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Best Corn Mazes Near DC for Kids and Families
Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on
Corn mazes are a popular fall activity for many families. Navigating twisty paths cut through giant stalks of corn—often while solving clues and finding hidden surprises—is a great way to bond while enjoying the crisp autumn air. The best corn mazes near DC have fun themes, multiple challenge levels, or even flashlight nights, when visitors can tackle the mazes in the dark with only flashlights to guide them.
Here are 16 of the most ah-maize-ing (sorry, couldn't resist) corn mazes near DC for kids and families, including three haunted corn maze options for only the bravest teens. Many of these corn mazes in Maryland and Northern Virginia are part of larger harvest and pumpkin festivals that offer fun activities like hayrides, giant slides, petting zoos, and more.
Looking for even more fun things to do with kids this fall? Be sure to visit our Fall Fun Guide for DC Families and our Halloween Events and Activities Guide for Kids in DC.
Top Ghost Tours Near Washington, DC for Spooky Family Fun
Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on
If you've got older kids or teens who love a good scare, a ghost tour is a unique and fun way to learn more about DC's spooky history. And while fall is the perfect time to do a ghost tour, most ghost tours near DC are offered throughout the year. These nighttime walking tours take visitors past places that are said to be haunted by the ghosts of presidents, assassins, heroes, and more.
Read on for 10 of the best ghost tours near DC for spooky family fun. Our Halloween Fun and Activities Guide for DC Kids is full of more creepy (and not-so-creepy) ways to celebrate Halloween, from the best pumpkin patches near DC to the best Halloween events in DC for kids and families.
Best Harvest Fairs, Pumpkin Festivals, & Other Fall Festivals Near DC for Fall Family Fun
Submitted by Jennifer Swope on
September marks the arrival of fall festivals in the DC area. From pumpkin festivals that last all of October (and parts of September and November) to daylong or weekend events that celebrate food, culture, and art, these amazing fall festivals have so much to offer. There are pumpkins and apples, crafts, carnival rides, games, live music, and so much more.
We've found nearly 40 fun festivals in and around DC this fall. That means you're sure to find the perfect fall fest, harvest fair, or pumpkin festival near DC for your family.
For more autumn fun, check out our Fall Activities Guide. And remember, we are constantly updating our events calendar with more fun things to do all over the DC area.
33 Best Things To Do in DC with Kids September 2024
Submitted by Jennifer Swope on
Back-to-school doesn't mean family fun has to stop! September is packed with fabulous, family-friendly things to do in DC and all month long.
We jump into fall this month, and with the start of September comes harvest fairs, pumpkin festivals, and other fall festivals across our area.
There are also some fun and unique events throughout the month including Bounce the City at Arundel Mills and Go-Karts at Union Market. And you won't want to miss two new shows—Winnie the Pooh at Imagination Stage and Cirque du Soleil: OVO at Capital One Arena—opening this month.
We have so many more great events listed below for your family in September, but don't forget to check our family activity calendar every day, as we're always adding more events.
Labor Day Weekend in DC: Festivals, Parades, and More Things To Do with Kids
Submitted by Jennifer Swope on
Looking for the best things to do in DC this Labor Day weekend with kids? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for this weekend.
There are so many fun ways to celebrate Labor Day weekend with kids across the DC area. Some of the area's best festivals, including the Virginia Scottish Games & Festival and the Maryland Renaissance Festival, are happening this weekend. You can also head to free Labor Day parades in Gaithersburg and Kensington, Maryland.
Families can also mark the unofficial end of summer with one last visit to an outdoor water park or a free public swimming pool, or plan a tourist day at one of DC's many kid-friendly attractions.
Apple Picking Near DC: Best Apple Orchards for Apple Picking with Kids
Submitted by Christine Mooney on
As late August and September arrive, so do thoughts of apple picking near DC. This favorite fall tradition is a must for families, and it often goes far beyond plucking ripe apples from a tree. Many of these Virginia and Maryland apple orchards host fall activities of all kinds, like hayrides, petting zoos, and playgrounds.
All of the apple orchards and farms listed below are within easy driving distance of DC. A few of them even made our lists of the best pumpkin patches near DC and fun fall festivals near DC. Remember that farm conditions and produce availability change throughout the season, so call or check the farms' websites before you visit.
Read on for our list of 14 great places to go apple picking near DC. Then check out our Fall Fun Guide for Washington, DC Families for even more great autumn activities.
Top Dual-Language and Immersion Preschools Near DC
Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on
Language immersion and dual-language preschools provide so many benefits for young children. Fluency in more than one language offers kids more communication opportunities and a greater understanding of other cultures. Studies have shown that learning a new language also strengthens brain function, improves planning and focus, fosters greater empathy, and can increase kids' job prospects later in life.
With the DC area being so diverse, it's no shock that it's home to such great dual-language and immersion preschools. Here are some of the top language immersion and dual-language preschools in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia where kids can learn Spanish, French, Russian, or Mandarin.
Find more great preschool options in our lists of 15 popular preschools and the top Montessori preschools near DC.
Best Attractions and Things To Do in DC that are Kid-Friendly
Submitted by Jennifer Swope on
It can be hard to narrow down the best things to do in DC with kids. As our nation's capital, the DC area is full of some of the best attractions in the world for families, including fantastic museums, breathtaking monuments, immersive experiences, and tours of government buildings. And the best part is, many of them are free!
Read on for our list of the best attractions and things to do in DC that are kid-friendly. If you want even more, check out these top attractions in DC, as well as our lists of free museums near DC and best museums for kids in the DC area. And don't forget to check our calendar often, as we're always adding more events and attractions.
