With so much rain over the past week and a major heatwave ahead, it seems like a good time to highlight inside activities and places around the DC area. Over the years, I’ve shared many blog posts with ideas for indoor fun and places to go when you need a break from the elements — from museums and special programs for kids to play spaces and venues for indoor action to theaters presenting live entertainment and movies, and much more. Now, this post pulls all of those round-ups together in one convenient place — just click through to explore the best indoor activities DC has to offer, no matter what the forecast says. Whether it’s pouring rain or unbearably hot, KFDC has you covered.
The Air & Space Museum is a go-to on the National Mall
The Great Indoors
Started in the earliest KFDC days and continually added to over the years, this list of over 100 recommendations for things to do inside is pretty comprehensive, but also somewhat basic with just brief descriptions and links to more info. It’s great for a jumpstart on planning and for reminders of allll there is to do in DC.
Get in on the action at the St. James
Indoor Action: Fun & Games Around the DC Area that Take Place Inside
Sometimes you might seek indoor activities that are… active. Or at least something more than a museum outing, that is physically as well as mentally engaging or has a mission and sporting element to it. So, if you’re looking to get your game on — whether to get out of the heat or rain or you just want to have some fun inside — this post shares some places to do just that.
There’s always entertainment to enjoy in DC
Live Entertainment on DC Stages
Not only is seeing a show a fun activity with kids while they’re out of school, it’s a great way to stay cool on hot summer days, dry on rainy ones, and warm during wintry weather. This post lists what’s currently running — and notes where discount tickets are available.
Paint with words at Planet Word
Off-the-Beaten-Path Museums in DC (That are Great to Explore with Kids!)
We all know about the many incredible museums located along the stretch of National Mall between the U.S. Capitol and Washington Monument. But if you don’t veer from it now and then, you could miss out on some other amazing exhibits and experiences that aren’t as well known. This post has a round-up of some in DC that may not be on your museum radar — but should be.
So many cool ways to play at the Maryland Science Center
Off the Beaten DC Path: Museums in Maryland and Northern Virginia
There are even more museums beyond the District lines that are great to explore with kids. This is a round-up of museums in Maryland and Northern Virginia to add to your family’s activity mix.
Get creative at the Hirshhorn Art Studio
Regularly Occurring Museum Programs for Kids Around the DC Area
Many of the museums have sessions especially for kids that take place on a regular basis — monthly, bi-weekly, weekly, and a couple even more often. There are story times, art activities, and all kinds of opportunities to discover the museums’ collections and related topics in new, fun ways. Even better, just about all of them are free.
A tropical forest within the US Botanic Garden is a stunner
Seven Stunning Spaces in DC Where You Can Hang Out with Kids
There are some spaces that, no matter how many times you visit, take your breath away the moment you walk into them — and keep you enthralled while you’re there. Whether they awe with beautiful grand interiors, impress with unique architectural details, or amaze with eye-popping displays, the spaces themselves are as much a part of the allure of a place as the purpose of it and programs within. Even better, there are many of them around DC that make for fantastic outings with kids. This post highlights seven of those local stunners that should be on every parent’s radar.
Soe of the every yummy options at Love, Makoto
KFDC Picks for Kid Friendly DC Restaurants
Whether you’re looking for someplace to eat after (or before) any of the above activities or you want to make dining out the activity itself, this post has tons of recommendations for places to go. From fast casual to fancier spots (but not that fancy), you’ll find suggestions for all kinds of meals all over DC.
Go for seconds at Goodwill
Gimme a Second: Where to Go Thrifting & Consignment Shopping Around DC
Lots of kids are into thrifting — and likely many parents, too. So, whether you’re a seasoned secondhand shopper or just getting started, this round-up of places to search for pre-loved finds is worth a browse.
