Are you in search of fun, kid-friendly activities in D.C.? Whether you are from the area or just stopping by, there are a variety of great spots and experiences to choose from. Below are some of our favorite things to do with kids this summer in D.C..
1. Strike up some friendly competition at indoor mini golf
Swingers, the crazy golf club, now welcomes kids and families every Sunday before 6 pm. Offering crazy golf for the whole family, plus kid-friendly bites and beverages, Swingers Dupont Circle is the perfect destination to plan your next Sunday Funday without breaking the bank. Plus, as temperatures continue to drop, it’s the perfect way to enjoy some indoor fun. Book your spot here!
2. Get creative at a pottery painting class
Just a short stroll from the Cleveland Park Metro, All Fired Up welcomes you to unleash your creativity. Choose a pottery piece and bring it to life with your unique design. Once you’re done, the studio will take care of glazing and firing your masterpiece, with pickup available in about a week!
There is something for all ages at All Fired Up! Hand and foot prints, small themed figurines, and boxes are popular for their youngest patrons. The venue also hosts kids’ birthday parties, suggested for ages 6 and up and perfect for celebrating special occasions!
3. Find your happy place at Dopamine Land
Set in Friendship Heights, Dopamine Land is specially designed to trigger the happiness hormone, dopamine. From a massive ball pit to a designated pillow fight section, this immersive installation in Friendship Heights blends technology, media and play through vibrant, whimsical installations. You’re bound to love it as much as the kids! Snag tickets here to plan your visit.
4. Get your game on at the bowling alley
With 32 bowling lanes and countless arcade games, Bowlero in Arlington is a must-visit for a family fun day. From old-school classics like Pac-Man to state-of-the art video games, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Plus, the bowling lanes are decked out with comfy lounge seats, black lights, and massive HD video walls that can play sports, family films, and more!
5. Plan your visit to Bubble Planet
Floating into D.C. this June, Bubble Planet will transport you into a vibrant world, filled with interactive spaces and thousands of bubbles. The dreamy experience has wowed visitors in London, L.A., and Barcelona, and we’re thrilled to be next on the list. Grab tickets here!
6. Meet more than 360 species at Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Always free of charge, the Smithsonian National Zoo is a great place to take kids of all ages – especially now that the Giant Pandas are back! Today, the 163-acre park in Northwest D.C. contains nearly 1,800 animals. From big cats to reptiles and amphibians, there are so many amazing species to discover.
7. Step into an epic VR experience
Virtual reality technology has opened up a whole new world of possibilities for exploration. From adventuring through a brand-new Machu Picchu VR exhibit to deciphering the secrets of an ancient temple in an escape room, these VR adventures in the D.C. area will immerse you and the kids in extraordinary adventures like never before.
8. Hop aboard a pirate ship treasure hunt cruise
If you’re from the area, you may have heard of Boomerang Boat Tour’s 21+ booze cruises. But did you know they also host family-friendly adventures?
This action-packed pirate-themed cruise along the Potomac River includes water cannon battles, face painting, drinks and snacks, a fun pirate vocabulary lesson, and more!
9. Attend a Candlelight concert
Lighting up some of D.C.’s most remarkable settings, including St. Francis Hall, is this series of enchanting Candlelight concerts that the youngsters are sure to love. Accompanied by an adult, kids aged 8 years or older can attend a magical tribute dedicated to the likes of Beyoncé, Coldplay, Taylor Swift, Bad Bunny and many more musical stars.
10. Step into the shoes of a spy at the International Spy Museum
The International Spy Museum is definitely a fun one to add to your list of the best things to do with kids this summer in D.C.. Kids can test their spy skills through an interactive “undercover mission,” examine hundreds of inventions created to steal secrets, try their hand at code-cracking and much more! The museum is located at 700 L’Enfant Plaza SW, and those 6 and under get in for free.
11. Explore the National Mall and monuments
While certainly not a secret, the National Mall is undoubtedly a great place to take the kiddos. With open green space, towering monuments and, of course, plenty of food trucks to stop at for a quick bite, the mall is a spot to add to your list if you need a break from museums and exhibits. Whether you want to pick a favorite bench to rest your legs, or make the walk from the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial, this family-friendly spot tends to be a crowd pleaser.
12. Watch language come to life at Planet Word
This immersive language experience in downtown D.C. is just as fun as it is educational. Planet Word is the world’s first voice-activated museum, encouraging visitors of all ages to interact with their galleries in all kinds of new and exciting ways. Children can paint with words, sing karaoke-style, laugh it out in the “humor gallery” and much more.
13. Foster learning in a playful manner at the National Children’s Museum
The National Children’s Museum encourages children to engage with a wide array of exhibits, honing their backgrounds in science, technology, engineering, art and math. Little ones will be able to wander through a sensory-filled Slime funhouse, control the weather through green screen technology, explore a three-story climber and slide, learn about how data presents itself in our daily lives and more!
14. Wander through Rock Creek Park
If you don’t want to leave D.C. but are looking for a more nature-oriented activity to do with kids this summer, Rock Creek Park is the place for you. The park bisects Northwest D.C. and contains a number of trails and paths that are accessible for smaller kids. Consider packing a lunch and stopping at one of the picnic areas if the weather permits!