Here's my top 30 best childrens fun near me in Washington DC, Virginia and Maryland. As a mom with kids in the D.C. area for over a decade, I’ve explored just about every corner of this amazing region with my little ones (and not-so-little ones anymore!). From iconic spots like the Smithsonian museums and the National Mall to hidden gem playgrounds and unforgettable outdoor adventures, this area truly has it all.
Childrens Fun Near Me in the DMV Table of Contents
- Washington DC (10)
- Northern Virginia (10)
- Maryland (10)
Childrens Fun Near Me in Washington DC
1) Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum - Most visited childrens fun in Washington DC
Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM–5:30 PM
Address: Independence Ave SW & 6th St SW, Washington, D.C. 20560
Unique Activities: Explore interactive exhibits, touch a moon rock, and test your piloting skills in flight simulators. The museum is a captivating blend of history and technology that brings the wonder of flight to life.
Age Range: Best for kids 5+ who can enjoy the simulators and exhibits, but when my kids were younger they loved the larger-than-life planes and spacecraft too!
My Mom Tips: I've written a full guide on my kids favorites at the Air and Space Museum here after selling guides for years all my tips are free on that post!
2) Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History - must visit for childrens fun near me in DC!
There are 18 Smithsonians in Washington DC so I just picked the top 2 that are sure to be crowd pleasers for kids! (If you want a full list of 20 museums for children in DC, check out this blog post!)
Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM–5:30 PM
Address: 10th St. & Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20560
Unique Activities: Marvel at dinosaur skeletons, visit the Butterfly Pavilion and let kids engage in hands-on learning at the Discovery Room. Don’t miss the Hope Diamond or the Ocean Hall’s mesmerizing displays of sea life.
Age Range: All ages, with interactive exhibits for toddlers to teens.
My Mom Tips: I've written a full guide with tips after I've taken my kids half a dozen times to the Natural History Museum!
3) National Zoo - One of the best free things to do near me with Kids!
You can't go wrong with a day at the Zoo and DC's Zoo is my favorite in the world because it is also an active research center! My daughter loves the Elephant House the most because you can see real zoologists do their work.
Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM (hours may vary seasonally)
Address: 3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20008
Unique Activities: Stroll through animal exhibits featuring the famous giant pandas, elephants, lions, and more. Engage in zookeeper talks and seasonal events like ZooLights. Free admission makes this a must-visit.
Age Range: All ages, from stroller-friendly paths for little ones to engaging exhibits for older kids.
My Mom Tips: I wrote down all my tips for the DC Zoo here including parking and food options in and near the Zoo.
4) Tidal Basin Paddle Boats - Only in DC Kid Activity!
Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM (seasonal, spring-fall)
Address: 1501 Maine Ave SW, Washington, D.C. 20024
Unique Activities: Rent a paddle boat and enjoy serene views of the Jefferson Memorial, cherry blossoms in spring, and D.C.'s skyline. Life jackets are provided.
Age Range: Ages 4+ for active participation, though younger kids can ride with adults.
5) National Children's Museum- Incredible space for kids learning
Hours: Daily, 9:30 AM–4:30 PM
Address: 1300 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20004
Unique Activities: Explore STEM-themed exhibits, including a massive climber, water play, and digital art studios. The Dream Machine and Imagination Playground are kid favorites.
Age Range: Ideal for children 2–10 years old, with plenty of hands-on learning and play.
6) The National Mall - My Favorite of the children's fun near me with kids!
Hours: Open 24/7
Address: Constitution Ave NW, Washington, D.C.
Unique Activities: Enjoy open spaces for picnics, kite flying, and scenic strolls. Visit iconic landmarks like the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial. Seasonal festivals like the Cherry Blossom Festival add to the fun. (check out my Ultimate Guide to the Cherry Blossoms in DC)
Age Range: All ages, with endless opportunities for family-friendly exploration.
My Mom Tips: Full and Half Day Walking Tour on my blog post here (and best places to park and use restrooms)
7) Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens
Now we're getting to my Hidden Gems portion of the list! This is actually a national park and the only US national park with aquatic gardens! Fascinating history and my kids loved it!
Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM
Address: 1550 Anacostia Ave NE, Washington, D.C. 20019
Unique Activities: Wander through seasonal lotus and water lily blooms, enjoy short kid-friendly hiking trails, and spot wildlife like frogs and herons. Perfect for nature-loving families.
Age Range: All ages, with stroller-friendly paths for younger kids.
More details here and full 15 Free Hidden Gems in DC here!
8) Planet Word - My personal favorite museum in DC with Kids!
Hours: Thursday–Saturday, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM; Sunday, 12:00 PM–5:00 PM
Address: 925 13th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20005
Unique Activities: Immerse yourself in the interactive exhibits at this museum dedicated to the power of words and language. Highlights include the Speaking Willow, karaoke booths, and the secret library. Kids will love the word play activities and hands-on features that make learning fun.
Age Range: Best for ages 6+, with engaging activities for school-aged children and older kids, though younger kids can enjoy the colorful and interactive environment.
9) Eastern Market
When we have visitors, we always take them to Eastern Market!
Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 7:00 AM–6:00 PM (weekend hours vary)
Address: 225 7th St SE, Washington, D.C. 20003
Unique Activities: Browse the weekend farmers market, enjoy live music, and explore stalls with crafts and artisanal food. A great spot for a family brunch.
Age Range: All ages, though older kids may enjoy the crafts and food options more.
More details here on Eastern Market and a wonderful playground just up the street that my kids love!
10) The Yards Park
There are tons of outdoor spaces that I think are amazing with kids but The Yards Park is probably our family's favorite. (Other options include The Wharf and Stanton Park.)
Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk
Address: 355 Water St SE, Washington, D.C. 20003
Unique Activities: Splash around in interactive water features during summer, enjoy picnics on the lawn, or dine at nearby family-friendly restaurants. Seasonal events like outdoor movies are a bonus.
Age Range: All ages, especially fun for toddlers and younger kids who love water play.
And don't forget to check out the 20 BestPlaygrounds in DC including RFK The Fields Playground in Southwest!
Northern Virginia Childrens Fun Near Me
Check out all 45 Best Playgrounds in Northern Virginia
11) Smithsonian's Virginia Air and Space Museum aka Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center (Chantilly)
Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM–5:30 PM
Address: 14390 Air and Space Museum Pkwy, Chantilly, VA 20151
Unique Activities: Marvel at iconic aircraft like the Concorde, the Enola Gay, and the Space Shuttle Discovery. Enjoy the observation tower for runway views and interactive science demonstrations.
Age Range: Best for ages 5+, though younger kids will be awed by the massive planes.
My Mom Tips: I wrote all about our visits to the Virginia Air and Space here.
12) Great Falls Park (My favorite natural beauty fun childrens activity near me!)
Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–30 minutes after sunset
Address: 9200 Old Dominion Dr, McLean, VA 22102
Unique Activities: Explore hiking trails with scenic overlooks of the stunning waterfalls. Enjoy picnic spots and opportunities for wildlife spotting along the Potomac River.
Age Range: All ages, though trails may be challenging for toddlers without carriers.
My Mom Tip: You can access Great Falls either through Virginia (National Park info here) or Maryland (my review here)
13) Clemyjontri Playground and Park (McLean)
Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–dusk
Address: 6317 Georgetown Pike, McLean, VA 22101
Unique Activities: This colorful, inclusive playground offers swings, ramps, and interactive features designed for kids of all abilities. Don’t miss the carousel (seasonal).
Age Range: Best for kids ages 2–10, with plenty of space for toddlers and older siblings.
And check out a ton of great playgrounds in the area below!
14) Meadowlark Botanical Gardens (Vienna)
Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM–5:30 PM (seasonal hours may vary)
Address: 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Ct, Vienna, VA 22182
Unique Activities: Walk through themed gardens, enjoy the seasonal blooms, and visit the stunning Korean Bell Garden. Kids love feeding fish at the pond.
Age Range: All ages, though younger kids may prefer shorter trails.
My Mom Tips: Our favorite botanical garden in Northern Virginia! More info here and wonderful in all 4 seasons but especially spring cherry blossoms and winter holiday lights.
15) Chessie’s Playground and Our Special Harbor (Franconia Rec Center)
Hours: Playground: Sunrise to sunset; Splash park: Seasonal, 11:00 AM–7:00 PM
Address: 6601 Telegraph Rd, Alexandria, VA 22310
Unique Activities: An accessible, Chesapeake Bay-themed playground paired with a free splash park. Perfect for active and sensory-friendly play.
Age Range: Ideal for kids 2–10, with inclusive features for all abilities.
My Mom Tips: I think this is an incredible place with forest and Potomac river-themed playgrounds, all abilities splash park and wonderful trail with a Critter Scavenger Hunt (don't worry they are statues!) and musical instruments. More of photos from our various visits over the years here.
16) Frying Pan Farm Park (Herndon) - amazing toddler childrens fun near me!
Hours: Daily, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Address: 2709 West Ox Rd, Herndon, VA 20171
Unique Activities: Meet farm animals, ride a wagon, and explore historic farm buildings. Seasonal events like spring lambing are a treat.
Age Range: All ages, with interactive opportunities for toddlers to older kids.
Amazing freeteaching farm run by Fairfax County!
17) Leesburg Animal Park (Leesburg Thing To Do With Kids Near Me)
Hours: Wednesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Address: 19270 James Monroe Hwy, Leesburg, VA 20175
Unique Activities: Interact with animals at the petting zoo, enjoy live animal shows, and take pony or wagon rides. Seasonal events like Pumpkin Village add extra fun.
Age Range: Best for kids 2–10, with activities catering to younger children.
18) Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts (Vienna)
Hours: Vary by event; park grounds open daily, dawn to dusk
Address: 1551 Trap Rd, Vienna, VA 22182
Unique Activities: Attend children’s theater performances or family-friendly concerts in an outdoor amphitheater setting. Kids will love the open space for picnicking before shows.
Age Range: All ages, though performances are especially engaging for kids 4+.
Check out the multiple schedules here!
19) Potomac Overlook Regional Park (Arlington)
Hours: Daily, dawn to dusk
Address: 2845 Marcey Rd, Arlington, VA 22207
Unique Activities: Explore nature trails, a small educational center with live animals, and seasonal outdoor events. Great for introducing kids to hiking.
Age Range: All ages, with shorter trails suitable for younger children.
20 DMV Nature Centers here great to play inside or outside no matter the weather!
And check out my review here!
20) Occoquan Regional Park (Lorton) - Childrens Fun Near Me
Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–dusk
Address: 9751 Ox Rd, Lorton, VA 22079
Unique Activities: Enjoy riverside views, modern playgrounds, and picnic areas. Kayak rentals and historic markers add extra charm for older kids.
Age Range: All ages, with plenty of open space for toddlers and engaging activities for older kids.
My Review: We love this relatively new park with a beautiful restaurant on the Riverfront! Also there is a Women's Suffrage Memorial that is very interesting.
Maryland Childrens Fun Things to Do Near Me
21) Wheaton Regional Park & Brookside Gardens - Beautiful Garden Childrens fun
Hours: Park: Daily, sunrise to sunset; Brookside Gardens: Daily, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Address: 2000 Shorefield Rd, Wheaton, MD 20902
Unique Activities: Enjoy the Adventure Playground, ride the miniature train (seasonal), and explore the tranquil Brookside Gardens with its butterfly house and seasonal light displays.
Age Range: All ages, with playgrounds and train rides for young kids and gardens for older ones.
My review and more Maryland Playgrounds here!
22) National Aquarium (Baltimore) - wonderful things to do with kids
Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM (hours vary seasonally)
Address: 501 E Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21202
Unique Activities: Walk through Shark Alley, touch sea creatures at the Living Seashore exhibit, and marvel at the jellyfish displays. Don’t miss the mesmerizing Blacktip Reef tank.
Age Range: All ages, with interactive exhibits for toddlers and fascinating displays for older kids.
My review and parking info here!
23) Adventure Park USA (Monrovia)
Hours: Varies by season; typically 10:00 AM–8:00 PM
Address: 11113 W Baldwin Rd, Monrovia, MD 21770
Unique Activities: A mix of indoor and outdoor attractions, including mini-golf, laser tag, go-karts, and a soft play area for little ones. Fun for all weather.
Age Range: Best for ages 3+, with activities suited for toddlers to teens.
24) The Maryland Science Center (Baltimore)
Hours: Wednesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Address: 601 Light St, Baltimore, MD 21230
Unique Activities: Enjoy hands-on STEM exhibits, live science demonstrations, and immersive IMAX shows. Little learners love the KidWorks area, designed for early childhood exploration.
Age Range: All ages, with engaging activities for toddlers to teens.
My Mom Tips: We loved this science center! My kids loved it and so did my husband and I. Here are all our tips including parking.
25) Constitution Gardens Park - Gaithersburg, Maryland
Hours: Daily, sunrise to sunset
Address: 11211 Dewey Rd, Gaithersburg, MD 20878
Unique Activities: Enjoy the large playground with climbing structures, slides, and water features in a nature-inspired setting. The park also features a lake with a walking path, picnic areas, and open spaces for family activities. Seasonal events and educational programs are a bonus.
Age Range: All ages, with toddler-friendly play areas and more challenging structures for older kids.
Such a cool natural materials playground! More photos here.
26) Glen Echo Park (Glen Echo)
Hours: Varies by activity; carousel and classes seasonal
Address: 7300 MacArthur Blvd, Glen Echo, MD 20812
Unique Activities: Ride the vintage Dentzel Carousel, participate in kids’ art classes, or catch a family-friendly show at the Puppet Co. Theater. A nostalgic spot for families.
Age Range: Ideal for kids 2–10, with creative classes and events for older kids.
27)Six Flags America (Bowie)
Hours: Varies by season; check website for details
Address: 13710 Central Ave, Bowie, MD 20721
Unique Activities: Thrill rides for older kids and a dedicated kids’ area with age-appropriate rides and water park features. Seasonal events like Fright Fest add extra fun.
Age Range: Ages 3+, with options for younger kids and adrenaline-pumping rides for teens.
28) Sandy Point State Park (Annapolis)
Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–sunset
Address: 1100 E College Pkwy, Annapolis, MD 21409
Unique Activities: Relax on the sandy beach, let kids enjoy the playground, and explore nature trails with stunning views of the Chesapeake Bay. Perfect for summer picnics.
Age Range: All ages, with water and play activities for younger kids and scenic spots for older ones.
9 More Chesapeake Beaches here!
29) ClimbZone (Laurel)
Such a cool spot! More photos from our visit here. Definitely check out the website for holidays or school days off.
Hours: Monday–Thursday, 10:00 AM–8:00 PM; Friday–Saturday, 10:00 AM–9:00 PM; Sunday, 10:00 AM–7:00 PM
Address: 13200 Mid Atlantic Blvd, Suite 130, Laurel, MD 20708
Unique Activities: This unique indoor climbing gym features themed climbing walls designed to look like storybooks, castles, and famous landmarks. Kids can scale Jack’s beanstalk, Mount Rushmore, or even a giant guitar! The facility also offers a soft play area for younger children and a café for parents to relax.
Age Range: Best for ages 4+, with climbing options suitable for younger kids and challenging walls for older children and adults. The soft play area caters to toddlers.
30) Cunningham Falls State Park (Thurmont)
Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM–sunset
Address: 14039 Catoctin Hollow Rd, Thurmont, MD 21788
Unique Activities: Hike to the picturesque Cunningham Falls, enjoy swimming in the lake during summer, and explore picnic spots and campgrounds.
Age Range: All ages, with short trails for young kids and outdoor adventures for older ones.
My Mom Tips: Beautiful lake and waterfalls, see our pictures from our visit here.
Full List of Childrens Fun Near Me in Washington DC, Virginia and Maryland
- Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum (Southwest, Washington, D.C.)
- Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History (Northwest, Washington, D.C.)
- National Zoo (Northwest, Washington, D.C.)
- Tidal Basin Paddle Boats (Southwest, Washington, D.C.)
- National Children's Museum (Northwest, Washington, D.C.)
- The National Mall (Primarily Northwest and Southwest, Washington, D.C.)
- Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens (Northeast, Washington, D.C.)
- Planet Word (Northwest, Washington, D.C.)
- Eastern Market (Southeast, Washington, D.C.)
- The Yards Park (Southeast, Washington, D.C.)
- Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center (Chantilly, VA)
- Great Falls Park (McLean, VA)
- Clemyjontri Park (McLean, VA)
- Meadowlark Botanical Gardens (Vienna, VA)
- Chessie’s Playground and Our Special Harbor (Alexandria, VA)
- Frying Pan Farm Park (Herndon, VA)
- Leesburg Animal Park (Leesburg, VA)
- Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts (Vienna, VA)
- Potomac Overlook Regional Park (Arlington, VA)
- Occoquan Regional Park (Lorton, VA)
- Wheaton Regional Park & Brookside Gardens (Wheaton, MD)
- National Aquarium (Baltimore, MD)
- Adventure Park USA (Monrovia, MD)
- The Maryland Science Center (Baltimore, MD)
- Constitutional Gardens (Gaithersburg, MD)
- Glen Echo Park (Glen Echo, MD)
- Six Flags America (Bowie, MD)
- Sandy Point State Park (Annapolis, MD)
- Climb Zone (Laurel, MD)
- Cunningham Falls State Park (Thurmont, MD)
