This summer, experience everything Washington has to offer with plenty of activities and events, perfect for families and kids. DC has plenty of amazing educational and engaging activities, as well as fun destinations for a full experience. Enjoy these events and activities this summer or year-round!
Key takeaways
- The big picture: Washington, DC, offers a mix of educational and entertaining activities for families and kids year-round.
- The details: Many events are budget-friendly and perfect for all ages.
- The more you know: There are options accommodating for all types of weather, including indoor or outdoor fun for this summer.
Featured destinations and activities
In this section, Washington Parent’s advertising partners share their top summer destinations and activities.
National Children’s Museum
- Address: 1300 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, DC
- Cost: $18.95 per person, free for children under 1 and members
The National Children’s Museum is a one-of-a-kind destination where visitors can learn and play. The Museum blends the hands-on discovery of a children’s museum with the educational depth of a science center, making it unlike anything else in the city. Designed for children under 12 and their families, the museum’s play-based STEAM programming sparks curiosity and ignites creativity at every turn. Current exhibits include Dream Machine, a three-story climber and slide for kids ages 5–12; Engineering Games + Play, where visitors explore science concepts through sports and hands-on activities; and Weather Worlds, a green screen experience where kids can shoot lightning bolts and make it rain. Little ones under 3 have dedicated spaces in Little Dreamers, a cloud-and-flight-themed play area, and Little Movers, a free-movement space for building motor skills.
Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay
- Address: 100 Heron Blvd US-50, Cambridge, MD
The award-winning Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa and Marina is the kind of place where families can do as much or as little as they want — and still come home feeling like they made the most of summer. Water lovers will be right at home with multiple outdoor pools overlooking the waterfront, including an adventure pool with a waterslide, plus an indoor pool where nightly dive-in movies make for a perfect end to a full day. Throughout the summer, the resort partners with Black Water Adventures for water sport rentals and guided kayak excursions. Parents looking for some me-time can head to Sago Spa & Salon for standout treatments like the VOYA seaweed poultice massage or the Eminence marine flower hydrating peptide facial. Golf enthusiasts can hit the links at the onsite River Marsh Golf Club. Before you book, check out the resort’s Sunny Days, $100 Ways package. Available for stays between June 15 and Sept. 30, 2026 — when booked by Sept. 30 — guests receive a $100 resort credit to use toward spa services, golf or dining at one of the resort’s on-site restaurants. Visit the resort’s website to book.
More destinations and activities
This section features other DMV summer destinations and activities chosen by Washington Parent staff. Many of these destinations and activities have high reviews according to Google, Yelp and other destination websites.
Great American State Fair
- When: June 25-July 10
- Address: 10th Street and Constitution Avenue, Washington, DC
- Cost: Free
This summer, catch the Great American State Fair in celebration of America’s 250th birthday. The fair will feature food, music and culture from all around America for two weeks. Enjoy the coast-to-coast celebration over the Fourth of July holiday.
Smithsonian National Zoo
- Address: 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC
- Cost: Free
Enjoy a trip to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute this summer with free admission. The zoo holds daily animal demos, giving attendees a front-row seat to view zookeepers working with animals. The zoo has a plethora of animal exhibits including Africa Trail, Amazonia, Great Cats and more!
F1 Arcade DC
- Address: 420 Penn St. NE, Washington, DC
- Cost: $22 per person starting price
The F1 Arcade in DC is a great activity for families with older kids. Kids 7 and older can participate in a simulated race, and the arcade is family-friendly before 9 p.m. every day. The arcade also features food and drink as a nice pit stop between activities, especially if anyone needs a cool place to rest on hot summer days.
- Address: 400 7th St. NW, Washington, DC (starting point)
- Cost: $79 per adult, $69 per child
This summer, the Smithsonian is offering an exclusive tour of The Museum of Natural History, the Museum of American History and the Air & Space Museum. The tour lasts approximately three hours, and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance of the event. The museums are a great educational and fun excursion for kids and family.
Bubble Planet Experience DC
- Address: 524 Rhode Island Ave., NE Washington, DC
- Cost: Starting at $22.90 for adults, $17.90 for kids
Enjoy a fun, fully immersive experience at the Bubble Planet in DC! A perfect indoor activity for a rainy summer day, Bubble Planet is fun for all ages. They have a total of 11 thematic environments, ranging in color and experience, also including virtual reality and an LED room.
Pirate Adventures on the Chesapeake
- Address: 311 Third St., Annapolis, MD
- Cost: $17 for infants, $28 for presale, $35 for adults
This swashbuckling boat cruise on the Chesapeake Bay is an absolute crowd-pleaser for kids ages 5-10. Costumed crew members lead children through a full treasure-hunting adventure, complete with a battle against the villainous Pirate Pete. This boat adventure is great for a special summer outing.
Virginia Safari Park
- Address: 229 Safari Lane, Natural Bridge, VA
- Cost: Adult (13-64) $28.95 per adults, $26.95 for seniors over 65, $21.95 for children 2-12, free for infants under 1
About three hours from DC, this drive-through safari is worth the trip. Families drive their own cars through the park while animals, like bison, zebras, giraffes and more, come right up to the windows for feeding. Your car may need a vacuuming afterward, but the up-close animal encounters make it totally worth it. There’s also a walk-through zoo area with budgies and other animals.
Harpers Ferry Adventure Center
- Address: 37410 Adventure Center Lane, Purcellville, VA
- Cost: Cost varies based on activity
Just about an hour from DC on the Virginia/West Virginia border, this outdoor adventure hub is a fantastic pick for active families craving something beyond the usual museum trip. Options include white-water rafting on the Shenandoah River with expert guides, a zip line course through the tree canopy and riverside camping. Reviewers suggest booking the zip line early in the morning to beat the summer heat. It’s an especially great fit for families with older kids looking for a genuine adrenaline rush.
