Ultimate DC Kids Summer Vacation Guide

Are you ready to have the Ultimate Summer? Our Summer Guide is here to help you with the best things to do in Washington, DC all summer long.

We’re all about filling your days with fun and this year we’ve updated our Ultimate Summer Vacation Guide to make it even easier to find all the beaches, pools, water parks, summer festivals, vacation ideas, and so much more for Ultimate Summer fun.

 

Photo courtesy of the Capitol Riverfront
Best Things To Do This Summer in DC
4th of July fireworks look stunning against the Washington Monument. Photo by Anthony Quintano via Flickr CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
4th of July Fireworks on the National Mall: Best Spots to Watch the DC Fireworks
Cool off at one of the area's many great splash pads this summer. Photo courtesy of Montgomery Parks
55 Awesome Free Things To Do in DC This Summer With Kids
Enjoy a free concert on Transit Pier every Wednesday evening. Photo courtesy of Wharf DC
DC's Free Concerts and Outdoor Music Festivals for Families This Summer
Favorite DC Amusement & Water Parks
Outdoor movies abound in the DC area all summer long. Photo courtesy of the Fairfax County Park Authority
Free Outdoor Movies in the DC Area this Summer for Kids
The DC State Fair showcases the talents and uniqueness of the city. Photo courtesy of the fair
29 Summer Festivals and Fairs in 2024 in the DC Area for Families

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Water Activities in DC
Rent an easy-to-drive electric boat for a scenic and cool family outing. Photo courtesy of SeaDC at dceboats.com
Best Places for Boating in DC: Paddleboarding, Electric Boats, Kayaking, and More
Sun's out, guns out in Ocean City. Photo courtesy of Ocean City MD Tourism
Best Family-Friendly Beaches Near DC
Water parks are a fun way to beat the heat this summer. Photo courtesy of Splash City at Kings Dominion
Best Outdoor Water Parks Near DC for Family Fun
Enjoy the scenery on the Georgetown Waterfront while splashing in the fountain. Photo by Sam Kittner, courtesy of georgetowndc.com
Best Sprinkler Parks, Spraygrounds, and Splash Pads near DC for Kids
Escape the DC summer heat at Langdon Park Pool. Photo courtesy of the DC Department of Parks and Recreation
Best Free Public Swimming Pools in DC for Families
No ocean? No problem. The Chesapeake Bay is calling! Photo courtesy of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources
12 Swimming Lakes Near DC You Need to Discover
Summer Deals!
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Latest Summer Activities News

Even tweens and teens can enjoy summer camp through Alexandria Parks & Rec. Photo courtesy of the Alexandria Department of Parks & Recreation
Top Free and Affordable Summer Camps in DC, Maryland, & Northern Virginia
These summer camps bring tons of fun without breaking the bank.
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Beat the August heat at a splash pad or sprinkler park. Photo courtesy of Gaylord National Resort
End of Summer Bucket List: 25 Things to Do in DC Before School Starts
From water parks to pools, movies, and theater, there's lots to do before school starts!
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Enjoy thrilling rides at the Montgomery County Agricultural Fair. Photo by Lynn Willis via Flickr CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
29 Best Things to Do in DC with Kids August 2024
Close out summer with so many county fairs and festivals!
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Peaches are ripe for the picking in the DC area!
Peach Picking Near DC: 12 Great Pick-Your-Own Farms
Peaches are ripe for the picking at these Virginia and Maryland farms.
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Learn how to make homemade ice cream for a tasty activity with the kids!
How to Make Ice Cream in a Bag (or Mason Jar) in 5 Easy Steps
An easy recipe for kids to make homemade ice cream without fancy equipment!
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DC's free public swimming pools are some of the best places to beat the summertime heat. Photo courtesy of DC Parks and Recreation
Heat Wave Hot List: 30 Cool Things to Do in DC to Beat the Heat with Kids
From fun in the water to air-conditioned places, there are so many fun ways to beat the heat in DC.
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