Get a whole new view of DC at the CEB Tower
Spring Break has begun in the DC area, so you may be in need of some extra reminders of all the great activities there are to do around the area to keep your kids entertained over the next few weeks — depending on when they’re off from school. And if some of this sounds familiar (including this intro), that’s because a version of this post has been published in many previous years, but it’s been updated to reflect what’s going on now.
Many of the ideas here are already on the blog, but sometimes a little guidance for what’s best at certain times helps. Among these recommendations are special and seasonal activities, exhibits and shows that are currently running, and outings that take advantage of the (usually) great spring weather.
And, of course, the rest of the blog is full of suggestions if you want even more options. So, whether you’re enjoying a staycation or visiting from out of town, you should have no problem keeping the kids (and yourself!) happy during the week off — or on, depending how you look at it. Happy Spring Break!
Special & Seasonal Activities
Rhino Sculptures for RiverRun at the Kennedy Center
RiverRun
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: Through April 22
Admission: Varies by event (some free)
This international festival celebrating the world’s rivers is running at the Kennedy Center until Earth Day. All kinds of performances and events will be presented by talent from across the globe. Performing and visual artists, authors, chefs, filmmakers, climate experts, and more fascinating people will help carve an artistic path throughout the Kennedy Center with world-class performances, exhibitions (including one that has a play space for children!), films, talks, workshops, and more events — see the website for the full schedule.
Cherry Blossom Fun
Where: Around the DC Area
When: Through April 16
Admission: Varies by activity
Even past peak bloom at the Tidal Basin, the National Cherry Blossom Festival presents all kinds of fun and enriching activities through its run, some on a daily basis. Catch some cultural performances (be sure to check the schedule), view Petal Porches around the area, and see some trees in bloom at a few locales around the area. On weekends, there are bigger, signature Cherry Blossom Festival events, like the Cherry Blossom Parade and Petalpalooza on April 15-16. This post rounds up those that are particularly great for families.
Bloom Town
Where: Around the DC Area
When: Varies by locale
Admission: Varies by locale
There are more big blooms to enjoy around the DC area besides the cherry blossoms, a couple of them literally coming now. Burnside Farms’ Festival of Spring showcasing 150 varieties of tulips begins Aprils 4. Bluebells are starting to blanket the grounds around the area, and azaleas will begin to bloom, too. And the best places to see them are fab for more than just the flowers. This post has details on where to go for those and other big blooms coming up. (PS: Get a glimpse of the Festival of Spring here, but note that admission has gone up this year.)
Egg-Cellent Outings
Where: Around the area
When: Through mid-April
Admission:; Varies by event
Egg hunts, bunny visits, and more seasonal activities are happening all around the area. There are also attractions beyond bunnies and candy-filled eggs for your whole gang. Find them at these places: Great Country Farms – Butler’s Orchard – NoVa Parks – Clark’s Elioak Farm – National Zoo.
Catch a Nats Game
Where: Nationals Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Starting March 30
Admission: Varies
Baseball season has begun, and there will be plenty of home games to catch over the next few weeks, including some midday on weekdays that make for a perfect outing with kids. Check the schedule here and look for special promos here. And be sure to view my tips for spending less on a day at the ballpark before you go!
Show Time
Where: Theatres around the DC area
When: Varies by show
Admission: Varies by show
Keep the kids entertained with some live entertainment! There are a bunch of shows to see on local stages over the next few weeks: The Hula Hoopin’ Queen andWake Up, Brother Bearat Imagination Stage, Sleeping Beauty at The Puppet Co., Shout Sister Shout at Ford’s Theatre, The Jungle at Harman Hall, Angels in America, Part One: Millennium Approaches at ArenaStage, King Lear at Klein Theater (Shakespeare Theatre Company), My Fair Lady at National Theatre, Once Upon a Moon at Discovery Theater, and a Rocknoceros concert at Jammin Java.
Fairies in the Garden
Where: Annmarie Sculpture Garden | Lusby, MD
When: Starting April 7
Admission: $5 suggested donation
Guaranteed to delight, the annual exhibit of fairy and gnome houses at Annmarie Sculpture Garden begins in April. This year more than 100 homes for spritely creatures will be displayed throughout the grounds. Viewing them (and more art) as you walk along a trail through the woods is a wonderful adventure for all ages. Plan for play time in the adorable Fairy Lolly, and stop in the Arts Center for more creative works. Read more about and get a glimpse of it all here and here. (FYI – Annmarie is fantastic anytime, fairy houses or not!)
Go with the Flow
Where: Waterways around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies
Row, row, row your boat or kayak or canoe! Paddle season has begun as several places have started offering boat rentals. Boating in DC has several locations in the District and a few NoVa Parks offer it, too. This post about places to go with the flow has more details.
Spring Break in the Trees
Where: Adventure Park at Sandy Spring
When: Ongoing
Admission: Starts at $45/adult, $16/child
The park that offers a thrilling aerial forest adventure will be open on weekdays mid-April for kids who have Spring Break during that time. If you want to something special, active, challenging, and super fun, I highly recommend this adventure in the trees. See more about some of our experiences at the park here and here.
Museums & Special Exhibits
Interact with digital art at PIXELBLOOM
Off the Beaten Museum Path
Where: Around DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by museum
If you don’t veer from the well trodden path of the National Mall now and then, you could miss out on some amazing museum exhibits and experiences. A few are listed here, but there are many more! Check out this round-up of some these places in DC that may not be on your museum radar — but should be.
Afrofuturism
Where: National Museum of African American History & Culture
When: Wednesday – Sunday, 10am – 5:30pm
Admission: Free with timed-entry passes
This phenomenal museum is a must-visit on the National Mall. And there’s new exhibition exhibition to check out if you’ve already been. Afrofuturism: A History of Black Futures “immerses visitors in a conversation that reimagines, reinterprets and reclaims the past and present for a more empowering future for African Americans.” Timed entry passes are still required, and if aren’t available to reserve in advance, you can try for same-day passes. They are released online daily starting at 8:15am and can be reserved here. Before you go to the museum, be sure to read the KFDC guide for visiting with kids.
PIXELBLOOM: Timeless Butterflies
Where: ARTECHOUSE | Southwest DC
When: Through June 11
Admission: $20-25/adult, $17/age 4-15, $72/family 4-pack, free/under 4
The exhibits at ARTECHOUSE often reflect the season in some way, and right now they are highlighting spring by celebrating the cherry blossoms with a gorgeous digital exhibit that immerses you in the blooms and a butterfly world. Floor to ceiling projections, plus interactive elements make this one beautiful, engaging, and fun to experience! Get more of a glimpse of it here.
Mind Tricks & More Fun
Where: Museum of Illusions | CityCenter DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $23.50/age 13+, $16.50/age 5-12
If you’re looking for something unique and fun to do indoors, consider the new(ish) Museum of Illusions. All of the exhibits and installations are interactive in some way, whether you’re staring at pictures to watch them “move,” standing within an exhibit to feel its effects, solving some kind of puzzle, or placing yourself just so to create an illusional scene. This post has more about it with a glimpse of what you’ll experience there.
One with Eternity
Where: Hirshhorn Museum | National Mall, DC
When: Through July
Admission: Free
The Yayoi Kusama exhibition has been extended again, until mid-summer, and Spring Break is a great time to go since weekdays offer extra opportunities to get tickets. Important to note is how to get tickets: Next-day passes to the exhibit are released daily at noon on the Hirshhorn website. All visitors age 12 and up must have a pass. Children ages 12 and under do not need a pass if they are accompanied by an adult passholder. Each adult passholder may bring up to two children into the exhibition and each Infinity Mirror Room.Get a glimpse of the exhibit here.
Fairies in the Garden
Where: Annmarie Sculpture Garden | Lusby, MD
When: April 7 – September 4
Admission: $5 suggested donation
The annual magicalicious exhibit of fairy and gnome houses at Annmarie begins in spring. As if the sculpture garden in Calvert County wasn’t already wonderful, this annual display adds extra delight to a visit there with a collection of handmade fairy and gnome homes scattered throughout the grounds. It’s fantastic to see anytime, but the annual festival to celebrate them takes place April 24 this year. This is a place kids of all ages — and even the kid in us adults — will love. Read more about Annmarie Sculpture Garden in this KFDC post and this one.
What’s the Word
Where: Planet Word | Downtown DC
When: Wednesday – Monday, 10am – 5pm (until 6pm Sat & Sun)
Admission: Free
The museum all about language is full of fun and interesting exhibits, most of them interactive. There are elements that all ages will love, though tweens and older will get the most out of it, having more grammar lessons under their belts and generally better comprehension. Our whole family loves it! Admission is free, but you need to book tickets in advance. Right now, there are some available for dates over the break. And a limited number of day-of, walk-up passes are available on the half-hour.
The Dr. Seuss Experience
Where: Tysons Corner Center | Tysons, VA
When: Starting April 7
Admission: $29-38/child, $27-43/adult
This experience is an imaginative and interactive immersion into the wondrous world of Dr. Seuss. Journey through favorite stories and come face-to-face with iconic characters as if they jumped right off the pages. Venture through the brand new 1,300 square foot “Stars Upon Thars Sneetches Mirror Maze,” swing among Truffula Trees from The Lorax, gaze upon a balloon-filled installation from Oh, the Places You’ll Go!, and take a spin on a carousel inspired by If I Ran the Circus!
Mission: Fun
Where: International Spy Museum | L’Enfant Plaza, DC
When: Daily, 9am – 7pm (open until 8pm on Sat)
Admission: $26.95/age 13+, $16.95/7-12, free/6 & under
The Spy Museum has reopened its doors, so you can explore the intriguing world of espionage. Exhibits are engaging for both kids and adults, with state-of-the-art multimedia installations and loads of cool interactives — used with stylus pens + extra safety measures in place for Covid. Discover tricks of the trade, view gadgets used to keep secrets and disguises to hide identities, learn about some of the most famous spies and their missions, and much more. It’s a thrilling day out for all!
An O-So-Cool Adventure
Where: Mansion on O Street | Dupont Circle
When: Daily, 11am – 4pm
Admission: Starts at $25
Locate secret doors, see outrageously fabulous themed rooms, and browse a trove of secondhand treasures on a tour of one of the coolest spots in DC: The Mansion on O Street. The Dupont Circle landmark is a mansion, museum, secondhand store, and hotel all in one — and visitors are welcome to explore it all. (And April 8-9, they are hosting special Easter Treasure Hunts – $50.) Admission can add up, so Spring Break is a great time to go if you’re looking for something special to do. Plus, it’s a unique adventure in a truly stunning space.
Must-See DC
Explore the Washington Monument and more memorials
Tour the Memorials
Where: National Mall & Tidal Basin, DC
When: Ongoing
Admission: Free
Be a tourist in your hometown (unless you’re visiting, then just be a tourist). Take the opportunity to visit the many memorials on the Mall and around the Tidal Basin. Not only are the structures themselves marvel-worthy, there’s a lot to be gleaned from them, too. Learn about some of our country’s presidents and leaders — George, Abe, Tom, FDR, & MLK — from displays, park rangers, and in the Visitors Centers. And walk or bike among them all to add some exercise (and extra fun) to the venture!
A Local & National Treasure
Where: Library of Congress | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Tuesday – Saturday, 10am – 5pm
Admission: Free
Explore the largest library in the world and one of DC’s most iconic attractions. The Library of Congress is a trove of knowledge, art, history, and culture — and the public is welcome to enjoy it all, and for free! Walk-ins are sometimes welcome, but it’s best to reserve free tickets in advance.
A Monumental Experience
Where: Washington Monument | National Mall, DC
When: Daily, 9am – 5pm
Admission: Free
The Washington Monument is super fun to tour — you can go up inside to check out interesting exhibits and take in DC views. Advance reservation tickets for the next day are available online for a nominal processing fee. Same-day, free tickets are also be available on a first-come, first-served basis daily starting at 8:30am at the Washington Monument Lodge, located on 15th Street NW, between Madison Drive NW and Jefferson Drive SW. Get a peek of the experience from the inside here.
Abe’s Last Days
Where: Ford’s Theatre | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Daily, 9am – 4:30pm
Admission: Free – $3
Ford’s isn’t just a place to catch live entertainment. The site of Abraham Lincoln’s assassination highlights its historic significance through exhibits about the president, the circumstances surrounding his assassination, and that fateful night at the theatre. The National Historic Site features a museum, theatre walk-throughs and a presentation, and guests are welcome to explore it all. Best for about ages 8 and up. Reserve tickets online in advance for $3 or get them at the Box Office for free.
Time for a Tour
Where: Old Post Office Tower | Downtown DC
When: Daily, 9am – 4pm
Admission: Free
One of our back pocket places to take out-of-town guests for impressive views of the city! See DC from a new vantage point at the Old Post Office Tower. Located within the Waldorf Astoria at 12th & Pennsylvania, NW, it’s free to visit and go up to the observation deck of one of the tallest structures in DC. This post has info for visiting — be sure to read it for details on accessing the entrance.
A Bird’s Eye View
Where: Observation Deck at CEB Tower | Rosslyn, VA
When: Daily, but hours vary
Admission: Free
Gaze out of floor-to-ceiling windows that offer a new perspective of DC. The 30+ story high space in Rosslyn offers breathtaking 360-degree panoramic vistas. Read more about it here, but note that not all of the exhibits and immersive experiences are still there. However, the spectacular views and the thrill of being up that high make it worth going. This was only open to Arlington residents for awhile, but they’re once again welcoming the general public. And even better now, admission is FREE!
Outside In
Where: US Botanic Garden | Capitol Area, DC
When: Daily, 10am – 5pm
Admission: Free
The U.S. Botanic Garden Explore the different plant collections as you walk amid woodland flora, desert areas, and tropical rainforest (one of the the most stunning spaces in DC). It’s especially nice to visit on foul weather days, because it kind of feels like pulling a fast one on the weather gods. Plan on a stroll through the lovely National Garden outside, too. Read more about the USBG here and here.
Opt Outside
On the Bluebell Trail at Bull Run Regional Park
Take a Hike
Where: Around the area
When: Ongoing
Admission: Varies by locale
It’s a great time of year to spend some time on the trail as the weather warms up and color returns to the landscape. See flowers in bloom, tramp in places with scenic views, hike and explore history at interesting locales, and enjoy a day of active fun. This post has a a bunch of recommendations for good walks in the woods with the kids. KFDC Tip: Hike among the bluebells at Bull Run Regional Park or Riverbend. It’s also a good time to take advantage of lesser crowds on weekdays at places that usually draw them, like Great Falls, Scott’s Run, Roosevelt Island, Sugarloaf Mountain, and Patapsco Valley State Park.
Beachy Keen: Sand, Surf, & Fossils
Where: Around the area
When: Daily
Admission: Varies by beach
Many of us associate Spring Break with beach trips, so why not hit the shore with the kids? There are several places within day trip-distance from DC that are nice for sand and surf. Even if the weather is cool, you can still picnic, play, maybe fossil hunt, and enjoy beachy vibes. Head out to Calvert Cliffs State Park or Flag Ponds Nature Park (note limited days at FPNP). Or go east to Sandy Point State Park. Play paleontologist and look for prehistoric fragments along the Potomac at the Purse Area in Charles County, MD (one of our very favorite outings in the area). You can also make a bigger trip out to Westmoreland State Park, about a two-hour drive away in Montross, VA, where you can hike, beach, fossil hunt, and even do some camping.
Ride On
Where: Around the DC Area
When: Ongoing
Admission: Free
The weather during spring is usually perfect for biking, and with kids off from school, you can all get in some good cycling time together. Explore memorials and Smithsonian gardens as you ride on the National Mall. Bike along the Anacostia and make some fun stops on the way. Two-wheel it on fun trails in Virginia and Maryland. There are a bunch of great routes to ride around the area, and this post will help you find one perfect for your crew to pedal.
Grounds for Play
Where: Playgrounds around the DMV
When: Daily
Admission: Free
Let the kiddos burn some energy and get some fresh air at one of many awesome area playgrounds. Beauvoir, Clemyjontri, Watkins Regional Park, Hains Point, Cabin John Regional Park, Wheaton Regional Park, plus loads of DC Parks and Rec locations are great places to swing, climb, run, slide, romp, and even more!
Roam a Garden
Where: Around the area
When: Ongoing
Admission: Varies by locale
With flowers blooming and landscapes bursting with color, a visit to a garden is a fantastic outing, especially when there’s often more to do than just look at plants and flowers. Explore and play at the National Arboretum, plan for an afternoon visit to the fairytale-esque Dumbarton Oaks (be sure to note limited days/hours), wander around Green Spring Gardens on a scavenger hunt, enjoy the array of flora at Brookside, venture out to the gorgeous Meadowlark Botanical Garden, or relish in the peace at the Franciscan Monastery in Brookland. Plus, the Enid A. Haupt Garden, Mary Livingston Ripley Garden, Pollinator Garden, and more small Smithsonian gardens are all open to visitors and fun to explore on the National Mall.
Art al Fresco
Where: Around the DC Area
When: Ongoing
Admission: Varies
Enjoy the outdoors and get an art fix at the same time. Both the Hirshhorn and National Gallery of Art Sculpture Gardens have great Sculpture Gardens. The Kreeger Museum in the Foxhall/Palisades has an outdoors area with lots of cool works. Tour the lovely Annmarie Sculpture Garden in Calvert County and enjoy more art experiences there. You can also see works all over the city on a DC Murals Tour.
Day Trips & Overnights
The Kunta Kinte-Alex Haley Memorial in downtown Annapolis
Explore Another Capital City
Where: Annapolis, MD
When: Ongoing
Admission: Varies by activity
Maryland’s capital city is as beautiful as it is fun, and you can easily make a day or longer trip of it there. Stroll around town and take in views the Chesapeake, visit the grounds of the Naval Academy, enjoy some outdoor recreation at Quiet Waters Park, and of course, plan to feast on crabs. It’s all an easy drive out Rt. 50 from DC.
Charm City, Hon!
Where: Baltimore, MD
When: Daily
Admission: Varies by locale
Baltimoe has so many fantastic attractions that are great to visit with kids, and it’s just a 45-minute drive away. Play the day away at Port Discovery. Explore the exhibits and loads of hands-on activities at the Maryland Science Center. See some of the quirkiest, coolest art around at the American Visionary Art Museum. Get an eyeful of the underwater world at the National Aquarium. Get a history lesson and stroll the grounds at Fort McHenry. Tour the historic ships moored at the Inner Harbor. Learn about Baltimore’s early business days at the Museum of Industry. The KFDC Guide to Exploring Baltimore with Kids has info for all of these adventures, plus dining recs and more to explore!
Maritime Explorations
Where: Calvert Marine Museum | Calvert County, MD
When: Daily, 10am – 5pm
Admission: $9/adult, $4/ages 5-12, free/4 & under
Head out to Calvert County to explore the heritage and history of the Chesapeake Bay. The array of interesting exhibits at the Calvert Marine Museum includes display cases full of fossils and artifacts, plus live fish and other creatures. Reserve tickets in advance here. (PS: Pair this with a visit to Annmarie for a longer visit, even an overnight.)
Hiking & History
Where: Harpers Ferry
When: Ongoing
Admission: Free ($10 if you park in lot)
Get some fresh air and exercise as you enjoy spring weather and historic sites. Harpers Ferry is an easy day trip or quick getaway destination from DC, and spring is a great time to go. For more about a visit there, see this KFDC post.
Go Underground
Where: Luray Caverns
When: Ongoing, 9am – 7pm
Admission: $32/adults, $16/ages 6-12, 5 and under free
Behold the spectacular underground world of stalagmites, stalactites, and other amazing limestone formations in the massive cave system at Luray. Afterward, make your way through the Garden Maze or check out vintage rides in the Carriage and Caravan Museum. Admission does not include attractions beyond the cavern. KFDC Tip: Be sure to make a pit stop before going into the caverns, because it can be a long walk out to a restroom, and once you’re out, you may not be able to go back in.
Tramp & Camp
Where: Shenandoah National Park
When: Ongoing
Admission: $30/vehicle, campsites are extra & vary
Whether you go for a day or even several, Shenandoah National Park is a boon for outdoor recreation close to DC. If you can only swing a day, find some good trails to hike or even ride along Skyline Drive and take in the beautiful vistas from the car. If you can stay overnight, it’s a great place for a camping experience with kids. Either way, enjoy being immersed in nature and keep your eyes peeled for wildlife sightings!
* * *
Last minute getaway? Colonial Williamsburg is fantastic!
Extra KFDC Tips
* For more suggestions to relish in the sublime spring weather, check out The Best Places in the DC Area to Spend a Beautiful Day Outdoors with the Kids.
* If you’re looking specifically for rainy day activities, see over 100 ideas in The Great Indoors list.
* If you’re considering a last minute Spring Break getaway, here are some ideas for easy trips from DC.
* Check for deals and discounts on CertifiKID and Goldstar.
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