These days we can shop for anything we want or need, any time of day, at the touch of a screen. Often, it feels like too much effort to bother going to a physical store, especially with kids in tow. But when you’re looking for a unique item or searching for a special gift, nothing beats a locally owned shop with friendly, passionate, knowledgeable staff who can help you find what you're looking for.

Fortunately, families in the DC area have a wealth of wonderful independent stores and boutiques to choose from, whether shopping for toys, books, or children’s clothing. Some of them even offer family entertainment like storytimes, game nights, and more.

Here are 21 of the coolest toy stores, bookstores, gift shops, and more for kids in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia where you can find awesome stuff and support local businesses. For more great shops for kids, check out our lists of the best baby stores in DC and Black-owned businesses near DC.

Tours... they seem so... touristy? I rarely ever book Los Angeles tours for my family, but as I was researching for this article it occurred to me—we live in a really cool spot and it deserves to be, well, toured. Don't wait for the in-laws to come into town (or do, these are a great way to show off LA), book one of these incredible tours and see all that the City of Stars has to offer.

The best part? All of these tours are kid-friendly! 

Looking for more ways to tour LA? Check out the city guides for Hollywood, Santa Monica, and Downtown LA! 

You may think you've seen all that the city of Philadelphia has to offer, but there are so many amazing themed tours to check out! Whether you're just visiting, or you've lived here your whole life Philly has tours for everyone. From art tours, to food tours, ghost tours, and more, don't miss these fabulous new ways to explore!

Looking for more family-friendly tours? Check out these nearby Factory Tours to keep exploring.

Indoor family fun centers in Westchester and the Hudson Valley are perfect for getting kids' giggles out and giving them some quality exercise. 

From train tables for toddlers to rock climbing and go-karting for teens, this list has something for everyone, with some even offering activities and dining for adults. 

These indoor amusement parks also host birthday parties, and a few even have drop-off options. 

Long Island's indoor family fun centers are a great way to spend an action-packed day with kids. Our round-up of LI's indoor amusement parks will have toddlers and kids using their boundless energy to bounce, climb, play, jump, and slide through rainy or cold weather days. 

Waivers are required for kids to participate at most family fun centers, along with grip socks. Mega indoor playgrounds are popular for birthday parties and open play, so be sure to call or check websites before your visit. Many family fun centers also offer sensory calming spaces or times for kids with special needs. 

Read on for all the details of the best family fun centers, arcades, and indoor go-kart tracks on Long Island. For more indoor fun ideas, check out our Free Things to do Indoors on Long Island and 25 Things to do Indoors on a Rainy Day. 

There's no lack of world-class museums in NYC, and the city is even home to plenty of amazing children's museums and cool immersive experiences, but sometimes you just. can't. deal. with. the. crowds. And sometimes, let's face it, you and your hard-to-impress NYC kids might just be in the mood for something a little different or off the beaten path...a little weird, even. After all, that's part of New York City's charm!

For those days, we present our list of weird, wacky, and wonderful under-the-radar museums in NYC that kids love. Read on for 12 picks you're unlikely to find in the tourist guidebooks.

Dinner table games can mean the difference between a pleasant meal with kids or a chaotic one, especially if you're aiming for a screen-free dinner. These 25 dinner table games for kids and families will help keep the peace (and your sanity), jump-start conversations and family bonding, and make dinner time fun again. They are perfect to slip into a restaurant or play at home.

If you want to continue the fun after dinner, here's a list of the 100 best board games for kids and family game night. You can find it—plus lists of more fun games, toys, crafts, and more—in our Boredom Busters for Kids Guide.