Summer is a great time to give kids a chance to try different activities and learn something new. From outdoor recreation, to community events to visiting historical and cultural attractions, there are endless opportunities for fun in the Washington, DC area. Here are some suggestions of things to do with the whole family this summer.
1. Museums
© Carolyn Russo/NASM
We are lucky to have wonderful museums in the Washington, DC area. Many of the museums have special programs for kids with lots of hands-on activities. Here are the top picks of museums for kids in the area, including Maryland and Virginia.
2. Outdoor Recreation
© Rachel Cooper, licensed to About.com, Inc.
The Washington, DC area has great places to enjoy the outdoors. Find the best destinations in the region for these recreational activities: Also, see a guide to local parks:
Washington, DC Parks
Maryland Parks
Northern Virginia Parks
Washington, DC Parks
Maryland Parks
Northern Virginia Parks
3. Free Summer Concerts
© US Army Band
Introduce your kids to a variety of music at free outdoor concerts in the Washington, DC area. There are a wide range of programs running all summer long in Washington, DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia.
4. Junior Ranger Programs
© National Park Service
Visit one of Washington, DC's national parks. Complete a junior ranger activity booklet and earn badges, patches, pins, and/or stickers.
5. Special Events
© Music Celebrations International
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
Monthly DC Area Event Calendars
June Festivals and Events
July Festivals and Events
August Festivals and Events
Monthly DC Area Event Calendars
6. Outdoor Movies
© Moshe B. Zusman
Enjoy family friendly outdoor movies under the stars in a variety of venues in the Washington, DC area. Bring a blanket and a picnic and share a special evening together.
7. Children's Theater
© Discovery Theater
Take the kids to a play or puppet theater and enjoy a family show at a children's theater in the Washington, DC area. Many theaters in the Washington, DC area also offer drama education programs.
8. County Fairs
© Rachel Cooper, licensed to About.com, Inc.
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.
9. Water Parks
© Six Flags America
Cool off at a water park in the Washington, DC area. There are lots of great water parks nearby in Maryland and Virginia.
10. Swimming
© Flying Colours Ltd/Getty Images
The Washington, DC area has a variety of places to swim. Public swimming pools charge a daily entrance fee. Throughout the summer you can also enjoy the scenery and swimming at sandy beaches, swimming holes and small lakes in Maryland and Northern Virginia.
More Info
See More Ideas for Summer Family Fun on Page 2
More Info
See More Ideas for Summer Family Fun on Page 2
