If there’s one thing we’re pretty confident both kids and parents love, it’s a great playground. The kids get to spend time outside and burn off major energy, and as they get older, you might even be able to get some talk time in with friends! Lucky for us, there are plenty of incredible playgrounds in the Dallas-Fort Worth area; many of them have zip lines, climbing walls and webs and even water play! While it was a total challenge, we picked our favorites, which you can see below. Take a peek at the list and get started on planning your next playground adventure.
Gabby Cullen
Kids Kingdom Park
Located at the end of Main street in downtown Rowlett, this impressive playground has a large climbing wall that scales a castle wall, two-story-high slides, a “phone system,” a sandbox with a dinosaur fossil waiting to be explored, swings accessible for all, a zip line and a great covered pavilion right in the middle with tables and chairs for lunch and snacks. Even better, right next door is The Wet Zone, a small but very family-friendly water park that’s open during the summer months.
The first all-abilities playground to be built in Dallas is located in Flag Pole Hill Park. Located in between the Lakewood and Lake Highlands neighborhoods, this playground opened in 2018 and features a Boomerang, which is a huge climbing structure with nets and rope swings. They also built the playground around large trees to give shade during the summer months. When you’re ready to leave the playground, be sure to catch a view of White Rock Lake.
Dream Playground is located in Trinity Park in Fort Worth and provides hours of fun for kids of all abilities in it’s 57,000 square feet of green and play space. The bright colors and aesthetics are cheery, and kids can play in the whimsical houses with slides, ride the zip line, climb to the top of a huge climbing web, swing in one of 10 swings, or run around after friends. Dream Playground meets the Americans with Disabilities guidelines, as the ground is a rubber that makes rolling wheelchairs a breeze, and has plenty of equipment that’s ideal for kids with disabilities. This playground is worth the drive from anywhere in DFW!
2001 University Dr. Fort Worth, TX 76107 Online: dreamparkfw.org
Reverchon Park Playground
Located in the heart of Dallas (think Oak Lawn and Uptown area), this green oasis has a great playground for kids. It’s totally shaded, for one, which is perfect for the hot days of Dallas summers, there are slides, and it’s near Katy Trail, which is a popular biking destination.
This Carrollton playground has plenty of shade, a three-story tower with covered slides, rocks to climb, cable ladders, swings, caves and a balance log!
From the castle theme in the big kid area to the western them in the tot spot, this park in Denton promises hours of outdoor play. There are trampolines, music stations, zip lines, educational toys, rock climbing walls and a wheelchair-accessible merry-go-round.
This playground is right in the middle of Frisco Commons Park and has a bunch of fun playscapes that honor Frisco landmarks like Babe’s Chicken, Double Dip Frozen Custard and more. Designed by the legendary Leathers & Associates, the park is designed to be all-accessible and offers plenty of seating for your next parent meet up.
We don’t know what’s more fun for kids at Fort Wildflower, the western-themed pretend play area, the cool climbing wall or the fact that there’s a water play area nearby! Located in Heritage Park, tots and older kids alike will enjoy a day of play here.
Kid Country is totally unique and a popular destination for families. With winding paths, castle turrets, tunnels and tire swings, not to mention a music section in the middle, you’ll have a hard time getting the kids to leave. Prep lots of snacks and kick back under the trees that offer plenty of shade.
Since the pandemic hit, RV travel is a retro travel trend making a massive comeback in 2021. Comfortable social distancing, meals without crowds and a constant change of scenery makes it the perfect pandemic pick. If you’re ready to plan that perfect family getaway on wheels, then keep scrolling for the best places to park.
The town that won Outside's Best Town contest twice is undoubtedly a stop the whole crew will enjoy. The riverfront city is home to hikeable mountains and waterfalls, rock-climbing, a mix of delicious food and a funky arts district.
Where to Stay
The 20-minute drive out of town to McDonald, TN, is worth the miles to stay at the KOA. The rural location and super friendly staff make for a family-friendly place to call home away from home. Insider Tip: Ask for site 107. It opens up on ample green space perfect for little legs to burn off all that energy.
What to Do
Don't miss Lookout Mountain while you're in the area. Ruby Falls is a series of stunning underground waterfalls, a popular attraction for over 90 years. Rock City is breathtaking. Your kiddos will love the glow-in-the-dark fairytale room inside a cave. Everyone will love the view from Lovers Leap. On a clear day, you can see seven states from one spot. Head up and down the mountain on the Incline Railway, the steepest incline in the world.
Where to Eat
Stop by Vibrant Meals for one of their healthy and delicious grab-and-go dishes. You can pack it for a quick and easy meal back in your RV or use their onsite microwave if you prefer to find a sunny spot close by. The Hot Chocolatier is a sweet chocolately dream spot for dessert, and just across the street from the Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel. The Chattanooga sign is a fun photo op.
Chattanooga North/Cleveland KOA 648 Pleasant Grove Rd. I75 - Exit 20 McDonald, TN 423-472-8928 Online: koa.com
Charleston, South Carolina - 7 hours and 45 minutes
Walk the cobblestone streets, take a horse-drawn carriage ride and dream about those Easter egg-colored houses in this beautiful historic town. Or, pick one of the many beaches to throw out a fluffy towel and soak up the sun together.
Where to Stay
Location, location location, that's what The Oaks at Point South offers during your vacation. Drive 45 minutes to Hilton Head, Savannah, Georgia and the Atlantic Ocean. Or, you can hike their onsite trails that might have an alligator sunning nearby. With onsite laundry, feel free to let your little ones get a little muddy.
What to Do
Grab tickets to the South Carolina Aquarium, where your kids can feed stingrays and see a turtle rehab up close. Or, take in all of historic downtown Charleston from the cart of a horse-drawn carriage. The funny and educational trip around the city will keep even the smallest passenger engaged. Get your social distance on at the top hidden gem in the area. Take your crew to Botany Bay Plantation Heritage Preserve on Edisto Island. The 4,600-acre preserve includes almost three miles of undeveloped, breathtaking beachfront that you'll never forget.
Where to Eat
Stop at Henry's on the Market for kid-friendly rooftop dining. There's something on the menu for everyone to enjoy, and the views are worth the three flights of stairs. After lunch, head to Byrd's Famous Cookies, where little hands can fill up boxes with crunchy little cookies. Their famous Scotch Oatmeal cookie recipe has been around since 1924.
The Oaks at Point South RV 1292 Campground Rd. Yemassee, SC 888-481-6348 Online: thousandtrails.com
Littleton, North Carolina - 3 hours and 14 minutes
For this trip, you aren't traveling for the town (it's cute, though!). This spot is all about lake life. The Gaston Dam forms an inland lake 34 miles long and 1.3 miles across at its widest point, providing more than 350 miles of shoreline fun for the whole family.
Where to Stay
Since you're there for the lake, why not stay at the Lake Gaston RV Campground for a lakeside retreat. Spend Saturday afternoon on a pontoon with your crew and Saturday evening dancing away to the campground's DJ. If you prefer the shore, there's lake swimming and a crystal-clear pool to splash around in.
What to Do
Spend the day on a jet ski or pontoon boat from Lake Gaston Summer Rentals. Every rental is full of gas and ready to go. Looking for an outdoor activity the kids will love? Check out Sylvan Heights Bird Park. It is designed to give visitors an unforgettable up-close experience with over 2,000 waterfowl, parrots, toucans, flamingos, and other exotic birds from around the world.
Where to Eat
The Pointe at Lake Gaston offers yummy eats with flip-flop style. Dine inside or out, it doesn't matter, because every spot has a great view of the lake. If you'd rather stay close to your home on wheels, grab a quick bite at the campground store cafe, walk out on the deck and pull up a chair for one of the best sunset views around. It is a must-see nightly show.
If the last stop on our list was all about lake life, then this town is all about beach vibes. A hopping city with lively beach life, Jacksonville has something for everyone. Be sure to make your reservations far in advance because this snowbird town fills up fast in the winter months.
Where to Stay
Budget-friendly and oceanfront, yes, please! Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park and Campground is an epic spot to park your rolling vacation. Rent a bike from the onsite store, and you can ride 5 minutes to the beach or 5 minutes to the lake. This campground has it all, including a 24-hour guard to keep your crew safe.
What to Do
Grab your sunscreen, beach chair and flip-flops and head to Atlantic Beach. The locals are friendly, and you can head back to your RV for lunch since the campsites are so close. Rainy day? Don't worry, the Museum of Science and History has got you covered. The interactive exhibits and educational animal presentations are the perfect way to get out of bad weather.
Where to Eat
Hawkers Restaurant looks like a hipster hangout at first, but it's OK; your kids are welcome anytime. They'll love the family-style Asian dishes that encourage little fingers to grab a bit of everything. After dinner, head to Whit's Frozen Custard to visit a neighborhood establishment. The delicious frozen custard is made fresh every single day.
Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park 500 Wonderwood Dr. Jacksonville, FL 904-249-4700 Online: coj.net
Bring home priceless memories of the expected - farmlands, family-style feasts and the Amish. But also the unexpected - city life, epic adventure and tons of family fun.
Where to Stay
Take a trip to PA Dutch Country RV Camping and discover a perfect getaway for your gang. Located in Lancaster County's heart, this family spot in Pennsylvania is surrounded by the sights and sounds of Amish Country. Your little ones will head straight to the playground and ask for a daily game of onsite mini-golf too.
What to Do
Is there a tiny daredevil in your crew? If so, Adventure Explorations has the perfect family adventure, and you won't have to plan a thing. Kids as young as three can try their hands and toes at rock climbing. Big kids can hop in a boat and test the rapids. If you want to skip the adrenaline rush and go straight to farm fun, the Cherry Crest Adventure Farm Fall Festival is full of hay bale sliding, baby chick holding and carnival food eating goodness.
Where to Eat
Kountry Kitchen Family Restaurant is a local hidden gem that serves Greek/American dishes and the town's yummiest breakfast. With vegetarian, vegan and gluten-Free options, even the pickiest eater will leave full and happy. Top it off at Isabella's ice cream parlor, a destination for hand-dipped cones and sundaes with various toppings.
PA Dutch Country RV Resort 185 Lehman Rd., Manheim, PA 888-481-6348 Online: thousandtrails.com
Wickham Park is the perfect choice for a family getaway. Swim in one of the multiples lakes, park your mom-mobile at the Friday drive-in movie and food truck night or ride your bikes from the campground to the playground. Centrally located, this county-run park and campground are so popular, you need to call well in advance for a reservation. Tip: check back every so often because they do have cancellations.
What to Do
I hope you have a space or beach-lover in your house because they’ll be thrilled in Melbourne. The Kennedy Space Center is the first thing to check off your family bucket list. The brand new Planet Play is epic. Kids play and learn on a giant solar-system-themed wonderland. Grab a photo op with an astronaut or “look up” at the Rocket Garden. If you prefer the beach, pack a picnic for Rotary Park. Pavilions with picnic tables, riverfront space for splashing and sun and the perfect launch spot for a paddleboard or kayak. And that’s just the river. There are tons of great oceanfront destinations too.
Where to Eat
With multiple locations in the area, Long Doggers is excellent for lunch, dinner or anytime carryout. The outdoor, covered decks make for the perfect place for a family meal. Or, visit the world-famous Dixie Crossroads for Rock Shrimp, and feed the fish and turtles on your way out. This restaurant teems with local history and local shrimp.
Wickham Park 2500 Parkway Dr Melbourne, FL 321-255-4307 Online: brevardfl.gov
Oh. My. Gourd. It’s pumpkin season at Shake Shack. Also known as fall in a cup, the Pumpkin Shake features Libby’s 100% Pure Pumpkin mixed with cinnamon, nutmeg, marshmallow, and vanilla frozen custard topped with whipped cream and toasted pumpkin seeds.
This delicious shake is made with 100% REAL, all-Natural, nothing added pumpkin. Libby’s has been growing its pumpkins in Illinois for generations giving them that one-of-a-kind flavor. They go straight from the patch a few miles up the road to its factory and are packed immediately, preserving as much of that awesome pumpkin color and flavor as possible.
These pumpkins are going straight from the patch to the shack.
Editor’s note: We’re making every effort to provide you with the most up-to-date information. However, the situation with COVID-19 is fluid and ever-changing. Please be sure to check with these businesses directly for any pandemic-specific closures, safety protocols, rules and procedures before paying a visit. Stay safe!
This could be the most big-on-fun checklist you’ve ever had. Before your kids turn 10, here are a whopping 100 ways to entertain them in Chicago and nearby. It has essential city experiences. It has hidden gems. And it has tons of to-do’s that will find a special place in your heart. Dive into the list anywhere, and take your time — but not too much. The wonder years whiz by!
4. See Mr. Singer perform a free musical story hour at Lincoln Park Zoo all year-round. Until restrictions are lifted, you can find keep up-to-date on his virtual performances via his Facebook page.
5. See the real 1966, 1989 and 2005 Batmobiles at the Volo Auto Museum. In 2021, they’ll be adding Jurassic Gardens, North America’s largest indoor animatronic Dinosaur Park.
6. Jam out at a Concerts for Kids kindie rock show or an all-ages show at Beat Kitchen. Right now they have an all-ages Bluegrass Brunch every Saturday at 11 a.m.
10. Jump yourself into exhaustion at Altitude Trampoline Park, Chicago’s first and only trampoline playspace and activity center.
11. Take the water taxifrom downtown to Chinatown.
12. Shake, sing and be silly at an Old Town School of Folk Music Wiggleworms music class. Right now you can experience the fun online, from the comforts of home. No mask required!
14. Make like a tourist and blaze through downtown on a Chicago Trolley.
15. Stroll the Naperville Riverwalk and stop to take a dip at Centennial Beach. This venue is closed for the 2020 season, but you can rent paddleboats and paddleboards at the neighboring Paddleboat Quarry.
16. Appease your need for speed at Six Flags Great America. As of Jul. 27, the theme park hasn’t opened for the 2020 season, but the waterpark Hurricane Harbor is up and running.
18. Tackle the mega slides at Adventure Playground at Blackberry Farm in Aurora. (Be sure to keep tabs on their website for when they reopen after COVID-19 closures.)
22. Run the bases at a Chicago White Sox Sunday Family Night. Until baseball welcomes fans again, fill your stomachs with ballpark favorites. Get your fix of some of the game’s most iconic bites via the team’s Home Plates recipe page.
23. Watch sharks dart overhead at the Wild Reef exhibit at Shedd Aquarium.
24. Run away and join the circus. . . or just watch family-owned and performed Circus in the Parks (that benefits the parks!).
40. Get drenched at the water park capital of the world, Wisconsin Dells (and don’t miss Paul Bunyan’s for dinner).
41. Meet chefs and local farmers at Green City Marketand have the kids join Club Sprouts, which encourages young people to try new, locally grown sustainable foods.
42. Escape to Lake Geneva for the weekend and take the 2.5-hour narrated U.S. Mailboat Tour that includes a very unique mail delivery to lakeshore residents.
61. Once the largest diesel-powered Fireboat in the world, the Fred A. Busse is now set to share a bit of history with its passengers on a Chicago Fireboat Tour.
85. Show the kids how hot-dog-eating is done (hold the ketchup) at one of our favorite hot dog joints.
86. Sign the kids up for a Hi-Five Sports Camp that’s focus is about so much more than winning or losing, it’s about teamwork, playing hard and fair, making new friends, learning the power of camaraderie and FUN.
88. Have a family fun day the new The Forge: Lemont Quarries(aka The Forge), a 300-acre adventure park with ziplines, hiking trails, mountain biking, paddlesports, and a dedicated kids’ zone.
Keep your whole troop entertained this summer. Shake Shack just launched Shack Camp, an interactive experience. Starting today families can purchase a Shack Camp Box which includes six weeks worth of activities that you can enjoy from the comfort of your own home.
Once campers receive their Shake Camp Box they can follow along on Shake Shack’s social channels. The box includes everything you need for six weeks’ worth of activities and programming for the family plus exclusive offers and promotions.
Campers can expect to participate in many fun activities including, making your own lemonade stand, telling scary stories around the campfire, whipping up frozen custard sundaes, getting involved in your community, creating arts and crafts and competing in Field Day. Plus, every Monday, starting Jul. 13 Shake Shack will debut an IGTV that demonstrates that week’s activity so families can follow along.
As part of Shake Shack’s mission to Stand for Something Good, the campaign will be supporting Fresh Air Fund’s virtual summer program. To help the thousands of NYC inner city kids whose summer camp was impacted by COVID, Shake Shack and their partners, Uber Eats, OREO Cookies and Goldbelly are collectively pledging $75,000 to the Fresh Air Fund’s “Fresh Air Everywhere” 2020 virtual summer program for children ages 7 through 13.
The boxes officially go on sale on Jul. 8 at 12 p.m. ET at camp.shakeshack.com for $79 plus shipping (only available for shipping within the continental U.S.) and the first week of the camp kicks off on July 13th on Instagram.
When it comes to fun at the National Mall, its long, grassy 146-acre field and proximity to multiple monuments are just the tip of the iceberg. From play places and yummy eateries (that are not tourist traps…promise!), we’ve got your back with a list of our favorite nearby destinations your whole family can enjoy. Add one of these to your trip, and you’ll take your kids’ National Mall visit to a whole other level.
Climb a Super Sculpture
Awe inspiring and snugly at the same time, the Albert Einstein Memorial is hands downs the best place to climb near the Mall. Nestled between the elms and holly grove at the National Academy of Science is an astronomical sized (21 feet high) seated Albert with the universe at his Birkenstock covered feet. Bring your camera–the relatives will want to see your little genius reading with big guy of relativity.
Tucked away in the Air and Space Museum your little adventurers can let their imaginations soar (and you can catch your breath) during a story time at 11 am, Thursday-Saturday. (Story time repeats at 1:30 pm on Saturdays). This isn’t your run-of-the-mill reading session, though. After hearing a tale about hot-air balloonists, trips to Mars, famous aviatrixes or winged creatures and inventions, kids do a hands-on activity or take-home craft.
With 19 flavors of oh-so yummy gelato, the Espresso and Gelato Bar tucked away inside the National Gallery of Art makes edible masterpieces. After you and the kiddos taste one, grab a free children’s audio tour from the Acoustiguide desk located in the Rotunda, on the Main Floor of the West Building. Budding da Vincis ages 7–12 can use the handheld digital audio players to track down Leonardo, Rembrandt, Degas and Monet. The Information Desk also has kid focused booklets for ages 6 + on American, Dutch, French and Italian Art in the museum. Bring colored pencils or crayons to use with the booklets.
Zagat rated + museum cafeteria = Mitsitam Café at the National Museum of the American Indian. Indigenous bounties of the season with foodie flair give your tribe a new way to say “let’s eat!” (Mitsitam means just that in the native language of the Delaware and Piscataway people.) Let the kids try a campfire buffalo burger from the Great Plains tribes. For a sweet treat try a Northern Woodlands dried cherry doughnut with pine syrup and a cuppa Tribal Grounds Coffee—organic, fair-trade coffee grown by indigenous farmers and imported, roasted, and provided to the museum by the Eastern Band of Cherokee. Wallet warning: these delish meals are pricey.
Between 4th St. and Independence Ave., SW Online: nmai.si.edu
Stroll Through a Secret Garden
Rachael Bradon
Come spring, your little sprout can explore the outdoor Children’s Garden nestled inside the United States Botanic Conservatory. They can dig in with the gardening tools and frolic with watering cans. In the gloom of winter you can feel the heat of the jungle and play eye spy dinosaur fern snacks in the reconstructed Jurassic garden of ancient plants that have been around for 150 million years or so.
Between Maryland and First Aves. SW (Entrance to the Conservatory is on Maryland Ave, SW) Online: usbg.gov
Go directly to the Washington Monument, not the line to the Monument
No need to use your parenting mojo on taming the kids while waiting f-o-r-e-v-e-r on a line. Pssst. Save time. Get advance tickets. Ready to go up 500 feet into the National Monument to one of the best views of the city? You can stand on line for the limited free tickets or reserve your tickets online a few days in advance for $1.50 and they will be waiting for you at Washington Monument Lodge Will Call window. The lodge is just east of the Monument on 15th Street. Bathroom tip: Go at the lodge restrooms; none are available in the Monument.
Commune With Butterflies
It’s worth the ohhs, ahhs and giggles to go the Butterfly Pavilion on Tuesday when admission to this live fluttery exhibit at the Natural History Museum is free. Get your timed-entry tickets at the Butterfly Pavilion Box Office beginning at 10 a.m. each Tuesday. Then take your precious gem to see the Hope Diamond. Butterflies and bling for free.
Natural History Museum, 2nd floor 10th St., NW at Constitution Ave. Online: mnh.si.edu
The National Mall Circulator Bus includes 15 stops, around the Mall and Tidal Basin, use a SmartCard, and you can get back on for the same fare within two hours. Translation? More family fun with less parking hassle. Cue the wheels on the bus.
USDA Farmers Market
Consider making your National Mall visit a Friday trip and you’ll be able to lunch at the USDA Farmers Market, where from May to October you can find over thirty vendors of organic produce, flowers, breads, and a ton of other food options. You can even multitask and do your grocery shopping at the same time!
Finding an affordable restaurant near the National Mall can be tough, but at Matchbox Vintage Pizza Bistro in Chinatown, kids menu options are all $6 and include both classic favorites (think macaroni and cheese or chicken tenders) and their “Captain Healthy to the Rescue” (includes fresh fruit, veggies, cheese slices, and peanut butter). Plus, the best part: kids get pizza dough balls to play with while you wait!
Groove to the Military Bands Summer Concert Series
WestPointBand via flickr
During this free summer series, military bands will play concerts every weekday evening on the U.S. Capitol West Front steps (National Mall side) starting at 8 p.m., weather permitting. Note: you can bring lawn chairs if you get a space on the stone terrace in front of the band, and you can even bring a picnic dinner (no alcohol or glass bottles).
East Capitol St., NE & First St., SE Online: aoc.gov
Concretes at Shake Shack
If you find yourself hot and hungry during your trip, don’t get drawn in by the food trucks on the Mall that are often overpriced—instead, walk a few blocks to the nearest Shake Shack, where you can grab a burger (or Shroom Burger for you vegetarians) and one of their original Concretes, which blend frozen custard with mix-ins. Choose from location-specific options like “Shack Attack” or make your own combination.
Ashburn, Va is primarily know as the the home of Redskin Park, where the Washington Redskins football team plays, but it has a lesser known reputation for its family-friendly zoo, park, museum and other activities that don’t involve a pigskin or forty-yard line. If you’re vacationing in the DC area, a visit to Ashburn, 30 miles outside of DC, offers a full day of kid-centric fun.
Ashburn families know they’ve got it made with plenty of gorgeous public lands to hike, heritage farms to experience and animal encounters galore. The jewel of Loudon County keeps parents and their brood happy from sunrise to sunset — and when night comes, global cuisine and killer frozen custard awaits.
To highlight everything that Ashburn has to offer, we’ve scoured the streets to find the best activities for parents and children of all ages. Whether you’re a local or a first-time visitor, here are our ideas and suggestions for the best places in Ashburn for families and kids.
Heritage Farm Museum
This quaint museum shares the history of Virginia farming, and kids will be thrilled by the opportunity to ride pedal tractors. But the real fun is on their “farm days,” which feature everything from the apple festival to milking a real cow. There are also monthly Parents’ Night Out, each with a different theme.
This small animal park is a local favorite, and it’s no wonder — what kid wouldn’t love riding a pony or camel? Visitors can get up close and personal with llamas, monkeys, lemurs, parrots, giant tortoises, and more. They offer a wagon ride and a playground as well.
Guaranteed fun for hours, the Zone features great ambiance and state-of-the-art gaming like laser tag and an arcade. Parents will love the food and the delicious drinks. Pro tip: On Tuesday nights, kids eat free with an adult purchase.
43811 Central Station Dr, Ste 100
Ashburn, VA 20147
(703) 724-9663 thezoneusa.com
Rebounderz Indoor Trampoline Arena
For days when the weather isn’t great (or even if it is!) your kids can get all their energy out at Rebounderz, which features wall-to-wall trampolines. Basketball, dodgeball, and a ninja warrior course give enough variety that kids won’t quickly lose interest.
A local favorite for a fun day out and birthday parties alike, SportRock’s climbing facility offers a variety of climbing walls for various skill levels and fantastic staff.
45935 Maries Rd
Sterling, VA 20166
(571) 434-7625 sportrock.com
Claude Moore Park Recreation Center
Locals love Claude Moore Park, which not only provides the expected facilities of a rec center, but also a unique green space. Visitors love to stroll the wooded lanes, green meadows, and sparkling ponds. Kids will love the wild deer, ducks and other wildlife.
Surprise your kids with a unique day out at iFLY, where they can “skydive” indoors. Stand inside a special room where air blows up and makes you feel like you’re flying. Staff helps kids and adults learn how to maneuver in the air, making for a fun and challenging experience like no other.
20315 Commonwealth Center Dr
Ashburn, VA 20147-5957
(571) 446-4359 iflyworld.com/loudoun
Harpers Ferry Adventure Center
On the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers, you’ll find Harpers Ferry Adventure Center, which offers tubing, whitewater rafting, zip lines, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, hiking, camping and more. Kids will have an epic time in the great outdoors and the whole family will love the friendly staff. Pro-tip: Call ahead to check on the water conditions; sometimes younger kids aren’t allowed out for safety reasons.
All D.C. locals get bored of the same old tourist traps around the National Mall, and none more than parents trying to fill hours pre- and post-naptime. Don’t worry—we’ve got your back with a list of our favorite destinations your whole family can enjoy. Add one of these sites or food venues to your trip, and you’ll make your kiddos’ National Mall visit a whole lot more fun.
Fun House Snarkitecture, the studio who brought you THE BEACH (remember the pool full of plastic balls?), is back with a whole house curated with their designs. The museum will be busy, but timed tickets will keep the crowd under control. FUN HOUSE runs from July 4th to September 3rd, and tickets get you one hour in FUN HOUSE and admission to the rest of the museum.
National Building Museum 401 F St., NW Online: nbm.org
USDA Farmers Market Consider making your National Mall visit a Friday trip and you’ll be able to lunch at the USDA Farmers Market, where from May to October you can find over thirty vendors of organic produce, flowers, breads, and a ton of other food options. You can even multitask and do your grocery shopping at the same time!
Newseum Summer Fun Deal If you haven’t been to the Newseum because of the cost of entry, good news—this summer, kids get in free! For every adult or senior who buys a ticket ($24.95 or $19.95), you can bring up to four kids with you. Be sure to check out “First Dogs: American Presidents and Their Pets,” as well as the Interactive Newsroom, where kids can play reporter.
555 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W. When: July 1, 2018 – Labor Day
Online: newseum.org
Pizza Dough Balls at Matchbox Finding an affordable restaurant near the National Mall can be tough, but at Matchbox Vintage Pizza Bistro in Chinatown, kids menu options are all $6 and include both classic favorites (think macaroni and cheese or chicken tenders) and their “Captain Healthy to the Rescue” (includes fresh fruit, veggies, cheese slices, and peanut butter). Plus, the best part: kids get pizza dough balls to play with while you wait!
Military Bands Summer Concert Series During this free summer series, military bands will play concerts every evening on the U.S. Capitol West Front steps (National Mall side) starting at 8:00 P.M., weather permitting. Note: you can bring lawn chairs if you get a space on the stone terrace in front of the band, and you can even bring a picnic dinner (no alcohol or glass bottles).
East Capitol St., NE & First St., SE
Online: aoc.gov
Storytime at the Hirshhorn Every Wednesday at 10 a.m. and Saturday at 11 a.m. from September through July, the Hirshhorn puts on a storytime where they tell kids about a piece of art and read them a book. Afterward, kids get the chance to create their own artwork. If your kiddos get hungry after all of that creative thinking, you can take them for a snack at DolcezzaCoffe & Gelato. Planning on going to the Hirshhorn in August? Check out their Library & Art Pop-Up instead.
Independence Ave. at 7th St. When: September-July Online: hirshhorn.si.edu
Concretes at Shake Shack
If you find yourself hot and hungry during your trip, don’t get drawn in by the food trucks on the Mall—instead, walks a few blocks to the nearest Shake Shack, where you can grab a burger (or Shroom Burger for you vegetarians) and one of their original Concretes, which blend frozen custard with mix-ins. Choose from location-specific options like “Shack Attack” or make your own combination.
Sick of the same old pizza, carrot sticks and cake at kids’ birthday parties? Get in on the food truck craze and let one cater your kiddo’s next bash. Grilled cheese-only diet? There’s a truck for that. Doughnuts delivered to your door? There’s a truck for that, too. Cookies baked fresh onsite without the mess in your kitchen and served with local milk? ’Nuff said. Costs for renting trucks vary based on many factors, including the food you choose to serve, location, number of guests to be served, day of the week and length of time. It’s best to contact each place directly to get the most accurate numbers. Here are nine trucks that will help you shake things up.
Astro Doughnuts and Fried Chicken So, yes, the truck has chicken fingers and a chicken BLT, but more importantly, it has doughnuts. A lot of them. Flavors include vanilla glazed, maple bacon, PB&J, mint cookies n cream and yuzu toasted coconut. Fun fact: The owners were the first native Washingtonians to play for the Washington Capitals – a bonus for little hockey fans.
Online: astrodoughnuts.com
Matty Ice This water ice and ice cream company makes small-batch ice and cream frozen desserts such as the Metropolitan, which has layers DC Dirt, chocolate ice with Oreo, Vicious Vanilla and cherry ice, and the DMV, which is DC Dirt topped with Chunk Brownie and mango ice.
Captain Cookie and the Milk Man The name pretty much says it all, no? The cookies are baked fresh right on the truck. Cookie options include chocolate chip, double chocolate, vegan chocolate chip, funfetti and oatmeal raisin. Pair those with local milk of the skim, 2 percent, whole or chocolate variety. And did we mention there’s ice cream? That can be made into a custom ice cream sandwich? BRB, stalking this food truck right now.
FroZenYo If your tot likes to create his or her own cup of fro yo, opt for this. FroZenYo offers fat-, dairy-, gluten- and nut-free options in addition to no sugar added and low-fat flavors. Speaking of flavors, they include cake batter, cookies and cream, chocolate, and vanilla. Toppings are too many to list, but this sampling should give you an idea: fresh strawberries, mango and blueberries; Reese’s peanut butter cups, hot fudge, brownies, and the all-important rainbow sprinkles.
Carmen’s Italian Ice and Café Flavors change daily but the extensive list of potential tastes include cotton candy, horchata, coconut spicy mango Thai dye, sour melon, chocolate and vanilla chip mousse. There’s also frozen custard in marshmallow, blood orange, Nutella and maple bacon. Note: popcorn, cotton candy and hot dog carts are available, too.
Scoops2U Choose between a novelty truck – a Classic Good Humor truck – which can provide 25 to 2,500 servings of prepackaged novelty ice cream bars and the modern Scoops2U truck, which can serve novelty bars, scoops in cups and cones, sundaes, and chipwiches. Note: For birthday parties, they operate only in Virginia.
Sweetbites Now a brick-and-mortar café in McLean, Sweetbites started as a food truck and still takes it out for rides. It’s also available for rental and serves treats such as cakes, cupcakes, cookies and brownies. Classic cupcake flavors include chocolate peanut butter, cookies and cream and cinnamon bun.
The Big Cheese Grilled cheese is pretty much on the (often literally) short list of foods kids love. Give them some gourmet options on this traditional comfort food, such as grilled Gruyere with roasted asparagus on sourdough. OK, maybe that’s a stretch. Perhaps Chèvre with Nutella on multigrain is a better starting point.
Say Cheese! As we were saying, grilled cheese is popular with kids – and adults, too, if we’re being honest. Menu options include the Merica, with two cheeses on square white bread and the Philly with steak, American and provolone cheeses plus mushrooms and mayo on ciabatta. You can also create your own, or opt for something from the kids’ menu, which includes hot dogs, burgers and, wait for it, grilled cheese. And there’s the dessert option from the catering menu, offering s’mores grilled cheese. Note: They have a two-hour, 50-person minimum.
Summer is almost here which means… family road trip! This year, instead of rushing from one big city to the next, consider slowing down the pace and exploring the beautiful state of South Dakota. Located in the heart of the American frontier, this great slice of America is home to world-renowned national monuments and historic landmarks, an array of wildlife, stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures galore and boasts a world-class arts and culture scene and an eclectic mix of quirky roadside attractions. To help you get this road trip started, we’ve traveled the state and mapped out everything you need to see and do through America’s heartland.
photo: South Dakota Department of Tourism
Where to Start Your Journey
If you and your road tripping crew plan to fly into South Dakota, you’ll want to start your journey in Rapid City which lies just east of the Black Hills National Forest in western South Dakota. Known as the gateway to Mount Rushmore, Rapid City is an irresistibly charming city adorned with art galleries, restaurants, retail shopping and a bustling Main Street Square that offers a fun-filled public space and more than 150 events each year including live concerts, festivals and outdoor movies. As you make your way through the downtown streets, you will notice the great pride the city has in its western and Native American heritage. Explore the Native American history exhibits, fine art displays and interactive museums or head to historic downtown Rapid City where you will be greeted by the City of Presidents, a series of 43 life-size bronze statues of our nation’s past presidents. Download the Interactive Walking Guide and see how many U.S. presidents you and your sidekick can spot. Psst… if you’ve got a budding artist in your group, be sure to hit Rapid City’s Art Alley which is located between 6th and 7th Streets. Started in 2005 as a public arts project, this totally cool display of art has since blossomed into a favorite among visitors and locals alike and has even gained national attention.
A Dose of American History
It’s no secret that South Dakota is home to a host of world-renowned national monuments and historic landmarks, but none is quite as famous as Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Appealing to both kids and adults alike, this iconic mountain carving features the 60-foot faces of four great U.S. presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. Walk the Avenue of Flags to the Grand View Terrace and take in the breathtaking views or travel along the Presidential Trail for a unique, up-close view of the faces. During the summer months, self-guided audio tours (in a variety of languages) are available at the Information Center and at the Audio Tour building for $5. During your visit, be sure to check out the awesome museum exhibits inside the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center (pictured below). This is where kids ages 3-12 can become Jr. Rangers and earn an official badge by completing a series of activities; and older sibs and adults can participate in a ranger program of their own to enhance their Mount Rushmore experience. If all this learning and exploring leaves your crew hangry, head to Carvers’ Marketplace, the only dining facility in the park, to enjoy a variety of food and beverages. This is also where you can grab a taste of history at the Memorial Ice Cream Shop. The go-to item on the menu? Vanilla ice cream made from Thomas Jefferson’s original recipe. Grab a double scoop and a Presidential soda and head to the outdoor dining area where you can delight your taste buds while taking in the majestic figures and the beauty of the Black Hills.
Must-See State and National Parks
South Dakota is known for its postcard-worthy landscapes and outdoor adventures galore. And with six national parks and 13 state parks to explore, the hardest part of this road trip will be deciding which ones to visit. Custer State Park, home to the annual Buffalo Roundup in September, is located just a short drive from Rapid City and should be at the top of your must-see list. Comprised of 71,000 acres, this state park is home to abundant wildlife, including bighorn sheep, antelope, deer, elk, coyote, prairie dogs and “begging” burros and contains one of the nation’s largest free roaming buffalo herds—making it common to encounter a “buffalo jam” while driving in the park. In addition to wildlife viewing, the park also offers a new Visitor’s Center, trout fishing during the summer months, hiking, mountain biking and horseback trails as well as rock climbing, chuckwagon suppers and a privately operated resort. If you’re looking for an easy way to see the park with your tots in tow, we recommend booking a Custer State Park Resort Buffalo Safari Jeep Tour. These open-air, custom-built jeep tours will allow you to see the park’s wildlife up close by taking you off-road where herds of buffalo, elk and deer thrive. Your driver (which also doubles as your guide) will offer historical and educational information about the park along the way and will take you to lesser-known scenic spots. Tours start and finish at the State Game Lodge Resort and last approximately 1.5-2 hours.
photo: South Dakota Department of Tourism
Badlands National Park, located 50 miles east of Rapid City, is a 244,000-acre experience you won’t find anywhere else, and should also be at the top of your road trip must-see list. The striking geologic deposits that make up the Badlands (which might make your kiddos wonder if they’ve stepped onto another planet) contain one of the world’s richest fossil beds. Ancient mammals such as the rhino, horse and saber-toothed cat once roamed here; today, the park is home to bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs and black-footed ferrets. The best way to experience this massive and awe-inspiring national park is to drive the Badlands Loop State Scenic Highway. Highway 240 gives you the perfect vantage point at every turn of the 30-mile loop and with nearly 30 scenic overlooks, impressive photo opps are easy to come by. While traveling the loop, be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife; you will more than likely encounter buffalo, pronghorn antelope, mule deer and numerous birds during your drive. Psst… to see the prairie dogs who call the Badlands home, stop by Prairie Dog Town (located on Sage Creek Rim Rd.). This homestead has been converted into a massive network of tunnels and it’s where your kids can see black-tailed prairie dogs up close.
If you want to learn more about the history of park or participate in one of the park’s many ranger programs, stop by the Ben Reifel Visitor Center. And if all this exploring and wildlife spotting makes you hungry, make a pit stop at the Cedar Pass Lodge Restaurant. This popular spot provides a variety of locally and regionally sourced dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner and is known for its fry bread which can be served with a side of wojapi (a super delish American Indian thick berry sauce) or with Sioux Indian Tacos.
Snakes and Turtles and Bears. Oh My!
Visiting South Dakota’s national and state parks is one of the easiest ways to see the wildlife that call the Midwest home, but there are also several other animal encounters and attractions that should be on your family’s road trip itinerary. The Reptile Gardens, located six miles south of Rapid City, was founded on the heels of the Great Depression by Earl Brockelsby as a Black Hills attraction. Today, this family run business has grown into a world-renowned attraction, drawings thousands of visitors each year to observe and interact with exotic animals. Housing more species of reptiles than any other zoo or park in the world, some of the rarest snakes in the world (and some of the most deadliest!) call the Reptile Gardens home along with giant tortoises, lizards, crocodiles, alligators, exotic birds, fish, prairie dogs and more. Psst… the Sky Dome, which houses the reptiles, is also home to a botanical garden filled with flowering plants, rare jungle and desert plants and an array of free roaming lizards, frogs, snakes and birds.
Families who want to get up close and personal with more than 20 species of North American mammals will not want to miss a trip through Bear Country U.S.A. This unique drive-thru wildlife park, located in the picturesque Black Hills of South Dakota, is home to bears, wolves, elk, buffalo, big horn sheep, arctic wolves, mountain lions and other wildlife. Roll up your windows, lock your doors and drive the three-mile trek through the park’s 250 acres. We guarantee there will be plenty of smiles and squeals coming from the backseat, especially when your sidekick comes eye to eye with a black bear. If your animal-loving crew needs to stretch their legs or burn off the crazies, stop by Babyland. This section of the park offers a short walking tour where you can view smaller animals and those younger than one year (think: adorable baby bears) as well as pick up a variety of South Dakota swag and souvenirs in The Bear’s Den—one of the Black Hills’ biggest and most unique gift shops.
Kids loves zoos and aquariums and South Dakota’s Great Plains Zoo & Delbridge Museum of Natural History and Butterfly House & Aquarium are both worth a stop while in Sioux Falls. Home to more than 1,000 animals from 137 species, the Great Plain’s Zoo’s collection includes tigers, giraffes, rhinos, zebras and a national award-winning Snow Monkey exhibit. It’s also home to two adorable male koala bears on loan this summer from the San Diego Zoo. At the Butterfly House & Aquarium, you and your crew can interact with over 800 free-flying butterflies from around the world in the tropical conservatory as well as view hundreds of vibrant marine fishes and corals in more than 20,000 gallons of aquariums. Other attractions include a pop-up dome aquarium (pictured below), a jellyfish, shark and stingray touch pool and a Pacific tide pool.
Visit a Gold Mine & Pan for Gold
No road trip through South Dakota would be complete without visiting a historic gold mine and trying your hand at panning for gold. Big Thunder Gold Mine located in Keystone, just three miles northeast of Mt. Rushmore, offers family-friendly tours of its 1890’s authentic gold mine. Strap on a hard hat and join a friendly and extremely knowledgeable guide who will take you through the gold mine, show you Big Thunder’s replica gold processing mill, explain how gold was extracted back in the day and even help you relive the mining experience. At the end of your tour, Rattlesnake Randy (yep, that’s his real name) will teach you how to pan for gold in the running water sluices or you can book a trip to an actual claim for a half or whole day. Psst… if you decides to pan, you’ll be guaranteed to find a sample 24K genuine placer gold.
Soar Like an Eagle, Race Down a Mountain & Explore a Cave
If you and your little road trippers need to burn off the crazies or just need to spend some time out of the car, we recommend hitting Rushmore Cave & Rush Mountain Adventure Park—Black Hills’ newest destination for family fun. Here, you can soar 630 feet through the air on the park’s unique zipline, shoot laser guns in the Gunslinger 7-D Interactive Ride and race a mountain coaster down a steep and windy hillside track—complete with pigtail turns!
After you’ve hit the rides, gather your adrenaline junkies and join an expert guide for an educational (and totally cool!) underground cave tour. During your one-hour guided journey, see beautiful carvings formed by nature, travel through subterranean passageways that lead to spectacular stalactite rooms and discover other natural limestone cave formations. Everyone in your tour will also learn about local history, cave geology and the many untold stories that reveal the hidden world that lies beneath us. It’s a must-do attraction for anyone visiting the Black Hills!
Quirky Roadside Attractions
The Mount Rushmore State is known for its share of quirky roadside attractions which makes it even more appealing to pint-sized road trippers. One of our favorite spots to stop and gawk is Wall Drug, a 76,000-square-foot emporium that originally opened as a drug store in the 1930s and has since evolved into a travel icon. Stop in and browse their 26 retail shops selling everything from toys, camping gear and cowboy boots to homemade fudge, pottery and western art or grab a five-cent cup of coffee and one of their melt-in-your-mouth donuts (the maple glazed is our favorite!) and stroll down the main street of the western-themed town. Psst… don’t miss the attractions in the Backyard. This is where you can see a collection of animated displays including a roaring T-Rex, get your pic taken on a ginormous jackalope or in front of a mini Mount Rushmore, try your hand at sluicing or cool off at the Train Station Water Show, featuring jumping jets perfect for splashing!
Other roadside family favorites include The World’s Only Corn Palace which stands as a tribute to the agricultural heritage of South Dakota; Fort Hays Old West Town Chuckwagon Supper and Show complete with a chuckwagon menu served on handmade tin plates; Dinosaur Park which is home to seven life-sized dinosaur sculptures overlooking downtown Rapid City; 1880 Town modeled after you guessed it… an original 1880 town that features 30 buildings fashioned after models from 1880-1920 as well as movie props from Dancing with Wolves; and the Catfish Bay Greatest Show on H2O which features amazing water skiing tricks and stunts as well as a stage show performed by over 30 members of the Catfish Bay Water Ski Team.
Detour to a Children’s Museum & Science Discovery Center
Traveling through South Dakota during the hot summer months can make the best of road trippers tired and cranky. Thankfully, the state offers a plethora of roadside attractions to keep kids (and parents) happy and entertained. But if your crew needs to take a full-on detour inside, we recommend hitting the Children’s Museum of South Dakota in Brookings and the Kirby Science Discovery Center in Sioux Falls. The Children’s Museum is a welcoming, fun and totally entertaining environment that appeals as much to tots as it does to tweens. Here, kids can experiment with airflow, maneuver through the Cloud Climber (a multi-level climbing structure), learn how to change a tire and check a car’s oil level and explore a robust outdoor area complete with the only full-size, permanent, animatronic T. Rex in the U.S. and the latest Stickwork by Patrick Dougherty. For kids who love to learn how things work, the Kirby Science Discovery Center, located in downtown Sioux Falls, offers more than 100 interactive, hands-on exhibits for all ages. From exploring space, to learning about tornadoes, to making music and movies, this awesome space will blow your kids’ minds.
Where to End Your Journey
All good road trips must come to an end and Sioux Falls is the perfect place to end your family’s epic South Dakota road trip. From beautiful parks and a bustling arts and culture scene (including SculptureWalk—the largest annual exhibit of public sculptures in the world) to over 650 restaurants, shopping and entertainment attractions, this vibrant city has plenty to offer families. During your stay, be sure to venture to Falls Park, Sioux Falls’ number one attraction. Here, you and your crew can explore the 123 acres and watch the Falls drop an average of 7,400 gallons of water a 100 feet over the course of the Falls each second. Grab an ice cream at the Falls Overlook Cafe and enjoy the Falls at sunset or come earlier in the day and explore some of the first buildings built in Sioux Falls. Psst… for the best view of the park and city, head to the top of the five-story, 50-foot viewing tower. It’s free and open to the public and offers an ahh-mazing view!
Where to Eat Along the Way
South Dakota has a rich and vibrant culinary scene, but we know that kid fare is the name of the game when traveling with little ones. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of family-friendly restaurants across the state, and dished on some of the extras, to help make this road trip your family’s best one yet. Consider: Ruby House Restaurant and Boss’ Pizza & Chicken (order the barbecue chicken pizza and the cheese curds) in Keystone; The Carver’s Cafe at Mount Rushmore; Fort Hayes Chuckwagon and Colonial House Restaurant & Bar (save room for their famous caramel rolls, ginormous dessert bars and cakes) in Rapid City; Wall Drug Restaurant (order the bison burger, a side of onion rings and a scoop of their homemade ice cream) in Wall; Cedar Pass Lodge Restaurant (order the fry bread with wojapi or the Sioux Taco) in Badlands National Park; Culver’s (order a Butterburger with a side of cheese curds and a frozen custard for the road) in Rapid City, Mitchell and Sioux Falls; Phillips Avenue Diner (order the cheese curds, fried pickles and Tator Tot Hot Dish and wash it all down with one of their famous milkshake concoctions) in Sioux Falls; Queen City Bakery (for grab-and-go meals and coffee) in Sioux Falls; Cubby’s Sports Bar & Grill (ask to sit on the roof top deck and don’t forget to order the cheese curds!) in Brookings; and RedRossa Napoli Pizza and Stensland Family Farms Ice Cream + Country Store (for dessert) in Sioux Falls.
