Category Archives: 2024

July 27, 2026 · 11:00 am

The 2026 County Fair Season Around the DC Area

 

Where do you get carnival rides and games, farm animals, the junk food gamut, live entertainment, pony rides, piglet races, and wares for sale all in one place? Down at the county fair. The season for them runs from early August through mid-September, and this post has the lowdown on this year’s events around the area. Happy Fairing!

 

Fairfax County Carnival & Fair 
This annual 4-H fair is always a 4-day event that runs Thursday – Sunday at Frying Pan Farm Park, one of the DMV area’s most beloved parks. Enjoy carnival rides, amusements, treats, farm animal, rides and displays, tractor demos, more family fun, plus plenty of food and drink options.  Note that Friday is Big Truck Night when kids can climb aboard big trucks, explore heavy equipment, and watch FCPA Mobile Crew demonstrations.
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When: July 30 – August 2, opens 10am, but closing and activity times vary by day, so be sure to check the schedule.
Where: Frying Pan Farm Park | 2709 West Ox Road, Herndon, VA 20171
Cost:  Free admission, and you can prepay online  by July 30 for $27/unlimited ride wristbands  ($32 on site).  Note there is also a $10 parking fee after 4pm on Friday through Sunday.

 

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Prince William County Fair
Virginia’s largest annual county fair includes 4-H exhibits, rides, contests (think pie eating and water balloon tossing), animal shows, craft demos, the Children’s Barn, Kid’s Zone, live performances, and more. Note that August 9 is Kid’s Friday when all admissions are $6. And there are other special days with all kinds of promos, so be sure to check the schedule for details.
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When: July 31 – August 8, and hours vary by day, so check the daily schedules.
Where: Prince William County Fairgrounds | 10624 Dumfries, Manassas, VA.
Cost:  $26.50/adult, $15.90/kids.  Advance sale ticket packages are available, so be sure to look for them on the website.

 

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Howard County Fair
The 80th annual fair started this past weekend, and you have through this coming Saturday to enjoy rides, magic shows, musical entertainment in the evenings, pig races and pony rides, the Kids & Critters barn, Demolition Derby, a pro rodeo, and more. Most of the rides cost extra, and packages are available, so be sure to check out the website to see what’s available if you plan to go.
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When: August 8-15, grounds open 8am – 10pm daily, though most exhibits open at 10am. Activity times vary, so be sure to check schedules.
Where: 2210 Fairground Road, West Friendship, MD
Cost: $10/ages 13+, $5/seniors, free for age 12 and under. Rides and games are extra. Unlimited ride wristbands are available.

 

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Arlington County Fair
We’ve been to this fair and have had a great time. It’s big enough for a fun-filled day, but not so huge that it’s overwhelming and you feel rushed to get to everything. There are carnival rides for everyone from toddlers to adults, and the kids especially loved the pony rides and piglet races when they were younger. You can also check out competitive exhibits, enjoy live entertainment, cheer on a variety of racing animals, view outdoor movies, and take little ones to the Kids’ Court for moon bouncing, face painting, and more.  There’s also a beer garden for adults,
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When: August 12-16, hours vary by day, so check the schedule for specifics.
Where: Thomas Jefferson Community Center | 3501 Second St., Arlington, VA. Get parking/shuttle information here.
Cost: Admission is FREE. But, of course, you need to buy tickets for rides and other activities when you’re there, and you can buy per ticket/credit. There is an online special of 72 ride tickets for $56.25 through 8/13.

 

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Montgomery County Fair
This fair is a family fave. (You can get a glimpse of one of our experiences there and read a review from a bunch of years ago), so trust me when I say that there is so much to do, you have to see the schedule on the website for yourself to get the full scope. Highlights include lots of 4-H exhibits and demos, including opportunities to visit with some of the animals; animal races, pony rides, a KidZone with interactive games and activities, tons of carnival and kiddie rides, arts & crafts, monster trucks and a demolition derby, and much more.
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When: August 14-22, times vary by day so check the website for specifics.
Where: Montgomery County Fairgrounds | 501 Perry Parkway, Gaithersburg, MD.
Cost: Admission starts at $17.15/online (until 8/10), $18/at gate for age 12+, free/11 & under. Tickets for rides cost extra. A one-day all-u-can-ride carnival wristband is available for $33.65/online until 8/10 ($32-40 on site), $27/foropening day, 8/14. And note that parking is $20 at the fairgrounds, but FREE parking and shuttle bus service are available from Montgomery College – Rockville Campus & Germantown Campus.

 

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Anne Arundel County Fair
Carnival rides and games, animal exhibits, monster trucks, pony rides, garden tractor pulls, pig races, pie eating contests, a talent show, live music and much more.
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When: September 16-20, check the website for hours.
Where: Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds | 1450 General’s Highway, Crownsville, MD
Cost: Admission is $10/age 10+ ($5 on 8/19), free/9 & under. Rides and games cost extra.

 

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The Great Frederick Fair
Rounding out the county fair season, this one in Frederick has many of the same offerings as the others, so if you can’t make it to a fair earlier in the season (or even if you can), keep this one on your radar. There are agricultural events, rides and games, live performances, Motorsports, a Kids Zone with free entertainment, and much more including concerts by Flo Rida, Bachman Turner Overdrive, Tracy Lawrence w/ Sara Evans, Beach Boys, Riley Green, and Casting Crowns.
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When: September 18-26, 4-10pm the first day, then 9am – 10pm daily
Where: Frederick Fairgrounds | 797 E Patrick Street, Frederick, MD
Cost: $10/advance, $15/gate for ages 11+. Free/age 10 & under. Tickets for rides and special activities/concerts are extra.

 

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March 16, 2026 · 9:00 am

Tips for Families Viewing the Cherry Blossoms

[Note: This was originally written in 2011 (hence, the now verrry outdated Lost reference) and has been updated every year since. But because the tips always apply, I’m re-posting yet again, just with a few minor revisions applicable to this year’s bloom.]

🌸 🌸 🌸 🌸 🌸
 

Taking the family to the National Mall to see some pretty flowers sounds easy enough. If only it actually was. The cherry blossom peak, predicted by the National Park Service to occur March 29 – April 1 this year, is one of the best times to visit DC. The city is at its most beautiful, and the National Cherry Blossom Festival provides loads of fun activities to help enjoy it all. But viewing the famous blooms can also be a bit challenging without being aware of a few things. Here are seven recommendations to consider if seeing the cherry blossoms is on your family’s spring agenda. Happy Viewing!

 

The peak brings the crowds

1. Don’t drive if you value your sanity. Take Metro, ride the city bus, bike, walk, jet pack. Get here however you can, just leave the car at home. Traffic is beyond frustrating during the cherry blossom peak, and your chances of finding decent parking are about as good as hitting the Powerball with Hurley’s numbers (okay, slight exaggeration, but it is hard). The masses descend on Washington, DC, this time of year, and way too many do so in their vehicles. Besides, kids love riding the Metro — it’s like an urban version of Hogwarts Express. The Smithsonian stop on the Blue/Orange Line is mere minutes from all of the blossom action, but it’s also likely to be crowded. Consider riding to L’Enfant on Yellow/Green, Federal Center on Blue/Orange, or even a stop downtown or in Penn Quarter and taking a nice stroll to the Tidal Basin for the blossom scene. Another good option is Metrobus with lines and stops all over the city, including many at the National Mall close to the Washington Monument.

*If you absolutely must drive and need parking you miiight find a spot at Hains Point, where there is free and metered parking, then walk to the Thomas Jefferson Memorial at the Tidal Basin. There is also garage parking at L’Enfant Plaza, which is a short stroll to the blossoms as well. Your best bet, though, may be to find a garage in the downtown or Penn Quarter area, then walk or Metro to the National Mall. You can ensure yourself a spot with Spot Hero, an online parking reservation service that lets you search for and reserve garage spaces in advance.

 

Beautiful light and barely any others on a weekday morning

2. Visit on a weekday if you have the flexibility.  Crowds are significantly smaller from Monday to Friday, so you can stroll around the Tidal Basin at a nice pace, and public transportation won’t be nearly as packed (though it likely still will be more crowded than usual). But if the kids are in school or daycare during the week, think about going later in the day. The National Mall and monuments look beautiful at sunset, and the blossoms make it even more sublime. Even better if you can go super early, when the morning light on the Mall makes for quite a picturesque setting.

 

A babe enjoying the blossoms

3. Consider using a child carrier instead of a stroller for little ones. This is especially applicable if you take Metro, since elevator lines can be very long and slow-going. I learned my lesson back in my kids’ baby days on a weekday and ended up taking my daughter out of the stroller and carrying both on the escalator, which was probably as unsafe as it was difficult. Even if you don’t take Metro, a carrier is still a wise option. Navigating crowded walkways while pushing a pram takes focus, and you could end up spending more time concentrating on not rolling over others’ heels than enjoying the sights you came to see. It’s a bonus for wee ones, too — perched on your back, your babe will get a better view of the blossoms.

 

Kites and blossoms (and crowds) during the annual Kite Festival

4. Check the National Cherry Blossom Festival schedule, so you can plan your visit accordingly. Some of the city’s most anticipated events are part of the annual celebration that runs March 20 – April 12.  The Blossom Kite Festival, National Cherry Blossom Parade, and Sakura Matsuri are among them, and there are some non-official festival happenings as well — see the best ones for families to help you plan for the season. Most events take place nearby the blossoms or an easy Metro ride away. Peak bloom is expected to occur right after the festival starts, so you can enjoy some of the blossom-inspired activities and the efflorescent trees at the same time.

 

 

See the blossoms from the water

5. Get a new view of the blossoms and enjoy a fun activity. Several companies offer boat rides along the river, many of them specifically for the season when the cherry trees are in bloom. Potomac Water Taxi, City Cruises, and Boomerang Boat Tours are some to check out. You can also opt for a paddling excursion and navigate the waters yourself, including pedal boating right on the Tidal Basin.  Or go on a bike tour to easily cover more ground and experience the blossoms from two wheels.

 

Cherry blossoms at the National Arboreum

6. Seek out other spots to see the cherry blossoms if you don’t want to deal with crowds and chaos around the Tidal Basin and National Mall. Several places around the DC-Metro area are well known for their annual cherry blossom displays. When I worked in Bethesda many years ago, it was an annual tradition for my colleagues and me to take a drive through Kenwood, a lovely neighborhood between Little Falls Parkway and River Road with cherry tree-lined streets. The National Arboretum also has a nice collection of the trees and a beautiful environment in which to view them in bloom. Dumbarton Oaks Gardens is one of the prettiest places in DC and its annual cherry blossoms only add to it. Stanton Park on Capitol Hill glows with the pink and white trees this time of year.  Congressional Cemetery has some nice, cherry tree-lined paths (that have already been blooming) and a few around the large locale. President Lincoln’s Cottage in Petworth  has cherry trees on the grounds. And Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, MD, has a nice collection of the trees, too.

 

Flying amid the flowers

7. Have your camera ready to take advantage of some of the best photo ops DC offers. The peak colors plus the memorials are about as iconic as you can get when photographing Washington, DC.  Get your kids to sit still — or even let them run and play for a fun candid — and you’ve got this year’s holiday card.

Can’t beat the blossom backdrop for photos

 

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December 10, 2025 · 9:30 am

Where to Encounter Santa Around DC During the Rest of the Holiday Season

Ride the Polar Express with Santa

 

A visit or photo with Santa is the thing to make many a kid’s holiday season.  If you’re looking for jolly old Saint Nick around DC, you can find him at many places — often along with extra fun and treats. Here’s  where he’ll be this season, from free gatherings to special brunches to holiday shows to train rides to classic photo stops at the mall.

Christmas at Gaylord National
Where: Gaylord National Resort | National Harbor, MD
When: Through December 24
Admission: Varies by activity
The Gaylord National Hotel at National Harbor goes all out during the holidays, offering all kinds of activities for families, including photos with Santa. You have to sign up for a time and purchase a package.  Plan to enjoy  more activities while you’re there, like Christmas light shows, ice tubing, gingerbread decorating, and ICE!  (Note that most cost extra.) Read more about Christmas at the Gaylord in this post from a few years ago.

Light Yards Express
Where: The Yards | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: December 10, 5:30-7:30pm
Admission: Free
Join The Yards for a family friendly festive event to celebrate the kick-off of Light Yards and the holiday season! Hop aboard a holiday-themed train for a magical ride through the enchanting Light Yards wonderland. Add some sparkle to your holiday outfit with dazzling glitter tattoos and dance the night away to merry tunes spun by a DJ.  Enjoy fun holiday giveaways like bells, reindeer ears, and light-up necklaces while supplies last. Don’t forget to bring your wish lists and share your dreams with the jolly man himself—SANTA!

The B&O Polar Express
Where: B&O Railroad Museum | Baltimore, MD
When: December 13-14, 19-23
Admission: Starts at $50/child, $60/adult
Climb aboard The Polar Express for a Christmas memory you’ll cherish forever! Bring the kids dressed in pajamas and kick off this two-hour immersive experience with a live performance of the Hot Chocolate song and dance, and receive the First Gift of Christmas, a silver sleigh bell, from Santa. Upon your arrival at the North Pole, his helpers will greet you and invite you to enjoy crafts, make s’mores, shop for themed goodies, and have your picture taken with Santa.

Holly Trolley Fest
Where: National Capitol Trolley Museum | Colesville, MD
When: Through December 21, weekends
Admission: $12.75
Explore a unique DC area museum this holiday season. Visit with Santa down a mile-long woodland railroad, featuring a holiday ride on our historic street cars. In addition, enjoy a holiday model railroad display in collaboration with the Washington, Virginia, & Maryland Garden Railway Society, crafts for children, photo opportunities, and more. Reservations required.

Photos with Santa (& Maybe a Step Show, Too!)
Where: Arena Stage | Southwest DC
When: December 13, 3:30-7pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate the magic of the season at Arena Stage with free photos with Santa! Dress in your holiday best with family and friends and let Arena capture the perfect festive memory. Then, seal the fun-filled afternoon with the 7pm performance of Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show — with promo code FOURPACK, families can get four tickets for just $179, up to 40% off! (Tickets to the show are not required for photos with Santa.)

Brunch with Santa
Where: Pinstripes | Georgetown, DC
When: December 13-14 & 20-21
Admission: Cost of your meal
We took the kids to this when they were little, and they loved the brunch buffet almost as much as they loved meeting Santa and getting photos with him. It includes lot of yummy options that will delight the whole family, and parents can make it extra fun with a little toast to the season! There is no photographer, but guests are encouraged to take pics when the man of the hour stops by.

Photos with Santa Paws
Where: Capital Wheel | National Harbor, MD
When: Saturdays through December 20, 12-2pm
Admission: $18/adult, $14.50/child
Bring furry fiends for a ride on the Capital Wheel — and for all of you to meet Santa! Bring the fam on Saturdays for a howl-iday ride high above National Harbor and snap the paw-fect holiday photo with Santa Paws himself. Dogs ride FREE with a paying adult (up to 2 pups per adult ticket).

Teddy Bear Tea
Where: Four Seasons | Georgetown, DC
When:  December 13, 14, 20, & 21
Admission: $85-135
Guests and locals are invited to partake in a special holiday high tea featuring elevated tea sandwiches, scones, petits fours, and a choice of tea, hot chocolate, apple cider or sparkling wine, with a curated candy station for dessert. Each tea service will also feature festive live entertainment including a special appearance by Santa and other guest performers, with a percentage of proceeds benefiting Children’s National Hospital. Book online here.

Brunch with Santa
Where: Hank’s Old Town | Alexandria, VA
When: December 13, 14, 20, 21 | 11am – 1pm
Admission: $35/child, $55/adult
Join Hank’s for a festive holiday gathering with special Brunch with Santa! Enjoy a delightful brunch buffet, live entertainment for kids, and a memorable visit from Santa. Held on our Second Floor, this family-friendly event is the perfect way to celebrate the season.

Brunch with Santa
Where: District E | Penn Quarter, DC
When: December 14, 10am & 12:30pm
Admission: $33.60
Join District E, the sports entertainment venue in the heart of Penn Quarter, for a magical holiday experience at this brunch with Santa.  Along with a buffet featuring eggs, bacon, waffles, toast, and more, each reservation includes guaranteed time and photos with Santa, story time sessions, and a festive, family-friendly atmosphere straight out of a holiday movie.

Photos with Santa
Where: Tingey Square | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: December 14, 12-3pm
Admission: Free
Get a festive portrait taken of the family, including pets, with Santat and have it handed to you immediately! Enjoy carolers and stick around for a special guest who might crash a portrait or two. Plan to browse the Tingey Plaza Holiday Market, too!

A Family Christmas
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: December 20 & 24
Tickets: $20-59
Bring the kids to experience the magic of the holidays as the Choral Arts Chorus fills the concert hall with holiday classics just for them! We’ll take you on a merry tour of Christmas favorites that will have your family singing all the way home. Expect a special visit from Santa! This one hour concert is perfect for children ages 5+.

Jingle Jump
Where: Flight Adventure Park | Springfield, VA
When: December 20, 10am – 12pm
Admission: Starts at $14
Flight is hosting a morning of fun to celebrate the season. Jump for joy and experience festive craft stations and treats, and even meet Santa and his elves! The park also features trampolines, Lunar dodgeball, climbing structures, Airslam basketball, arcades, and more. Read more about Flight here.

Brunch with Santa
Where: Estuary | CityCenter, DC
When: December 21, 11am – 2pm
Admission: Cost of your meal
Families can enjoy thi shighly anticipated Brunch with Santa right before Christmas. Jolly Ol’ St. Nick will be on site to greet families, take photos, and share in the joy of the holidays while guests enjoy a festive and flavorful brunch. Reserve here!

Photos at the Mall
Where: Malls around the DC area
When: Throughout the holiday season
Admission: Varies by place
If you just want to get the classic photo with Santa at a shopping mall, here’s where you can find him:
Pentagon City
Tysons Corner Center
Westfield Montgomery Mall
Westfield Wheaton Mall
Springfield Mall
Prince George’s Mall

 

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