashing through the dancing fountains, and the canal basin.
  
• Park is open daily from 10am-7pm, Admission is free and there are public restrooms as well. You can park between Yards Park and the Nationals Ballpark which costs $2 per hour for a max of 3 hours. Daily rates are $35 or more. The Yards Park is located at 355 Water Street SE, Washington DC
  
• Potomac Yard Park features an interactive splash pad located between two playgrounds and features 36 water jets that shoots water and lights for evening play.

• The park is open daily from 10am-9pm (Memorial Day to Labor Day), 10am-8pm (Labor Day-mid October). Appropriate swimwear and non-slip shoes must be worn at all times.

• Our Special Harbor Spray Park at Lee District Park is one of the best accessible splash parks in the area with a Chesapeake themed sprayground. Admission is free and is on a first come-first served basis with limited capacity.
  
• Be aware that kids 15 and under will need to wear aquatic shoes or sandals with a manufactured back strap. There is also a fun play ground, a short walking trail, picnic areas, and a carousel.
  
• The park is located at 6601 Telegraph road, Alexandria, VA, and open Weekends and Holidays only on May 29-June 12 from 9:30-7pm. From June 13-Aug.22 (11am-5pm on Wed.) (11am-7pm Mon/Tues/Thurs/Fri.) (9:30am-7pm Sat/Sun.)

Take an evening stroll to see the Monuments and Memorials 

Washington DC gets pretty hot during the summer. To beat the summer heat, take an evening stroll to see the monuments and memorials at night instead.

Strolling along the National Mall in the evening is a different experience. There are some evening tours that you can take part in that will show you the magic of Washington DC at night.

READ NEXT: Guide to Washington DC in one day

BOOK A TOUR:

Visit a new playground 

One of the best things to do with kids this summer in DC is a day out on a playground.

There are so many fun playgrounds for kids in DC and the surrounding area. Here is a list of some of our favorites:

• Clemyjontri Park– Clemyjontri Park is located about 20 minutes outside of DC in McLean at 6317 VA-193, McLean, VA 22101. It is one of the best playgrounds in the area, and is made for children of all abilities. The park is a place where children who use wheelchairs, walkers or braces, or who have sensory or developmental disabilities, can play side by side with other children.

• Watkins Regional Park– Wizard of Oz themed Playground located at 301 Watkins Park DrUpper Marlboro, MD

• Chessies Big Back Yard at Lee District– Amazing playground for kids with a seasonal splash pad, nature trail and a carousel. Located at 6601 Telegraph Rd, Alexandria, VA 22310

• Fairlington Playground– Huge playground for kids of all ages, located at 3308 S Stafford St. Arlington, VA

• Anacostia Park Pirate Ship Playground– Pirate themed play area with scenic views of the Anacostia river. Located at the Anacostia Park

• Glen Echo Park– Historic park with a carousel, play area and aquarium. Located at 7300 Macarthur Blvd, Glen Echo, MD 20812

Visit a Flower Field

One thing to look forward to during the summer in DC is the flowering fields.

Sunflower fields and the blooming Lotus and Lily flowers are just a few to look forward to in summertime.

Here is a list of just some of the few sunflower fields near DC, and where to find the blooming Lotus flowers:

• McKee-Beshers wildlife management area in Maryland is one of the most popular spots to see the Sunflower fields near DC. Prime bloom time for sunflowers is mid-July through early August. This sunflower fields is located on River Rd. near Poolesville MD, this sunflower field is completely FREE to visit, just be aware that you cannot pick the sunflowers! 

• Burnside Farms in Nokesville, Virginia is another popular spot to admire sunflowers. Sometime in mid-July, Burnside farms hosts their annual Summer of Sunflowers event where you can actually pick your own sunflowers. Adult tickets include 3 pick your own sunflower and theres even a fun sunflower maze as well.

• Gaver Farms also has a fun sunflower festival during late summer as well. Pick your own sunflowers are available in September and cost $2 per bloom.

• Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens is famous for their blooming Lotus and Lily flowers sometime in the summer during late June-July. The Park is open daily from 8am-4pm and is completely FREE to enter.

READ NEXT: Guide to Visiting the tulip fields at Burnside Farms

Visit the Waterfront destinations

Another fun destination during the summer in Washington DC is the waterfront locations along the Potomac.

There are quite a few waterfront locations to choose from in the DC area, here are some of our favorite spots:

Summer at the DC Wharf

The DC Wharf is one of our favorite waterfront destinations, and there is always something fun going on here.

• Visit the Recreation pier and rent a kayak and explore the Potomac, or let the kids get on the giant swings and cool off at the splash pad. There are lots of restaurants here, plus you can get some fresh seafood at the Maine Avenue Fish market.

• Skate DC at the Wharf: Bring your roller skates and enjoy free outdoor roller skating with music at the rink on Transit Pier at the Wharf. The outdoor skate rink will open during the second weekends of June, July, and August. Admission is free for all ages, but adults must bring their own skates. Skate rentals are available for kids only (size 12 junior – 6) and cost 
• When: June 11-12, July 9 & 10, and August 13 & 14.
• June 11 & 12 schedule: Saturday: 10am – 10pm / Sunday: 3pm – 7pm
• Location: DC Wharf Transit Pier

• Concerts on Transit Pier at the Wharf: One of our favorite places in DC is the Wharf and during the summer you can enjoy FREE concerts on Transit Pier every Wednesday starting at 7 p.m. There will be music for everyone inlcuding R&B, Motown, Jazz, Reggae, Country and more!
• June 1: Collective Delusion (Rock)
• June 8: Pebble To Pearl (R&B, Pop)
• June 15: David Thong Band (Rock, Country, Reggae)
• June 22: La Unica (Latin Celtic Rock)
• June 29: Jimi Smooth & HitTime (R&B Motown)
• July 6: JWX: The Jarreau Williams Experience (Rock, R&B)
• July 13: The U.S. Army Band (Pop)
• July 20: Driven to Clarity (Pop)
• July 27: Brent & Co.  (Rock, Funk)
• August 3: Soulfire (Rock)
• August 10: Scott Kurt & Memphis 59 (Country)
• August 17: Dupont Brass (Brass Band)
• August 24: Turtle Recall (Classic Rock)
• August 31: The JoGo Project (Soul, Go-go)

READ MORE: A visit to the DC Wharf with kids

The Georgetown Waterfront

• The Georgetown Waterfront is a fun waterfront destination as well, and is the starting point to the C&O Canal Towpath, which is the perfect multi-use trail for a fun family outing.

• During the summer, the kids can cool off at the splash pad, plus you can rent kayaks and explore the Potomac. You can dine at one of the many waterfront restaurants, or shop at one of the many boutique stores in Georgetown.

• C&O Canal Boat Tours: Enjoy a one hour historical guided boat tour along the first mile of the C&O Canal. This tour is finally back after being closed for a nearly a decade!
• Boat rides are available Wed-Sun, 10 am – 4 pm, through October 2022.
• Tours depart at 10 am, 12 pm, 2 pm, and 4 pm Wednesday through Sunday and last one hour. Arrive at least 15 minutes before your tour to begin boarding.
• Tickets: Must be reserved online here and range from $10-$20
• Location: The Canal boat boarding area is located at C&O Canal Lock 3, along the Canal towpath between Thomas Jefferson and 30th Streets NW (near 1057 Thomas Jefferson St). 

The National Harbor

• The National Harbor in Maryland is another one of our favorite waterfront location. There is always something going on at the National Harbor, plus the kids will love the Capital wheel, the playgrounds and the carousel.

• The National Harbor is also the perfect place to shop, and dine with so many waterfront restaurants to choose from.

• Movies on the Potomac: Free outdoor movies on Sundays at 6pm all summer! Bring chairs and food and enjoy movies along the Potomac!

• Kids Day on the Plaza: Morning of fun for kids at the National Harbor every Thursday from June-August at 10:30am. Activities will include crafts, meet and greets with the Prince George’s County Police Department and the Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department, and interactive story time.

• Salute the Sunset Concert Series: Enjoy an evening with performing ensembles from a variety of United States military bands beginning at 7:00pm. Saturday and select Wednesday evenings 

READ MORE: Top things to do at the National Harbor in Maryland with kids

The Alexandria Waterfront

• The Alexandria Waterfront is another waterfront location near DC that’s worth a visit. Take a Water Taxi from the Wharf or the National Harbor and explore the historic streets of Old Town Alexandria.

• Start your visit with a stroll along King street and peruse through the many boutique shops and restaurants, or take a stroll through the historic streets and admire all the beautiful Row homes.

• You can end your day on a stroll along the waterfront and let the kids play in one of the many parks along the way. There is always a new art sculpture to look forward to at the Waterfront Park that is always so interesting and unique.

• Portside in Old Town Summer Festival: Enjoy a free summer festival at the Old Town Alexandria waterfront which features live music, local craft beer from Port City Brewing Company and fun for the whole family on the Alexandria waterfront.
• When: Fri., June 17 ( 6 to 9 p.m. ) / Sat., June 18 ( 1 to 9 p.m.)
• Tickets: Free Admission
• Location: Waterfront Park, 1A Prince St., Alexandria, VA 22314

READ MORE: Top things to do in Old town Alexandria

Outdoor things to do this summer with kids in DC

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Have a summer picnic

Summer break is the perfect time to have a picnic and there are so many big open green spaces in DC to enjoy a family picnic. Here are a few of our favorite spots:

• National Mall– After your sightseeing stroll around DC, pack a picnic and lounge under the trees along the National Mall. There are so many green open spaces in the city to lounge around and take a break. Pack a kite for the little ones and enjoy spending some quality time as a family.

• US Arboretum– The US Arboretum is another popular spot for a picnic. The park is huge and has lots of room to social distance. Plus you can bring along the kids bikes and take a bike ride exploring the park. The Aboretum is free, parking is free, and there are public restrooms.

• Lyndon B. Johnson Memorial Grove– Another quiet spot in the city for a picnic. There are picnic tables and benches throughout and it’s free to park with clean restrooms.

• Gravelly Park– Have a kid that’s into airplanes? Take them to Gravelly Park and watch the planes as they takeoff or land at the nearby Ronald Reagan airport. Make sure to pack a picnic lunch and pack the kids bike as well. The Mount Vernon trail passes through here and is the perfect place for a family bike ride.

Go for a bike ride

Another fun activity to do with kids this summer in DC is a family bike ride.

There are so many fun bike trails in the DC area to enjoy a family day out with the kids.

Rent a bike or bring your own and enjoy a summer bike ride around DC. Here are some of our favorite bike trails in the area:

• Mount Vernon Trail– Mount Vernon trail is one of the more popular bike trails in the DC area and goes for about 18 miles. The trail travels along the George Washington Memorial parkway, from Mount Vernon to to the Theodore Roosevelt Island, and there are many scenic stops along the way. Try bike riding on weekdays as the trail gets pretty congested on weekends!

• C&O Canal Towpath– Another fun bike trail that’s easy to do with the little ones is along the C&O Canal Towpath. This 184.5 mile trail goes from Georgetown DC to Cumberland MD. There are many places to access the C&O Canal Towpath, but we usually park along the Clara Barton Parkway.

• East Potomac Park-Hains Point– The trail along East Potomac Park and Hains Point is another easy bike trail for families. This 4.1 mile loop is a popular spot for bikers and runners, plus there is a playground for the little ones and free parking along Ohio Dr.

• The National Mall– A bike ride along the National Mall is the perfect family acitivity in DC. You can rent bikes or bring your own and explore the sights in DC.

Summer Fruit picking 

One thing to look forward to during the summer is the pick your own fruit events.

There are many farms in the area that offer a pick your own fruit event during the summer months. Here are a few of our faves:

1. Great Country Farms: is currently holding their annual Strawberry Jubilee Festival on May 21, 22, 28, 29 & 30. Purchase advanced tickets online for $2 dollars off admission. There will be live music, farm contests, wagon rides, great food and fun games for the whole family. You can also indulge in Cider Donuts, Strawberry Lemonade,  hand-dipped ice cream and baked goods including strawberry rhubarb pies.

• In the summer, you can also expect to pick your own cherries, peaches and blackberries at Great Country Farms. Blackberries are in season from mid-late July, Peaches in July & August, and Cherries in early June.

• Wegmeyer Farms: is open for strawberry picking by reservations at the Oatlands & Hamiltons Field locations. Reservations can be made online here and costs $29 which includes your first bucket of strawberries and secures a spot in the field for no more than one hour for you and your family. Pre-picked strawberries and donuts can be purchased at Gilbert’s Corner.

• Braehead Farms: Offers a pick your own Blackberries, Raspberries, Blueberries, Zinnias, Sunflowers, and more. Located at 1130 Tyler Street Fredericksburg, VA

• Mt. Pleasant Farm: Pick your own Peaches, Blackberries, summer apples, and Nectarines from June-July. Located at 2201 Mount Pleasant Road Chesapeake, VA 

• Hollins Farms: Pick your own strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, bluberries, sour cherries, peaches and more! Season goes from May, June and July. Located at 1524 Snowden Road, Delaplane, VA

• Swann Farms: Pick your own Strawberries, Blueberries and Blackberries from May-July. Located at 7740 Swan Ln. Owings MD

READ NEXT: Best pick your own fruit farms near DC

Hit up a summer festival in the DC area

The one thing we always look forward to during the summer in DC are all the fun festivals.

There are so many amazing summer festivals in the DC area including County Fairs, music festivals, bbq festivals, food festivals, and more!

Here is a list of a few going on in DC, and Northern Virginia. 

Summer Festivals in DC

• Awesome Con: Washington DC’s own Comic Con. Awesome Con is a three-day experience of can’t miss celebrity guests, comic con panels, screenings, special events, and unique exhibits.
• Purchase tickets here
• June 3-5 FRI: 1 PM – 8 PM
• SAT: 10 AM – 7 PM
• SUN: 10 AM – 5 PM
• Location: Walter E. Washington Convention Center 801 Mt Vernon Pl NW, Washington, DC 20001

• Smithsonian Folklife Festival: Celebrate different International Cultures with craft exhibits, live music, cooking demos and more-June 22-27, June 30 – July 4

• Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle: Celebrate all things BBQ at the Food and Music Festival along Pennsylvania Avenue between 3rd and 7th streets NW.
• The festival includes Free Food Samples, Microbrew & Wine Tastings, Cooking Demonstrations, Interactive Exhibits, National Championship BBQ Contests and a kid zone featuring Rides & Games, Rock climbing, Giant Family Stage, and Free Ice Cream and Candy Samples (why supplies last). Sat, Jun 25, 2022-Sun, Jun 26, 2022, 11am-7pm. Tickets go between $15 – $150. Get tickets here

• The Playhouse The Playhouse provides a venue for unique experiences related to theater, from behind-the-scenes tours to sword-fighting demonstrations and other hands-on activities-July 1-Sept. 6

• Otakon: Celebrate Asian pop culture (anime, manga, music, movies, video games, etc) at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center-July 29-31. Register online here.

Summer Festivals in Nothern Virginia

• Loudon County Fair: Loudon County Fair features a carnival, entertainment, livestock auction, and more July 26–July 30, 2022. Admission tickets Adult One Day $15; Adult Weekly $40 (Age 13+) / Kid’s One Day $5; Kid’s Weekly $15 (Age 6-12) / 5 and under FREE. $5 parking fee good for the whole week.

• Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival: BBQ, beer, and Bourbon tasting Festival at the Bull Run Special Events Center on June 4, 2022. Tickets cost $39.00 – $89.00 Purchase tickets here

• Taste of Springfield: Family friendly event celebrating all things food with live entertainment and more. June 4 from 12-5pm at Springfield Town Center

• Herndon Carnival: 4 day carnival featuring carnival rides, foods, entertainment and more. June 2-5, 2022 Thurs, 6-10pm; Fri, 5-11pm; Sat, 10am-11pm; Sun, 10am-7pm. Located at Northwest Federal Credit Union-200 Spring Street, Herndon, VA 20170

• Prince William County Fair: The largest county fair in Virginia featuring games and a carnival,ivestock exhibits, home arts exhibits, tractor pulls, a rodeo, and more! August 12th – 20th, 2022

See an outdoor movie 

Sunset Cinema at The Wharf: Enjoy movies on the big screen at the DC Wharf along Transit Pier on Thursday nights.

Movies begin at 7:30pm and no tickets are required for the event!

You can purchase drinks and snacks at the Cantina Bambina concession window, or any of the Wharf Restaurants!

2022 Movie Lineup 

• June 16: Black Panther
• June 23: Best in Show
• June 30: Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle
• July 14: A League of Their Own
• July 21: Girls Trip
• July 28: Top Gun
• August 11: Spider Man: No Way Home
• August 18: Crazy Rich Asians
• August 25: Summer of Soul

Movies on the Potomac National Harbor: Enjoy outdoor family movies on the Potomac at the National Harbor on Sundays at 6pm, and date night movies on Thursdays at 7pm from May-September. Pack a picnic and chairs and enjoy a family movie on the big screen.

June Movie lineup 

• Family Movies: Sundays at 6pm
• June 5: The Parent Trap (1998)
• June 12: Hotel Transylvania 3
• June 19: Are We There Yet
• June 26: The Great Outdoors

• Date Night Movies: Thursdays at 7pm
• June 2: What About Bob
• June 9: The Bucket List
• June 16: The Terminal
• June 23: Crazy Rich Asians
• June 30: Under the Tuscan Sun

Adams Morgan Movie nights: Adams Morgan Movie Nights will kick off on Tuesday, May 24 and continue with weekly screenings on Tuesday nights through June 21. Movies are free and are shown on the soccer field at Marie Reed School. 8pm-11pm

Location: Soccer Field at Marie Reed School 2201 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

• May 24: The Princess Bride
• May 31: Monty Python and the Holy Grail
• June 7: Queen of the Capital
• June 14: Keanu
• June 21: Encanto

Georgetown Sunset Cinema: Enjoy movie nights along the Georgetown Waterfront Park on Tuesday nights from August 2 until September 6, 2022. Movies start at sunset around 8:30pm, and make sure to arrive early for the best seating.

Location: Georgetown Waterfront Park (K & Potomac St NW)

• The Goonies (PG) – 8/2
• Encanto (PG) – 8/9
• Bridesmaids (R) – 8/16
• Black Panther (PG-13) – 8/23
• Summer of Soul (PG-13) – 8/30
• Knives Out (PG-13) – 9/6

Mosaic District Films in the Park: Enjoy movies at the Mosaic on Thursday evenings at 7 PM at the outdoor screen on Strawberry Park. Pack a snack or a meal and enjoy movies under the stars! 

Location: Strawberry Park Mosaic District across Target.

JUNE 

• 6/9 Space Jam: A New Legacy (2021, 1h 55m, PG)
• 6/16 Mamma Mia (2008, 1h 48m, PG-13)
• 6/23 In & Out (1997, 1h 32m, PG-13)
• 6/30 The Birdcage (1996, 1h 58m, R)

JULY

• 7/7 Clifford The Big Red Dog (2021, 1h 37m, PG)
• 7/14 In The Heights (2021, 2h 23m, PG-13)
• 7/21 Dating & New York (2021, 1h 31m, PG-13)
• 7/28 Dog (2022, 1h 41m, PG-13)

AUGUST

• 8/4 Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021, 2h 28m, PG-13)
• 8/11 Encanto (2021, 1h 49m, PG)
• 8/18 Under the Stadium Lights (2021, 1h 49m, PG-13)
• 8/25 F9 | The Fast & Furious Saga (2021, 2h 23m, PG-13)

Rosslyn Cinema: Watch movies on the lawn on Friday evenings in June from 5pm-9:30pm at Gateway Park with a fun summer movie lineup. This event is free, and no registration is required. There will be beer and wine for sale starting at 5 p.m., and different food trucks at the park. You can also bring your own food and enjoy a family movie night. Movies will begin approximately at sundown!

Location: Gateway Park 1300 Lee Hwy, Arlington, VA 22209

• ENCANTO-Friday, Jun 3, 2022
• MAMMA MIA-Friday, Jun 10, 2022  
• SPACE JAM-Friday, Jun 17, 2022  
• NATIONAL TREASURE-Friday, Jun 24, 2022 

Paddle the Potomac 

Getting out on the water on a kayak, canoe or paddleboat is another fun family activity during the summer.

In DC, you can rent kayaks, SUP, and more at the Boathouses in DC. There are many Boathouse locations in the area and one of our favorite spots is at the DC Wharf.

You can reserve a kayak or SUP at the Boathouse on the Recreation Pier and explore the Potomac. One-hour kayak rentals cost $18, and $36 for two hours.

• Kids ages 7 and under can get on a double kayak with an adult.
• Kids 8-15 may go out on their own boat but their parent or guardian must complete and sign the float plan/agreement form and a supervising adult 18+ must be present on the water with them at all times.
• Kids 16 & 17 can go out on their own but must have a float plan/agreement form completed and signed by their parent/guardian.

Kayaks and other boat rentals can also be found here:

• Key Bridge boathouse
• Fletchers Boathouse
• Thompson Boat Center Georgetown
• The Tidal Basin
• The National Harbor

Visit a winery or brewery

Another fun thing to do during the summer with kids in DC is a visit to one of the breweries or wineries in the DC area.

There are so many family-friendly breweries and wineries to visit, and some even offer a play area for the kids, and outdoor seating as well. Here is a list of some of our favorites:

• Dirt Farms Brewery and their amazing views from the outdoor patio. Sample their craft beers and take a seat in their outdoor patio. They also have food on the premises as well.

• Bluemont Vineyard also has some of the most amazing views as well, and is located right next to Dirt Farms Brewery. Sample some of the local wines and a charcuterie plate and relax in their outdoor patio.

• Bear Chase Brewing Company is another popular spot located in Bluemont Virginia, and was voted the number one brewery in Loudon county. This place gets pretty packed on weekends, so plan to get here early!

• Rockland Farms winery is a family-owned winery and working farm, and is only a 40 minute drive from DC in Montgomery County Maryland. You can sample their wines and enjoy a meal in their outdoor patio area. You can also purchase grass-fed & pasture-raised meats as well.

Visit a Theme Park

The best thing to do with kids this summer in DC is a visit to a theme park. What’s summer without hitting a theme park?

There are quite a few theme parks to visit in the DC area, and most are just a few hour’s drive away at the most.

READ MORE: Best Amusement Parks for families near DC

• Busch Gardens Williamsburg– This is one of our favorite theme parks. This European themed park is perfect for thrill seekers with their giant coasters, and Sesame Street World for the little ones. They’re also popular during the holidays for their Christmas light displays, and during Halloween for their spooky haunted theme park events as well.

• HersheyPark in Hershey PA is popular theme park to visit during the summer, especially for their amazing waterpark. You can also make your own chocolate bar and visit the free Chocolate History Museum.

• Kings Dominion is about an hour and a half drive from DC is another favorite theme park with a Charlie Brown theme for the little ones. They have lots of rides for the little ones, which also includes a fun water park as well.

• Sesame Place is located on the outskirts of Philadelphia and is geared towards kids ages 3-10. It’s the perfect theme park for the littlest ones and for those who are fans of Sesame Street.

• Legoland Discovery Center is also located outside of Philly and is a fun indoor Lego play area. There are character meet and greets, a Lego 4D Movie experience, Lego play areas and more.

• The Turkey Hill experience is not a theme park, but is another fun summer activity to do with the kids. We love making our very own Ice cream flavor, sampling more ice cream, tea and more.

READ NEXT: Family Friendly day trips from Philadelphia

Smithsonian National Zoo

The Smithsonian Zoo is a great activity to do during the summer with kids. You must reserve free entry passes here and is open daily from 8am-4pm.

Admission is FREE, but parking costs $30 if you plan to drive. Make sure to reserve a spot in advance to ensure you have the dates you plan to visit!

Visit a Museum

One of the best things to do during summer break with kids in DC is a visit to one of the many museums in the area.

You can’t go wrong with one of the FREE Smithsonian Museums which are now open with no timed entry passes needed, except for the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

NOW OPEN:

• National Museum of African American History and Culture: open daily 10am-5:30pm
• National Portrait Gallery: opens daily 11:30am-7pm starting May 30
• Arts and Industries Building: open daily 10am-5:30pm (except Tuesdays, opens till 7pm on Sat & Sun)
• Smithsonian American Art Museum and Renwick Gallery: opens daily 11:30am-7pm starting May 30
• National Museum of American History: open daily 10am-5:30pm
• National Museum of the American Indian: open daily 10am-5:30pm starting May 30
• National Museum of Natural History: Open daily 10am-5:30pm
• National Air and Space Museum: Closed temporarily till Fal 2022
• Smithsonian Institution Building (Castle): open daily 8:30am-5:30pm
• Hirshhorn Museum: open daily 10am-4:30pm
• National Postal Museum: open daily 10am-5:30pm

OTHER MUSEUMS TO VISIT IN DC

• The National Archives is open daily from 10am-5:30pm, last admission is 30 minutes prior to closing. Reservations strongly suggested between March and Labor Day to avoid the long lines. Reserve tickets here, there is a $1 convenience fee included.

• International Spy Museum is open daily with timed entry tickets.

• Museum of the Bible is open Thursday-Sunday from 10-5. You can purchase tickets online

• National Building Museum is open Fri-Mon 11am-4pm. Visits to the Great Hall, Museum shops, and Gun Violence Memorial Project are FREE, but tickets are required to visit the exhibitions. You can purchase tickets online or at the Visitors Center.

• United Holocaust Museum is open daily except on Wednesdays from 10am-5:30pm. Free timed entry tickets are required to enter the museum.

Go for a hike 

Going out for a hike is the perfect summer activity for families. There are so many amazing hiking trails in the DC area, some close to DC and others just a short drive away. Some of our favorites are as follows:

• Theodore Roosevelt Island– One of our favorite places for a family hike is at the Theodore Roosevelt Island. The trails here are perfect for little ones as they are mostly flat and are less than 2 miles long. Parking can be found along the footpath to the island, and there are public restrooms and porta-potties.

• Great Falls Park– Great Falls Park has lots of family friendly trails to do with the kids. Some of our favorite trails are the River Trail which goes for about 1.5 miles and follows the Potomac River. The Patowmack Canal trail goes for about 1.25 miles and follows the historic Patowmack canal.

• Riverbend Park trail– There are over 10 miles of hiking trails at Riverbend Park, and can be done in a number of different combinations for all abilities. Visit the trail map here and plan your family hike.

• Huntley Meadows Park– Huntley Meadows park is the perfect place for a family hike. The trail is part boardwalk and part dirt trail and is the perfect hike for the the little ones.
• There is so much wildlife to admire along the trail, plus you can visit the Visitors Center for more educational exhibits. Parking is free and there are public restrooms at the Visitors Center.

• Shenandoah National Park– Shenandoah National Park is the perfect family summer getaway. There are so many kid friendly hiking trails in the park. Some of our favorite trails are the Stony Many Summit trail which is an easy 1.6 mile trail that ends with the most amazing vistas.
• Dark Hollows Falls is a more moderate hike that goes for about 1.4 miles downhill to start, and goes back at a steady incline coming back. It’s doable with kids as long as you take it slow and take breaks along the way.

OTHER HIKING TRAILS NEAR DC

• Trails at the Manassas Battlefield National Park
• Scott’s Run Nature Preserve
• Trails at Sugarloaf Mountains
• Mason Neck State Park

READ NEXT: Kid friendly Parks and Trails in the Washington DC area

Explore a National Park

One of the best things to do with kids this summer in DC is to go on a road trip checking off a visit to some of the National Parks in the DC area.

There are not very many grand National Parks like out in the West, but the DC area is home to so many Historical National Parks. Let the kids earn their Junior Ranger badge, and learn some history along the way. 

• National Mall and Memorial Parks– Did you know the National Mall is a NP? The National Mall and Memorial Parks is home to some of the most iconic memorials telling the story of some of the major events that shaped us as a nation. Let the kids earn their Junior Ranger badge and get their National Passport book stamped visiting these iconic monuments and memorials and completing some of the Junior Ranger activities. 

• Shenandoah National Park– Shenandoah National Park is probably one of the best National Parks to visit in the DC area. Take a scenic drive along Skyline Drive and admire the amazing Blue Ridge Mountain Views! The kids can also earn a Junior Ranger badge when completing some of the fun activities at Shenandoah. There are lots of kid friendly hikes as well, which makes it a fun summer family vacation from DC. 

• Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is only an hour drive from DC and it’s one of the most beautiful NP’s in the area. There are lots of hiking trails, plus it’s the only National Park I know off where you can be in 8 different National Parks in one place! The kids can earn a Junior Ranger badge and get 8 stamps in their Junior Ranger Passport book. Entrance costs $20/vehicle and $10 on foot. Park at the Visitors Center and take the FREE shuttle to the town.

• Great Falls NP– Another amazing NP to visit close to DC is Great Falls NP. There are lots of opportunities for a family hike at Great Falls, and the kids can also add a stamp to their NP Passport book and earn a Junior Ranger Badge.

• Historic Battlefields– The DC area is home to so many historical battlefields. A few that we have visited are in Virginia. The Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania NP is  where the Civil War roared to its bloody climax. Take a road trip and explore the civil war battlefields at Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Wilderness, and Spotsylvania. Get the kids a National Passport book to get stamped and complete the Junior Ranger activities.

•  Manassas Battlefield NP is another Civil War battlefield to explore. There are guided tours to help you interpret the history here, and some Junior Ranger programs for the kids to participate in. 

• Yorktown Battlefield is the site of the siege and surrender of General Cornwallis during the American Revolutionary War. Explore the Visitors Center and let the kids earn a Junior Ranger badge as well. 

• Assateague Island National Seashore– Another one of our favorite NP near DC is the Assateague Island National Seashore. Explore the 37 mile long barrier island with sandy beaches, wild ponies, and coastal bays on Assateague Island. 

• There are many opportunities for hiking, biking, kayaking and more outdoor recreation on Assateague Island. Plus the kids can earn a Junior Ranger badge learn more about the barrier island environment.

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