Why Summer is Perfect for Free Kids' Activities in DC

While Washington, DC is known for its abundance of free museums and cultural institutions, there are even more free summer activities for kids in DC. From awesome parks and playgrounds to fun cultural events to outdoor concerts, there's something for all ages and interests. And with the extended daylight and warm weather, there's lots of time to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, and exploring new neighborhoods. 

RELATED: Our Epic Summer Bucket List of Things To Do in DC with Kids

 
Outdoor concerts are a popular summer family activity. Jazz@Met photo courtesy of Metropolitan Park at National Landing

Free Summer Activities for Kids in DC Outdoors

1. Enjoy an Outdoor Concert

Free outdoor concerts are a summertime staple in the DC area that's fun for the whole family. Check out our massive list of free summer concerts for families in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia.

2. See a Free Outdoor Movie

There's nothing like watching a movie under the stars, with no one telling little kids to be quiet or stay in their seats. Here's our list of free outdoor movie series in the DC area. Pack a picnic, some bug spray, and chairs or a blanket!

3. Go Stargazing on the National Mall — Washington, DC

Hofstra University’s evening Astronomy Festival on the National Mall features features telescopes to look through, hands-on activities and demonstrations, scientific speakers, and a chance to mingle with astronomers. It's just one of many great summer festivals and fairs happening across the DC area.

4. Meet the Giant Pandas at the National Zoo — Washington, DC

If you didn't have time to visit giant pandas Bao Li and Qing Bao—who made their debut at the National Zoo in January—while school was in session, now is the time to go! Read all about the pandas here.

5. Play in Chessie's BIG Backyard — Alexandria, VA

This amazing play area has an accessible playground with lots for kids to climb, crawl, and slide on. There's also a tree house and the 2,160-foot Chessie’s Trail, full of sensory features like a sound garden. Summer is a great time to visit because kids can cool off at the fantastic Our Special Harbor sprayground. Find out why Chessie's made our list of destination playgrounds in the DC area.

6. See Iconic World War II Aircraft — Chantilly, VA

In honor of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, history-making aircraft from the war fly in for one day on June 14, 2025. They'll be among over 50 vintage and modern aircraft on display outside the Udvar-Hazy Center as part of the Innovations in Flight event. Visitors can talk with pilots and enjoy family-friendly activities. Udvar-Hazy is one of our favorite free museums near DC to visit with kids.

7. Learn New Tricks at the Skate Park at RFK Campus — Washington, DC

This DC skate park tops our list of great skate parks near DC for kids for several reasons. For one, it's huge—15,000 square feet! It was also designed by pro skater Geoff Rawley and includes obstacles for all ages and skill levels. Plus, parents can watch the action from the built-in bleachers!

8. Celebrate Pride 

June is Pride Month! Celebrate at various free DC events for children and families throughout the month, including the Kensington Pride Month Celebration and the Mosaic Pride Celebration.

9. Meet the Aminals at Frying Pan Farm Park — Herndon, VA

Kids can hang out with horses, chickens, peacocks, rabbits, sheep, goats, cows, and pigs at Kidwell Farm, Frying Pan Farm Park's recreation of a '30s working homestead. Wagon rides and farm tours are also available. Once they've had their fill of the farm, kids can play on the playground.

10. See the National Mall at Night — Washington, DC

Warm summer evenings, when kids don't have to wake up early for school the next day, are the perfect time to see the National Mall's monuments and memorials all lit up at night. Grab a bite nearby at one of these kid-friendly restaurants near the National Mall.

RELATED: 100 Things To Do in DC with Kids Before They Grow Up

There's lots to explore at the United States Botanic Garden. Photo courtesy of the garden

11. Stroll through a Gorgeous Garden

Take a stroll through the United States Botanic Garden and the US National Arboretum in DC, both of which offer free admission and have children's gardens to explore. Other free (and lovely!) botanical gardens include Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, Maryland and Green Spring Gardens in Alexandria, Virginia.

12. Take a Family-Friendly Hike

From well-maintained trails in state parks to lesser-known paths along creeks and through neighborhoods, the DC area is brimming with easy hiking trails for kids and families. These fall hikes near Washington, DC are also gorgeous in summer, when trees are fully green and flowers are in bloom—and many of them are free.

13. Visit a National Park

Rock Creek Park and Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens are two DC national parks that are free every day. If you have a fourth-grader, signing up for an Every Kid Outdoors pass will give your family free admission to all national parks through August 31, 2025. Otherwise, you can visit Great Falls Park and other national parks for free on June 19 and August 4, 2025, two of several Free National Park Entrance Days.

14. Go Swimming

There are so many public swimming pools in DC that are totally free for DC residents (and cheap for non-residents). Let your kiddos swim to their hearts' content!

RELATED: Best Outdoor Water Parks Near DC for Family Fun

There are so many fun, free splash pads throughout the DC area.

15. Cool Off at a Splash Pad

Cooling off at the multitude of fun splash pads near DC is one of the best DC summer activities for families looking to beat the heat. 

16. Head to Arts in the Parks in Fairfax County

As part of the Fairfax Summer Entertainment Series, a different children's entertainer performs for free on select Wednesday mornings at Frying Pan Farm Park; Saturday mornings at Burke Lake Park, Mason District Park, Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, Springfield Overlook, and Wakefield Park; and Saturday evenings at Sully Historic Site and Mosaic District. Performers range from puppeteers to magicians to musicians.

17. Visit the Smithsonian Folklife Festival — Washington, DC

Through cultural performances, storytelling, workshops, and more, this popular summer festival on the National Mall aims to spark curiosity of various cultures and nurture human connection.

18. See a Parks Playhouse Junior Show

Parks Playhouse Junior presents a fun series of live puppet shows, sing-alongs, and music lessons for kids. Performances are throughout the summer, on weekends and weekdays, across several Montgomery County Parks.

19. Go to a Pop-up Party

Playpalooza DMV features bounce houses, a touch-a-truck, an inflatable obstacle course, a rock climbing wall, a toddler zone, character appearances, and more. There are two dates remaining in summer 2025 in Northern Virginia: June 21 in Vienna and August 16 in Springfield.

20. Buzz Over to the Manassas Bee Festival

Celebrate pollinators at this fun festival where you can taste fresh honey, dance with other bees and butterflies in costume, enjoy honey crafts, and see an apiary.

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DC does it up big for Juneteenth. Photo courtesy of Department of Parks and Rec in Prince George County

21. Commemorate Juneteenth 

Juneteenth (June 19), the day slavery ended in the US, became a federal holiday in 2021. Celebrate it at one of many free Juneteenth commemorations across the DC area. Try Juneteenth at Watkins Regional Park in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, which includes family activities, performances, and more. 

22. Explore Arlington National Cemetery — Arlington, VA

Visit the graves of US presidents John F. Kennedy and William Howard Taft, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, astronaut John Glenn, and many other famous people at this renowned cemetery. Be sure to experience thenChanging of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

23. Enjoy Kids Day on the Plaza — National Harbor, MD

Enjoy free kids' activities every Tuesday at 10:30am in National Harbor from June through August. Activities include interactive storytimes, arts and crafts, meet-and-greets with police officers and firefighters, and more.

24. Watch Planes Fly Right Above You at Gravelly Point Park — Arlington, VA

Looking for one of the most unique free DC activities for kids? Pack a picnic and head to Gravelly Point to watch planes fly right over your head—so close, you'll feel like you can touch them—as they take off and land at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

25. Celebrate 4th of July 

Our nation's capital and its surrounding areas do it up big for Independence Day. Families can attend one of the area's many free 4th of July parades, celebrations, and fireworks shows all weekend long. The biggest ones, of course, are DC's famous National Independence Day Parade and 4th of July Celebration and Fireworks.

26. Go Paddling and Help Clean the Anacostia River — Washington, DC

From May through October, Kingman + Heritage Islands in northeast DC offers guests the chance to paddle and clean the Anacostia River for free! Register for the lottery for your chance to reserve an Anacostia Green Boat. Then explore the natural parklands' wooded trails and wetlands to try to spot some of the more than 100 species of birds, mammals, and other wildlife.

27. Explore Theodore Roosevelt Island — Washington, DC

This 90-acre park pays homage to the 26th president and conservationist. There's an easy two-mile loop trail offering views of the Potomac River, the Georgetown Waterfront, and the DC skyline with a combination of boardwalks, paved paths, and packed-dirt trails. The hike culminates in a memorial to Theodore Roosevelt.

28. See the Turtles at Hidden Pond Nature Center — Springfield, VA

Take a walk around the large pond at this nature center on a sunny summer day to see turtles catching rays on logs. Kids can then play on the fantastic playground and explore the center's indoor exhibits. There are also several other free nature centers near DC to visit this summer with kids.

29. Play in the Sand at Aquia Landing Park — Stafford, VA

Want to build sandcastles without having to drive hours? This hidden gem 40 miles south of DC has a quarter-mile beach along the Potomac River where families can swim, fish, picnic, and play in the sand. The 32-acre park is also a great spot for birdwatching. It's one of the few spots on our list of parks with beaches near DC that doesn't charge a per-person or per-vehicle fee to enter in the summer.

RELATED: Best Tot Lots and Toddler Playgrounds Near DC

 
Expose kids to gardening with City Blossoms. Photo courtesy of City Blossoms

30. Do Some Gardening with City Blossoms — Washington, DC

On most Saturdays this summer, City Blossoms—a non-profit organization that offers creative programming in kid-driven gardens—welcomes families to get their hands dirty with gardening while also enjoying art, cooking, music, and more.

31. Go to a Kite Festival — Leesburg, VA

Head to Ida Lee Park for the Leesburg Festival of Crafts and Kites. Fly your own kite or watch others, explore handmade crafts from local artisans, enjoy live entertainment, and indulge in delicious food and beverages. Kids can jump in moon bounces, get creative in the coloring tent, and enjoy games, activities, and face painting.

More Free Things to Do in DC with Kids this Summer

32. Visit Your Local Library

Libraries offer tons of free programs for kids during the summer, including storytimes, arts and crafts, puppet shows, and more. Check the events calendar on your library's website to see what's coming up and how to join. Also ask about the Summer Reading Program, through which kids can win prizes for reading.

33. Explore Storyville — Baltimore & Woodlawn, MD

The Rosedale and Woodlawn branches of the Baltimore County Public Library are home to Storyville, child-sized villages filled with books, toys, and activities for kids ages 0-5. Each village includes a pretend grocery store and mailroom, a puppet stage and theater, a home living area, a construction zone, a library, a baby garden, and a toddler area. Storyville is closed on Sundays.

34. Tour a Government Building — Washington, DC

Keep kids learning and fight the summer slide with a free guided or self-guided tour of the White House, the US Capitol, and the Supreme Court. Check the individual websites to see how to schedule your tour.

35. Visit Torpedo Factory Art Center — Alexandria, VA

This Old Town Alexandria waterfront landmark is home to the nation’s largest collection of working-artists’ open studios under one roof. Stroll through the center's three floors, watch the artists at work, and see art on display. Visit the on-site Alexandria Archaeology Museum to see artifacts from the city's past. When you're done, soak up the sun on the waterfront!

36. Get Crafty at The Home Depot

Head to your local The Home Depot store on the first Saturday of each month for a free kids' workshop from 9am-12pm. Summer 2025 projects include a toucan mobile on July 5 and a space-themed craft on August 2. Be sure to reserve your child's spot online.

37. DIY at Lowe's

Lowe's also offers free monthly projects for kids with its DIY-U Kids' Workshops. All you need is a free MyLowe's Rewards membership.  In summer 2025, kids can make a door knocker on June 21, a Messi soccer shootout on July 19, and a pet station on August 16. Register ahead of time online. 

38. Play in a Mall Play Area

Air-conditioned malls are great places to beat the summer heat. Let the little ones burn off energy in the free play areas so they'll nap in the stroller while you get some shopping in—a win for everyone! Check out our favorites in our list of free indoor places to play near DC.

39. Explore The REACH — Washington, DC

The REACH at the Kennedy Center embodies the spirit of President Kennedy's vision for a new frontier for the arts. There are both indoor and outdoor spaces to explore, full of exhibits, gardens, and more. On Saturdays and Sundays, enjoy a free artmaking session at Moonshot Studio at The REACH. 

Free Museums to Visit this Summer with Kids

All of these free museums are located in Washington, DC unless otherwise indicated. Visit them to keep kids engaged and fight the summer slide!

40. National Air and Space Museum

Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum reopened eight new galleries in October 2022, nearly four years into a seven-year renovation. They include exhibits on the Wright Brothers, early flight, and more. Summer is a great time to visit the outdoor exhibit Voyage - A Journey Through Our Solar System. Drop in to the Flights of Fancy Storytime on Thursday mornings at 11am if you have kids ages 5 and under. 

41. National Museum of African American History and Culture

Learn about the history, community, and culture of African Americans at this fantastic Smithsonian museum. More than 3,000 objects on display include a stool from the Greensboro lunch counter sit-ins, a dress worn by Rosa Parks, and Chuck Berry's red Cadillac convertible. 

42. National Museum of American History

In December 2022, this Smithsonian museum launched its Entertainment Nation exhibit featuring all sorts of pop-culture and sports memorabilia. Families can also see gowns worn by First Ladies, the actual American flag that inspired the national anthem, a five-story dollhouse, and so much more. Plus, there are two hands-on spaces just for kids: Wonderplace for ages 0-6 and Spark!Lab for ages 6-12.

43. National Museum of Natural History

From the iconic African elephant and dinosaur displays to an exhibit on Ancient Egyptian mummies, this Smithsonian museum houses a collection of more than 145 million specimens. There are also plenty of fun family programs, including Play Dates for ages 0-5 on most Tuesday mornings.

44. National Postal Museum

At this Smithsonian museum near Union Station, kids can climb aboard a historic railway mail train and a modern mail truck, design their own stamps, recreate the path of mail, and participate in many other hands-on activities. 

45. National Museum of the American Indian

The imagiNATIONS Activity Center at this Smithsonian museum is a must-visit for families. It features hands-on activities like basket-weaving, igloo-building, a life-sized tipi to explore, and lots more. There are also plenty of other exhibits kids will enjoy throughout the museum.

RELATED: Best Museums for Kids in the DC Area: Children's Museums and Family-Friendly Museums

 
Kids can get creative during Open Studio at the Hirshhorn. Photo courtesy of the museum

46. Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden

This Smithsonian museum is especially fun to visit in the summer, when families can explore the outdoor sculpture garden. On Wednesdays, the museum hosts a popular storytime that explores a new artwork each week, complete with a hands-on activity. Parents and kids can create together at the museum's free Open Studio each Saturday from 10am-2pm. And teens ages 13-19 can attend Teen Studio on the first and last Saturday of each month from 3-5pm.

47. National Gallery of Art

Whether they're paintings, sculptures, or drawings, some of the most iconic pieces of art are housed in this museum. Don't forget to explore the outdoor Sculpture Garden and check out the museum's family programs. Enjoy Jazz in the Garden on Friday evenings through July 11.

48. National Portrait Gallery

This Smithsonian museum houses the country's only full collection of presidential portraits outside of the White House. There are also more than 20,000 works in the museum's collection. While school's out for summer, children can participate in Portrait Gallery Kids, a free hands-on art program on Mondays from 11:30am-12:30pm. On weekends, drop in to the free Portrait Gallery Art Studio from 1-4pm.

49. Planet Word

Planet Word, the world's first voice-activated museum, includes interactive galleries and exhibits that bring words and language to life in fun ways. Kids can marvel at a 22-foot talking word wall, deliver a famous speech using a teleprompter, explore a magical library, sing karaoke, and much more. 

50. National Archives Museum

Head into the famed Rotunda of this museum and come face-to-face with the original founding documents of the US, including the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, and the Constitution. In the public vaults, visitors can also listen to audio recordings from the Oval Office, read telegrams sent byAbraham Lincoln, and explore interactive exhibits.

51. United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

Though this museum is best suited for older kids, its exhibit Remember the Children: Daniel's Story is geared towards young people and their families. It showcases one family's experiences during the Holocaust from a boy's perspective, bringing visitors into realistic environments where they can engage with items and places from the boy's world.

52. National Museum of the United States Army — Fort Belvoir, VA

This museum celebrates the history of the US Army through various immersive exhibits. Army vehicles, uniforms, and more are on display. The museum's Experiential Learning Center is full of hands-on activities for kids of all ages. There's also a Family Activity for ages 4-8 and a Tiny Troop Storytime for ages 3-6 on Saturday mornings.

53. Library of Congress

The largest library in the world—and the oldest federal institution in the country, founded in 1800—the Library of Congress also serves as a museum with more than 170 million books, maps, photos, newspapers, and other items in its collection. Visitors can explore Thomas Jefferson's personal library, see the Gutenberg Bible, and lots more. Timed-entry passes must be reserved online.

54. National Museum of the Marine Corps — Triangle, VA

Explore the history of the US Marine Corps at this museum full of immersive exhibits. The highlight for kids is the Children's Gallery, which features hands-on experiences such as walking through a World War I trench, peering through periscopes, trying on uniforms, and more. The museum also offers children's programs including Family Days, Preschool Play Dates, and Gallery Hunts.

RELATED: 101 Free Things To Do in DC with Kids

 
Georgetown is a pretty area to walk around. Photo courtesy of Georgetown DC

Interesting Neighborhoods and Areas Near DC to Explore with Kids

55. Georgetown

Georgetown was founded in 1751—40 years before the nation's capital. That means you'll see federalist architecture, historic row houses, and cobblestone streets throughout the area. Families can also explore Georgetown Waterfront Park, visit the Dumbarton Oaks art museum and the Old Stone House (DC's oldest standing building), and play in some fun playgrounds—all for free.

56. Clifton, VA

This charming small town that's been around since the 1700s has historic homes to see, an 1860s red caboose for kids to peek inside, and an adorable playground next to a delicious homemade ice cream shop. Families can also search for wildlife at the Webb Nature Sanctuary and hike through Hemlock Overlook Regional Park at no cost.

57. Old Town Alexandria, VA

George Washington's charming hometown is steeped in history. View centuries-old architecture as you stroll along King Street, a mile-long street with more than 200 shops and restaurants. Other free activities include exploring the Alexandria waterfront and the Torpedo Factory Art Center, riding the King Street Trolley, seeing the Spite House (the country's skinniest historic house) at 523 Queen Street, and playing at the Armory Tot Lot.

58. National Harbor, MD

There are plenty of free things to do at this waterfront destination all summer long. Build sandcastles at the Beach, go on an art scavenger hunt, play on the playground, and enjoy one of many free summertime events for kids and families, like Sunday Family Movies on the Potomac. 

59. Kensington, MD

Though this historic town is best known for its downtown Antique Row, it is also full of free family fun. Stroll past homes that are over 100 years old, play in quaint parks and playgrounds, go train-spotting in an old-school railway station, and take a reading break in the adorable Noyes Library for Young Children.

60. District Wharf 

There are so many fun, free activities for families at the Wharf. Play bocce, search for historical markers, splash in the fountain, watch boats drift by, and take part in various free events like the Wednesday-evening Rock the Dock Concert Series. You can even ride the free Wharf Jitney ferry across the Washington Channel to East Potomac Park. 

Additional reporting by Christine Mooney