Washington Parent | Family Guide for DC, MD & VA

Smiling family of four outdoors for Fun Things to Do With Kids in the DMV This Weekend.

Things To Do

Fun Things to Do With Kids in the DMV This Weekend (Sept. 4-7)

DMV communities are coming together — through moments of silence. Picture The National September 11 9/11 Memorial and Museum at the World Trade Center Ground Zero site.

Things To Do

Remembering 9/11 in the DMV: 25th anniversary events

Brandi CalhounSeptember 3, 2026

Families enjoy Labor Day weekend events at a county fair in the DMV.

Holiday Fun

One last summer celebration: Your guide to Labor Day weekend fun around the DMV

Jenna DolchAugust 11, 2026

LATEST

Where to find life skills classes for teens in the DMV

Afterschool Programs

These life skills classes help kids master life’s basics

Stevie Rosenfeld5 Mins Read

national parks books in a light of sunrise on the pages of an open magical book to celebrate National Public Lands Day

Guides

Celebrate natural wonders with these children’s books on Sept. 26 — and all year round

Mary Quattlebaum5 Mins Read

Warm apple cider in Maryland and Virginia with fresh apples, cinnamon sticks and star anise

Food

All About Those Apples: An In-Cider’s Look

Cayla Gardner11 Mins Read

A mother checking his son's progress on a school homework while working at home. Photo credit: DimaBerlin // Shutterstock

Parenting

A busy parent’s guide to students using AI

Ray Pastore5 Mins Read

Children sharing a meal outdoors at a DMV restaurant where kids eat free

Food

10 restaurants in the DMV where kids eat free

Cayla Gardner7 Mins Read

EDITOR'S PICK

DMV pumpkin treats from local bakeries in DC, Maryland and Virginia.

Food

Seven DMV bakeries serving the best pumpkin treats this fall

Cayla GardnerAugust 25, 2026

Overwhelmed mother amid laundry and children’s toys, reflecting the stress of overparenting.

Early Childhood

How to know when you’re overparenting, and what to do about it

Colleen ReedAugust 24, 2026

Family picnicking outdoors at one of the free things to do in DC in September

Free Activities

Free Things to Do in DC in September 2026 With Kids

François HentschelAugust 24, 2026

Family apple picking at an orchard in Maryland. Boy carrying a basket of apples at a Virginia pick your own farm. Rows of apple trees at a Maryland orchard in fall.

Things To Do

Apple picking in Maryland and Virginia: 10 family orchards to visit this fall

Allison ChanAugust 9, 2026

THINGS TO DO

THINGS TO DO

How to plan a visit to pumpkin patches near DC

Things To Do

Fall festivities done right: 10 pumpkin patches in Maryland and Virginia to visit

Stevie RosenfeldAugust 15, 2026

Fall foliage near Washington DC - in orange, red and yellow reflected in still water.

Trip into fall foliage: The DMV’s best spots to see the changing leaves

August 15, 2026

These are the Coolest Train Rides for Kids Around Washington, DC

August 14, 2026

Your August summer fun guide to close out the season

Your August summer fun guide to close out the season

August 1, 2026

The Great Stalacpipe Organ surrounded by rock formations inside Luray Caverns.

See why Luray Caverns is the ultimate family day trip

July 30, 2026

EVENTS CALENDAR

What's Happening Near You

EDUCATION

SCHOOLS

healthy kids going back to school

Family Health

Back to school health: A pediatrician’s checklist for a strong start

Dr. Azadeh SamiAugust 20, 2026

Two children read one of the best night sky books for kids by flashlight on a rooftop under the stars

The night sky has never looked so fun in these kids’ books

August 4, 2026

A parent and child reviewing My School DC lottery results together at home

How to navigate the My School DC lottery if your child didn’t get their first choice

July 20, 2026

Back to school in the DMV: what families need to know for the 2026-27 school year

Back to School in the DMV: 10 Questions Parents Ask for 2026-27

July 20, 2026

Prince George's County Public Schools: 10 Best for 2026. Teacher in blue dress

Top 10 Prince George’s County public schools

July 19, 2026

RAISING KIDS

PARENTING ADVICE

school avoidance anxiety children parents help

Parenting

When ‘I don’t want to go to school’ is more than a phase — it might be anxiety

Dr. Afifa AdibaJuly 19, 2026

Nanny, au pair, daycare: What’s available in the DMV?

Nanny vs. au pair vs. daycare; What is best for your family?

June 25, 2026

Human hand holding a protest banner stop e-cigarette vaping message over a crowded street background.

What are the Laws for Vaping and E-Cigarettes for Teens in the DMV?

June 18, 2026

Two kids blaming others by pointing fingers at each other.

Does your kid play the Blame Game? Here’s what to do

June 18, 2026

Mother and daughter enjoying summer activities for kids in the DC area

One size fits none: Customizing your family’s summer schedule

June 17, 2026

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