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, iconic spots in DC, easy day trips out of the city, and outings that take advantage of the 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!
Baseball season has begun
Catch a Nats Game
Where: Nationals Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: April 3-8 & 17-19
Admission: Varies (check for deals)
Baseball season has begun, and there are several 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!
Cherry Blossom Fun
Where: Around the DC Area
When: Through April 12
Admission: Varies by activity
The big bloom at the Tidal Basin is past its peak, but 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), see and make blossom-inspired art, and view trees in bloom at a few locales around the area. On weekends, there are bigger, signature Cherry Blossom Festival events, like Petalpalooza, the Cherry Blossom Parade, and Sakura Matsuri. 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 has begun. 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.
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. This post has a round-up of all the Easter fun happening around the area over the coming weeks.
Cap It
Where: Capital One Arena | Penn Quarter, DC
When: April 4 & 12
Admission: Varies (check for deals)
The Caps have a few home games coming up soon, so you can bring hockey fans out to see them play. Make a longer outing of it and visit the Portrait Gallery/American Art Museum before or after the match. Or plan to grab a bite to eat in the Penn Quarter neighborhood — this post about kid-friendly eats in DC has suggestions for places to go.
Day of Play
Where: Fields at RFK | Northeast DC
When: April 16, 12-4pm
Admission: Free
Join Events DC for a Day of Play during Spring Break — a great opportunity for DC residents to play outdoors! The free community-based event includes competitive field games, music, food trucks, and fun activities for all ages. The event is free, but registration is required. All youth must be accompanied by an adult over the age of 18.
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 several shows to see on local stages over the next few weeks: Cinderellaat The Puppet Co., Disney’s Beauty and the Beastat National Theatre, Good Morning, Good Nightat Imagination Stage, 1776at Ford’s Theatre, Dog Man The Musicalat Capital One Hall, and The Wizat National Theatre.
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: Several around the DC area
When: Ongoing
Admission: Starts at $45/adult, $16/child
Many of the local climbing and ropes courses have opened for the season and have extra weekday availability now. You can see a round-up of them here — and while it mentions fall climbing, they are all open in spring and summer, too! The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring is a KFDC fave, offering a thrilling aerial forest adventure — it will be open on weekdays through April 1 for kids who have Spring Break during that time (and hopefully they’ll announce dates for DC students’ Spring Break in mid-April). If you want to do 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.
The Mammoth exhibit is a feast of color and whimsy
Off the Beaten Museum Path
Where: Around DC
When: Hours vary by museum
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.
Museums Beyond DC
Where: Museums in MD & VA
When: Hours vary by museum
Admission: Varies by museum
While DC is known for its legion of museums, there are even more beyond the District lines that are great to explore with kids. Explore Air & Space in Chantilly and aviation in College Park, see dinos and more cool science in Baltimore, This pot has a round-up of museums in Maryland and Northern Virginia to add to your family’s activity mix.
School’s Out Programs
Where: National Building Museum | Judiciary Square, DC
When: April 2, 13, & 17
Admission: $20/child, $10/accompanying adult
Keep kids at the Building Museum’s special Spring Break series with hands-on workshops that bring architecture and design to life. From designing a dream school (April 2), to creating a rooftop garden during a landscape architecture adventure (April 13), to exploring camera basics in an architectural photography workshop (April 17), each session offers a fun, creative way for kids to build, learn, and explore.
Art Studio: Spring Break
Where: National Portrait Gallery | Penn Quarter, DC
When: April 13–17, 1–3pm
Admission: Free
Create art during spring break at the National Portrait Gallery’s free, drop-in art programs each day that week. Students of all ages are invited to explore a new art activity while drawing inspiration from the museum’s collections and exhibitions. Students must be accompanied by an adult. No registration required.
Nick Cave: Mammoth
Where: American Art Museum | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Daily, 11:30am – 7pm
Admission: Free
This recently opened exhibit is imaginative and vibrant, full of visually striking installations that will appeal to all ages. It also carries deeper ideas about time and memory that are interesting to contemplate, too. I highly recommend experiencing it, and Spring Break is a great time to do so. See more about it here.
Spring Break Family Tours
Where: President Lincoln’s Cottage | Petworth, DC
When: April 16 & 17, 1-2pm
Admission: $15/age 13+, $5/age 6-12, free/5 &. under
Get an inside look at President Lincoln’s former DC digs on a special family-friendly version of the Signature Cottage Tour. Learn about how the Lincoln Family spent their time there and enjoy some extra fun and games on the Cottage’s South Lawn.
An Art Tour for the T(w)een Scene
Where: Glenstone Museum | Potomac, MD
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
This one is for the T(w)een Scene, as Glenstone requires visitors to be at least 12 years old. The indoor/outdoor modern art museum sprawling gloriously over 300 acres in Potomac showcases modern works inside a gallery and outside around the beautiful grounds. Take advantage of the Guaranteed Entry program, which admits students and one accompanying adult without having to reserve tickets. Be sure to note that they don’t allow children under 12 at all, but it’s a wonderful place to visit with tweens and teens!
The American Story
Where: National Archives | Constitution & 4th NW, DC
When: Daily, 10am – 5:30pm
Admission: Free
Extending through nine galleries, The American Story is an interactive exploration of the people, ideas, and events that shaped 250 years of U.S. history, all of it highlighting records in the National Archives. See original artifacts and documents, experience immersive mediascapes, view iconic photographs, and much more. It’s very engaging, and the juxtaposition of state-of-the-art media highlighting some of the country’s oldest documents (the originals of some in the next gallery over) is fascinating.
Fairies in the Garden
Where: Annmarie Sculpture Garden | Lusby, MD
When: Starting April 3
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!)
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.
An O-So-Cool Adventure
Where: Mansion on O Street | Dupont Circle
When: Daily, 11am – 4pm
Admission: Starts at $30
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.
Mind Tricks & More Fun
Where: Museum of Illusions | CityCenter DC
When: Sun–Thurs, 10am – 8pm | Fri & Sat, 10am – 9pm
Admission: $23.95/age 13+, $18.95/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.
The FDR Memorial on the Tidal Basin
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!
Visit the U.S. Capitol
Where: U.S. Capitol Building | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Daily, 8:30am – 4:30pm
Admission: Free
Take a tour of the U.S. Capitol! You might be able to get on a guided tour day of, but it’s always recommended to book in advance. A tour lasts about an hour, and includes a short film, walks through the The Rotunda and National Statuary Hall, and a peek into the Old Congress Chamber. Before you go, be sure to read these guidelines on what you can and can’t bring with you. And if you can’t get on a tour inside, it’s still nice to walk around the grounds .
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.
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.
Patches of bluebells (& Teddy) at Turkey Run
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, Riverbend, or Turkey Run. 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. See even more great places to hike with kids in this round-up.
Hit the Beach
Where: Around the area
When: Daily
Admission: Varies by beach
Many of us associate Spring Break with beach trips, so why not go to one 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. or go to our favorite easy beach getaway that can also be done as a day trip: Lewes, Delaware.
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 (when school is not in session), 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. The National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden on the National Mall features large-scale sculptures . 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. Glenstone, mentioned above, features unique art in the most beautiful outdoor setting. You can also see works all over the city on a DC Murals Tour. (The Hirshhorn is closed for construction.)
Disc Golfin’
Where: Courses around the DC Area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
Hit the links, the chain links, that is! Disc golf is a great way to enjoy some family time outdoors. Not only is it fun and challenging, many of the courses are set up in scenic places. This post has info about our favorite in College Park, and there are also great courses at Patapsco Valley State Park in MD, Pohick Bay Regional Park in Lorton, VA, Seneca Creek State Park in Gaithersburg, MD, Burke Lake Park in Burke, VA. Find disc golf gear here.
Waterpark fun indoors at The St. James!
Inside Adventures
Where: Around the DC area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by place
There’s a whole post with recommendations for places to go if you want to be indoors, but want some active fun or something with an engaging mission. From pickleball and roller skating to tennis and ping pong to escape rooms and scavenger hunts to an indoor waterpark, you’ll find all kinds of ways to get your fun and game on. A few places are highlighted below, but you’ll find even more here.
Super, Awesome, and Amazing Fun
Where: The St. James | Springfield, VA
When: Thurs-Fri, 3-8pm | Sat-Sun, 9am – 8pm
Admission: Starting at $18/hour
The Super, Awesome, and Amazing (that’s what it’s called) 30,000 square foot activity center in the St. Jame sports complex is filled with all kinds of climbing structures, trampolines, and obstacle courses. Kids can don harnesses and clip onto wires to climb, rappel, and navigate walkways 20 feet above the ground. They can bounce, flip, and execute acrobatic moves. They can swing from bars and on large platforms and crawl through tunnels. Essentially, every element in the space is conducive to active fun, and there is something for kids from toddler to tween ages to enjoy. [Note: Open special hours week of March 30 for NoVa Spring Break.]
Level Up
Where: Level99 | Tysons Corner, Tysons, VA
When: Daily, hours vary by day
Admission:
The destination full of immersive physical and mental challenges is marketed as an “adult playground,” but kids ages 8 and up can enjoy it, too (12 and under ust be accompanied by an adult). Interactive games, art installations, puzzle solving, andmore fun are all part of the competitive social experience. Get a glimpse of it here.
Virtual Reality Adventures
Where: Sandbox VR | CityCenter, DC
When: Opening April 10
Admission: $30
Sandbox VR opens itsnewest location during Spring Break season. Experience thrilling, interactive worlds through immersive virtual reality. Popular adventures include Stranger Things: Catalyst, a kid-friendly Squid Games experience, and a new Age of Dinosaurs along with a wide array of other worlds for all ages. Gear up with VR headsets and motion sensors to embark on high-energy missions, all in real time.
Bounce Around
Where: Flight Trampoline Park | Springfield, VA
When: Daily
Admission: Starts at $14
Kids of all ages can jump, play, even flip for joy at Flight Trampoline Park. The huge space resembles a skate park, with an industrial look of exposed pipes and cinder block walls sprayed with graffiti. But where you’d find ramps, rails, and concrete to facilitate skills and tricks, there are trampolines instead. Be sure to check the schedule for any special jumping times, and buy tickets/sign waivers in advance online to avoid a line there.
Reach New Heights
Where: ClimbZone | Laurel, MD
When: Daily, 10am – 8pm
Admission: $29/age 5+, $20/age 2-4
The enormous facility is filled literally floor to ceiling with colorful themed climbing walls and moon bounces. Climbers can ascend Mt. Rushmore, reach the Jolly Roger on a pirate ship, conquer a game of Tetris, shimmy up a giant guitar, scale Jack’s bean stalk, negotiate a rope wall, and experience peak fun on a variety of other climbing areas. Read more about it in this KFDC post.
Pickle & Skate (and more)
Where: Kraken | Penn Quarter & Bryant Street, DC
When: Ongoing
Admission: Varies by activities
Play some pickleball, go roller skating, maybe do some axe throwing, and more at this one-stop shop for all those activities. Note that kids must be at least 13 to wield axes and go in the rage room. Be sure to make reservations!
Tee Up
Where: Top Golf | National Harbor & Gaithersburg, MD
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Starts at $30/bay
Practice your swing, enjoy a bite, and have some indoor/outdoor fun. At Top Golf, you drive balls from climate controlled (ie, heated) sheltered bays, so you can still enjoy fresh air and be comfy. Plus, there ’s a full service restaurant and bar (for parents, obvi) to make a full experience of it.
Great Escape
Where: Escape the Room | Penn Quarter & Downtown, DC
When: Daily, various times
Admission: $37
Bring the whole crew to enjoy a challenge together! Experience a live-action adventure complete with mystery, hidden clues, and puzzles that help you escape dinosaur clones in DC, a spy situation, the depths of the earth, an Old West bank, a submarine, or a pandemic.
Movie & a Meal
Where: The Alamo | Northeast DC & Crystal City, VA
When: Ongoing
Admission: $10-20, depending on time, movie, age
The action here occurs on screen, but catching a flick is a great option during the cold winter break days, even better when you can enjoy a meal with your movie, too. The Alamo is the only theater in the city where you can do that — and it’s a good one! The theaters are nice, the seating is comfortable, and the food is tasty. See what’s playing there now.
Day trip to Lewes… worth every second of the drive there
Beach Getaway for a Day
Where: Lewes, DE
Hours: Open daily, 8am – sunset
Admission: $8-10/vehicle
Lewes is a little over two hours from DC, but still doable as a day trip if you leave early, especially on a weekday when there is less traffic. We have done this and have enjoyed a fantastic day at the beach. Pack up the car with a cooler and beach gear, get on the road early, and you can be on the beach by 10:30am. Stay for dinner outdoors and ice cream in town then head home to be back by bedtime. Totally worth the time in the car. Read more about Lewes in this KFDC post.
Charm City, Hon
Where: Baltimore, MD
When: Daily
Admission: Varies by locale
Baltimore has so many fantastic attractions that are great to visit with kids, and it’s just a 45-minute drive from DC. 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!
Hang Out in Old Town
Where: Alexandria, VA
When: Ongoing
Admission: Varies by activity
I’m not sure it can be called a day trip destination because it’s so close to DC, but you can make a really fun day of it in Old Town Alexandria. Visit the Torpedo Factory, where you can see all kinds of art, meet some of the artists, and pop into the Alexandria Archaeology Museum. Wander around the waterfront and take a tour of the Tall Ship Providence moored there right now. Browse the shops along King Street and maybe even do a consignment shop tour. Check out the Apothecary Museum and National Inventors Hall of Fame in that area, too — more info about both here.
Explore Another Capital City
Where: Annapolis, MD
When: Ongoing
Admission: Varies by activity
Annapolis, Maryland’s capital, 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.
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 Sculpture Garden 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: $35.50/adults, $17/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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Extra KFDC Tips
Last minute getaway? Colonial Williamsburg is fantastic!
* If you’re looking specifically for activities for foul weather days, see this round-up of posts with inside activities.
* And for where to enjoy time outside, check out The Best Places in the DC Area to Spend a Beautiful Day Outdoors with the Kids
* This is a great time to sign up for volunteering opportunities with kids.
* Sometimes you just need a place to hang out for awhile, so why not make it a stunning one?
* And other times you just want a nice, peaceful place to chill out.
* If you’re considering a last minute Spring Break getaway, here are some ideas for easy trips from DC.
* Look for deals and discounts on Groupon, StubHub, and TodayTix.
