August is the last full month of summer break, and the DMV spends it going out with a bang. County fairs take over fairgrounds in Maryland and Virginia, thousands of glowing lanterns drift across the water at National Harbor and knights turn up in Annapolis. Whether you have one free Saturday left or a whole month to fill before the school year starts, here are the events worth putting on the calendar.
Featured destinations and activities
In this section, Washington Parent’s advertising partners share their top summer destinations and activities.
Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay
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.
- Time needed: A weekend is suggested to get the full experience.
- Cost: Rooms start at $424 per night
- Reservation requirement: Reservations are required for overnight stays.
- Location: 100 Heron Blvd US-50, Cambridge, MD
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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.
Washington, DC
The National Building Museum
With something for everyone, The National Building Museum lets kids learn, explore art, culture and play. Consider visiting “THE PLAYGROUND” exhibit, which explores how fun and architecture intersects.
- Time needed: 2-3 hours
- Cost: Access to the Great Hall where THE PLAYGROUND is located is free, but entry to the full museum is $10 for adults and $7 for children.
- Reservation requirement: None
- Location: 401 F St. NW, Washington, DC
Maryland
Movies on the Potomac
Throughout August and into September, visit the National Harbor any Sunday for a family movie night on the Potomac. From recent hits like “Elio” to classics like “Babe,” every movie at National Harbor is a hit.
- Time needed: 2 hours
- Cost: Free
- Reservation requirement: None
- Location: 165 Waterfront St., National Harbor
Water Lantern Festival
Create a personalized lantern and release it across the water. Develop beautiful memories and new bonds with the people around you at the Washington Water Lantern Festival.
- Date: 5:30-9:30 p.m. Aug. 8-9
- Time needed: 2-3 hours
- Cost: $34.99 for regular tickets, $24.99 per person in groups of four
- Reservation requirement: Tickets must be purchased in advance.
- Location: 802 National Harbor Blvd., Oxon Hill
Howard County Fair
At the 80th annual Howard County Fair, your kids can see what it’s like to be a farmer at the Kids & Critters Barn and the Little Farmers Building. Stop by the fairgrounds throughout the month to take in live music and square dancing.
- Date: Aug. 8-15
- Time needed: 3-4 hours
- Cost: $10 for adults, $5 for seniors and free for kids. Season passes available for $40.
- Reservation requirement: None
- Location: 2210 Fairgrounds Road, West Friendship
Montgomery County Agricultural Fair
Celebrate local farmers with games, music, food and fun at the Barn in the USA fair. Check out the county’s biggest pigs and best cakes at this year’s 4-H competition.
- Date: Aug. 14-20
- Time needed: 3-4 hours
- Cost: $18 for adults, free for children 11 and under. Additional costs for carnival rides.
- Reservation requirement: None
- Location: 16 Chestnut Street, Gaithersburg
Maryland State Fair
See incredible farm creatures, play novel games and go on exciting rides at the Maryland State Fair Aug. 27-30 in Timonium.
- Date: Aug. 27-30
- Time needed: 3-4 hours
- Cost: $10 for 100 ride credit. Rides range from 32-100 credits. Additional fees for games, food and parking
- Reservation requirement: None
- Location: 2200 York Road, Lutherville-Timonium
Maryland Renaissance Festival
Step into the past and into power as your child can become a knight, royalty or magical being as you take in music, plays, duels and animal shows at the Renaissance Fair.
- Date: Aug. 29-30
- Time needed: 3-4 hours
- Cost: $31 for adults, $27 for seniors, $17 for children.
- Reservation requirement: Tickets are available for each day online. Tickets frequently sell out so purchase them in advance. No tickets are sold at the festival gate.
- Location: 1821 Crownsville Road, Annapolis
Virginia
Water Country USA
Make memories and a splash at Water Country USA, part of the Busch Gardens family. Visit the AquaGlow family-friendly party zones with a live DJ.
- Date: 8-11 p.m. select nights through Aug. 15
- Time needed: 2-3 hours
- Cost: $34.99 per person
- Reservation requirement: Tickets available for purchase online.
- Location: 176 Water Country Parkway, Williamsburg
Fairfax Summer Carnival and Fair
See shows, watch tractor demonstrations and have some “old-fashioned family fun” at the Fairfax County Summer Fair.
- Date: July 30-Aug. 2
- Time needed: 2-3 hours
- Cost: $10 parking fee, $30 ride ticket wrist band
- Reservation requirement: None
- Location: 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax
Arlington County Fair
Play classic carnival games and old-school rides at the Arlington County Fair from Aug. 13-17.
- Date: Aug. 13-17
- Time needed: 3-4 hours
- Cost: Admission is free, with rides, games and food costing extra.
- Reservation requirement: None
- Location: 3501 2nd St. S, Arlington
Around the World Cultural Food Festival
Enjoy tasty treats from around the globe as you stroll the streets of Old Town Alexandria. Vendors are carefully selected, with only one representing each featured country.
- Date: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Aug. 29
- Time needed: 2-3 hours
- Cost: Admission is free; food is available for purchase.
- Reservation requirement: RSVP available on Facebook
- Location: 100 Madison St., Alexandria
Zakkary Parker is a storyteller and digital media professional covering arts, culture and community-driven stories. A graduate of the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism, he brings a creative approach to reporting and digital content at Washington Parent.
