DC – Kids

Picking raspberries at Butler’s Orchard

Random Ideas
Playgrounds / Trains / Splash Parks
Farms / Animals / U-Pick
Libraries & Rec Centers
Museums
Kid Gyms
Hikes
Kid Music & Shows
Final Reminders
Resources
Map

There is SO much to do in the DMV with babies, toddlers, children and teens in DC, MD, and VA! However, most of my favorite things to do with kids are not actually “kid-focused.” In fact, nearly everything listed on this site can (and should!) be adapted for kids of any age. Everything can be scaled. And since there are so many FREE things to do, outings should be no pressure. My personal outing mantra is that if I am actually having fun and am engaged, I’ll naturally make it a more fun and engaging outing for my kids. Or maybe that’s just what I tell myself 🤷‍♀️.

On the flip side, if you are being the Best.Parent.Ever. and treating your child to a “kid-specific” play gym or farm festival, my husband and I like to pair our incredible generosity and self sacrifice with an outing to an “adult-specific” outing afterwards, like a brewery. You’ll see a list of these suggestions below, in case you are a believer in “whole family fun” too 😉

Make sure to check out this map for help with adventure planning!

***And obviously, please check with each venue to determine current openings / availability due to COVID.

Random Ideas 🍦✈️⛳️⛵️🏖⛰🌈

Paddling around the Potomac

Here’s a few starter ideas that don’t fit into any of the categories below: Museums, Libraries & Rec Centers, Playgrounds / Splash Parks / Trains, Hikes, Farms / Animals / U-Pick, Kid Gyms and Music & Shows.

  • Sticking to the city? Wander around the monuments (both the big ones and lesser visited ones!) and pack a picnic. Or, check out these VIBs (Very Important Buildings). Opting for less people? Pick a new green space to explore – there are so many beautiful spots to walk around, grab a meal, bring a ball, or just wander, all within DC!

  • Trek out to the Maryland or Virginia burbs for even more parks, trails, battlefields, and nature.

  • Day-trip to the mountains, beach, Annapolis, Eastern Shore, Frederick, Harper’s Ferry, battlefields, and more!

  • Watch airplanes at Gravelly Point

  • For older kids, check out a drive-in or outdoor movie

  • Play mini golf at the oldest continually operating mini golf course (also listed on the National Registry of Historic Places) and located on beautiful Haines Point

  • Get on the water with options galore: Take a ride on the water taxi and explore Georgetown, the Wharf, National Harbor, and Alexandria. Try paddle boating in DC on the tidal basin or in Maryland at National Harbor or at Rio. For fellow military folks, book a pontoon boat from one of the military bases. Or check out a SUP/kayak/hydrobike rental from one of DC’s many boat houses / marinas.

  • Stroll around Georgetown (I don’t know why but you can’t really “walk” around Georgetown…you have to “stroll”) – it’s so fun to wander at any time, but Halloween is particularly fun for kids when many people go all out with decorations. Or check out these other DC city hot spots that offer both kid and adult fun.

  • Hunt for all 51 of DC’s Statehood murals. Or get to know the various and vibrant neighborhoods of DC through a make-your-own mural tour. Check out this handy “mural-locator” tool.

  • Hunt blooming flowers in spring, catch the leaves changing in fall, check out the holiday events in winter, and listen to outdoor concerts in summer.

  • See a sporting event. So many places have kid-focus nights (you know you could use another bobble head in your life!) or just buy the super cheap seats and load up on stadium food!

  • Climb around the Kennedy Center’s new REACH area (bonus point for adults trying out the wine garden!)

  • Ice cream never fails (Eater, Beltway Bambinos, DC Area Moms, and Washington Family weigh in with their favorites)

Playgrounds 🎠 / Trains 🚂 / Splash Parks ⛲️

Summer fun @ Chessie’s Big Backyard

I simultaneously love and loathe playgrounds. I knew I’d be spending a lot of time frequenting these plastic jungles throughout this phase of parenthood, so I avoided them for the first few years of my firstborn’s life. However, now that my daughter (and now son) are in full-on “need to run around like crazy people so they will take a good nap” mode, I’m beginning to appreciate playgrounds and their contained, easy, and cheap fun. In my previous life I was also a huge fan of theme parties, which has now – sadly, I think – translated into theme playgrounds.

There are approximately one bazillion playgrounds in the DC area. Thankfully, others have already done our dirty work for us. Take a look at the links below for maps, photos, restroom information and more:

Accessible Playgrounds

Best MD Playgrounds

Best VA Playgrounds

Best DC Playgrounds

Trains & Carousels Round-Up

Splash Parks List & Locations

Beaches around the DC Area

Christmas Tree Farms / Light Displays

Farms 🚜 / Animals 🐷 / U-Pick 🍓

Feeding the goats with Granddaddyo at Butler’s Orchard

There are so many places to visit animals, pick your own fruits and veggies, and visit a farm around the DMV. Many of these locations have fees, so make sure to ask for a military discount! However, most fees are pretty nominal, and what these places offer always seems to exceed all expectations. Having trouble picking one? Check out this map. And note that many are located close to wineries and breweries, so I’ve listed some “pairing” suggestions for adults too 🙂

Alpaca Lane Criations (Upper Marlboro, MD)

Kids: Hiden gem alpaca farm and store; call before visiting. Adults: Calvert Brewing Company is on our list!

Baugher’s Orchard (Westminster, Maryland)

Kids: Options include PYO, restaurant, petting zoo, and farm market. Adults: Baltimore is a good half-way stopping point with TONS of F&B options…check out all the offerings along the Inner Harbor for a uniquely Baltimore experience.

Burnside Farms (Nokesville, VA)

A PYO flower farm that has tulips in the spring, sunflowers in the summer, corn mazes in the fall, and Christmas trees in winter. Absolutely stunning “Holland in Virginia” spring festival that always sells out. Also includes a playground, inflatable slides, and ginormous bouncing pillow. Adults: The Winery at Bull Run!

Butler’s Orchard (Germantown, MD)

One of our local favorites with tons of PYO options, playgrounds, petting zoo, giant slides, and a farm fresh market. Big annual festival are a ton of fun and include Bunnyland in the spring, Sunflower Spectacular in the summer, and a Pumpkin Festival in the fall. Adults: There are three great options for breweries within a 15-minute drive (which also happen to be three of my favorite breweries for kids, too!): Lone Oak Farm Brewing Co., Brookeville Beer Farm, and Waredaca Brewing Company. Also, TopGolf is 10 minutes away in Germantown. Or Rio (which has a ton of F&B options as well as a playground, carousel, and paddle boats to further appease your kids) are 20 minutes away in Gaithersburg.

Catocin Wildlife Preserve (Thurmont, MD)

Zoo and petting farm with unique animals and safari experience amidst a lush setting; smaller than the National Zoo in DC, but there’s better walkability and the ability to get closer to the animals (also cheaper with free parking!) *military discount available* Adults: My uncle runs the BEST bbq place called Chubby’s that is 8 minutes away. Do not miss the burnt ends (but honestly everything is delicious!). Catocin Breeze Vineyard is another close-by favorite, but it’s adults only (so come back another time without tots in tow!) Frederick, MD is 20 minutes to the south on your way back towards DC (Frederick is a historical town with an adorable main street and lots to see and do).

https://www.instagram.com/p/CRZXhV0N8_0/

Clark’s Elioak Farm (Ellicott City, MD)

Petting farm, cow train, hay rides, corn pit, slides, pumpkin patch, fairy forest and more – all themed along childhood fairy tales and nursery rhymes. Adults: Guinness Open Gate Brewery is the only Guinness brewery in the USA and it’s 15 minutes away. There is a huge outdoor area and the indoor F&B is pretty delicious too.

Cox Farms (Centreville, VA)

Hosts an annual fall festival complete with hayrides, PYO pumpkins, music, animals, mazes, and tons of other activities. Adults: follow up your pumpkin donuts with wine from The Winery at Bull Run.

Frying Pan Farm (Herndon, VA)

FREE old-time farm where you can stop in and visit all the farm animals; also has a playground and carousel (and located about 10 minutes from Dulles Airport if you have time to kill!) Adults: Caboose Brewing Company is just 20 minutes away.

Gaver Farm (Mt. Airy, MD)

PYO apples and pumpkins with a fantastic fall festival (and tons of kid activities). Also offers PYO christmas trees in the winter. *military discount available* Adults: Milkhouse Brewery and Frey’s Brewing Company are on our list! In addition, Frederick, MD is 15 minutes to the north (Frederick is a historical town with an adorable main street and lots to see and do).

Great Country Farms (Bluemont, VA)

One of our favorites, especially since it’s right next door to a brewery, a winery, and a distillery! Besides great festivals and events, has lots of PYO options, a farm market, a petting zoo, giant mazes and jumping pillows, fishing pond, cow train, and a dozen playgrounds / play areas for kids of various ages. *military discount available* Adults: Dirt Farm Brewing, Bluemont Vineyard and Henway Hard Cider are literally right across the street (and have insane views!) . Bear Chase Brewing has been voted #1 brewery in Loudoun County and is 10 minutes away (there are a bunch of great breweries in this area!). Hillsborough Winery and Brewery is maaaaybe the most scenic place to drink in the area (IMHO) and it’s a 25-minute drive away as well.

Green Meadows Petting Farm (Ijamsville, MD)

Large petting farm with pig races, animal feedings, slides, and play areas. Adults: Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard is 15 minutes to the south and Frederick, MD is 15 minutes to the north (Frederick is a historical town with an adorable main street and lots to see and do). Flying Dog Brewery is a favorite, but it is adults only (so come back another time without tots in tow!)

Green Truck Farm / Hartland Orchard (Markham, VA)

PYO only. Adults: Barrel Oak Winery!

Hollin Farms (Delaplane, VA)

PYO only. Adults: Barrel Oak Winery!

Homestead Farm (Poolesville, MD)

PYO and farm animals. Adults: Rocklands Farm Winery!

Larriland Farm (Woodbine, MD)

PYO only. Adults: There are three great options for breweries within a 20-minute drive (which also happen to be three of my favorite breweries for kids, too!): Lone Oak Farm Brewing Co., Brookeville Beer Farm, and Waredaca Brewing Company.

Leesburg Animal Park (Leesburg, VA)

Animal Petting & Feeding Barn, Pony Rides, Live Animal Shows, Wagon Rides, “The Jungle” Indoor Play Zone, Private Sloth Encounter. Adults: There are 6 wineries within 10 minutes. Stone Tower Winery is one of my faves.

Maryland Zoo (Baltimore, MD)

Smaller than the National Zoo in DC, but there’s better walkability and the ability to get closer to the animals; also has a train and carousel, a petting zoo, and a playground. There is an admission fee, but parking is free (National Zoo is free but on-site parking can be expensive) *military discount available for memberships only* Adults: Check out all the F&B offerings along Baltimore’s Inner Harbor for a unique Maryland experience.

Messick’s Farm Market (Bealeton, VA)

PYO with a cafe, bakery, petting zoo, jump pillow, hay rides, pea gravel digging pit, climbing tower, and slides. Adults: Google shows a few closer breweries, but the only one I’ve been to is 2 Silos, which is about 25 minutes away (but closer back towards the DC area).

Miller Farms (Clinton, MD)

PYO fruits and vegetables, bakery, produce market, homemade ice cream, a nursery, and family fun fall fest animals, activities, etc. Adults: National Harbor!

Montpelier Farms (Upper Marlborro, MD)

Animals, corn maze, duck races, giant slides, hayrides, pedal kart tracks, rope mazes, art stations, bonfires, and more! Hosts an annual fall fest and Christmas event. Adults: Calvert Brewing Company is on our list!

Oxon Cove Park & Oxon Hill Farm (Oxon Hill, MD)

A FREE old-school farm where kids can visit all the typical farm animals. Also offers great walking/biking paths. Adults: National Harbor!

Rock Hill Orchard & Woodbourne Creamery (Mount Airy, MD)

Offers PYO, a farm fresh market, and a “cow to cone” creamery and ice cream shop (with the ability to meet the cows responsible for the deliciousness!) Adults: There are three great options for breweries within a 15-minute drive (which also happen to be three of my favorite breweries for kids, too!): Lone Oak Farm Brewing Co., Brookeville Beer Farm, and Waredaca Brewing Company. Frederick, MD is 20 minutes to the north (Frederick is a historical town with an adorable main street and lots to see and do).

Roer’s Zoofari (Vienna, VA)

Larger petting zoo offering drive-through safaris, camel rides and more! *military discount available* Adults: Caboose Brewing Co

Sharp’s at Waterford Farm (Brookeville, MD)

PYO, animals, farm tours, plant sales, and farm market. Adults: There are three great options for breweries within a 15-minute drive (which also happen to be three of my favorite breweries for kids, too!): Lone Oak Farm Brewing Co., Brookeville Beer Farm, and Waredaca Brewing Company.

Shlagel Farms (Waldorf, MD)

PYO only. Adults: Never been to this area, but google says there’s a winery and brewery within a 10 minute drive.

Swann Farms (Owings, MD)

PYO only. Adults: Never been to this area, but Google tells me Fridays Creek Winery is 2 minutes away!

The National Zoo (Washington, DC)

Technically a Smithsonian (aka FREE!) with a ton of incredible animals and areas. On-site parking can be expensive, but street parking is also available. One of only three zoos in the USA to have giant pandas; includes a kids farm and carousel. To note: there are two entrances on opposite ends of a large hill, so make sure to bring a stroller for kids and to plan your route in advance. Adults: Duke’s Counter is right across the street and has delicious burgers (some say the best in DC!)

Water’s Orchard (Germantown, MD)

PYO apples. Adults: Doc Water’s Cidery!

Wegmeyer Farms (Hamilton, VA)

PYO only. Adults: There are 6 wineries within 10 minutes. Stone Tower Winery is one of my faves.

Libraries & Rec Centers 📚👟

Little rocking chair at Noyes Library

MD / VA / DC libraries have some of the BEST programming of any place I’ve ever lived. Not only are story hours well planned and attended (for some you have to book well in advance to get a spot!), but many of the libraries have “activity stations” and fun interactive areas that make going to the library a treat on so many levels. I’ve been especially impressed with Montgomery County’s “Holds to Go” program during COVID, where you can reserve books online and then pick up and drop off outside the library safely. All library activities are FREE, FYI.

Montgomery County, MD also has a number of rec centers that offer story times and open gym play hours. And this is not your average “open play” time – these are entire gymnasiums with closets stocked full of toys, slides, cars, balls, etc where toddlers can – and do – go wild. You typically have to make a reservation, but I’ve never seen a number limit and the space is HUGE (I think they just like to track usage). To note, the open play gym hours are FREE! MoCo rec programming is amazing – this is one of our favorite winter activities when we are all tired of freezing at playgrounds – and I can’t wait for them to open back up post-COVID!

Here are links to events at DC Libraries, MD Libraries: Montgomery County Libraries, PG County Libraries, and VA Libraries: Alexandria Libraries, Arlington County Libraries, Fairfax County Libraries.

Maryland Library / Rec Center Faves

These recs are all Montgomery County since this is where we live and frequent, but please report back on your other favorites!

Virginia & DC Library / Rec Center Faves

Someone please help a sister out here!

Museums 🏛

Hangin’ at the National Building Museum

Smithsonians

First, check out this page with info about the Smithsonians. Smithsonians are one of my favorite places to take kids because 1) they are free, so you can pop in and out or bail at any time without a little piece of your soul dying, 2) there is so much to do at each one, you can go back to the same place again and again (and the more comfortable you will become navigating, parking, etc), 3) the museums’ programming – in general AND specifically for kids – is top notch, and finally 4) have you ever met a kid who doesn’t love the Zoo?

If I don’t have a specific Smithsonian in mind, I first check the daily events schedule to see what kid-activities are happening at each (check back post-COVID). In addition, Family Trip Guides has some fabulous Smithsonian itinerary ideas specifically for kids. Here are a few of my favorite Smithsonian kid-focused programs / venues to be on the lookout for:

  • Arts & Industries Building – Ripley Center
  • Hirshorn Museum – Story Times & Sculpture Garden
  • National Air & Space Museum (on the Mall) – everything
  • National Air & Space Museum (Udvar-Hazy Center) – everything
  • National Museum of American History – Wegmans Wonderplace
  • National Museum of History – Tarantula Feedings
  • National Museum of the American Indian – ImagiNations Activity Center
  • National Portrait Gallery – Education Center
  • National Postal Museum – Transportation Vehicles
  • Smithsonian’s National Zoo – everything
  • Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center – Toddler Trailblazers

Non-Smithsonians

If you are not feeling the Smithsonians, take a look at this page with info about a TON of other museums. Below are a few of my favorite non-Smithsonian kid-focused programs (to note: most of these non-Smithsonians have an associated fee for entry…make sure to ask about a military discount!):

  • B&O Railroad Museum (Baltimore) – everything
  • Glen Echo Aquarium – everything
  • Library of Congress – Children’s Literature Center
  • National Aquarium (Baltimore) – everything
  • National Building Museum – Building Zone & Main Summer Exhibit
  • National Children’s Museum – NEW! But I’m assuming everything
  • National Gallery of Art – Family Workshops & Sculpture Garden
  • Kreeger Museum – First Studio
  • Phillips Collection – Family Friendly Playdates
  • Port Discovery Children’s Museum (Baltimore) – everything
  • US Botanic Garden – Children’s Garden & Holiday Trains

Military peeps: make sure to check out Blue Star Museums for a bunch of museums that offer FREE admission from Memorial Day – Labor Day for active duty military and dependents.

Kid Gyms 🏰

Fun times at Magic Ground

These are some of the places that kid dreams are made of. All of these locations typically have a fee – make sure to ask for a military discount if applicable. With so much free fun in DC, I feel guilty splurging at some of these places, but sometimes late January in gray DC calls for a special treat. In addition, many of these places offer a first class for free!

Personal pics: Badlands is our hands-down favorite for free-play and Little Gym is our top-pick for classes (we are located in MD so these are also the most convenient), but there are still a number we have yet to try (I’m looking at you, The Lane!).

Adventure Park (Sandy Spring, MD)

An “aerial forest” with zip lines, bridges, ropes courses and climbing structures. Adults: There are three great options for breweries within a 15-minute drive (which also happen to be three of my favorite breweries for kids, too!): Lone Oak Farm Brewing Co., Brookeville Beer Farm, and Waredaca Brewing Company.

Badlands (Rockville, MD)

A huge nature-inspired, national-park-themed play space available for free play, toddler times, birthday parties, and a TON of different events for various ages. Adults: There are tons of eating/drinking options at nearby Pike & Rose (but my personal favorite – and another treat for kids as well as yourself – is ice cream sandwiches from the Baked Bear).

BeWithMe Playseum (Bethesda, MD & Annapolis, MD)

An exploration area with a variety of “cityshops”, created to mimic the real world (such as “grandma’s attic, farmer’s market, chinese restaurant, and more), which also includes an art bar, bakery bar, slime bar, and soap bar ***Bethesda location is currently closed. Adults (Bethesda): I keep hearing that Pines of Rome is hands-down the best pizza in the area, but I have yet to try! Bethesda has a ton of amazing restaurants, but I have yet to find any larger, open space or outdoor restaurants that would be great for kids. Any recs? (Annapolis): Working on Annapolis details!

Busy Bees (Chevy Chase, MD & Falls Church, VA & Fairfax, VA)

A colorful indoor circus where everything moves – there are electronic swings, ride-on animals, balloon pits, slides, bounce houses and more. Adults (Chevy Chase): Numerous friends have told me about Sarah’s Handmade Ice Cream and it’s less than 5 minutes away. I have yet to try, but it’s on our list! (Falls Church & Fairfax): I’m sure there are tons of local places to explore here, but our favorites are the 20 minute drive out to Bull Run Winery, which has an entire area for kids, fun wine tastings, mountain views, and unique events like girl scout cookie pairings or Caboose Brewing Company, which also has lots of outdoor space for kids to play. Paradise Springs Winery looks just as close and equally amazing – we can’t wait to try it!

Climb Zone (Laurel, MD)

Climbing walls, bounch houses, and arccade games. Adults: any recs?

District Jump (Hyattsville, MD)

Indoor inflatable playground for ages 12 and under. Adults: Calvert Brewing Company is on our list!

Flight Adventure Park (Springfield, VA)

Indoor trampoline park with a Kids Zone for littles ones. Adults: Port City Brewing Co.

Go Ape (Rockville, MD)

An “aerial adventure” rope course with zip lines, bungee jumps, ax throwing, and more. Adults: There are tons of eating/drinking options at nearby Pike & Rose (but my personal favorite is ice cream sandwiches from the Baked Bear).

Gymboree (Woodley Park, DC & Alexandria, VA)

Play space with a focus on classes that are intentionally designed for early childhood development. Adults (Woodley Park): Duke’s Counter is right down the street and has delicious burgers (some say the best in DC!) (Alexandria): Currently on our bucket list: Port City Brewing, Paradiso Restaurant (has a kids-only dining room complete with disney movies), and basically all of these places.

KID Museum (Bethesda)

A “pioneering experiential museum and educational makerspace” where educators offer hands-on workshops, multi-session classes, and camps. Adults (Bethesda): I keep hearing that Pines of Rome is hands-down the best pizza in the area, but I have yet to try! Bethesda has a ton of amazing restaurants, but I have yet to find any larger, open space or outdoor restaurants that would be great for kids. Any recs?

Indoor imaginative play space complete with grocery store, animal hospital, beauty boutique, service station, fishing doc, ice cream truck and more. Adults: Check out Rio for the many F&B offerings (as well as a playground, carousel, and paddle boats to further appease your kids) in Gaithersburg. In addition, Lone Oak Farm Brewing Co. is an amazing brewery for both kids and adults and it’s a short 20 minute drive away as well.

Kidville (Bethesda, MD)

A one-of-kind destination for music, art, dance, pre-school, playground and party place all rolled into one ***Currently closed. Adults (Bethesda): I keep hearing that Pines of Rome is hands-down the best pizza in the area, but I have yet to try! Bethesda has a ton of amazing restaurants, but I have yet to find any larger, open space or outdoor restaurants that would be great for kids. Any recs?

Little Gym (11 locations throughout DC/MD/VA)

Play space devoted to active learning, with classes for infants – school aged children in gymnastics, karate, dance, sports skills, and others. Adults: Google “brewery” or “winery” or “ice cream” near me. If you have older kids, maybe you can actually enjoy eating at a fun restaurant. I am not currently in that phase of life, so wide open spaces or picnic tables with alcohol and food trucks are our jam.

Magic Ground (Columbia Heights, DC)

Urban play park that includes an indoor playground, beauty & customs salon, toddlers play area, arts & crafts, building skills, educational computer games, and other attractions. Adults: Pair w/ bagels from Call Your Mother “Jew-ish” Deli. Or follow with drinks at Hook Hall’s beer garden (kids welcome until 9pm) or Right Proper Brewing Company which has not only great beer, but also the best friend chicken sandwich in all the lands, IMHO.

Monkey Joe’s (Sterling, VA)

Birthday party central, with inflatables, arcades, and snacks. They also offer open play, with a special for toddlers 4 and under for $5 on Tuesdays. Adults: There are a number of wineries within 15 minutes. Quattro Goomabas is a winery, brewery, AND has delicious pizza.

My Gym ( 11 locations throughout DC/MD/VA )

Play gym devoted to building strong bodies and healthy minds. Adults: Google “brewery” or “winery” or “ice cream” near me. If you have older kids, maybe you can actually enjoy eating at a fun restaurant. I am not currently in that phase of life, so wide open spaces or picnic tables with alcohol and food trucks are our jam.

Once Upon A Dream (Sterling, VA & Vienna, VA)

Indoor imagination play areas complete with a cafe and child drop-off options. Adults (Vienna): Caboose Brewing Company; (Sterling): Check out Dulles Town Center, Reston Town Center, or Top Golf 

Play N’ Learn (Columbia, MD & Chantilly, VA)

A superstore of playground and outdoor equipment that offers free play options and birthday parties. Adults Columbia): Guinness Open Gate Brewery is the only Guinness Brewery in the USA and it’s 15 minutes away; (Chantilly): try The Winery at Bull Run or Caboose Commons / Caboose Brewing Company

Scramble (Alexandria, VA & Falls Church, VA)

A “european-style” play center (I’m still not really sure what this means) built by the UK’s leading soft play manufacturer, Soft Brick. Adults (Alexandria): Currently on our bucket list: Port City Brewing, Paradiso Restaurant (has a kids-only dining room complete with disney movies), and basically all of these places. (Falls Church): I’m sure there are tons of local places to explore here, but our favorite is the 20 minute drive out to Bull Run Winery, which has an entire area for kids, fun wine tastings, mountain views, and unique events like girl scout cookie pairings. There’s also Caboose Brewing Company, which also has lots of outdoor space for kids to play. Paradise Springs Winery looks just as close and equally amazing – we can’t wait to try it!

The Lane (Ivy City, DC)

A new “social club” designed for the whole family, complete with indoor and outdoor spaces, and a ball pit for kids as well as a bar for parents. Adults: Sounds like this place has everything you need , but here are two other options: bring your appetites for a smorgasbord of deliciousness at Union Market – grab a picnic table or venture up to the Hi-Lawn green rooftop. Or try Wunder Garten for a kid-friendly German beer hall experience.

The Little Towns Children’s Museum (North Bethesda, MD)

An imaginative “play-seum” built like a neighborhood for kids to pretend imaginative play – features a grocery store, fire and police stations, a veterinary hospital, post office, restaurant, gym and more. Adults (Rockville): There are tons of eating/drinking options at nearby Pike & Rose (my personal favorite is ice cream sandwiches from the Baked Bear).

Zava Zone (Rockville, MD & Sterling, VA & Potomac Mills, VA)

Indoor “ninja-warrior-style” ropes course and adventure park. Adults (Rockville): There are tons of eating/drinking options at nearby Pike & Rose (my personal favorite is ice cream sandwiches from the Baked Bear). (Sterling): Check out Dulles Town Center, Reston Town Center, or Top Golf (Potomac Mills): Potomac Point Winery is delightful and less than 30 minutes away

Hikes 🥾

Peak views at Shenandoah National Park

To note: most “hikes” with kids are more like scenic walks. If you have very little ones that you can strap into a carrier and do a more aggressive hike than little toddler legs can handle – or – older kids who are up for a longer or steeper experience, Annapolis Rock, Billy Goat Trail, Catoctin Mountain, Maryland Heights, Old Rag, Sugarloaf Mountain, and White Oak Canyon are some of our favorites.

Here are some links to more information:

Music & Shows 🎭🎹🥁

Music fun at The REACH

There are so many options for kid-friendly shows, performances, and concerts in the DMV. See below for various options as well as this map for a handy guide. Take a look at this page for more adult-focused or older-children concerts and shows. And click here for a breakdown of outdoor summer-only performances that are fun for the whole family.

Adventure Theatre (MTC: Glen Echo, MD & ATMTC: Rockville, MD)

Professional and student performances (Glen Echo) and theater classes (Rockville) for youth

Atlas Performing Arts Center (H Street NE, DC)

Historical venue with a variety of shows for adults; check website for kid-focused musicians and performances

Avalon Theatre (Chevy Chase, MD)

Historical movie theater that also offers kid-focused musicians and performances

Bloombars (Columbia Heights, DC)

Not sure quite how to describe so I’ll take this from their website: Some have called it an artist and non-profit incubator, performance space, art gallery, theater, dance studio, screening room, youth academy, and center for health, wellness, and community engagement-They were all correct.

Boogie Babes (Eastern Market, DC)

Miracle Theatre’s kid-friendly offering Thursdays at 10:30am benefiting the DC Diaper Bank

Busboys and Poets (various locations in DC, MD, VA)

“Rise and Rhyme”

Capitol Cider House (Petworth, DC)

Kid-focused musicians and events

Discovery Theater (National Mall, DC)

Encore Stage & Studio (Arlington, VA)

Imagination Stage (Bethesda, MD)

Offers student and professional performances, classes, private events and camps; My First Imagination Stage caters to kids ages 1-4

Jammin Java (Vienna, VA)

Main audience is adults, but also offers kid-focused music and events

Rumpus Room (14th Street NW, DC)

Dance parties for kids and families

Strathmore (Bethesda, MD)

“Backyard Theatre for Kids” and “Live from the Lawn” concerts are kid-specific offerings

The National Theatre (National Mall, DC)

Tons of performances – check out “Saturday Morning Live!” specifically for kids

The Puppet Co. (Glen Echo, MD)

Offers “Main Stage” puppet performances for all ages as well as “Tiny Tot” performances for kids ages 2-4 (30 minutes long, lights on, doors open)

Tunes for Tots (Various locations in DC, MD, VA)

Offers infant and toddler classes, enrichment programs, and private events

Wolf Trap (Vienna, VA)

A National Park for the Performing Arts including an outdoor amphitheater as well as an indoor space; hosts performances of all genres with weekday “Theatre in the Woods” options specifically for children

Final Reminders ✅✅✅

  • Due to COVID, tourism in DC is slow right now, which is an AMAZING opportunity for locals to get into the city and explore things you might not usually (aka – parking is much easier and traffic is better)

  • Street parking in DC is easier than you think; the best time to arrive for museums is around 9:45 because entire lanes switch over from rush hour commuting lanes to parking lanes at 10am. You may not see any other cars parked in a lane (and let’s be honest, we can all be sheep at times) so make sure to check signs for some obvious great parking! Make sure to download the park mobile parking app in advance if you don’t already have it.

  • There are SO 👏 MANY 👏 FREE 👏 options for things to do in the DC area! Take advantage!

  • I cannot say this enough: LEAVE YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD and be willing to drive for an adventure. Getting into DC is less intimidating than you think, and the more you do it, the more comfortable you’ll become. In addition, the Beltway sucks and will probably never stop sucking, but once you accept that and factor it into your driving time, you’ll realize that the memories and adventures are worth it. ❤️

Resources 💻

The websites below are included with a TON of other ideas on the “DC Resources” section of this site, but I wanted to highlight them here as well. These are my absolute favorite guides for local kids activities and suggestions. Many of these folks also provide weekly e-newsletters with ideas for things to do for the upcoming weekend. I often find that seeing pictures (vs. reading a description) is one of the best ways to determine if the outing will be fun and appropriate for your child’s age, so I’ve included links to their Instagram handles / Facebook pages as well. Have another rec that would be helpful to others? Please let me know so I can add!

*Sidenote, although she doesn’t specially offering outing ideas, Nicole of Polished Playhouse is a DC-area local (and Howard University alumnae!) who has become very well known over the last year for her beautiful at-home Montessori playroom set-up, easy kid-focused activity ideas, and monthly book box business (which feature a book with diverse characters, activity supplies that are tied to the reading, and a product from a Black-owned business). Check it out!

Map

Click the layers on the left hand key to filter for what you are looking for (otherwise you may want to gouge your eyes out)

PS> I didn’t list any places to eat or drink in DC for adults (or in Bethesda, Alexandria, or any of the major cities) – there are waaaaaay too many! The ones included on this map are some of our favorites if you are making a trek farther outside the metro areas to a farm or kid gym. (My husband and I loath taking our kids to restaurants at this phase in our/their lives, so most of the places listed are wide open breweries or wineries with room for kids to explore, so adults can actually enjoy a drink!)

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