Family Staycation Ideas Around Washington, DC

Erin P. said:  Set in a prime location, blocks from the Potomac River waterfront is Sprinkles Cupcakes. This nationally famous bakery attracts some star-studded guests and meet and greets once in a while. Check out their Facebook event's page for more information, as well enjoy one the best desserts in DC anytime you want to treat the family.

christadiserio said:  The best part about the Georgetown Waterfront is the view to across the Potomac River, where you'll get to see the beautiful Kennedy Center. And why not have fun in such a stunning space? The Waterfront has an arching splash fountain that the kids will love. At night, the fountain is illuminated by lights & is quite the scene. If your feeling more adventurous than the splash fountain, there are several boathouses you can rent canoes & kayaks from to use on the Potomac River. While there are several nearby restaurants, think about packing a picnic lunch to enjoy on the Waterfront.

Cost: Free

christadiserio said:  Known as one of the oldest zoos in the United States, the Smithsonian National Zoo is one that everyone should visit at least once in their life. This favorite local zoo sits on 163 acres in the heart of the city and houses thousands of animals from across 300 species. From the pandas to the large cats, you'll have several exhibits to choose from.

christadiserio said:  See all of the important landmarks in D.C. by land AND boat on a D.C. Duck Boat Tour! Whether you're a local or visiting the city, this is something everyone should do at least once. The kids will be thrilled taking a ride on this amphibious boat/vehicle and will enjoy seeing everything from the White House to all of many of the memorials. The tours are 90-minutes, so you'll get to see a lot in the perfect amount of time and the kids won't get too impatient.

Cost: $43 for adults and $33 for kids (0-12)

christadiserio said:  Splish splash with family at The Yards Park - a unique riverfront spot and ideal place for family recreation. Be sure to bring your swimsuits because your kids will love all of the water features. And if the weather is extra nice, pack a picnic, because there's plenty of green space to lay down a blanket and enjoy some grub. One more thing: don't second-guess bringing your furry family members because there's a dog park, too.

Cost: Free

christadiserio said:  The United States Capitol is one of the most symbolically & historically important buildings in the United States of America. Additionally, it's one of the most architecturally intricate buildings that will fascinate you and the kids. As home to our nation's lawmakers, this is an important tour to take with your kids, as one day they'll remember this trip when they're sitting in their U.S. Government class or running for office themselves. Tours can be booked through the Capitol Visitor Center or by calling your senator or congressman. Specialty tours are also available.

Admission: Free

christadiserio said:  Rollingcrest-Chillum Splash Pool is complete with water slides, sprays, family pool, lap pool and more. While there are water options for everyone to partake in, we recommend the splash pool for younger kids that don't need the thrill of super high slides. Their thrill will be in a more kid-friendly area and they'll thoroughly enjoy their day here!

christadiserio said:  While Great Waves Waterpark is a full-blown Waterpark, it’s perfect for older and tiny kids to have a great time. The older kids will enjoy speed slides and an enormous wave pool, and the tiny tots can run around Minnow Bay. This area boasts a splash pad with many water features (dump buckets, water tables, twisted pipes), a waterfall and much more like batting cages, wave pool, food and cabanas. It’s the perfect place to cool off in the summer heat, especially at reasonable daily rates.

Cost: $8.25-$15.75

Memorial Day - Labor Day

christadiserio said:  Scramble calls themselves "the ULTIMATE indoor play space for kids" and they hit the nail on the head. This indoor play space is perfect for kids of all ages - from infants to older kids that are ready to take on a sporting match. Between the sensory stimulation for infants and the ball courts or role play zones, where kids can work in the race car shop or coffee shop, kids are guaranteed a great time. Be sure to bring socks, as everyone must have them on at all times.

Cost: $5 crawlers & tummies, $10 ages 2+ (weekdays ) & $10 crawlers & tummies, $20 ages 2+ (weekends)

Ages: Infant-10 years old

christadiserio said:  Our Special Harbor, an interactive and imaginative Chesapeake Bay-themed spray park, will impress everyone in the family. This sprayground boasts a spraying osprey nest, Chessie the sea serpent, & a misting lighthouse and sunflower. There is also a beach area that's not as busy with softer bubblers and water tables. Oh, and we can't forget the computerized water maze and dumping crab basket!

Note: All children 15 years & younger must wear aquatic shoes or sandals with a backstrap. Adults may wear flip flops instead of aquatic shoes and babies are exempt from wearing shoes.

Cost: Free

May 26-June 16; June 18-September 3

christadiserio said:  Wheaton Regional Park is a children's dream playground outside of the busy city! Children of all ages will love the playgrounds suitable for younger and older kids, various nature hikes, fishing ponds, children's gardens with tropical plants, carousel, little train and so much more. There are also picnic tables and grassy areas, so be sure to bring a blanket to eat on. Some visitors have said that you might even spot flying squirrels after sunset - whoa! As if this isn't good enough, parents have even commented on how clean the bathrooms are here. Now that's a relief!

Cost: Free

Lisa R said:  Come discover the history of street cars and how they helped build the communities where they were established at this museum full of educational displays and real, full-sized street cars from around the world. Kids love that admission here includes unlimited rides through the woods surrounding the museum on real, working trolleys. Be sure to check the museum calendar to find out about special events, like Holly TrolleyFest when you can catch Santa riding the rails.

Age: All

Cost: $10 adults, $8 kids 2-17 and seniors. Free for kids under 2 yrs.

christadiserio said:  The 800-acre Great Falls Park is an absolute stunner! If you love hiking and the outdoors, round up the family, bicycles, a picnic lunch and head on over to Great Falls Park. Take a scenic hike to one of the clifftops with dramatic views, check out the museum exhibits with hands-on activities for kids, or take a bike ride along the tow path and boardwalk over the river. While this is a hiker's paradise, there are hiking paths good for people of all ages and experience. Be sure to bring comfortable shoes and a camera.

Cost: $10/vehicle or $5/person on foot or bike

christadiserio said:  Bring your kids out to Frying Pan Farm Park to let them experience what farm life was like in the 1920s to 1950s. This park offers the perfect combination of nature and cultural activities that your kids will enjoy. As part of the park, Kidwell Farm, demonstrates a working farm from this time period and houses many animals, like cows and horses that the kids will love seeing. Additionally, they have a covered picnic area for a nice lunch, grass fields, playgrounds, and an old country store with games and snacks. This is such a unique experience for all.

Cost: Free

christadiserio said:  The National Aquarium has more than 20,000 animals in their incredible habitats. You and the kids will get to see everything from a 500-pound green sea turtle to various sharks. While you're there, you'll even get to discover Living Seashore, an exhibit that allows you to touch stingrays, moon jellies and other animals. You won't regret your visits to one of the top aquariums in the U.S.!

Cost: $24.95/child (ages 3-11) & $39.95/adult