Outdoor Activities Guide for DC Kids

Families can enjoy Washington DC's great outdoors all year round, with outdoor adventures and activities from hiking to drive-in movies, camping to swimming.

Photo courtesy of Croydon Creek Nature Center

Photo courtesy of Croydon Creek Nature Center
Outdoor Adventures for DC Families
Full up your buckets with juicy red strawberries. Photo courtesy of Great Country Farms
Best Strawberry Picking Near DC and Summer Strawberry Festivals
Enjoy a free concert on Transit Pier every Wednesday evening. Photo courtesy of Wharf DC
DC's Free Concerts and Outdoor Music Festivals for Families This Summer
Outdoor movies abound in the DC area all summer long. Photo courtesy of the Fairfax County Park Authority
Free Outdoor Movies Near DC this Summer for Kids
Kids of all ages and abilities will love the colorful equipment at Clemyjontri Park. Photo by the author
Destination Playgrounds in the DC Area: 15 Play Spaces Worth the Trip
Climb the famous steps of the Lincoln Memorial for a gorgeous view of the reflecting pool and the Washington Monument. Photo by anjanettew via Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
Visiting Washington, DC's National Mall and Memorial Parks with Kids
Buzz over to the Me and the Bee playground at the Smithsonian National Zoo. Photo courtesy of nationalzoo.si.edu
Best Tot Lots and Toddler Playgrounds near DC

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Outdoor Activities at Home
Jump rope solo, skip with siblings, or round up the whole gang for double dutch.
40 Classic Outdoor Games for Kids: Backyard Games, Playground Games, and More
Revel in the dirty hands! Outdoor activities help kids sleep better and jumpstarts their imaginations.
30 Outdoor Activities in Nature for Kids for Hands-on Outdoor Learning
Jump rope songs can turn a kid workout into a game.
  VIDEO
20 Jump Rope Workout Games and Songs for Kids
Photo by Michael Newman/CC BY 2.0
10 Outdoor Party Games for Kids' Birthdays at Home
Run through the tunnel to get their energy out! Photo courtesy Melissa and Doug
Cheap Outdoor Toys and Outdoor Games for Kids
10 Classic Outdoor Games from the '70s that It’s Time To Teach Your Kids

Latest Outdoors News

Just about an hour from Chicago, kids can pick apples at Apple Holler from mid-August to November.
Apple Picking near Chicago: Best Apple Orchards for Apple Picking with Kids
We’ve selected 14 of the best apple orchards within a two-hour drive of Chicago for your...
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Starved Rock State Park
Visiting Starved Rock State Park With Kids: Things To Do, Places To Stay, and More
Get away from it all and hike with kids for a few days.
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Try one of these fun Chicago mini golf courses. Photo courtesy of Diversey Driving Range and Mini Golf
17 Mini Golf Courses Near Chicago for Kid-Friendly Putt-Putt
Check out our picks for mini golf courses for some outdoor (or indoor!) family fun near Chicago.
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Wendella offers themed sightseeing boat rides in Chicago. Photo courtesy of the Wendella Sightseeing Company
Best Boat Rides in Chicago for Families
Choose a speedy ride, sailboat, or relaxing river cruise with these Chicago boat tours.
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State parks near Chicago offer more than just hiking. Photo courtesy of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources
State Parks Near Chicago to Hike, Camp, and Swim with Kids
These state parks are the perfect weekend activity for your family.
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You definitely won't feel uncomfortable while camping at Westgate River Ranch Resort.
Best Glamping Spots in the US for Families
Have an elevated family camping experience at one of these great glamping spots.
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