Jennifer Swope

Latest posts by Jennifer Swope

27 Summer Festivals and Fairs Near DC for Families

Submitted by Jennifer Swope on Fri, 05/26/2023 - 10:00am

The DC State Fair showcases the talents and uniqueness of the city. Photo courtesy of the fair

Summer festivals and fairs are a great way to enjoy the warm weather and sunshine in the DC area. After all, nothing says "summer" more than festival food, carnival rides and games, and live music.

Luckily, there are all sorts of festivals taking place in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia all summer long. They range from cultural and food festivals to state and county fairs with rides, games, food, and fun for kids and families.

Here are over 25 fun summer festivals and fairs near DC to visit with kids this summer. We've broken them down by month to help you plan, but keep checking our events calendar and our Summer Activities Guide for DC Kids—you never know which new summer festivals and events will pop up!

Memorial Day Weekend 2023 in DC: Festivals, Parades, Concerts, and More Things To Do

Submitted by Jennifer Swope on Wed, 05/24/2023 - 12:00pm

Honor fallen service members at the Falls Church Memorial Day Parade. Photo courtesy of the Falls Church Government

Looking for the best things to do in DC this weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for this weekend.

A long weekend brings extra opportunities for family fun. As can be expected in and around our nation’s capital, there are plenty of chances to celebrate Memorial Day with parades, concerts, and more. The National Memorial Day Concert on the Mall and the National Memorial Day Parade are just two of the many events happening this weekend to honor fallen soldiers.

Two museum exhibits open this weekend and run through Labor Day weekend: Curious George: Let's Get Curious! at the National Children's Museum, and Brick City at the National Building Museum, both of which are sure to captivate children all summer long.

This weekend also kicks off the season of summer festivals in the DC area, with fun options like ViVa Vienna! and the Hometown Holidays Music Fest in Rockville. And if you need a change of scenery, try one of our favorite summer day trips from DC for families.

Don’t miss our lists of DC's free outdoor concerts, the best swimming lakes near DC, and free outdoor movies near DC.

Free Outdoor Movies Near DC this Summer for Kids

Submitted by Jennifer Swope on Sun, 05/21/2023 - 10:00am

Outdoor movies abound in the DC area all summer long. Photo courtesy of the Fairfax County Park Authority

It doesn't get much better than enjoying free outdoor movies on a warm summer evening. This summer, the DC area is brimming with free movies for families in parks, plazas, wineries, and even a cemetery.

Here are some awesome places to enjoy free outdoor movies near DC with kids this summer. With options in the District, Maryland, and Northern Virginia—and movies of all different genres and ratings—there's bound to be be an outdoor movie near you that fits your family. So grab your lawn chairs or blankets, pack a picnic, and enjoy a relaxing evening of free family fun.

If you prefer to watch movies in air-conditioned comfort, check out our round-up of drive-in movie theaters near DC. And, keep checking our DC events calendar as more outdoor movies are announced, as well as our Summer Activities Guide for DC Kids for more summer fun.

DC's Free Concerts and Outdoor Music Festivals for Families This Summer

Submitted by Jennifer Swope on Fri, 05/12/2023 - 10:30am

Enjoy a free concert on Transit Pier every Wednesday evening. Photo courtesy of Wharf DC

Free concerts outdoors are a summertime staple for many families, and they're back in full swing all across DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. These free concerts and music festivals welcome families with kids of all ages, and some are even geared specifically towards children. They span all genres of music—from pop and rock to blues and jazz—and take place in gardens, parks, plazas, and even on the waterfront.

Here are 25+ free concerts and music festivals for DC families this summer. Grab some chairs or a blanket, pack a picnic, and get ready to enjoy some live music in the fresh air.

For more fresh-air fun this summer, check out our Outdoor Activities Guide for DC Kids, which includes our lists of free outdoor movies near DC and 50 free things to do with kids in summer.

Mother's Day Weekend 2023 in DC: Brunches, Boats, and More Things To Do With Kids

Submitted by Jennifer Swope on Wed, 05/10/2023 - 12:00pm

Bring Mom to feed the farm animals, go on a hayride, and watch pigs race at Green Meadow Farm. Photo courtesy of the farm via Facebook

Looking for the best things to do in DC this weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for this weekend.

There are so many fun ways to celebrate mothers around DC this weekend. Take Mom to Green Meadows Farm, where she gets in free on Sunday. Celebrate Mom and Asian Pacific American Month at the National Museum of Asian Art on Sunday for a special Mother's Day event. Or, experience new cultures with your family at the EU Open House on Saturday. Whatever you do this weekend, don't forget to tell the moms in your life how much you appreciate them!

Don’t miss our lists of more Mother's Day events in DC, where to have Mother's Day brunch near DC, and the best things to do in Washington, DC in May with kids.

31 Best Things to Do in DC May 2023 with Kids

Submitted by Jennifer Swope on Sun, 04/30/2023 - 10:40am

Jump in the world's largest bounce house at Big Bounce America. Photo courtesy of the event

From Mother's Day to Memorial Day, we'll be finding fun things to do all month long—May the 4th be with you!

May brings the return of some of our favorite annual DC events. Enjoy beautiful May flowers at Washington National Cathedral's annual Flower Mart. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at the family-friendly Running of the Chihuahuas. Take a trip around the world with your family at the Around the World Embassy Tour and the EU Open House. Or jump into summer at the Big Bounce America.

As the Nation's Capital, the Washington, DC area plays host to many Memorial Day celebrations throughout the entire three-day weekend. Honor fallen heroes at parades, concerts, and other ceremonies.

Find more top May fun in our lists of where to have Mother's Day brunch near DC, what to do on Mother's Day, and the best things to do in DC with kids this spring.

We’re adding more events to our family activity calendar every day, so don’t forget to check it frequently.

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Best Summer Camps for Teens in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia

Submitted by Jennifer Swope on Sun, 04/09/2023 - 10:00am

Kids can learn from top tennis coaches at Nike Tennis Camp. Photo courtesy of the camp

If you feel your teenager has outgrown camp, the variety of summer camps for teens throughout the DC area may convince you otherwise. There are summer day camps in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia that will keep teens busy all summer long no matter their interests. These teen summer camps include all sorts of big-kid activities like sports, coding and robotics, theater, art, and so much more.

Here are 15 summer camps for teens in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. Bookmark our local Summer Camp Guide for more options for summer camps near DC, and peruse our full Camp Directory for more summer camps to fit any budget and interest. And if you're looking for a more academic experience for your teen this summer, check out our list of the best pre-college summer programs for high school students, both online and in person.

Easter Weekend 2023: Top Things To Do in DC with Kids

Submitted by Jennifer Swope on Wed, 04/05/2023 - 8:27am

See beautiful spring blooms at Bluebells at the Bend. Photo by Fairfax County Park Authority

Looking for the best things to do in DC this weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for this weekend.

It's Easter weekend! Kids of all ages can join in one of several Easter egg hunts held around the area, or they can hop on over to meet the Easter Bunny. If you haven't yet had your fill of cherry blossom festivities, there are more events happening on Saturday, including Petalpalooza at the Capitol Riverfront and Blossom Fest at Springfield Town Center.

The Kennedy Center also kicks off its free RiverRun Festival this weekend with several family-friendly events, including River Island | Isla de Ríos and RiverRun Fun through April 16. And The Dr. Seuss Experience opens this Friday at Tysons Corner Center.

Don’t miss our lists of Spring Break 2023 activities, the best things to do in Washington, DC in April with kids, and fun spring day trips from DC.