Jennifer Marino Walters

Latest posts by Jennifer Marino Walters

100 Things To Do in DC with Kids Before They Grow Up

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Sun, 07/16/2023 - 10:15am

Visit the home of George Washington in Virginia. Photo courtesy of Mount Vernon

Check out these amazing things to do in DC with kids—including attractions, events, activities, museums, and more—that every DC family really must experience!

The days are long but the years are short when it comes to raising kids. And with so many things to do in DC and nearby with kids, it can be hard for families to decide exactly how to spend their time in and around the nation's capital.

To help you make the most of your precious family time, we've compiled a list of the top 100 things to do in DC with kids before they grow up. In a city bursting with museums, parks and playgrounds, play spaces, and more, you'll certainly never get bored. Get out, explore, and see just how many activities you can cross off our fun list before childhood whizzes by.

Best Indoor Rock Climbing Gyms and Spaces for Kids Near DC

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Fri, 07/14/2023 - 10:45am

With 75 themed walls for kids to tackle, it's impossible to get bored at ClimbZone. Photo courtesy of ClimbZone

Indoor rock climbing gyms are popular among many athletic adults, but that doesn't mean kids can't get in on the fun, too. Indoor rock climbing is a great way for children and teens to burn some energy, build strength and agility, learn problem-solving skills, and have fun all year long.

Here are several indoor rock climbing gyms and spaces in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia that offer classes, camps, teams, and more for kids and teens of all ages and abilities. Some of them are located within rec centers or complexes that also offer other activities such as batting cages, sports, and arcades.

Check out our DC Guide to Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces for more indoor fun, including trampoline parks, ninja warrior gyms, and lots more.

Heat Wave Hot List: 25 Cool Things to Do in DC with Kids

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Sun, 07/09/2023 - 9:04am

DC's free public swimming pools are some of the best places to beat the summertime heat. Photo courtesy of DC Parks and Recreation

One can argue that summer is one giant heat wave in DC. After all, the city is known for its high temperatures and soupy humidity. But there are periods when the temps soar well into the 90s—and even the 100s—that even the most seasoned residents find the heat unbearable. That's when families need to abandon the parks, playgrounds, and hiking trails and find other fun ways to beat the heat.

Here are 25 things to do with kids to keep cool during a DC heat wave. These ideas include outdoor water activities, air-conditioned spots like indoor playgrounds and museums, and activities you can do from the comfort of your own AC. For more family fun this summer, check out our Summer Activities Guide for DC Kids.

Best All-Inclusive Resorts with Incredible Kids Clubs (Plus More Resorts with Great Free Kids Clubs)

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Sat, 07/08/2023 - 12:00pm

Moana and other Disney characters often visit the kids club at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa.

The best all-inclusive resorts for families feature more than just great food, fun activities, and beautiful beaches. They also have amazing kids clubs, where parents can drop kids off for supervised fun while they relax by the pool or hit the spa.

But not all kids clubs are created equal. While some have basic toys and games, others offer a full program of arts and crafts, sports, themed parties, and more, as well as cool spaces with playgrounds, video game hubs, and even water parks.

Here are 12 resorts with incredible kids clubs in the US, Mexico, and the Caribbean. While most of them are all-inclusive resorts, we've also added a couple that are not all-inclusive but have spectacular free kids clubs. Check out our Guide to Family-Friendly Resorts and Hotels for even more great places to stay.

Best Glamping Spots in the US for Families

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Sat, 07/01/2023 - 12:00pm

You definitely won't feel uncomfortable while camping at Westgate River Ranch Resort.

If you love the idea of camping with kids—but not the idea of sleeping on the ground in a flimsy tent—then glamping just may be the answer.

Glamping is an elevated form of camping that gives families a true nature retreat with more luxurious accommodations—think glamping tents and cabins with beds, bathrooms, kitchenettes, electricity, and other amenities. It's like combining the rustic feel of camping with the comforts of a hotel, and it's a fantastic way to make family memories in the great outdoors.

Read on for 17 of the best glamping spots in the US for families. Then check out our Camping Travel Guide for more places to go camping with kids, from East Coast beach camping sites to RV campgrounds.

21 Best Family Beach Vacations for Summer Travel

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Sat, 06/10/2023 - 12:00pm

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in the Florida Keys is a great place to go snorkeling. Photo courtesy of Florida State Parks

In addition to warmth, sunshine, and gorgeous beaches, the best family beach vacations offer extra activities to make summer travel truly magical. After all, is it even a real beach vacation without a round of themed mini golf, a scenic cruise or bike ride, or endless visits to local ice cream shops?

We've rounded up 21 of the best family beach vacations for summer travel in the US, starting from Florida and the South, up to the Northeast and New England, and all the way across the country to California. For each one, we've highlighted some of the best aquariums, zoos, museums, and other fun things to do with kids.

Check out our Family Travel Guide for even more summer travel ideas, including epic road trips, exciting all-inclusive resorts, and the best family vacation spots in the US that are off the beaten path.

Must-Try Ice Cream Shops Near DC for a Cold Treat

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Fri, 06/09/2023 - 9:45am

Kids love to sit in the train engine at Peterson's Ice Cream Depot in Clifton, Virginia. Photo courtesy of Jennifer Marino Walters

Though summer in the DC area can be hot and sticky, there are plenty of fun ways to beat the heat—including a plethora of delicious ice cream shops near DC that are sure so satisfy any sweet tooth. And while we've got plenty of love for the nationwide ice cream chains, sometimes you just want to go somewhere more local and special.

Read on for our list of 15 great ice cream shops near DC, many of which are near other attractions like parks and playgrounds. Some of them stick with what they do best (ice cream), while others offer extra goodies such as cookies and cakes.

For more great ways to keep cool this summer—including our lists of outdoor water parks and free public swimming pools near DC—check out our Summer Activities Guide for DC Kids.

50 Awesome Free Things To Do Near DC this Summer with Kids

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Fri, 06/02/2023 - 12:00pm

Cool off at one of the area's many great splash pads this summer. Photo courtesy of Montgomery Parks

School's almost out, summer is unofficially here, and we're on a mission to keep kids busy and having fun all summer long without breaking the bank. Luckily, there are tons of free things to do near DC this summer with kids, from free outdoor movies and outdoor concerts to free summer festivals and swimming pools.

Here is a list of 50 free activities for kids and families in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. How many of these free things to do near DC can your family fit in before school starts again? And don't forget: we are constantly updating our event calendar, so keep checking back for more free things to do near DC this summer with kids.