From Rachel Cooper,
Your Guide to Washington, DC.
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Summer is a great time to give kids a chance to try different activities and learn something new. Here are some suggestions for things to do for family summer fun in the Washington, DC area.

Museums - The Washington, DC area has great museums for the whole family. Many of the museums have special programs for kids. To learn more, read The Best Museums for Kids in the Washington, DC Area.

Outdoor Recreation – The Washington, DC area has great parks and recreation facilities. Find the best destinations for these fun family activities:

• hiking
  
• bicycling
  
• boating
• playgrounds
  
• miniature golf

Free Summer Concerts – Introduce your kids to a variety of music at free outdoor concerts in the Washington, DC area.

Junior Ranger Programs - Visit one of Washington, DC's National Parks, complete a Junior Ranger Activity Booklet and earn badges, patches, pins, and/or stickers.

Special Events- The Washington, DC area is bustling with activity in the summer, from parades to community festivals, to live entertainment to county fairs. See the Top 10 Summer Events for Kids in the Washington, DC Area

Outdoor Movies - Enjoy family friendly outdoor movies under the stars in a variety of venues in the Washington, DC area.

Children’s Theatre – Take the kids to a play or puppet theatre and enjoy a family show at a children’s theater in the Washington, DC area.

County Fairs - There's something special about a good old-fashioned county fair. Enjoy carnival rides, live animal shows, musical entertainment, arts and craft exhibits, and lots of food.

Nature Centers – Visit a nature center or attend a naturalist guided event.

Zoos – Visit a variety of animals at the National Zoo, Catoctin Wildlife Preserve & Zoo or Reston Zoo.

Swimming Pools – If you do not belong to a swimming pool in your neighborhood, you can take your kids to a public pool that has a daily entrance fee. Find the public pool in the Washington, DC area that is most convenient for you.

Water Parks – Cool off at a water park in the Washington, DC area. There are lots of great water parks nearby in Maryland and Virginia.

Amusement ParksFind out about the rides, entertainment and more at amusement parks near Washington, DC in Maryland, Virginia and Pennsylvania.

Arts and Crafts – Enroll your child in art classes. Shop at a local craft store and stock up on art supplies. Paint pictures in your back yard or have a kids craft party.

Libraries and Bookstores – Keep your kids reading all summer long. Visit your local library or a book store. Attend story times and enroll in a summer reading program.

Relax – Be sure to enjoy some downtime at home. Play board games, run through the sprinkler in the back yard or curl up with a good book.