Jennifer Swope

Jennifer Swope, a DC resident since 2003, transitioned from humanitarian work to freelance editing in 2012 to stay home with her two kids. This shift sparked her passion for finding fun ways to keep them entertained—and inspired her to contribute to Mommy Poppins. When she's not navigating DC's chaos with her kids, she and her husband love watching sports, planning their next trip, and attending concerts. Follow Jennifer on Instagram @jenniferswope.

Latest posts by Jennifer

29 Best Things to Do in DC with Kids August 2024

Submitted by Jennifer Swope on Sun, 07/28/2024 - 11:34am

Enjoy thrilling rides at the Montgomery County Agricultural Fair. Photo by Lynn Willis via Flickr CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Summer is not over yet! August in DC is full of some of our area's most anticipated events, as well as other family-friendly activities to close out the season.

August is county fair season across the DC region. From the Montgomery County Agricultural Fair to the Prince William County Fair to the Howard County Fair, kids can enjoy classic rides, games, funnel cake, and more.

The Library of Congress National Book Festival is also this month, as is the DC Water Lantern Festival at National Harbor.

We have so many more great events listed below for your family in August, but don't forget to check our family activity calendar every day, as we're always adding more events.

Fun Bowling Alleys Near DC for Kids and Families

Submitted by Jennifer Swope on Sun, 07/21/2024 - 10:00am

Bowling is a fun activity the whole family will enjoy! Photo courtesy of The Main Event

Bowling is one of my family's favorite ways to hang out and have some friendly competition, especially on those days where the weather keeps us inside. And with loads of family-friendly bowling alleys throughout the DC area, you're sure to find one near you.

These bowling alleys in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia feature kid-friendly amenities like bowling bumpers and ball ramps, making it the perfect activity for bowlers of all ages and skill levels. Some of them even offer a Kids Bowl Free deal during the summer, through which children get two free games every day of the summer.

For more indoor activities with kids, check out our Guide to Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces, which includes our lists of everything from laser tag arenas to trampoline parks.

4th of July Weekend in DC: Fireworks, Festivals, and More Things to Do with Kids

Submitted by Jennifer Swope on Tue, 07/02/2024 - 11:24am

4th of July festivities abound this weekend! Photo courtesy of Celebrate Great Falls

Looking for the best things to do in DC this Fourth of July weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for this weekend.

It’s 4th of July weekend, and there's no better place to celebrate than our nation's capital. This year, the holiday falls on a Thursday and we have a big list of festivities for families to enjoy, as well as the best places to watch the DC fireworks.

LuminoCity also brings its Dino Safari to Bethesda, which opens July 4 and runs until August 4. Read on for details about all of the events happening throughout the extended weekend.

41 Best Things to Do in DC with Kids July 2024: 4th of July Events and More

Submitted by Jennifer Swope on Sun, 06/30/2024 - 11:47am

LuminoCity Dino Safari is the world's only immersive experience blending light art with life-sized, roaring dinosaurs. Photo courtesy of the event

Summer is in full swing! July in DC brings Fourth of July, sunflowers, peaches, and more summer fun.

The DC area really celebrates Independence Day. Local towns and neighborhoods like Takoma Park, Vienna, and Capitol Hill have hometown festivities while the city plays host to large celebrations such as the National Independence Day Parade and the big DC fireworks show on the National Mall.

July has so many reasons to be outside, including the Loudoun County Fair, Summer of Sunflowers & Peaches, free DC summer concerts, and free outdoor movies.

We have so many more great events listed below for your family this July, but don't forget to check our family activity calendar every day, as we're always adding more events.

Father's Day Weekend Things To Do in DC: Plus, Honoring Juneteenth and More

Submitted by Jennifer Swope on Wed, 06/12/2024 - 11:00am

Get down and dirty with Dad at MudFest. Photo by Marilyn Sklar for Montgomery Parks, via Flickr

Looking for the best things to do in DC this Father's Day weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for this weekend.

Fathers are special people, even when they are telling the corniest dad jokes. To celebrate all of the dads and father figures in our lives, we've rounded up the best dad- and kid-approved events near DC this Father's Day weekend, including the Sully Antique Car Show and MudFest.

And don't forget that Wednesday, June 19 is Juneteenth, the holiday that commemorates the end of slavery in America. Celebrate this special day at events at the National Museum of African American History and Culture, Watkins Regional Park, and in Kensington, Maryland. More weekend events are listed on our calendar.

DC's Free Concerts and Outdoor Music Festivals for Families This Summer

Submitted by Jennifer Swope on Sun, 06/02/2024 - 12:30pm

Enjoy a free concert on Transit Pier every Wednesday evening. Photo courtesy of Wharf DC

Free concerts outdoor music festivals are a summertime staple for many families, and they're back in full swing all across DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia.

These free concerts and music festivals welcome families with kids of all ages, and some are even geared specifically towards children. They span all genres of music—from pop and rock to blues and jazz—and take place in gardens, parks, plazas, and even on the waterfront. Grab some chairs or a blanket, pack a picnic, and get ready to enjoy some live music.

Our Outdoor Activities Guide for DC Kids has even more ideas for fresh-air fun, like free outdoor movies near DC. And, be sure to keep checking our DC events calendar as more outdoor free concerts are announced.

35 Best Things To Do in DC with Kids June 2024

Submitted by Jennifer Swope on Fri, 05/31/2024 - 12:46pm

Get ready for summer break! June in DC brings Father's Day, Juneteenth, Pride, ripe strawberries, and the first day of summer.

Schools are letting out this month, and if you want to keep your kids busy, then you won't be disappointed. For truck lovers, DC holds its annual Truck Touch the first Saturday in June. If trains are more your kiddo's thing, then head out to the Manassas Railway Festival.

Two popular stage productions open this month: Miss Nelson is Missing! at Imagination Stage and Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Musical at Adventure Theatre at Glen Echo.

Be sure to see our complete lists of pride celebrations and summer festivals taking place in June through the rest of summer.

We have so many more great events listed below for your family this June, but don't forget to check our family activity calendar every day, as we're always adding more events.

Best Pride Events Near DC for Families

Submitted by Jennifer Swope on Fri, 05/24/2024 - 10:00am

The Capital Pride Festival is just one of many ways to celebrate pride in the DC area. Photo by Ted Eytan courtesy of the event

Looking for the best Pride events near DC to celebrate Pride Month this June? Read on for our fun list!

Our area is known for its vibrant LGBTQA+ community, so June is full of parades and celebrations of Pride. The Capital Pride Parade has a new route this year, but still offers its Family Playtime area. Family Pride Day at Glen Echo is a fun afternoon full of kid-friendly activities. And Arlington leads the kick-off of Pride Month with a Block Party at National Landing.

Read on for our list of the best Pride events in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. For more summertime activities, be sure to check out our Summer Activities Guide. And remember, we are constantly updating our events calendar with more fun things to do.

Jennifer Swope

Latest posts by Jennifer

Pages