Washington DC

21 Things To Do with DC Babies Before They Turn 1

The National Children's Museum offers spaces and storytimes just for babies and toddlers. Photo courtesy of the museum

Looking for the best things to do in DC with babies? Here are some great options for family fun with little ones under age 1.

There's nothing quite like seeing the world through your baby's eyes. After all, taking in new sights, sounds, scents, and textures creates a sense of wonder in infants and builds their knowledge of the world around them. And when baby is fussy, sometimes just getting out of the house is all they need.

Luckily, the DC area is full of interesting places to explore with babies, from outdoor playgrounds and gardens to indoor attractions like museums and libraries. And the best part? Almost all of these places are free for babies under 1 (and many for grown-ups, too).

So load up the diaper bag, pull out the stroller, and try these 21 things to do with DC babies before they turn 1. Then check out our Baby and Maternity Guide for more great baby advice, from how to get free baby stuff to the best first birthday gifts.

21 Fun Things to Do with Teens and Tweens in DC

Kids can suit up in hazmat gear, dodge lasers, and crack codes at Beat the Bomb. Photo courtesy of Beat the Bomb

It can be challenging to find family activities that will entertain your teens and tweens—they're generally too old for playgrounds and a bit too young to wander around DC alone. Plus, that teenage attitude and desire for independence can put a damper on fun family activities.

However, the DC area is brimming with fun activities, and these 21 things to do with teens and tweens near DC can get even the most jaded teenagers off the couch and away from their screens. You never know—they may be having so much fun, they won't even worry about being seen in public with Mom or Dad.

For more fun things to do in DC with the whole family, check out our guide to the best museums in DC for kids, a roundup of thrilling water parks, and a list of our favorite mini golf courses.

DC's Best Parks and Playgrounds for Kids' Birthday Parties

The carousel and playground at National Harbor are lots of fun for kids' birthday parties. Photo courtesy of Spirit Park

The DC area's fantastic parks and playgrounds are some of the best places to host outdoor kids' birthday parties. Playgrounds are inexpensive, they offer built-in entertainment like swings and play structures, and some even have extra summertime features such as carousels and splash pads. And, most parks and playgrounds offer shaded picnic shelters and other covered areas where guests can enjoy pizza, cake, and other treats after play time.

Here are 14 of the best parks and playgrounds in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia for kids' birthday parties. Check out our Guide to Playgrounds & Parks in Washington, DC to find the best tot lots and toddler playgrounds near DC, great parks with beaches, and more awesome places for outdoor fun.

100 Things To Do in DC with Kids Before They Grow Up

Visit the home of George Washington in Virginia. Photo courtesy of Mount Vernon

Check out these amazing things to do in DC with kids—including attractions, events, activities, museums, and more—that every DC family really must experience!

The days are long but the years are short when it comes to raising kids. And with so many things to do in DC and nearby with kids, it can be hard for families to decide exactly how to spend their time in and around the nation's capital.

To help you make the most of your precious family time, we've compiled a list of the top 100 things to do in DC with kids before they grow up. In a city bursting with museums, parks and playgrounds, play spaces, and more, you'll certainly never get bored. Get out, explore, and see just how many activities you can cross off our fun list before childhood whizzes by.

Best Indoor Rock Climbing Gyms and Spaces for Kids Near DC

With 75 themed walls for kids to tackle, it's impossible to get bored at ClimbZone. Photo courtesy of ClimbZone

Indoor rock climbing gyms are popular among many athletic adults, but that doesn't mean kids can't get in on the fun, too. Indoor rock climbing is a great way for children and teens to burn some energy, build strength and agility, learn problem-solving skills, and have fun all year long.

Here are several indoor rock climbing gyms and spaces in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia that offer classes, camps, teams, and more for kids and teens of all ages and abilities. Some of them are located within rec centers or complexes that also offer other activities such as batting cages, sports, and arcades.

Check out our DC Guide to Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces for more indoor fun, including trampoline parks, ninja warrior gyms, and lots more.

Best Sunflower Fields Near DC for Pick-Your-Own Sunflowers

Pick the perfect sunflower at Great Country Farms. Photo by Maryam Shahid for Great Country Farms

Each summer, sunflower fields near DC burst into a spectacular sea of bright yellow, orange, and red. Families can stroll through the fields, take in the gorgeous colors, and pick their own sunflowers to bring home and enjoy. Sunflower fields near DC are also the perfect backdrop for Instagram-worthy photos. And, several of them offer additional fun such as sunflower mazes, playgrounds, farm animals, and more.

Here are eight sunflower fields near DC worth visiting with your kids this summer. Check out our Pick-Your-Own Guide to Farms in Washington, DC for even more farm fun, including our lists of places to go berry picking and great animal farms and petting zoos near DC.

Berry Picking near DC: The Best Pick-Your-Own Berry Farms

Fill your bucket with the sweetest, freshest berries at area farms. Photo courtesy of Great Country Farms

It is often said that kids are more likely to eat a fruit or veggie if they can grow it or pick it themselves. So if you want your child to experience the sweet taste of berries this summer, head to one of these farms that offer berry picking near DC. In addition to yielding the sweetest, freshest berries you can find, these pick-your-own farms in Northern Virginia and Maryland offer a fun and educational way for families to spend time together outdoors.

Here are 14 of the best places to go berry picking near DC, where strawberries, cherries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and more can all can be picked straight from the bush or tree. Many of these farms also offer fun extras like playgrounds and petting zoos.

For more local farm fun, check out out Pick-Your-Own Guide to Farms in Washington, DC.

Best Free Public Swimming Pools in DC for Families

Escape the DC summer heat at Langdon Park Pool. Photo courtesy of the DC Department of Parks and Recreation

While DC and its surrounding suburbs are teeming with pricey community swimming pools, you don't need to reach into your wallet to make a splash with your family this summer. The city has plenty of public swimming pools, both indoors and outdoors, that are completely free for DC residents (and super cheap for non-residents). All you need to do is show proof of residency for some wet and wild fun that's free of charge.

So grab the swim gear and head to one of these 12 free public swimming pools in DC. For more water fun this summer, check out our lists of swimming lakes, splash pads and sprinkler parks, outdoor water parks, and parks with beaches near DC. After all, there's no better way to beat the heat than by having some fun in the water.

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