If you haven't yet crossed everything off your family's summer bucket list, no sweat—there are still so many things to do in DC with kids before school starts (see the 2024-25 school calendars for DC and other local school districts here). Even better, many of these summer events and activities are free! We're talking free summer concerts, free outdoor movies, and more fun that won't cost a dime.

Read on for your family's ultimate end of summer bucket list in DC and its surrounding areas. Our Ultimate DC Kids Summer Vacation Guide has even more fun things to do. Your kiddos will have so many fun memories to share once school starts back up again!

Seabrook is small, but filled with kid-friendly things to do.

Your little baby is turning into a big kid! Whether it's their first birthday or their fourth, you know you want to do something extra special to commemorate this milestone in both of your lives. Planning toddler birthday parties can be tough. You have to consider who to invite, what should the "theme" be, how do you make a cake shaped like their favorite character, and more importantly... do you have enough time to pull it off?

Need more ideas? Be sure to check out our birthday party guide!

Have an animal lover in your family? San Francisco and the Bay Area are full of opportunities to see animals at petting zoos, farms, and nature centers.

With stunning water and mountain views, Seward, Alaska, is well worth a visit for its natural beauty and wildlife. It's also a popular stop for many Alaska cruises. But the cost of activities and dining out—especially after shelling out for a pricey cruise—can strain any family's budget.

Whether you're just stopping by on an Alaskan cruise or planning a longer stay, we've got you covered with mostly free things to do in Seward, Alaska with kids, as well as affordable places to eat as a family. This handy list will help you make lasting memories without breaking the bank.

Find more places to explore in Alaska, like Sitka and Juneau, in our Alaska Family Travel Guide. 

Hit the road for family fun on a road trip from Boston!

Universal Orlando Resort has always been a beloved theme park, full of excitement, cute characters, and cinematic magic. The latest addition to this amazing Orlando theme park resort, DreamWorks Land, offers engaging play areas and fan favorites from DreamWorks Animation. This new land promises a fun, family-friendly experience, perfect for kids of all ages. Check out our guide of this colorful, new attraction!