The Maryland Renaissance Festival has been bringing merriment galore to Revel Grove, a charming hamlet in the woods of Crownesville, MD, since late August. But with a very busy schedule this fall, we didn’t make it there until yesterday. This was actually quite serendipitous, as it turned out to be one of the most beautiful days of the season so far. The cool, crisp, sunny weather made for perfect conditions to roam the lively, sprawling grounds. And the early fall scenery, with the first tinges of autumn foliage glowing amid the fading green, was a gorgeous backdrop for all the festivities.
Surely, you know by now how much I love Ren Fest and how strongly I recommend it for a fantastic, fun-filled outing. So, I’ll just get to the gist of this post. Along with scenes from our day there yesterday, I wanted to share a few extra tips (more are already listed here). Let’s get to it…
1) The best tip you’ll get for the rest of this year’s Ren Fest is DO NOT WAIT TO GET TICKETS! They are selling out, and earlier than they have in previous years. This past Saturday was sold out by Wednesday. I bought Sunday tickets for our family early in the day last Thursday, and when I went back on the website to get a couple more for friends, they were all gone. And I just checked… the weekend of October 15-16 is already sold out, leaving only the last weekend, October 22-23. So, again, if you know you want to go, get your tickets!
2) It almost pains me to share this one because I never want to discourage anyone from going to Ren Fest, BUT if you really hate crowds and being around a lot of people, this may not be the event for you. A lot of people love Ren Fest, and sold out days means a lot of people will be there. It’s not like you’ll be walking shoulder-to-shoulder — there is still plenty of space to move around comfortably — but it’s heavy on stimulus and lines can get long.
3) And that leads to my next tip… be prepared to wait in lines for food and drinks, especially right around lunchtime. This can be tough with little ones, but you can be strategic about it if you’re with other adults and take turns waiting and walking around with the kiddos (but note that if you’re buying adult beverages, all must be there, only one per person). You can also plan to eat a little later in the afternoon when the lines let up. But don’t skip the food! There are so many fun, yummy options: Turkey legs! Meat on sticks! Fried mac-n-cheese balls! Fried pickle chips! Cones of cookies! And much, much more.
4) Get to the jousting area early, at least 30 minutes ahead, if you want decent seats to see the show. The jousts are a highlight of Ren Fest (fun fact: jousting is Maryland’s state sport!), and if you want to guarantee you and the kids get a good view, you need to get seats. I suggest getting food and “having a picnic” at your joust seats to pass the time while you wait for the events to begin.
5) Dress up! Our crew did not, but it felt like more people than ever were in costume this year. It makes for the best people watching, and it would have been fun to be part of it.
6) This one is random, but good (credit goes to my friend, Margaret, for it) … If you plan to eat a turkey leg, bring some of these along. It will make a big difference in your comfort for the rest of your day.
Maryland Renaissance Festival
Where: Revel Grove | Crownsville, MD ( get directions)
When: Weekends through October 23, 10am – 7pm
Admission: $30/adult, $26/senior, $15/age 7-15, free/6 & under
I won’t go into a long, rambling introduction about this one, because if you’ve been reading KFDC for any length of time longer than a year, you likely already know how I feel about the Maryland Renaissance Festival.
That it’s my hands-down very, VERY favorite annual event in the area. That I’ve adored it since well before I had kids. That I love not just the fun and food and entertainment and amazing people watching it brings, but also that it celebrates eccentricity, welcomes the weird with open arms, and presents all its mirth and delight in an easy, free-flowing way. If you want more specifics on all of that, just go here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, or here. And if you want to enjoy a day of extraordinary fun , just go.
Logistics
The merriment begins this Saturday, August 27, and runs every weekend, rain or shine, through October 23 in the lovely 16th century-style hamlet of Revel Grove in Crownsville, MD. Hours are 10am – 7pm. Through September 11, admission is $24/adults, $21/seniors, $12/ages 7-15, free for ages 6 and under. After that, ticket prices go up to $30/adults, $26/seniors, $15/ages 7-15, still free for 6 and under. Multi-day passes that offer a discount are also available. Like last year,tickets must be reserved in advance online. There are no day-of, in-person ticket sales.
Notable Dates
There are promos and special themes on many weekends. Here’s a quick list, and you can find more info here. * August 27-28: Children’s Weekend – FREE admission for ages 15 and under with adult
* September 3-4: Romance Weekend — Special events for singles 21+ on 9/3 & partners can renew their commitments in a ceremony on 9/4 * September 5: Seniors day — Free admission for all seniors age 62+ * September 10-11: Celtic Celebration * September 11 & October 10: ASL Interpretation Days – Selected stage shows will be interpreted in ASL * September 17-18: Pirate Adventure Weekend * September 24 & 25: Myth & Magic Weekend * October 1 & 2: Shakespeare Weekend
KFDC Tips * Bring a stroller or carrier for little ones, as there is a lot of walking. I recommend a stroller that rolls over rough terrain easily. * Get a map and schedule on your way in to help you navigate and plan your day, but I recommend not overthinking it; Ren Fest is best experienced with a “go with the flow” mindset. * If there’s a show you really want to see, get to the stage a few minutes ahead of time to get good seats, so the kids have a good view. * You might encounter less crowds on Sunday, when many folks are watching football. * Plan to spend on extras like food, games, and fun for kids — all reasonably priced, but it can add up. * Tickets can sell out, especially on beautiful fall days as the chances to go dwindle. Between that and the online sales only, you might want to reserve further in advance than usual. * Consider pros and cons to going at different times: Early in the season, crowds are smaller because it’s usually very hot, and the admission fee is lower. Later in the season, the cool, crisp weather and autumn foliage adds some extra splendor to the visit, but also draws the masses. * Let the kids dress up! Princesses, knights, fairies, and pirates will fit right in.
Maryland Renaissance Festival
Where: Revel Grove | Crownsville, MD ( get directions)
When: Weekends August 28 – October 23, 10am – 7pm
Admission: $24-30/adult, $21-26/senior, $12-15/age 7-15, free/6 & under
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 once 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 Fairin’!
Howard County Fair
The 76th annual fair begins this coming weekend, and you have through next 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.
_______ When: August 6-13, ground open 8am – 10pm daily, though most exhibits open at 10am, and activity times vary, so be sure to check schedules. Where: 2210 Fairground Road | West Friendship, MD Cost: $10/ages 13+, $5/seniors, free for under 10. Rides and games are extra.
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 several 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.
_______ When: August 12-20, times vary by day so check the website for specifics. Where: Montgomery County Fairgrounds | 501 Perry Parkway, Gaithersburg, MD. Cost: Admission is $12/advance $15/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 $20/online until 8/14, $30/on site. And note that parking is $10 at the fairgrounds, but FREE parking and shuttle bus service are available from Lakeforest Mall, located at Lost Knife Rd. and Odenhal Ave.
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.
_______ When: August 13-21, Hours vary by day, so check the daily schedules. Where: Prince William County Fairgrounds | 10624 Dumfries, Manassas, VA. Cost: Admission is $6-12/age 14-64, $4-8/seniors and age 5-13, free/4 & under. Check for package deals and daily specials, too!
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, a beer garden for adults, and more.
_______ When: August 17-21, 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: $1/ticket, $20/24 tickets, $40/48 tickets. There is an online special of 72 ride tickets for $55.
Prince George’s County Fair
A variety of entertainment and attractions for all ages — 4-H exhibits magic and dance shows, pig and duck races, a horse pull competition, a chain saw artist, a K-9 show, and much more.
_______ When: September 8-11, hours vary by day. Where: Showplace Arena | 14900 Pennsylvania Ave., Upper Marlboro, MD. Cost: Admission is $6/age 13-54, $5/age 6-12 & 55+, free/5 & under. Rides and games are extra.
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.
_______ When: September 14-18, check the website for hours. Where: Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds | 1450 General’s Highway, Crownsville, MD Cost: Admission is $10/age 10+, free/9 & under. Rides and games cost extra.
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, a Kids Zone with free entertainment, and much more.
_______ When: September 16-24, 4-10pm the first day, then 9am – 10pm daily Where: Frederick Fairgrounds | 797 E Patrick Street, Frederick, MD Cost: $10/age 11+, free/10 & under. Tickets for rides and some activities are extra.
Save the date for this coming Saturday, August 6! The National Postal Museum is hosting its first in-person Family Day in over two years — and if it’s anything like its pre-pandemic events, it’s sure to be a festive, well organized, and super fun time.
The United States Postal Service recently issued a series of five postage stamps depicting mariachi musicians. Designed by the Postal Museum’s Guest Artist, Rafael Lopez, the stamps joyfully celebrate the vibrant colors and sounds of mariachi music and Mexican culture.
This weekend, you can join Rafael for Music & Stamps Family Day, a celebration of Latinx music and the new mariachi stamps. He’ll be at the museum leading visitors through stories, musical performances, crafts, and games.
Keeping visitor comfort in mind, a Take-A-Break space will be available throughout the program for anyone who needs to step away from the festivities. And, of course, the rest of the museum is fantastic to explore — I’ve always recommended it as an especially great one with young children.
Music & Stamps Family Day
Where: National Postal Museum | 2 Massachusetts Ave. NE, DC
When: Saturday, August 6, 11am – 4pm
Admission: Free
This post is sponsored by the Smithsonian National Postal Museum, however, I only promote events, programs, and places that I genuinely believe in and think will appeal to KFDC readers.
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, 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
Seek out cherry blossoms and blossom-inspired fun
Cherry Blossom Fun
Where: Around the DC Area
When: Through April 17
Admission: Varies by activity
Even past peak bloom, the National Cherry Blossom Festival presents all kinds of fun and enriching activities through its run, some on a daily basis. View Art in Bloom and Petal Porches around the area, maybe catch some cultural performances (be sure to check the schedule), and even catch trees in bloom at a few locales around the area. On weekends, there are bigger, signature Cherry Blossom Festival events, which are back after being cancelled due to the pandemic. 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
The cherry blossom peak may have passed, but there are more big blooms to enjoy around the DC area, a couple of them literally coming now. 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.
Fairies in the Garden
Where: Annmarie Sculpture Garden | Lusby, MD
When: Starting April 1
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 75 homes for spritely creatures will be scattered throughout the grounds. Viewing them (and more art) as you walk along a trail through the woods is a fantastic 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.
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 1-17, they are hosting special Easter Treasure Hunts – $42.) 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.
Spring Break in the Trees
Where: Adventure Park at Sandy Spring
When: April 11-15
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 soe of our experiences at the park here and here.
Museums & Special Exhibits
Yayoi Kusama is back at the Hirshhorn
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.
PIXELBLOOM
Where: ARTECHOUSE | Southwest DC
When: Through June 5
Admission: $20-25/adult, $14/age 4-15, free/under 4
The exhibits at ARTECHOUSE often reflect the season in some way, and for the fifth year, they are highlighting spring by celebrating the cherry blossoms with a gorgeous digital exhibit that immerses you in the blooms. Floor to ceiling projections, plus interactive elements make this one beautiful, engaging, and fun to experience! Get more of a glimpse of it here.
FUTURES
Where: Arts & Industries Building | National Mall, DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
The Smithsonian Arts & Industries Building reopened last fall — with a fascinating exhibition, to boot! FUTURES spans 32,000 square feet inside, and it’s full of large-scale installations, displays, and interactives that are exciting, powerful, and thought-provoking as they offer a glimpse of future possibilities — and prompt us to wonder how we can contribute. It’s an exhibition for everyone and all ages, and one to put on your must-visit list! Get a glimpse of it here.
One with Eternity
Where: Hirshhorn Museum | National Mall, DC
When: April 1 – November
Admission: Free
The much anticipated Yayoi Kusama exhibition is one to put on your must-go list, whether it’s during Spring Break or another time. Important to note is how to get tickets: Free same-day Timed Passes will be distributed daily at the Museum starting at 9:30am, and everyone 12 and older needs them. Adults may bring two children under 12. Keep in mind that you may get passes timed for later in the day, so have a plan for other things to do until it’s time to go. (If you get an early time, you can always do those things after your Hirshhorn visit). You can also become a Hirhshorn Insider (starting at $100/year) and reserve passes in advance. Get a glimpse of the exhibit here.
Thomas & Friends
Where: National Children’s Museum | Downtown DC
When: Wednesday – Sunday, 9:30am – 4:30pm
Admission: $15.95/age 1+
Take young train lovers to the National Children’s Museum for this interactive exhibit is geared toward ages 2-7. Kiddos can climb aboard a cab and see the inner workings, fix Percy’s wobbly wheel, explore the Island of Sodor, load coal onto cars, play conductor, and much more. Of course there’s even more at the museum to enjoy — read more about it here.
Fairies in the Garden
Where: Annmarie Sculpture Garden | Lusby, MD
When: April 1 – September 5
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
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.
African American History & Culture
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. Timed entry passes are still required, and while they 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.
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!
Opt Outside
Beach time and then some at Westmoreland 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.
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: It’s 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.
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 (10am – 4:30pm) 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.
Must-See DC
Explore the Jefferson 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: Wednesday – Saturday, 11am – 4pm
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.
Go Back to the Garden!
Where: US Botanic Garden | Capitol Area, DC
When: Starting April 1, 10am – 5pm daily
Admission: Free
We can finally go back inside the US Botanic Garden. Beginning in April, the Conservatory will welcome visitors again for the first time since Covid began. 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. Day Trips & Overnights
Enjoy a visit to Calvert County
Charm City, Hon!
Where: Baltimore, MD
When: Daily
Admission: Varies by locale
Zip up I-95 for some fun in our sister city, where there are many great places to spend a day (or a few). 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. Tour the historic ships moored at the Inner Harbor. Or 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. For extra safety, they are limiting capacity and using a timed entry system — reserve a 2-hour time slot here. (PS: Pair this with a visit to Annmarie for a longer visit, even an overnight.)
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.
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!
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Last minute getaway? Colonial Williamsburg is fantastic!
