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.

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.

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.

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.

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 13 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.