In case you haven’t had time to create your own list full of action-packed, sun-drenched ideas for things to do with kids in Washington DC with rainy-day backup plans (let alone made a pinnable or insta-fablulous version), we’ve got you covered. Here’s our ultimate summer bucket list that will take you straight through to Labor Day.
Photo: National Harbor
#1 Take in an outdoor movie
Check out this DMV-wide schedule for family friendly flicks.
#2 Kayak, paddleboat or SUP (aka stand up paddle boarding)
Head over to the Key Bridge Boathouse to take a class or rent a boat or board.
#3 Pick some berries
Wherever you live, there is a pick-your-own farm not too far away.
#4 Visit the animals
Head to the National Zoo, the Reston Petting Zoo or Brookside Gardens Butterfly exhibit.
#5 Go for a hole in one
Is it summer if you never step on the greens? We don’t think so. Here are a few places to play.
Upton Hill Regional Park (Arlington, Va)
East Potomac Mini Golf
Gaithersburg Mini Golf Course (Gaithersburg, Md)
Photo: Downtown Silver Spring
#6 Get wet
Summer = splashing. If you don’t belong to a pool or you haven’t found your favorite splash park, what are you waiting for?
#7 Ride the Capital Wheel at National Harbor
But don’t stop there. National Harbor is a families playground.
#8 Roam around Roosevelt Island
It’s actually one of the most baby-friendly places to hike in the DMV.
#9 Tour Mount Vernon
George Washington’s home-sweet-home will fill up a blank afternoon in no time.
#10 Spend a relaxing morning at Glen Echo Park
The puppet shows for kids are on point here. FYI!
Photo:Joe Flood via flickr
#11 Stroll around a classic D.C. market
Don’t miss Eastern Market or Union Market.
#12 Spread out at the Georgetown Waterfront
This iconic neighborhood may require a double header–come back the next day for more fun.
#13 Head to the Chesapeake for a day or spend the night
Follow geotrails, go boating, hunt for fossils, and more!
#14 Explore underground at Luray Caverns
Whether you want to tire the kids out on an endless hike, ride an elevator 34 stories down, or listen to nature’s pipe organ, the opportunity to go spelunking is just a cave away.
#15 Go off to see the Wizard at Watkins Regional Park Wizard of Oz Playground
Don’t forget your camera! There’s a real life yellow brick road at this park for your crew to skip down.
Photo: Urban Pirates
#16 Take an Urban Pirates Ride on the Potomac
Perfect that pirate aaaarrrrrgggghhh!
#17 Three words: yoga with goats
Yes, goats. What more is there to say about that?
#18 Take your team out to the ballgame
Of course we’re rooting for the Nationals if the Orioles.
#19 Oooh and ahhh at fireworks on the 4th of July
Scope out the best spots to set up here.
#20 Celebrate at the Capital Pride Festival
There are family friendly Pride activities scattered across the DMV throughout the month of June.
Photo: Smithsonian Folklife Festival
#21 Share culture at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival
This free festival, which features master artisans and tradition bearers, takes place for two weeks every summer, overlapping the Fourth of July holiday.
#22 Take in an outdoor show
Check out Wolf Trap Children’s Theater in the Woods or the Strathmore Backyard Theater.
#23 Check out some of your favorite monuments at night.
These ones are particularly stunning under the stars:
Jefferson, FDR, Lincoln, MLK
#24 Relax with Jazz in the Garden
Insider secret: Jazz is a great way to lull a sleepy baby into dreamland.
#25 Experience ‘No Spectators: The Art of Burning Man’ at the Renwick Gallery
Immersive room-sized installations, costumes, and jewelry will keep your kids wanting to see more and more of this exhibit.
Photo: Badlands
#26 Play and stay dry at an indoor playground
If you haven’t visited Badlands yet, a rainy summer day is the perfect time to do it!
#27 Check out your local library website for Summer Reading
Here’s a story time cheat sheet for all ages.
#28 Go bowling.
These are the best lanes for families:
Bowlmor Bethesda: https://www.bowlmor.com/location/bowlmor-bethesda
White Oak Duckpin Lanes: http://www.whiteoakduckpins.com/index.html
Bowlero: https://www.bowlero.com/location/bowlero-leesburg
Bowl America: https://www.bowl-america.com/
#29 Roll around on some skates
Show off your moves at Skate N Fun Zone or Temple Hills Skate Palace.
#30 Eat all of the ice cream
With this many cool treats, there’s no time for watching that waistline.
—Tricia Mirchandani
