Want to have an epic snow day with kids? Break out the sleds and head to one of the many amazing places to go sledding near DC! The best sledding hills range from iconic landmarks to neighborhood parks and schools. There are also great sledding spots for kids of all ages, from gentle slopes for younger children to thrilling runs for older kids and teens. 

Here are the best places to go sledding in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia with kids. Our DC Winter Activities Guide has even more fun ways to spend a snow day, from snow tubing near DC to snow games for kids beyond sledding. 

Big news for concert and entertainment lovers: a new Sphere entertainment venue is being planned for National Harbor! The State of Maryland, Prince George's County, Sphere Entertainment Co., and real estate developer Peterson Companies made the announcement this week. This Sphere—the second venue of its kind in the US—will be smaller than the one that opened in Las Vegas in 2023, but will still host concerts, shows, immersive experiences, and other entertainment.

Read on for everything we know so far about the proposed new venue. Then check out our list of the best things to do in National Harbor with kids to see why this town on the banks of the Potomac River is the perfect location for the second Sphere.

Winter has arrived in the DC area, and your family is likely spending more time at home. Whether you prefer to continue being warm indoors (raising my hand!) or to bundle up and head out for some fresh air, you may be starting to feel like you need a change of scenery.

If that's the case, check out my list of 10 great winter day trips from DC. These fun, family-friendly winter day trips near DC appeal to a variety of ages and interests, from exploring museums to being active in the snow. Even better, they are all less than three hours or less from DC by car—and totally worth the trip.

Find more winter day trips from DC, such as the best snow tubing near DC for families, in our Day Trip and Weekend Getaways Guide and our Guide to Winter Fun. Whatever you decide to do, be sure to embrace the season—spring will be here before you know it!

Where Can Families Eat Well for Cheap in DC?

Eating out as a family can get pricey fast—especially in a city like Washington, DC. So when I told people I was compiling a list of spots in the DC area where you can get a meal for under $10, many people insisted it would be impossible.

But some of my fellow local parents know otherwise. They came through with hidden gems and local favorites where everyone can eat well without breaking the bank. Along with some of my own family's favorite restaurants, I came up with a baker's dozen (like my food reference?) cheap places to eat in DC. Every spot listed has kid-approved cheap eats under $10 (and not just off the kids menu!) and has been tried and tested. The list includes both well-known local favorites and offbeat finds.

Want to save even more money? Check out our Guide to Free Things To Do in DC with Kids. Find more affordable restaurants for kids and families—as well as some splurgeworthy ones—in our Kid-Friendly DC Restaurants Guide.

Looking for free things to do in DC with kids? Bring them to one of the many free museums in the DC area that are engaging, fun, and provide a much-needed dose of culture. While many of these free museums in DC and Northern Virginia are Smithsonian institutions, there are also several other great ones relating to language and words, the US Army and Marines, and more.

Here are 18 free museums near DC that will excite kids of all ages and interests, from art enthusiasts to history buffs to airplane and dinosaur fanatics. Some of these museum's have designated children's exhibits and/or play areas and free family programs like art workshops and storytimes.

Read reviews of some of these museums in our Museum Guide for Kids and Families in Washington, DC, and check out our guide to free things to do in DC with kids for more fun ideas that won't cost you a penny.

Raising children in the DC area is an amazing adventure—it certainly has been for my family! From free museums and nature centers to amazing playgrounds and fun festivals, there are so many free things to do in DC with kids. This has allowed my family to discover hidden gems, explore iconic places, and have loads of fun while saving money. It also means visitors from out of town can have a fabulous family vacation full of historic and cultural experiences, nature, and play time without breaking the bank.

Here is our ultimate list of 100 free things to do with kids in DC, from the best free attractions in DC to free events in DC. For even more ways to have fun without reaching into your wallet, check out our Guide to Free Things To Do in DC with Kids and our list of free indoor places to play in the DC area. 

Cold and rainy days make it hard for kids to burn off their energy and stretch their little legs—especially without spending some serious money. But if you stay at home, you'll all be bouncing off the walls and your house will be a mess. You need somewhere to play that's warm, dry, and—most important—FREE. 

Luckily, there are many free indoor activities in DC that allow kids to move, explore, and blow off steam. From play areas at free museums to free nature centers to free mall playgrounds, these free things to do indoors in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia are all great cold and rainy-day activities for kids. 

Here are 27 free indoor things to do in DC with kids on cold and rainy days. For more family fun that won't break the bank, check out our guide to Free Things To Do in DC with Kids. It includes our ultimate list of 101 free things to do in DC with kids.