July 4th in Washington, DC is always a huge spectacle, and it starts with the famous National Independence Day Parade. DC's 4th of July parade is a fun and festive experience jam-packed with colorful floats and balloons, lively marching bands, and notable people waving to the crowd. Kids love to be in on all the patriotic fun, but it's good to plan ahead to ensure the experience is as memorable and stress-free as possible.

Read on for our tips and tricks on visiting the National Independence Day Parade with kids. Then continue your 4th of July festivities with our lists of the best spots to watch the DC fireworks on the National Mall and the best 4th of July crafts, recipes, and other activities for kids. Don't forget to wear your red, white, and blue!

The Outer Banks, NC is a favorite summer getaway for DC families that's well worth the six-hour drive. The Outer Banks (also referred to as the OBX) is a series of beautiful barrier islands, with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the calm Pamlico Sound on the other. My family has been traveling to the Outer Banks every summer for over 40 years, and it’s the perfect laid-back family vacation. From the gorgeous beaches to the amazing wildlife (sea turtles and dolphins!), fresh seafood, and fun activities, there is something for everyone to enjoy at a wide range of prices.

Here are 25 great things to do with kids in the OBX, including water sports, lighthouses, and delicious local seafood restaurants. For other great family vacations at beaches near DC, check out our list of family-friendly beaches near DC, including our guides to Virginia Beach and the Delaware beaches.

Though summer in the DC area can be hot and sticky, there are plenty of fun ways to beat the heat—including a plethora of delicious ice cream shops near DC that are sure so satisfy any sweet tooth. And while we've got plenty of love for the nationwide ice cream chains, sometimes you just want to go somewhere more local and special.

Read on for our list of 15 great ice cream shops near DC, many of which are near other attractions like parks and playgrounds. Some of them stick with what they do best (ice cream), while others offer extra goodies such as cookies and cakes.

For more great ways to keep cool this summer—including our lists of outdoor water parks and free public swimming pools near DC—check out our Summer Activities Guide for DC Kids. 

If you're looking for more than just the average lunch or dinner out for your child's birthday, the DC area is full of fun restaurants that provide a truly memorable birthday meal. Whether it's games your family can play, amazing desserts you can savor, a killer birthday song, or an interactive experience, these fun restaurants near DC offer some special touches to make your kid's birthday extra festive and special. With all types of cuisines and options in DC, Maryland, and Virginia, you're sure to find a fun birthday restaurant that works for your family.

Read on for 14 fun restaurants for kids' birthdays near Washington, DC. Check out our Kid-Friendly DC Restaurants Guide for even more fun options for a fabulous birthday meal, from the best theme restaurants for families to restaurants where kids can play.

The Dr. Seuss Experience recently opened in Northern Virginia's Tysons Corner Center near Washington, DC, following successful runs in Houston, Chicago, and several other cities. The experience immerses visitors into the zany world of Dr. Seuss. Whether it's the Cat in the Hat making trouble or Horton protecting the Whos, Dr. Seuss has had a place in children's imaginations for decades. Now kids and their families can step inside the pages of some of Seuss's most popular books.

At The Dr. Seuss Experience, kids can wind their way through a mirror maze, meet beloved characters, and even take a ride on a carousel. Eye-popping, silly Seuss scenes bring the popular books to life and provide some amazing photo ops.

My family recently got to visit The Dr. Seuss Experience for a media preview (oh, the places we go here at Mommy Poppins) and had a great time. Read on for my full review, and be sure to purchase tickets soon—this unique experience is only in town until September 30, 2023.

Throwing a kids' birthday party can be surprisingly stressful for parents. You need to choose a theme, narrow down the guest list, figure out food, etc. And if you have the party at home, you also need to provide entertainment for all of those kids... not to mention the setup and cleanup. That's why you should consider one of the many great children's birthday party venues near DC. By taking the birthday party outside the home, you can just show up and have fun with your kid and their friends while someone else does the work!

Here are 25 awesome kids' birthday party venues in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. From sports centers, indoor playgrounds, and bowling alleys to escape rooms, zoos, and art studios, you're sure to find a great fit on this list for toddlers, kids, and teens of any interest.

Need more inspiration? Check out our Kids' Birthday Party Places Guide for DC, including our lists of great party venues for preschoolers and for teens.

Founded in 1751, Georgetown is the oldest neighborhood in Washington, DC. Its long history is evident in charming, old-fashioned touches like cobblestone streets and historic homes and museums. But Georgetown is also loaded with modern amenities that make it one of the coolest areas in DC. It's home to M Street, one of the best shopping streets in the US, with everything from mall stores to high-end fashion boutiques. Some of the best restaurants and dessert shops in the city are in Georgetown, including those famous Georgetown cupcakes visitors flock to try. And then there's Georgetown Waterfront Park, with it's gorgeous views of the Potomac River and the Kennedy Center.

Ready to visit? Here are 20 fun things to do in Georgetown with kids, from outdoor adventures to kid-friendly shops and eateries. Check out our visitors' guides to Old Town Alexandria in Virginia; Kensington, Maryland; and Clifton, Virginia for more historic neighborhoods to explore with your family.

Everyone needs a little pampering sometimes—even kids! But at-home spa days often lead to polish-splattered carpets and makeup-smeared faces. If that thought terrifies you, head to one of several kid-friendly spas near DC. These spas in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia make a great setting for a relaxing parent-child outing, a fun gathering of your child's besties, or even a glam birthday party.

Prefer the comfort of your own home (minus the mess)? There are also companies that bring kid spa parties to you, all with the aim of making your child and their friends feel special and beautiful.

Read on for 10 kid-friendly spas and companies that host kid spa parties near Washington, DC. Check out our DC Kids' Birthday Party Guide for more kids' party ideas, from fun indoor birthday party places for preschoolers to cool teen birthday party spots.