Washington Parent Picks · 2026
Family Fun
Family Fun is the top level group for best things to do with kids in the DC area, covering Museums & Historic Sites, Indoor Playgrounds, Parks, Fairs & Festivals, Day Trips, Friendly Farms, Bowling, Mini-Golf, Skating Rinks, Resorts and more. DMV parents nominated through May and voted daily through July. Nothing here is an editorial pick. Every name was put forward and voted for by families across DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia. Start here when the weekend needs a plan.
Animal Encounters
Bowling
Camping & Glamping
Day Trips
Fairs & Festivals
Friendly Farms
Gyms, Sports & Recreation Venues
Indoor Playgrounds
Mini-Golf
Museums & Historic Sites
Parks
Pickleball & Padel
Resorts
Skating Rinks
Story Times
Theaters & Performance Venues
Vacation Destinations
Related Reading
Halloween parades, trunk or treats and fall farm festivals fill the DC area this weekend, Oct. 23 to 25. Here are our favorite picks for families in DC, Maryland and Virginia, including plenty of free options.
Boo at the Zoo brings three nights of treat stations, costumes and animal houses open after dark to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo Oct. 16 to 18. Here is how to plan your family’s visit, from tickets and parking to what to expect.
From pumpkin picking in Bluemont to a chocolate and coffee festival in Boyds, here are 11 DMV fall festivals for families this season. Each listing has dates, addresses, costs, crowd levels and whether you need a ticket or RSVP.
