55 Awesome Free Things To Do in DC This Summer With Kids

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on

Cool off at one of the area's many great splash pads this summer. Photo courtesy of Montgomery Parks

School's almost out, summer is unofficially here, and we're on a mission to keep kids busy and having fun all summer long without breaking the bank. Luckily, there are tons of free things to do in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia this summer with kids, from free outdoor movies to free swimming pools.

Here is a list of 55 free activities for kids and families in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. How many of these free things to do in DC can your family fit in before school starts again? And don't forget: we are constantly updating our event calendar, so keep checking back for more free things to do in DC this summer with kids.

45 Awesome Free Things To Do in Atlanta This Summer With Kids

Elsa Simcik's picture Submitted by Elsa Simcik on

Head to Piedmont Park on July 27, 2024, to taste LOTS of ice cream in different forms (cones, cups, on a stick) and enjoy music and kids' activities. Photo courtesy of the event

"Free things to do" is our favorite phrase when it comes to kids' summer activities. ("Cheap" is a close second!) More importantly, kids are happy and worn out playing at a free park or splash pads. Since an Atlanta summer usually requires water, air conditioning, evening shade...or all three, we've kept those prerequisites in mind while gathering the best free things to do in Atlanta this summer with kids. 

50 Awesome Free Things to Do in Orlando This Summer With Kids

Submitted by Charlotte B on

You can take three different Monorail tracks at Walt Disney World, absolutely FREE. Photo courtesy of Disney

We've gathered FREE things to do in Orlando this summer because we know all about the pressure and price of finding things to do to keep kids entertained when school is out. These free things in Orlando include everything from free splash pads and playgrounds to free shows and attractions, and lots more. See how many of these free things you can check off your summer list before school starts back!

56 Free Things To Do in Chicago This Summer With Kids

Submitted by Siobhan Adcock on

It's a block party on State Street with Sundays on State. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Loop Alliance

Having free things to do in Chicago will keep kids busy and happy throughout the summer without taxing your wallet. And you might be surprised at just how many family-friendly summer events in Chicago cost absolutely nothing. Of course, the city's playgrounds and splash pads are always free, but it's in the summertime that free things to do in Chicago really ramp up. 

As you can see from this bursting-at-the-seams list, there's almost something fun and free to do every single day of the summer—so there's no excuse for anyone to be bored. Outdoor movies, summer festivals, street fairs, concerts and performances, public art, cultural celebrations, and picnics–and you can leave your wallet at home for all of it! (In theory, at least. There's always ice cream to buy...)

Looking for more? Our list of 100 Things to Do With Chicago Kids Before They Grow Up will do the trick, and find all the summer fun in our Ultimate Chicago Kids Summer Vacation Guide.

39 Free Things To Do in Philly this Summer with Kids

Submitted by Nicole O'Donnell on

Kids learn why water is an important resource and how to keep it clean with the Parkway Pals Program at Sister Cities Park. Photo by Beaumonde Orginals Photography via Center City District

Summer in Philly can get expensive. With vacations, summer camps, and pool memberships, you're going to need some free activities in your back pocket. We've rounded up 39 free things to do in Philly that will keep kids entertained all summer long without breaking the bank. When school's out and camp is only so many weeks, that leaves tons of time to kill and plenty of heat to beat. Armed with this list of free nature activities, arts and culture festivals, block parties, performances, movies in the park, and more, you'll never hear the dreaded "I'm bored" chorus this summer!

For other ways to spend the hazy, lazy days of summer, browse our Summer Activities Guide for Philly Kids. Read on to discover our favorite, free activities in Philly this summer—and be sure to check our events calendar as we're adding more free fun to it every day.

Best Public Pools for Kids in San Francisco and the Bay Area

Submitted by Nicole Findlay on

The Bay Area has loads of amazing public pools with special features for families.

What’s better than a cool swimming pool on a hot day? Luckily, the Bay Area has loads of amazing public pools with special features for families. From water slides and lazy rivers to retractable roofs, extra-large inflatables, and even a water obstacle course, these public pools in San Francisco around the Bay Area (From North Beach to Mill Valley to Berkeley and beyond) are awesome for kids of all ages. 

We've rounded up our favorite family-friendly beaches in the Bay Area and the best splash pads in all of San Francisco for when you want different ways to cool off! Find all this and more in our Ultimate San Francisco Kids Summer Vacation Guide.

Pages