31 Things To Do in DC With Kids

christadiserio said:  Right outside the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains is Great Country Farms - a 400-acre working farm that offers an amazing u-pick experience. First, containers are provided for all customers and then they are taking on a wagon to and from the fields. Once they get to the fields, they'll get to pick from a variety of seasonal crops, such as strawberries, cherries, plums, peaches, raspberries and more.

Take a trip back in time with a scenic railway tour through the Monocacy Valley. The 1hr 20 min trip in 1920s passenger cars or open flatcars take visitors along tracks originally built in 1872 takes visitors past turn of the century buildings and a 100 year old lime kiln. Seasonal train rides include an Easter train, Santa train, Teddy Bear Train, Super Hero Train, steam trains, Civil War reenactments and more.

christadiserio said:  Bring your kids out to Frying Pan Farm Park to let them experience what farm life was like in the 1920s to 1950s. This park offers the perfect combination of nature and cultural activities that your kids will enjoy. As part of the park, Kidwell Farm, demonstrates a working farm from this time period and houses many animals, like cows and horses that the kids will love seeing. Additionally, they have a covered picnic area for a nice lunch, grass fields, playgrounds, and an old country store with games and snacks. This is such a unique experience for all.

Cost: Free

christadiserio said:  The 800-acre Great Falls Park is an absolute stunner! If you love hiking and the outdoors, round up the family, bicycles, a picnic lunch and head on over to Great Falls Park. Take a scenic hike to one of the clifftops with dramatic views, check out the museum exhibits with hands-on activities for kids, or take a bike ride along the tow path and boardwalk over the river. While this is a hiker's paradise, there are hiking paths good for people of all ages and experience. Be sure to bring comfortable shoes and a camera.

Cost: $10/vehicle or $5/person on foot or bike

christadiserio said:  Scramble calls themselves "the ULTIMATE indoor play space for kids" and they hit the nail on the head. This indoor play space is perfect for kids of all ages - from infants to older kids that are ready to take on a sporting match. Between the sensory stimulation for infants and the ball courts or role play zones, where kids can work in the race car shop or coffee shop, kids are guaranteed a great time. Be sure to bring socks, as everyone must have them on at all times.

Cost: $5 crawlers & tummies, $10 ages 2+ (weekdays ) & $10 crawlers & tummies, $20 ages 2+ (weekends)

Ages: Infant-10 years old

christadiserio said:  While Great Waves Waterpark is a full-blown Waterpark, it’s perfect for older and tiny kids to have a great time. The older kids will enjoy speed slides and an enormous wave pool, and the tiny tots can run around Minnow Bay. This area boasts a splash pad with many water features (dump buckets, water tables, twisted pipes), a waterfall and much more like batting cages, wave pool, food and cabanas. It’s the perfect place to cool off in the summer heat, especially at reasonable daily rates.

Cost: $8.25-$15.75

christadiserio said:  Our Special Harbor, an interactive and imaginative Chesapeake Bay-themed spray park, will impress everyone in the family. This sprayground boasts a spraying osprey nest, Chessie the sea serpent, & a misting lighthouse and sunflower. There is also a beach area that's not as busy with softer bubblers and water tables. Oh, and we can't forget the computerized water maze and dumping crab basket!

Note: All children 15 years & younger must wear aquatic shoes or sandals with a backstrap. Adults may wear flip flops instead of aquatic shoes and babies are exempt from wearing shoes.

Cost: Free

christadiserio said:  Wheaton Regional Park is a children's dream playground outside of the busy city! Children of all ages will love the playgrounds suitable for younger and older kids, various nature hikes, fishing ponds, children's gardens with tropical plants, carousel, little train and so much more. There are also picnic tables and grassy areas, so be sure to bring a blanket to eat on. Some visitors have said that you might even spot flying squirrels after sunset - whoa! As if this isn't good enough, parents have even commented on how clean the bathrooms are here. Now that's a relief!

Cost: Free

christadiserio said:  The best part about the Georgetown Waterfront is the view to across the Potomac River, where you'll get to see the beautiful Kennedy Center. And why not have fun in such a stunning space? The Waterfront has an arching splash fountain that the kids will love. At night, the fountain is illuminated by lights & is quite the scene. If your feeling more adventurous than the splash fountain, there are several boathouses you can rent canoes & kayaks from to use on the Potomac River. While there are several nearby restaurants, think about packing a picnic lunch to enjoy on the Waterfront.

Cost: Free

Come discover the history of street cars and how they helped build the communities where they were established at this museum full of educational displays and real, full-sized street cars from around the world. Kids love that admission here includes unlimited rides through the woods surrounding the museum on real, working trolleys. Be sure to check the museum calendar to find out about special events, like Holly TrolleyFest when you can catch Santa riding the rails.

christadiserio said:  Known as one of the oldest zoos in the United States, the Smithsonian National Zoo is one that everyone should visit at least once in their life. This favorite local zoo sits on 163 acres in the heart of the city and houses thousands of animals from across 300 species. From the pandas to the large cats, you'll have several exhibits to choose from.

christadiserio said:  If you and your family are the outdoorsy type, then a hike around Roosevelt Island will suit your fancy. This uncomplicated two-mile loop is perfect for kids and will have some brief history signs throughout. Everyone will be close to nature along these forest-y trails. You'll also love views of Georgetown, overall D.C. and all of the people in canoes along the water. Finally, at the end of the trail, you'll meet the Theodore Roosevelt Monument - the very man whose legacy is honored by this incredible island.

Pro tip: Download a trail map before you embark on your journey.

Cost: Free

christadiserio said:  Escape the action of the city and go on a hike with the family at Rock Creek Park. This 1,754 acre park is complete with beautiful trees, wild animals, and is somewhere where you'll experience pure bliss. After the hike, you and the kids can explore the Nature Center, where you'll learn about the many plants an animals living within the park, and visit the Planetarium. Last but not least, you can even get a stamp for your National Park Passport here and go on a fun Discovery Hunt. Exploring has never been so fun.

Cost: Free

christadiserio said:  What if a superior ice skating experience could be combined with some of the best views of the nation's capital and wrapped up in a pretty red bow? That's exactly what you'll find at The Watergate Hotel's "winter wonderland," where guests and local will be wow-ed by the rooftop synthetic ice rink setting with spectacular 360-degree views of the city. Adults can also enjoy some winter cocktails and kids will love the hot chocolate.

Cost: $10/child (ages 5-12) & $20/adult

christadiserio said:  When it's nice outside, pack up a blanket, a picnic basket, and a soccer ball to head on over to the National Mall. There's nothing more electrifying than sitting with your family on the beautiful Mall, people watching and seeing the historic landmarks around you. Over lunch, talk to the kids about all the history our nation's capital holds and then have a little family fun kicking a soccer ball around on the green grass. On a nice afternoon, you'll catch others doing the same!

Cost: Free