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Raising children in the DC area is an amazing adventure—it certainly has been for my family! From free museums and nature centers to amazing playgrounds and fun festivals, there are so many free things to do in DC with kids. This has allowed my family to discover hidden gems, explore iconic places, and have loads of fun while saving money. It also means visitors from out of town can have a fabulous family vacation full of historic and cultural experiences, nature, and play time without breaking the bank.

Here is our ultimate list of 100 free things to do with kids in DC, from the best free attractions in DC to free events in DC. For even more ways to have fun without reaching into your wallet, check out our Guide to Free Things To Do in DC with Kids and our list of free indoor places to play in the DC area. 

Free things to do in Los Angeles are words that likely grab your attention, and there's no shortage of free activities and attractions in a city as large as LA. Save your funds for birthday gifts, Christmas presents, summer camps, and theme parks, and instead, take advantage and plan out your days with the kids with all the many free things to do in Los Angeles. 

Fun and safe indoor spots for teens and tweens in Chicago.

From walking across the Golden Gate Bridge to admiring the sea lions at Fisherman's Wharf, discover a treasure trove of free things to do in the San Francisco area with kids. 

These free indoor places to play in Westchester and the Hudson Valley are a salve for those bad weather days when you don't want to be stuck inside with the kids waiting to hear the dreaded (and inevitable), “I’m bored.” When you need somewhere warm, dry, and free that isn’t your living room, having a few reliable options in your back pocket makes all the difference.

From Scarsdale to Kingston, the region offers a wide variety of fun, free things to do at local museums, malls, marine sanctuaries, and more to keep kids and parents entertained and engaged. These are places I’ve personally tried with my own kids—spots that are not only budget-friendly, but genuinely fun and engaging, even on the longest rainy or freezing days.

Find more free fun in our Guide to Free, Fun Things To Do with Westchester and Hudson Valley Kids.