Top 20 Places to Take Kids in and around the Washington, D.C. Metro Area

The Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute demonstrates leadership in animal care, science, education and sustainability. Always free of charge and open 364 days a year, the Zoo is one of Washington D.C.’s, and the Smithsonian’s, most popular tourist destinations, with more than 2 million visitors from all over the world each year. Founded in 1889, the Zoo is part of the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum and research complex. Today, the Zoo sits on 163 acres in the heart of Washington, D.C.’s Rock Creek Park and is home to more than 2100 animals representing almost 400 species.

The Museum is dedicated to inspiring curiosity, discovery, and learning about the natural world through its unparalleled research, collections, exhibitions, and education outreach programs. 

National Children’s Museum is a unique hybrid institution, combining learning elements found in a science center with children’s museum experiences. Through science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) focused exhibits and playful, in-person and virtual program offerings, the Museum sparks curiosity and ignites creativity for all learners.

Clark's Elioak Farm is a petting farm in the heart of Howard County, Maryland.  It is also the home of many attractions from The Enchanted Forest, Maryland's Storybook Park. The farm is open to visitors from April 1 through early November and features the chance to visit with farmyard animals, take wagon, pony and train rides and enjoy a day "down on the farm."

The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA displays more than 3,000 aviation and space artifacts, including nearly 200 airplanes, sharing the story of flight from early ballooning to recent advancements in space exploration. Education is a primary focus and visitors can find out about collection from docents and enjoy science demonstrations, presented by the Museum’s Explainers. Additionally, family-friendly activities are offered online, including story times, virtual family days, and more. The Udvar-Hazy Center is open daily from 10:00 am – 5:30 pm. Admission and public programs are free. Parking is $15/car (free for those arriving after 4:00 pm).

The Maryland Renaissance festival starts the last weekend in August and runs 9 weekends. The first weekend kids 15 and younger are admitted FREE with an accompanying adult. The Festival is a 16th-century English village with 10 stages, a 3,000 seat jousting arena, 250 performers, 140 craft shops and 42 food and beverage emporiums.

All aboar-r-rd! Visit us for a trip back in time on the Walkersville Southern Railroad.  Travel over track that the Pennsylvania Railroad originally built in 1872.  Come see our turn-of-the-century railroad station and tool house.  Ride in vintage 1920s passenger cars, or on an open flatcar, as your rail excursion runs past a 100-year-old lime kiln, and then out into picturesque Maryland farm country.  Whether it is a scenic excursion for the whole family or a romantic dinner for two, we have something for everyone.  You will find history and adventure on the Walkersville Southern.  We operate regular trains on weekends May through October, with charters and special trains all year. The regular excursion is about one hour and 10 minutes.

Take your family to a place where fun comes naturally, Williamsburg, Virginia, home to Busch Gardens® theme park and Water Country USA. Challenge one of Busch Gardens’ seven world-class coasters or discover family fun playing at Sesame Street® Forest of Fun™ and Land of the Dragons®. Water Country USA®, Virginia’s largest water park, is just three miles west of Busch Gardens and features state-of-the-art water rides and resort-style amenities.

The Zoo’s mission is to inspire and educate people to join with it in the active support and conservation of wildlife and wild places. The Zoo is committed to serving its communities by engaging people with the wonder of the living world through personal encounters that foster lifelong harmonious relationships with nature.

The Old Greenbelt Theatre is a historic dual-screen cinema showcasing classic films, contemporary movies, and immersive community-based programming. With its nonprofit mission and tantalizing concessions, this Maryland gem welcomes movie lovers of all ages and cultures to experience the magic of film. From engaging workshops to thought-provoking discussions, the Old Greenbelt Theatre is a place where movies unite memories and the timeless joy of the silver screen.

The Children’s Science Center Lab is Northern Virginia’s first interactive museum where children, families and school groups can explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) concepts through fun, engaging hands-on exhibits, activities and programs included in four experience zones with changing exhibits and activities.

Our education programming inspires youth of all ages and abilities to grow as artists and innovators. We provide quality, year-round education in acting, musical theatre, dance, and filmmaking in an inclusive and welcoming environment. Imagination Stage provides equitable access to all programming, from added inclusion support to peer-group access classes in order to provide the most successful experience for each student.

Imagination Stage is also the region's premiere professional theatre for children, offering award-winning shows for kids year-round. 

We are the Maryland Science Center.  We inspire.  We empower.  We engage.  Let’s science!

The Maryland Academy of Sciences is Maryland’s oldest scientific institution and one of the oldest such institutions in the entire nation.

At its inception in 1797, the Academy was an amateur scientific society—members met to discuss papers on astronomy, botany, zoology, and other subjects then known as the “natural sciences.” Rembrandt and Raphael Peale, sons of painter and scientist Charles Wilson Peale, were among the distinguished early members.

We believe that science forms a foundation for lifelong learning and curiosity. Our signature brand of science education celebrates the “how come?” and the “what if?’’ And we celebrate a collective exploration that leads to a shared sense of discovery. Let’s science.