The pandas are waiting to meet you at Smithsonian's National Zoo.

Free Summer Activities for Kids and Families in DC

1. Meet the Giant Pandas at the National Zoo

If you didn't have time to visit giant pandas Bao Li and Qing Bao—who made their debut at the National Zoo in January—while school was in session, now is the time to go! Read all about the pandas here.

2. Watch a Movie Under the Stars

There are free outdoor movies showing all over DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia this summer. Find them in our list of free outdoor movies in DC in summer 2025 for kids.

3. Enjoy an Outdoor Concert

Free outdoor concerts are another summertime staple in the DC area. Check out our massive list of free summer concerts for families in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia.

4. Go Swimming

There are so many public swimming pools in DC that are totally free for DC residents (and cheap for non-residents). Let your kiddos swim to their hearts' content!

5. Cool Off at a Splash Pad

These splash pads near DC are another fun, free way for kids to beat the summer heat.

6. Commemorate Pride Month

June is Pride Month! Celebrate at various family-friendly events around the DMV, including Pride on the Pier at the Wharf, the World Pride Parade, and the Mosaic Pride Celebration.

7. Visit Harpers Ferry

There's usually a fee to visit Harpers Ferry National Historic Park, but that fee is waived on this summer's Free Entrance Days: June 19 and August 4, 2025. Read all about visiting Harpers Ferry with Kids.

RELATED: Visiting Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum in DC with Kids

 
See historical aircraft on display. Photo courtesy of the Udvar-Hazy Center, National Air and Space Museum

8. See Iconic World War II Aircraft

In honor of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, history-making aircraft from the war will fly in for one day only on June 14. They'll be among over 50 vintage and modern aircraft on display outside the Udvar-Hazy Center as part of the Innovations in Flight event. Visitors can talk with pilots and enjoy family-friendly activities. Udvar-Hazy is one of our favorite free museums near DC to visit with kids.

9. Celebrate Juneteenth

There are many opportunities across the DC area to commemorate Juneteenth (June 19), the day slavery ended in the US. Try the Juneteenth Celebration at Frying Pan Farm Park, the Annual Scotland Juneteenth Heritage Festival at Cabin John Regional Park, and more events you'll find on our calendar.

10. Stroll Through a Botanical Garden

What better time to visit one of DC's free botanical gardens than summer, when many flowers are in full bloom? The United States Botanic Garden and the US National Arboretum in DC both offer free admission and have children's gardens. Other free (and lovely!) botanical gardens include Brookside Gardens in Wheaton and Green Spring Gardens in Alexandria.

11. See 4th of July Fireworks

The DC 4th of July fireworks on the National Mall are, of course, the big ones. But there are multiple places—and dates—around the DC area to see Independence Day fireworks. Find out where here.

12. See the National Mall at Night

Warm summer evenings, when kids don't have to wake up early for school the next day, are the perfect time to see the National Mall's monuments and memorials all lit up at night. See our guide to visiting the National Mall with kids, then grab a bite nearby at one of these family-friendly restaurants near the National Mall.

13. Enjoy Kids Day on the Plaza at National Harbor

National Harbor hosts kids' activities on its plaza every Tuesday at 10:30am in June, July, and August. Activities include fitness, music and dance, meet-and-greets with the Prince George's County Police Department, storytimes, and more.

14. Head to Arts in the Parks in Fairfax County

As part of the Fairfax Summer Entertainment Series, a different children's entertainer performs for free on select Wednesday mornings at Frying Pan Farm Park; Saturday mornings at Burke Lake Park, Mason District Park, Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, Springfield Overlook, and Wakefield Park; and Saturday evenings at Sully Historic Site and Mosaic District. Performers range from puppeteers to magicians to musicians.

15. See a Parks Playhouse Junior Show

Parks Playhouse Junior presents a fun series of live puppet shows, sing-alongs, and music lessons for kids. Performances are throughout the summer, on weekends and weekdays, across several Montgomery County Parks.

RELATED: Best Family Road Trips From Washington, DC

 
Photo courtesy of Ocean City MD Tourism

16. Hit the Beach

Take a day or weekend trip to one of these great family-friendly beaches near DC, like Virginia Beach and the Delaware beaches. Most of the beaches on our list are free to enter, but if you're staying overnight, of course, you'll have to pay for lodging.

17. Go to a Pop-up Party

Playpalooza DMV features bounce houses, face painting, a touch-a-truck, an inflatable obstacle course, a rock climbing wall, a toddler zone, character appearances, and more. There are three dates in summer 2025 in Northern Virginia: May 31 in Woodbridge, June 21 in Vienna, and August 16 in Springfield.

18. Play in Chessie's BIG Backyard

This amazing play area includes an accessible playground with lots of things for kids to climb, crawl, and slide on. There's also a tree house and the 2,160-foot Chessie’s Trail, full of sensory features like a sound garden and animal figures. Summer is a great time to visit because kids can cool off at the fantastic Our Special Harbor sprayground. Plus, the carousel is open! Find out why Chessie's made our list of destination playgrounds in the DC area.

19. See the Turtles at Hidden Pond Nature Center

Take a walk around the large pond at this Springfield, VA nature center on a sunny summer day to see turtles catching rays on logs. Kids can then play on the fantastic playground and explore the nature center's indoor exhibits. There are also several other free nature centers near DC to explore this summer with kids.

20. Visit the Library

Your local library will likely have some fun, free summer programming for kids, such as storytimes, arts and crafts, puppet shows, and more. Be sure to ask if they have a summer reading program, through which kids (and sometimes even grown-ups) can earn prizes for reading books.

21. Learn New Tricks at the Skate Park at RFK Campus

This DC skate park tops our list of great skate parks near DC for kids for several reasons. For one, it's huge—15,000 square feet! It was also designed by pro skater Geoff Rawley and includes obstacles for all ages and skill levels. Plus, parents can watch the action from the built-in bleachers!

Best Summer Fairs and Festivals Near DC for Kids

22. Astronomy Festival on the National Mall — Washington, DC

Hofstra University’s Astronomy Festival offers space lovers a free guided tour of the sky. The event features solar, optical, and radio telescope observations; hands-on activities and demonstrations; speakers from scientific and educational organizations; and a chance to mingle with astronomers.

23. Smithsonian Folklife Festival — Washington, DC

Through cultural performances, storytelling, workshops, food, and more, this popular festival on the National Mall aims to spark curiosity of various cultures and nurture human connection.

24. County Fairs

Summer is county fair season, and there is no shortage of great ones across the DC area. A few of our favorites are the Loudoun County Fair in Leesburg, the Montgomery County Agricultural Fair in Gaithersburg, and the Prince William County Fair in Manassas.

25. Virginia Scottish Games & Festival — The Plains, VA

The Virginia Scottish Games kick off Labor Day weekend with competitions, musical performances, dancing, and more from the Highlands. Watch athletes toss logs, learn about dogs of Scotland, and listen to bagpipes. It's the perfect way to commemorate the unofficial end of summer!

RELATED: Best Farms with Family Entertainment Near DC

 
Sunflower fields make for awesome photo ops! Photo by Ally Noel for Mommy Poppins

More Outdoor Things To Do in DC This Summer with Kids

26. Pick Sunflowers

Take Insta-worthy family pictures in the acres of sunflower fields at the Summers Farm Sunflower Festival in Frederick, MD, which takes place August 23 - September 7, 2025. There are also dozens of activities at the farm for kids, including corn hole, jumping pillows, farmer golf, farm animals, and more.

27. Play a Round of Mini Golf

Putt Across America, at the Wharf this summer, offers a truly unique mini golf experience. Guests putt their way through 18 larger-than-life holes, traveling from New York to Seattle, Hollywood to Hawaii, and more, learning state trivia and fun facts along the way. Lorton's Workhouse Arts Center also has a new mini golf course, Masterpiece Mini Golf. And if your family can't get enough putt-putt, here's our list of more great mini golf courses near DC.

28. Make a Splash at a Water Park

Beat the heat at one of these awesome outdoor water parks near DC, full of fun features like water slides, lazy rivers, and lots more.

29. Visit a Theme Park

There's a lot happening this summer at DC-area theme parks. Head to Six Flags America while you still can—it's closing for good in November. Meanwhile, Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Kings Dominion are both celebrating their 50th anniversaries with brand-new roller coasters, The Big Bad Wolf: The Wolf's Revenge at Busch Gardens and Rapterra at Kings Dominion.

30. Go Fishing

Reel one in at one of these kid-friendly fishing lakes near DC. You'll need to get a fishing permit first!

31. Hunt for Shark Teeth at Westmoreland State Park

This Montross, VA park is home to Fossil Beach, a small beach where families can hunt for shark teeth and other small fossils. Wading is allowed, but not swimming. It's on our list of parks with beaches close to DC that you can visit when you want to hit the sand without having to drive a long way.

32. Go to a Baseball Game

Head to Nationals Park to root for the Washington Nationals. Be sure to sign your kids up for the Jr. Nationals Kids Club and take advantage of the Kids Eat Free deal. For a more low-key baseball experience, take the kids to cheer on a minor-league team like the Fredericksburg Nationals. You could also take a day trip to Baltimore to cheer on the Orioles.

33. Pick Your Own Berries

Berries are even more delicious when you pick them yourself! Check out the best pick-your-own berry farms near DC.

34. Swing on a Rope Into a Freshwater Quarry

In addition to its two pools, the 30-acre Beaver Dam Swimming Club in Cockeysville, MD (about a 70-minute drive from DC) is famous for its freshwater swimming quarry and its rope swing. Visitors must be 4 or older to swim in the quarry, and kids ages 4-8 must wear a life vest (available for rent on site). Beaver Dam is one of our favorite swimming holes near DC.

35. Celebrate Dad at an Air Show or Petting Farm

Father's Day is Sunday, June 15, 2025, and there are lots of fun things to do to celebrate it. Two of our picks: the Flying Circus Father's Day Air Show in Bealeton, VA and the Father's Day Special at Green Meadows Petting Farm.

36. Go Boating, Paddleboarding, or Kayaking

Our list of the best places for boating in DC includes options for renting electric boats, paddleboards, kayaks, and more for a family adventure on the water.

37. Feed Baby Cows

Read all about our experience bottle-feeding calves at South Mountain Creamery in Middletown, MD. The experience is available on most summer afternoons, when you can cool off with homemade ice cream from the on-site Karen's Kountry Store. South Mountain Creamery is just one of several great animal farms and petting zoos near DC.

RELATED: Top Quirky Museums and Off-the-Beaten-Path Gems for Kids Near DC

 
Jump into a giant bubble-bath ball pit at Bubble Planet. Photo by Quentin Guyot courtesy of Fever Productions 

Fun Things To Do Indoors This Summer with Kids

38. Enter Bubble Planet

At Bubble Planet: An Immersive Experience (in DC this summer), journey through 10 interactive rooms including a huge bubble-bath ball pit, an undersea LED room, a virtual-reality room, an endless infinity experience, and a vast ocean of pink balloons. Dazzling colors, lasers, moving lights, and bubbles integrate with 360-degree projection technology and virtual reality to create a magical experience.

39. Get a Hit of Dopamine

Squeeze in a visit to Dopamine Land: A Multisensory Experience before it leaves DC at the end of June. The Decompression Room, Infinity Bliss, Lucid Dreams, and Pillow Fight are just some of the adventures you'll experience.

40. See Some Live Theatre

Several kid-friendly shows that are based on favorite children's books and TV shows are playing at DC theaters this summer. Check out The Lightning Thief at Adventure Theatre in Glen Echo, Dory Fantasmagory at Imagination Stage in Bethesda, and Bluey's Big Play and Sesame Street the Musical at the Kennedy Center.

41. Visit the Wild Kratts: Ocean Adventure! Exhibit at the National Children's Museum

In the National Children's Museum's new traveling exhibit, kids can dive into the science of marine animals and their immersive underwater habitats. Wild Kratts: Ocean Adventure! is best for ages 3-9 and is open until September 7, 2025. There's also lots more to explore at the museum, which tops our list of the best museums for kids in the DC area.

42. Go Bowling

Summer is a great time for kids to brush up on their bowling skills. Nearly all of the places on our list of fun bowling alleys near DC for kids offer a Summer Season Pass or a Kids Bowl Free program all summer long.

43. See the Circus

Well, not your average circus. UniverSoul Circus, at National Harbor from June 26 - August 10, 2025, celebrates urban pop culture. Performers reflecting cultural diversity from around the world showcase their talents in an interactive show that includes circus arts, music, and theater.

44. Jump at a Trampoline Park

With more than 10 locations in the DC area, Sky Zone is offering a summer membership that includes two hours of jump time daily through September 22, 2025 (plus a 20% discount on food and drinks) for one low price. Urban Air Adventure Park, which has eight locations near DC, is also offering a 120-day Unlimited Play Summer Pass. They're two of our favorite trampoline parks near DC.

45. Go Indoor Rock Climbing

Bouldering Project, an indoor climbing gym in DC's Eckington neighborhood, focuses solely on bouldering—rock climbing without ropes or harnesses on courses that don't go too high off the ground. It's offering three-month summer memberships for kids, teens, and adults. You can also try one of the other indoor rock climbing gyms and spaces for kids near DC.

46. Check Out Scramble Parkour

Scramble, with locations in Alexandria and Falls Church, has always been one of our favorite indoor playgrounds in the DC area for kids up to age 12. In December 2024, a third location opened in Arlington's Shirlington neighborhood, and it is geared toward kids and teens up to age 18! Scramble Parkour features ninja warrior and obstacle courses for every age group.

Where to Eat with Kids this Summer in the DC Area

47. Woody's Ice Cream Shop — Fairfax, VA

This mom-and-pop shop in downtown Fairfax serves more than 30 delicious flavors of hand-dipped ice cream from a local creamery. It's perfect to visit in the summer because Woody's is just across the street from the Old Town Square splash pad. Plus, there's plenty of outdoor seating! And since ice cream is a summertime staple, work your way through our list of must-try ice cream shops in the DC area.

48. Zinnia — Silver Spring, MD

This restaurant has charming gardens with over 150 first-come, first-served seats spread across them. The menu changes seasonally and includes a variety of shareable plates and fresh garden fare, and there's also a kids' menu. Children will love exploring the small pond, gazebo, and bridge. Zinnia is one of our favorite kid-friendly restaurants with outdoor seating near DC.

49. Loan Oak Farm Brewing Company — Olney, MD

There are many family-friendly beer gardens and breweries near DC (see our list here), but not all of them have a playground for kids! Loan Oak Farm Brewing Company does, along with a food menu featuring kid-friendly items like pizza and mac and cheese. You can even bring your own lawn games.

50. Quattro Goombas — Aldie, VA

This winery and brewery welcomes kids and dogs to its 12-acre property, which offers plenty of space to run around. In addition to wine and beer, you can order a wine frappe slushy on a hot day. The on-site kitchen churns out Sicilian pizza, subs, and other small bites. This is one of our favorite kid-friendly wineries near DC.