25 Best Things To Do in DC with Kids this Spring: Our Spring Fun List

Enjoy the brilliant colors of spring  at Burnside Farms. Photo courtesy of  the Virginia Tourism Corporation, at virginia.org

Spring has sprung in Washington, DC! That means it's time to put away the coats and hats and head outdoors to start checking activities off your spring fun list. There are so many things to do in DC to take advantage of the mild temperatures and the extra daylight. The cherry blossoms are blooming, spring festivals are in full swing, mini golf courses are opening back up, and the parks and playgrounds are beckoning. And on those rainy spring days, there are plenty of indoor options like museums and family-friendly shows.

Read on for our list of 25 things to do in DC and its surrounding areas this spring. The list includes spring activities in Maryland, Northern Virginia, and the city itself for families and kids of all ages. Get on out and enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of the season!

How to Join the Phillies Kids Club and Root for the Home Team All Season

Join the Phillies Kids Club, just in time for the home opener!

Just in time for the Phillies home opener, we've rounded up everything you need to know about taking your kids to the ballgame, from kids clubs to park attractions. Loving baseball has been a long-standing tradition in Philly, and the Philadelphia Phillies have always been a team like no other. Last year, the Phils played exceptionally well, enjoying a long playoff run that ended in a trip to the World Series. The excitement for the team was at an all-time high last fall, and Philly kids caught the Phillies phever!

The ball park offers many options for families, so read on to get geared up for the season and to find out how to get the most out of taking the kids to Citizens Bank Park. For more of ideas to engage your littlest sports lovers, visit our Sports Guide, and find more warm-weather outings for Philly families in our Spring Activities Guide.

12 Best Places To Visit in the South, USA with Kids

Snorkel in the pristine waters of Key West. Coral Reef State Park. Photo by John Pennekamp

The best places to visit in the South are all wonderful in their own way. If you're looking for a warm and sunny destination to escape a cold winter, you'll find it in many parts of Florida, Georgia, and other southern states. Perhaps your family is drawn to the fabulous Orlando theme parks, the country-music scene in Nashville, or the rich history of charming cities like Charleston, South Carolina and Savannah, Georgia. Or, maybe you just need a good dose of southern hospitality and cooking!

Whatever your reasons for traveling down south, here are the 12 best places to visit in the South with kids. From beautiful beaches and pristine parks to world-class museums and children's attractions, there's a southern destination on this list to suit every family's interests. For even more southern family vacation ideas, check out our Southern States Vacation Guide.

10 State Parks Near Houston With Lakes, Beaches, and Hiking

Fishing in Lake Somerville. Photo courtesy of the Texas Parks and Wildlife  Department

For a great family trip close to home, head to one of these state parks near Houston. Whether you are planning a day trip or want to enjoy a weekend getaway in a tent, RV, shelter, or cabin, we have some awesome recommendations for state parks within a 2-hour drive of Houston. Houston-area state parks give kids the opportunity to spend time outdoors hiking, biking, swimming, kayaking, fishing, alligator spotting, and hitting the beach. State parks are free for kids 12 and under, and even the fees for adults range from free to only $7 a day, with the funds being used to maintain the parks for future generations. Our guide will tell you how long your journey is from downtown Houston, opening hours, costs, availability of camping, and top activities for you and your family to enjoy. So, why not fill up your cooler, pack your picnic and s’mores, and hit the road?

For more camping, hiking, and outdoor play ideas, check out our Outdoor Activities Guide for Houston Kids.

50 Amazing Things To Do in Los Angeles with Kids this Spring

The Flower Fields at Carlsbad are filled with gorgeous blooms. Photo by Chris Jimenez/Flickr/CC-BY-2.0

Spring is in the Los Angeles air, which means wildflowers bloom, waterfalls gush, and after a long winter at home, it's finally time to start venturing out again to take advantage of all the wonderful springtime things to do in Los Angeles. Spring is the best time to explore LA—the weather is gorgeous, but it's before desert destinations get too hot and beaches get too crowded. Without further ado, here is our roundup of 50 great spring activities in Los Angeles for the whole family. These picks range from outdoor adventures to museums—plus a few suggestions for ticketed activities and even some spring day trips and getaways.

Don't forget, you can find more seasonal happenings in our Los Angeles Spring Fun Guide or our always-bursting Event Calendar, where we add new events every day.

3 Days on the Jersey Shore with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom

Spread your towels on the expansive beach in Seaside Heights. Photo courtesy of Seaside Heights Boardwalk and Beach

The Jersey Shore overflows with things to do and see, from action-packed boardwalks and beautiful family-friendly beaches to lighthouses, and nature centers. There are tons of family-friendly attractions in the region.

If you're not a local, it can be a little daunting to think about what to do and where to go—especially if you only have a couple of days to play with. Here, we've put together a three-day plan to help you hit some of the best things to do in the Point Pleasant, Seaside, and Long Branch areas. Plus, we've even offered a bonus side-trip idea if you have time.

So, read on for our top things to do on a mini-vacation to the Jersey Shore and find more family-friendly things to do in our Guide to the Jersey Shore, plus more local getaways in our Guide to Day Trips and Weekend Getaways.

Munchkins Indoor Playground is a Bright Spot for Kids in Los Angeles

Munchkins Indoor Playground is balls of fun!

Munchkins Indoor Playground in North Hollywood is the perfect solution for when you're about to give birth to a baby but also have young kids to entertain—and a special occasion to celebrate.  Let me set the tone: It was raining. It was my daughter's second birthday. It was the due date of my fourth baby. Maybe it's crazy to head to a play space when you are worried your water could break, but it was a birthday. And it turned out to be the perfect thing to do.

Read on to find out why Munchkins is a great place to play indoors, no matter why you need a distraction for your kids! And if you're looking for more indoor entertainment, visit the best indoor playgrounds in LA and browse even more ideas in our Indoor Fun and Playspaces Guide for LA Kids

Candytopia Brings a Sweet Escape to the Washington, DC Area

See sculptures made entirely out of candy at Candytopia. Photo by Jennifer Marino Walters

You don't have to have a sweet tooth to be wowed by Candytopia, a new pop-up "museum" near Washington, DC. This candy-themed, selfie-inspired immersive experience opened March 17, 2023 on the first floor of Tysons Corner Center in Northern Virginia, following successful runs in Los Angeles, New York City, Houston, Atlanta, and other cities. Candytopia features 14 interactive environments with art and sculptures made entirely of candy, fun photo ops, a marshmallow pit to jump and play in, and so much more.

My family had the opportunity to visit Candytopia on the day it opened. Read all about our sweet experience, then make a sugar rush to get tickets—this candy wonderland is expected to leave town on December 31, 2023!

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