See the National Zoo in a whole new light at ZooLights. Photo courtesy of the Smithsonian National Zoo
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Main photo by Tim & Selena Middleton/CC BY 2.0
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The popular Sculpture Garden ice rink is back at the Smithsonian National Gallery of Art. Photo by Elvert Barnes via Flickr 2.0
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There are so many restaurants at which to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner in the DC area. Photo by Cotton Bro Studio via Pexels
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Sweeten someone else's day and donate Halloween candy to troops, the elderly, or children in need. Photo courtesy of Canva
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Ride the cow train at Great Country Farms. Photo courtesy of the farm
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Visit the famous Luray Caverns, the largest caverns in the eastern United States. Photo by Sam Posten III via Flickr 2.0
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Child's Play has a great selection of toys, games, children's books, and more. Photo by Tony Ventouris Photography
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An arcade, board and card games, and more fun for kids await at City-State Brewing Company. Photo courtesy of the brewery
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Enjoy a family fire at the Cherry Hill Park campground. Photo courtesy of Cherry Hill Park.
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Enjoy storytime each Wednesday at the Hirshhorn. Photo courtesy of the Hirshorn Museum
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Have fun on the patio at True Food Kitchen. Photo by @classicchickenspicymomma
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Spring Break 2022: The Best Things To Do near DC with Kids on Vacation

Take a canoe ride at the Anacostia River Festival. Photo courtesy of the 11th Street Bridge Park
Take a canoe ride at the Anacostia River Festival. Photo courtesy of the 11th Street Bridge Park
3/18/22 - By Meredith Kiryakov

Spring Break 2022 is coming up for Washington, DC public schools! This year, spring break runs from Monday, April 11 through Friday, April 15, followed by a day off for students on Monday, April 18. That means DC public school students have 10 days off to enjoy all of the wonderful spring activities the DC area has to offer.

Here are 15+ things to do near DC with kids for spring break 2022. Many of these events take place on the weekends, so even Maryland, Northern Virginia, and private-school students who are not on spring break can enjoy them. For even more fun options for spring break 2022, check out our lists of great destination playgrounds, mini golf courses, and free museums near DC. Happy spring!

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Live performances are part of Petalpalooza. Photo courtesy of nationalcherryblossom.org
Live performances are part of Petalpalooza. Photo courtesy of nationalcherryblossom.org

The Best Things To Do in DC During Spring Break

Anacostia River Festival

Saturday, April 9
This premier DC event marks the official close of the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Families can celebrate with outdoor activities, local performances, food trucks, and more.  READ MORE

National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade

Saturday, April 9
The annual Cherry Blossom Festival Parade is back this year. Enjoy a display of large colorful balloons, elaborate floats, marching bands from across the country, celebrity entertainers, and performers parading down Constitution Avenue. READ MORE

Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival

Saturday & Sunday, April 9 & 10
This two-day celebration of Japanese culture complementing the end of the National Cherry Blossom Festival features live musical performances across three stages, dancers, food, and arts. Guests can shop from a variety of vendors selling Japanese home goods, accessories, and artwork. READ MORE

Day of Play at RFK

Tuesday, April 12
This free, field-based event gathers adults and kids in DC for a day of fun, family-friendly competition featuring music, food trucks, and activities for all ages. READ MORE

National Cherry Blossom Festival: Petalpalooza

Saturday, April 16
Celebrate the cherry blossoms at Yards Park with live music, a beer garden for parents, family-friendly hands-on activities, interactive art installations, and more. The day's events conclude with a fireworks show. READ MORE

Easter Monday at the National Zoo

Monday, April 18
Families are invited to the annual Easter Monday celebration at the National Zoo. Enjoy lots of fun family activities, including an Easter egg hunt with prizes, field games, special animal demonstrations, and live entertainment. READ MORE

One with Eternity: Yayoi Kusama in the Hirshhorn Collection

Thursdays - Sundays, Friday April 1 - Sunday, November 27
Families can see five of prolific artist Yayoi Kusama's works at the Hirshhorn, including two of her transcendent Infinity Mirror Rooms, sculptures, an early painting, and photographs of Kusama.  READ MORE

The FRIENDS Experience - The One in Washington, DC

Various dates through Sunday, June 5
Step inside the world of the hit TV show FRIENDS with 12 rooms of set recreations, including Monica and Rachel's kitchen, Joey and Chandler's apartment, and Central Perk. Kids are welcome, but tweens and teens would enjoy it most. Could we be more excited? READ MORE
Hunt for eggs and meet cute animals at Clark's Elioak Farm. Photo courtesy of the farm
Hunt for eggs and meet cute animals at Clark's Elioak Farm. Photo courtesy of the farm

The Best Things To Do in Maryland During Spring Break

Annapolis Book Festival

Annapolis, MD
Saturday, April 9
The Annapolis Book Festival brings nationally and internationally renowned authors to the community to discuss their books and the craft of writing. There is also a huge used-book sale, live music and entertainment, raffle items, and children's activities. READ MORE

Nature Craft - Natural Egg Dyeing

Upper Marlboro, MD
Friday, April 15
Kids will create beautifully decorated eggs using natural dyes from materials like cabbage, indigo, and onion skins. READ MORE

Bunny Train Ride on the Walkersville Southern Railroad

Walkersville, MD
Saturday & Sunday, April 9 & 10; Saturday, April 16
Families can take a train ride with the Easter Bunny and enjoy the spring weather. Each child can take pictures with the bunny and receive a small surprise. READ MORE

Bunnyland Festival at Butler's Orchard

Germantown, MD
various dates from Saturday, April 9 - Sunday, April 24
Bunnyland at Butler's Orchard includes hayrides through a decorated trail, goodie baskets, an egg hunt, jump pads, giant slides, photos with the Easter Bunny, and more. READ MORE

Farm Education - Incredible Eggs

Upper Marlboro, MD
Tuesday, April 12
Kids can learn all about eggs and the animals that lay them, and even get to meet some of Old Maryland Farm's egg layers. READ MORE

Clark's Elioak Farm Egg Hunt

Ellicott City, MD
Saturday, April 9 - Monday, April 18
Kids ages 1-3 and 4-6 can hunt for eggs at various times each day, which they'll then turn in for a goodie bag. They can also enjoy the petting farm, rides, and play areas. READ MORE
Meet the Easter Bunny at Spring Fest. Photo courtesy of McLean Community Center, Facebook
Meet the Easter Bunny at Spring Fest. Photo courtesy of McLean Community Center, Facebook

The Best Things To Do in Northern Virginia During Spring Break

All-American Doll Tea Party

Great Falls, VA
Saturday, April 9
Children should bring their dolls and dress in their best for this fun fancy tea party at Colvin Run Mill. During the tea party, kids will learn about Victorian table etiquette, eat tea sandwiches and tasty sweets, try multiple types of delicious teas, and play historic party games. READ MORE

Cherry Blossom Jubilee

Alexandria, VA
Sunday, April 10
This festival at Torpedo Factory Art Center includes cherry-blossomed themed art, live music, and art demonstrations for all ages. READ MORE

McLean Community Center Spring Fest

McLean, VA
Saturday, April 16
Families are invited to celebrate the arrival of spring with arts and crafts, music, entertainment, and a parent-child egg hunt. Families can also take a picture with the Easter Bunny. READ MORE

Easter Eggstravaganza at the Zoo

Vienna, VA
Saturdays & Sunday, April 9-17
Roer’s Zoofari hosts an Easter egg hunt all over the zoo along with goody bags and fun arts and crafts. READ MORE

Easter Egg Hunt & Marshmallow Roasting

Bluemont, VA
Friday, April 1 - Saturday, April 16
Great Country Farms hosts daily Easter egg hunts. Families can also see the baby chicks and other baby animals, take a wagon ride, and roast marshmallows. READ MORE

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