Top 20 Places to Take Kids in and around the DC Metro Area - 2020

The Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute demonstrates leadership in animal care, science, education and sustainability. Always free of charge and open 364 days a year, the Zoo is one of Washington D.C.’s, and the Smithsonian’s, most popular tourist destinations, with more than 2 million visitors from all over the world each year. Founded in 1889, the Zoo is part of the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum and research complex. Today, the Zoo sits on 163 acres in the heart of Washington, D.C.’s Rock Creek Park and is home to 2,700 animals representing more than 390 species.

Your local tradition… for generations. Cox Farms is a family favorite when it comes to celebrating every season. Their Fall Festival is one of the largest and most popular in the country, with a famously quirky hayride and acres of giant slides. Their haunted nighttime Fields of Fear is hugely popular with teens. During the Spring & Summer, Cox Farms offers plants, produce, and treats like kettle corn and donuts at their Corner Market. Smokin’ Saturdays feature barbeque from their smoker, live music, Foamhenge, field games, wooden play structures, and farm animals. During Christmas at the Corner Market, you can find your perfect Christmas tree in their winter wonderland.

 The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum (Washington, DC) and Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center (Chantilly, VA) display thousands of aviation and space artifacts, sharing the story of flight from early ballooning to recent advancements in space exploration. Education is a primary focus, with free activities including early childhood story times, family days, hands-on activities, science demonstrations, school group activities, daytime gazing in the Museum’s public observatory, and guided tours. Admission and public programs are free.  There is a $15/car parking fee at the Udvar-Hazy Center (free for those arriving after 4:00 pm). 

Virginia’s premier theme park is built for fun! Come to King’s Dominion for roller coasters, thrill rides, rides built for kids and shows featuring bands, circus acts and the Peanuts gang. Soak City waterpark is the coolest place to slide, splash, chill and dine. From summer thrills to the Halloween Haunt and WinterFest, King’s Dominion has unending, award-winning fun for the whole family.  

Take your family to a place where fun comes naturally, Williamsburg, Virginia, home to Busch Gardens® theme park and Water Country USA. Challenge one of Busch Gardens’ seven world-class coasters or discover family fun playing at Sesame Street® Forest of Fun™ and Land of the Dragons®. Water Country USA®, Virginia’s largest water park, is just three miles west of Busch Gardens and features state-of-the-art water rides and resort-style amenities. Guests are in for an epic journey on the park’s wildest family thrill slide, Colossal Curl™.

Billy Beez is the ultimate indoor play park for kids and kids-at-heart! Our 20,000* sq. ft. play parks offer a variety of features and activities, from slides to sports courts, tunnels to towers, ball blasters to bouncy trampolines, adventure is always right around the corner at Billy Beez. The park is ideal for all ages, including infants, toddlers, adults and every age in between.

Voted best birthday party place, choose from one of our award-winning packages which includes our Private Party Room, with anywhere from 90-120 minutes of catered or non-catered customizable add-on options. Your upcoming celebration will truly WOW all of your party guests.

Billy Beez is the park that they’ll ask for by name.

The Maryland Renaissance festival starts the last weekend in August and runs 9 weekends. The first weekend kids 15 and younger are admitted FREE with an accompanying adult. The Festival is a 16th-century English village with 10 stages, a 3,000 seat jousting arena, 250 performers, 140 craft shops and 42 food and beverage emporiums.

The National Museum of African American History and Culture is the only national museum devoted exclusively to the documentation of African American life, history, and culture. It was established by Act of Congress in 2003, following decades of efforts to promote and highlight the contributions of African Americans. To date, the Museum has collected more than 36,000 artifacts and nearly 100,000 individuals have become charter members. The Museum opened to the public on September 24, 2016, as the 19th and newest museum of the Smithsonian Institution.

The Kennedy Center is America's living memorial to President Kennedy—presenting the greatest performers and performances from across America and around the world, nurturing new works and young artists, and serving as a leader in arts education.

Hidden Oaks Nature Center, minutes inside the Beltway, features a pond and an interactive exhibit ideal for children 2 yrs. and older. Located in the 52-acre Annandale District Park, the center is nestled among woodland trails and creeks with gardens and a nearby playground.

Kids and adults alike learn about Lincoln and the Civil War through little-known stories of his summers living at the Cottage with his family, including his young son Tad.

Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts is a majestic natural setting for over 100 performances across all genres every summer. Home to the architecturally stunning Filene Center and the charmingly intimate Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods, the 117-acre Park offers dining and hospitality amenities throughout the summer season, and year-round recreational opportunities, including hiking trails, picnic areas, and sledding.