Top 20 Places to Take Kids in and around the DC Metro Area - 2021

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.

The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA displays more than 3,000 aviation and space artifacts, including nearly 200 airplanes, sharing the story of flight from early ballooning to recent advancements in space exploration. Education is a primary focus and visitors can find out about collection from docents and enjoy science demonstrations, presented by the Museum’s Explainers. Additionally, family-friendly activities are offered online, including story times, virtual family days, and more. The Udvar-Hazy Center is open daily from 10:00 am – 5:30 pm. Admission and public programs are free. Parking is $15/car (free for those arriving after 4:00 pm).

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 Children’s Science Center Lab is an interactive science center where children and families explore STEM through fun and engaging hands-on activities. Operated by the Northern Virginia Science Center Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, they also deliver their mission through STEM programs traveling to schools and other community venues across the region. In addition, the Foundation is developing the Northern Virginia Science Center in Dulles, VA, a world-class, interactive regional science center for families, students and learners of all ages made possible through a pivotal public private partnership. Learn more about our mission today at childsci.org and our vision for the future at novasci.org.

The museum is a 27,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility located on the grounds of the world's oldest continuously operating airport in College Park, Maryland. The airport was founded in 1909 when Wilbur Wright came here to give flight instruction to the first military aviators.

Visitors to the museum step into an open 1 1/2 story exhibit space, which highlights the display of unique aircraft and artifacts and tells the story of the airport's many firsts in flight to today.

The museum gallery contains historic and reproduction aircraft associated with the history of the airfield, as well as hands-on activities and interpretive areas for children of all ages. Changing exhibits and new programs every month keep visitors coming back for more.

 The National Gallery of Art serves the nation by welcoming all people to explore and experience art, creativity, and our shared humanity. Admission is always free.

Butler’s Orchard has been providing farm-fresh food and family-friendly fun for over 70 years and we are committed to preserving this tradition for generations to come. We offer a variety of activities including Pick Your Own fields for fruits and vegetables, and a five acre Farm Park that includes giant slides, a playground, animals, and more!

A children's used book store in the venue of a cityscape with on-hands fun. This is a place where parents and child can both come in feeling good, and leave feeling great!

We are place for where child & parent can find quality time together. We have over 13 different pretend play shops in our mini child size city. Play grocery in the pretend Safeway or make a pretend meal in the Chinese restaurant. Your child can dress up in the Princess/Knight room or create something in the art shop, rescue mom from a pretend fire or visit the past in Grandma's attic. You can also buy some Playseum dollars if you have children that want to be even more creative. This allows a staff person to help in the process of quality time and memory building. We make homemade soap with you, paint ceramics and wood and in the bakery you can choose to make an ice cream treat or decorate a cupcake.

The B&O Railroad Museum brings alive the adventure of railroading. This historic national landmark allows you to see, touch, hear and explore the most important railroad collection in America.

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.

We are the Maryland Science Center.  We inspire.  We empower.  We engage.  Let’s science!

The Maryland Academy of Sciences is Maryland’s oldest scientific institution and one of the oldest such institutions in the entire nation.

At its inception in 1797, the Academy was an amateur scientific society—members met to discuss papers on astronomy, botany, zoology, and other subjects then known as the “natural sciences.” Rembrandt and Raphael Peale, sons of painter and scientist Charles Wilson Peale, were among the distinguished early members.

We believe that science forms a foundation for lifelong learning and curiosity. Our signature brand of science education celebrates the “how come?” and the “what if?’’ And we celebrate a collective exploration that leads to a shared sense of discovery. Let’s science.