Catie Misleh

The Perfect Weekend Itinerary for a Loudoun County, VA Fall Getaway

Submitted by Catie Misleh on Fri, 09/12/2025 - 10:00am

There's lots of farm fun to be had at Great Country Farms! Photo courtesy of Great Country Farms

You don't need to travel far from DC to enjoy the perfect fall weekend with kids. Loudoun County, Virginia—only about a one- to two-hour drive northwest of DC proper—truly comes alive in autumn with a huge variety of family-friendly farms and festivals, breweries and wineries, parks and playgrounds, and more. There is something for every family member to enjoy during what is arguably Northern Virginia's best-weather season.

Read ahead for the perfect fall-weekend itinerary that combines classic fall fun with Loudoun County's distinctive local flavor. Then check out our DC Fall Day Trips Guide for more autumn family fun, including our ultimate guide to fall festivals.

Visit the New Play Street Museum in Gaithersburg, MD with Young Kids

Submitted by Catie Misleh on Fri, 08/22/2025 - 11:10am

The LEGO DUPLO train table at Play Street Museum Gaithersburg is a huge hit with little ones. Photo by author Catie N.S. Misleh

Play Street Museum has officially opened the doors to its newest DC-area location: The Kentlands in Gaithersburg, Maryland! Play Street Museum offers a fresh twist on children's play spaces where families with young kids can explore and engage with an immersive city-themed museum and educational hands-on exhibits, bringing imagination to life. The new location joins existing ones in Ashburn, VA and Columbia, MD.

Read on to find out all of the fun to expect at Play Street Museum Gaithersburg. Then visit our Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for more indoor fun in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia, from the best kid-friendly arcades to fun bowling alleys.

Best Places for Creek Play Near Washington, DC

Submitted by Catie Misleh on Sun, 08/10/2025 - 10:00am

Creek play is a great way for kids to cool off and explore nature. Photo by author Catie Misleh

Summertime in the DC area brings the HEAT! Luckily, we have an array of ways to cool off in the water, including swimming pools, splash pads, and water parks. A classic but often overlooked option, however, is creek play! A favorite pastime in our family, creek play is a great way to beat the heat that requires less planning or production than some of the above options, which is a win in my book.

Playing in creeks offers children a unique blend of physical, sensory, and imaginative experiences that support healthy development. There is nothing quite like splashing through shallow water, turning over stones, and observing insects, minnows, and other creatures in their natural habitat.

Here are 15 of the best places for creek play in the DC area, where kids can splash, wade, and explore safely. Our Washington, DC Kids Summer Guide has even more fun ways to beat the heat.

Rockville with Kids: 25 Fun Things to Do in Rockville, Maryland

Submitted by Catie Misleh on Sun, 04/13/2025 - 10:00am

Croydon Creek Nature Center has several trails to explore. Photo by John Brighenti via Flickr 2.0

Rockville, one of the many small cities that make up the DC metro area, is situated between Gaithersburg and Bethesda in Montgomery County, Maryland. By car, it's about 30 minutes from DC. Since the arrival of the B&O Railroad in the 1800s, Rockville has continued to rapidly develop as a vibrant, diverse community that offers many family-friendly activities centered around nature, fitness, education, and fun.

Here are 23 things to do in Rockville, MD with kids of all ages, from indoor play spaces to parks, playgrounds, and nature centers. We've also included some kid-friendly Rockville restaurants and places to get treats.

Our Guide to Day Trips and Weekend Getaways for DC Kids will hook you up with more great cities to discover around the DC area, like Baltimore, MD and Fairfax, VA. Check it out!

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