
Washington Parent Picks

We asked. You answered.
In May, families in the DC area submitted over 22,000 nominations, and in July cast over 32,450 votes in support of the businesses, services and professionals on which they most depend.
From summer camps and pediatricians to tutoring centers, toy stores and preschools, this year's winners and finalists represent the people and places making a real difference in family life. Look through the categories listed below, book this page and come back to it all year round. You can plan a birthday party, compare different enrichment programs, or discover a new local favorite with the help of this reliable guide.
Congratulations to all the winners and the finalists in the 2026 Washington Parent Picks.


Child Care

Children with Learning & Other Differences

Extracurricular Activities

Family Fun

Foodies

Kids' Stuff

Let's Party

Love Our Pets

Parent Education & Support

Parent Time

Photography & Portraits

Pregnancy & Baby

Schools & Education

Staying Healthy

Well-Being
Related Reading
The Big Build returns to the National Building Museum on Saturday, Oct. 17. It is free, it runs 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and kids get hard hats, real tools and more than a dozen activity stations run by working builders.
Four years ago, Washington Parent introduced readers to Lauryn Ricketts, the Storm Team4 meteorologist whose road to motherhood was paved…
Welcoming visitors back to DC for its new SUBMERGE Project, ARTECHOUSE DC is reopening after over a year of being…





