Having a baby is a joyful experience, but it certainly isn't cheap. Factor in all of the diapers, wipes, baby food, and other baby gear and the numbers quickly add up. But there are plenty of places to get free baby stuff to help offset the costs of newborn and infant care.

From baby registry welcome boxes to diaper rewards programs to free baby product samples, there are many free items that new and expectant parents can get from companies. Plus, don't underestimate the generosity of friends, family, and neighbors.

Here are 30 places to get free diapers, formula, toys, and more free baby stuff. And, as your baby starts growing, check out your city's Guide to Free Things To Do with Kids for ways to have fun with your little one without blowing your budget.

After two years of pandemic-era closures and restrictions, DC opened back up in full force in 2022, and families flocked to enjoy all of the new goings-on. Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum reopened in October after a seven-month closure, four years into a seven-year, $1 billion remodel. The new Museum of Illusions came to CityCenterDC, and several buzzworthy exhibits—including a Yayoi Kusama exhibition at the Hirshhorn and an immersive King Tut experience at the National Geographic Society—drew crowds.

Families also enjoyed several new parks, playgrounds, and indoor play spaces in Maryland and Northern Virginia, as well as a massive new fitness and wellness center in Baltimore. And beloved holiday events Boo at the Zoo and ZooLights finally returned to Smithsonian's National Zoo.

Read on for our favorite kid-friendly openings and happenings of 2022. Here's looking forward to more exciting openings in 2023!

The DC area is brimming with professional holiday lights drive-thrus and Christmas lights shows that dazzle visitors of all ages. But sometimes, there's nothing better than loading the family into the car with hot chocolate, turning on holiday music, and driving around the neighborhood to see Christmas lights on houses. And the best part is, it's free!

Though DC itself offers a treasure trove of gorgeous holiday lights in public places, like Light Yards and Georgetown GLOW, we've found that the best neighborhoods to see Christmas lights on houses are in the suburbs. Luckily, there are many neighborhoods in Maryland and Northern Virginia that get way into the holiday spirit. Many of them host animated light shows that are synchronized to music played through car radios, so families can stay warm and cozy inside their vehicles.

Here are some of the best neighborhoods in Maryland and Northern Virginia to see over-the-top Christmas lights on houses. For more holiday fun, check out our Christmas Activities and Holiday Guide for DC Kids.