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

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.

Memorial Day Weekend 2024 in DC: Festivals, Day Trips, and More Things To Do

Submitted by Jennifer Swope on Fri, 05/24/2024 - 9:30am

See elaborately decorated floats at Bowie's Memorial Day Parade. Photo courtesy of City of Bowie Gov't Staff

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

It's the official start of summer this weekend, and there are lots of events to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice. These include the National Memorial Day Concert on the National Mall and Flowers of Remembrance Day at Arlington National Cemetery.

This weekend also kicks off the season of summer festivals in the DC area, with fun options like ViVa Vienna! and the Hometown Holidays Music Fest in Rockville.

And don't forget—Memorial Day weekend is the perfect time to take one of a summer day trip from DC.

29 Summer Festivals and Fairs in 2024 in the DC Area for Families

Submitted by Jennifer Swope on Fri, 05/17/2024 - 8:45am

The DC State Fair showcases the talents and uniqueness of the city. Photo courtesy of the fair

Looking for a summer festival 2024 in the DC area? Here's our fun list!

Summer festivals and fairs are a great way to enjoy the warm weather and sunshine in the DC area. After all, nothing says "summer" more than festival food, carnival rides and games, and live music.

Luckily, you can find a summer festival taking place in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia all summer long. They range from cultural and food festivals to state and county fairs with rides, games, food, and fun for kids and families.

Read on for our list of the best summer festivals and fairs in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. For more 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 all over the DC area.

Visiting Massanutten Resort and Water Park with Kids

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

Families will never run out of fun activities at Massanutten Resort. Photo by author Jennifer Swope

Massanutten Resort is well-known among DC families as a winter ski destination, but it actually offers four seasons of family fun. My family was invited to visit Massanutten ahead of its summer-season kickoff to check out activities and experiences that go beyond the ski and tubing hills.

In full disclosure, this was not our first visit to Massanutten Resort. My family has visited during a winter ski season and over a fall long weekend. We had a blast each time.

During this trip, my 13-year-old daughter and 11-year-old son tried nearly every activity available and could not pick just one favorite. That's how much fun they had! Read on for my full review of Massanutten Resort and my tips on how to make the most of a trip there.

Check out our Guide to Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways for more great places to visit near DC.

Mother's Day Weekend 2024 in DC: Brunches, Boats, and More Things To Do With Kids

Submitted by Jennifer Swope on Wed, 05/08/2024 - 9:24am

Starting on Mother's Day, Swingers Dupont Circle is opening its doors to kids! Photo courtesy of the venue.

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

It's the weekend to celebrate the mothers and mother figures in our lives. Whether you've planned a special brunch or have a fun Mother's Day activity planned, we hope you have fun celebrating these amazing women.

If you need more inspiration for your weekend or just want to get the kids out of the house, there's a lot going on. Experience new cultures with your family at the EU Open House or the Library of Congress' family day in honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage, both on Saturday.

This weekend is also the last chance to visit Titanic: The Exhibition before it closes on Sunday. Read on for the complete list of family fun this weekend.

Free Outdoor Movies in the DC Area this Summer for Kids

Submitted by Jennifer Swope on Sat, 05/04/2024 - 11:15am

Outdoor movies abound in the DC area all summer long. Photo courtesy of the Fairfax County Park Authority

It doesn't get much better than enjoying free outdoor movies on a warm summer evening. This summer, the DC area is brimming with outdoor movies for families in parks, plazas, wineries, and even a cemetery. Grab your lawn chairs or blankets, pack a picnic, and enjoy a relaxing evening of free family fun in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia.

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

Jennifer Swope

Latest posts by Jennifer

Pages