Best Strawberry Picking Near DC and Summer Strawberry Festivals

Full up your buckets with juicy red strawberries. Photo courtesy of Great Country Farms

Late spring/early summer is strawberry picking season in the DC area, and our taste buds are more than ready. From pick-your-own berry farms to full-on strawberry festivals, there are so many opportunities to pick and celebrate this delicious fruit.

Here are 12 strawberry festivals and places to go strawberry picking in Northern Virginia and Maryland, not too far from DC. While kids will love strawberry picking alone, several of the farms on this list also offer other fun activities like petting zoos, slides, playgrounds, and more.

For more fun on the farm, check out our Pick-Your-Own Guide to Farms in Washington, DC, which includes our roundup of even more places to go berry picking near DC.

Marrakesh Family Travel Guide: Where to Stay, What to Eat, and Top Things to Do with Kids in Marrakesh, Morocco

 The coloful stalls in Jemaa el-Fnaa Market are filled with local handcrafted goods.

Marrakesh, Morocco is a treat for the senses. The city is a riot of color, filled with the scent of Moroccan spices and the sounds of motorcycles and busy marketplaces.

Years ago I visited Tangiers in northern Morocco and instantly fell in love with Moroccan culture and mint tea. I had always wanted to return to explore more of the country and excitedly booked a family trip with Intrepid Travel. My children and I stayed in Marrakesh for several days at the beginning and end of the tour and had an amazing time.

Here are the best things to do in Marrakesh, Morocco with kids. Our International Travel Guide features more great cities to visit throughout the world, including London, Seoul, and so many more.

Best Amusement Parks and Theme Parks for Kids in Pennsylvania

Visit Hersheypark to experience family rides, thrilling coasters, and so much more! Photo courtesy of the park

As summer arrives and family schedules slow down a bit, nothing can burn up extra energy like an amusement park. Rides, adventure, entertainment, and tasty treats will help make the most of a lazy summer day. Check out these great amusement parks in Pennsylvania, plus a few in nearby New Jersey and Maryland.

Looking for the best local water parks? We've got you covered with a round up of all the Best Water Parks Near Philly. For more amusement park fun, check out our Theme & Water Park Guide

Best Outdoor Water Parks in Orlando for Family Fun

Obstacle courses are part of the water play at Island H2O Water Park.

Outdoor water parks in Orlando boast towering water slides, safe play areas, and plenty of ways to beat the scorching Florida sun. Orlando water parks pack full-size fun, often at a fraction of the price of the major theme parks. In addition to slides and swings, many Orlando water parks offer extraordinary experiences, such as dolphin encounters and enchanting mermaid shows!

Best Petting Zoos, Animal Farms, and Wildlife Parks Near Atlanta

Kids get up close to gentle farm animals at Zoo Atlanta's petting zoo, Outback Station.

Visit a petting zoo or animal farm in Atlanta when the weather warms up and kiddos want to mingle with friendly, four-legged critters. Petting zoos and animal sanctuaries beckon Atlanta families to enjoy creatures, big and small, from pigs and horses to giraffes and camels. Perhaps even lions, tigers, and bears...oh my!

Most petting zoos and animal sanctuaries advise visitors not to feed the animals unless it's feed that they provide (either included with admission or purchased for an additional fee). So grab plenty of hand sanitizer, wet wipes, plastic gloves (bison slobber is no joke), and snacks for the kids and head out to an Atlanta petting zoo, animal farm, or animal sanctuary.

Visiting Massanutten Resort and Water Park with Kids

Families will never run out of fun activities at Massanutten Resort. Photo by author Jennifer Swope

Massanutten Resort is well-known among DC families as a winter ski destination, but it actually offers four seasons of family fun. My family was invited to visit Massanutten ahead of its summer-season kickoff to check out activities and experiences that go beyond the ski and tubing hills.

In full disclosure, this was not our first visit to Massanutten Resort. My family has visited during a winter ski season and over a fall long weekend. We had a blast each time.

During this trip, my 13-year-old daughter and 11-year-old son tried nearly every activity available and could not pick just one favorite. That's how much fun they had! Read on for my full review of Massanutten Resort and my tips on how to make the most of a trip there.

Check out our Guide to Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways for more great places to visit near DC.

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