Jennifer Swope

Jennifer Swope, a DC resident since 2003, transitioned from humanitarian work to freelance editing in 2012 to stay home with her two kids. This shift sparked her passion for finding fun ways to keep them entertained—and inspired her to contribute to Mommy Poppins. When she's not navigating DC's chaos with her kids, she and her husband love watching sports, planning their next trip, and attending concerts. Follow Jennifer on Instagram @jenniferswope.

Latest posts by Jennifer

32 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia for Kids

Submitted by Jennifer Swope on Sun, 11/23/2025 - 10:51am

The Holiday Boat Parade is visible from both the Wharf and the Alexandria waterfront. Photo courtesy of the Wharf DC

The holiday season can be as expensive as it is festive. Luckily, there are loads of free holiday events throughout the DC area for families. Tree and menorah lightings, such as the National Harbor Tree Light Show and the National Menorah Lighting, are some of the most popular. Then there are the parades like the Scottish Christmas Walk in Old Town Alexandria and the Christmas and Holiday Parade in Leesburg.

These are just a few of the many free events I've found for your family. Don't miss the section dedicated to holiday markets, where you can soak up the cheer while buying unique gifts for family and friends.

Read on for the ultimate list of free holiday and Christmas events in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia in 2025. For more ideas for seasonal fun, check out our Christmas Activities and Holiday Guide for DC Kids, which includes our list of must-do Christmas and holiday activities in DC for kids. Happy holidays!

The Nutcracker Ballet and Other Holiday Shows for Kids in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia

Submitted by Jennifer Swope on Tue, 11/11/2025 - 12:00pm

The Washington Ballet gives The Nutcracker a historic twist at the Warner Theatre. Photo by XMB photography

Seeing The Nutcracker ballet is a classic holiday experiences for families, and no two productions are alike. The DC area has shows from both local and touring companies, as well as abridged versions for the youngest audience members. If you have very small children, consider The Mini-Nut, tailored for short attention spans.

Some families, like mine, have seen The Nutcracker ballet and are looking for a new holiday tradition. Step Afrika! Magical Musical Holiday Step Show at Arena Stage brings holiday cheer in the form of stepping. And Ford's Theater A Christmas Carol is a music-filled version of the holiday classic in a historic location.

Our list below has more than two dozen productions of The Nutcracker 2025 and other holiday shows. Keep in mind that many of them are popular and sell out quickly, so be sure to purchase advance tickets.

Find more festive fun in our Christmas Activities and Holiday Guide for DC Kids.

Halloween Weekend 2025 in DC: Trick-or-Treat, Halloween Festivals, and More Things To Do

Submitted by Jennifer Swope on Wed, 10/29/2025 - 11:39am

Halloween weekend is full of fun events for families. Photo courtesy of the Great Falls Halloween Spooktacular

Looking for the best things to do in DC this weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for this weekend.

It's Halloween weekend! Halloween falling on a Friday is so cool, because it means there are Halloween events on Friday and Día de los Muertos events on Saturday. On Friday, head to events like the Great Falls Halloween Spooktacular, Hilloween in Eastern Market, or Indian Head's Annual Trunk-or-Treat for a different kind of Halloween night.

Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is Saturday, November 1. Celebrate at block parties at Bryant Street Market and the Wharf, or at the Día de los Muertos Benefit Festival on the National Mall.

Wondering what to do with those carved pumpkins when Halloween is over? Let 'em rip at Pumpkin Chunkin' at Great Country Farms!

See our DC activity calendar for even more fun things to do with kids. We add new events every day!

33 Best Things to Do in DC with Kids July 2025: 4th of July Events and More

Submitted by Jennifer Swope on Sun, 06/29/2025 - 12:00pm

The Louodun County Fair includes fun activities like a Take part in a Power Wheels Derby. Photo courtesy of the fair

Summer is in full swing! July in DC brings Fourth of July, sunflowers, peaches, and more summer fun.

The DC area really celebrates Independence Day. Local towns and neighborhoods like Takoma Park, Vienna, and Capitol Hill have hometown festivities while the city plays host to large celebrations such as the National Independence Day Parade and the big DC fireworks show on the National Mall.

July has so many reasons to be outside, including the Loudoun County Fair, Summer of Sunflowers & Peaches, free DC summer concerts, and free outdoor movies.

We have so many more great events listed below for your family this July, but don't forget to check our family activity calendar every day, as we're always adding more events.

Memorial Day Weekend 2025 in DC Best Things To Do with Kids: Festivals, Day Trips, and More

Submitted by Jennifer Swope on Wed, 05/21/2025 - 12:00pm

Honor those who died while serving in the US military during Flowers of Remembrance Day at Arlington National Cemetery. US Army photo by Elizabeth Fraser

Looking for the best things to do in DC this Memorial Day weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for this weekend.

It's the official start of summer this weekend, and there are lots of events to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice. These include the National Memorial Day Concert on the National Mall and Flowers of Remembrance Day at Arlington National Cemetery.

This weekend also kicks off the season of summer festivals in the DC area, with fun options like ViVa Vienna! and the Hometown Holidays Music Fest in Rockville. This weekend is also the last weekend that Big Bounce America is in the DMV, so don't miss it!

And don't forget—Memorial Day weekend is the perfect time to take a summer day trip!

Top Easter Egg Hunts in DC, Maryland, & Northern Virginia

Submitted by Jennifer Swope on Sun, 03/23/2025 - 10:41am

Eggstravaganza! at Tudor Place features both an egg hunt and an egg roll. Event photo courtesy of Tudor Place Historic House

It's time to dust off those baskets and get ready for some Easter egg hunts! Easter egg hunts are one of the top springtime kids' activities, and they're happening all across DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia for Easter 2025.

From toddlers to teens, there is an Easter egg hunt that works for every kid in your family. These even include some free egg hunts!

Read on for our list of the best Easter egg hunts at DC parks, farms, churches, and more for family fun. Many of them require advance registration and are filling up fast, so book soon!

Our Easter Activities Guide and Spring Activities Guide for Families have even more fun ways to enjoy the holiday, from awesome Easter movies to easy Easter crafts.

Best Summer Camps in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia

Submitted by Jennifer Swope on Sun, 03/09/2025 - 1:00pm

Kids can have lots of outdoor adventures at Beauvoir Summer Camp. Photo courtesy of the Beauvoir Summer Program

Summer camps are a win for both kids and parents. Summer day camps allow parents to tackle work and home responsibilities while their children have fun learning new skills, making friends, playing, splashing, and creating. And with so many great day camps in the DC area for kids of all interests, you're bound to find one your children will love. Traditional summer camps, STEM camps and other academic programs, theater camps, and art camps are just some of the options available.

Here are 17 summer day camps in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia we're sure your kids will love. Note that some of these camps may already be full, so be sure to check camp websites for registration and dates, rates, and up-to-date availability.

Looking for more options for summer camps near DC? Bookmark our local Summer Camp Guide, and peruse our full Camp Directory for more programs to fit any budget and interest, from free and affordable summer camps to overnight summer camps and everything in between.

Best Summer Camps for Teens in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia

Submitted by Jennifer Swope on Sun, 03/02/2025 - 7:00am

Kids can learn from top tennis coaches at Nike Tennis Camp. Photo courtesy of the camp

If you feel your teenager has outgrown camp, the variety of summer camps for teens throughout the DC area may convince you otherwise. There are summer day camps in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia that will keep teens busy all summer long no matter their interests. These teen summer camps include all sorts of big-kid activities like sports, coding and robotics, theater, art, and so much more.

Here are 15 summer camps for teens in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. Bookmark our local Summer Camp Guide for more options for summer camps near DC, and peruse our full Camp Directory for more summer camps to fit any budget and interest.

Jennifer Swope

Latest posts by Jennifer

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