Reston Zoo - Reston VA
A family friendly zoo with a petting farm & zoofari wagon rides. Lots of animals to see, feed, pet and learn about. Great for afternoon field trips or a birthday party!
Frying Pan Park - Herndon, Virginia
A friendly farm with animals, wagon rides, and real farm hands at work. At the Kidwell Farm House, you can sit on the porch or take a tour (call for availability) there is a small carousel for the kid to ride. Tickets are sold inside the farm house and there are snacks, drinks and a gift shop inside. Free to visit the farm!
The Smithsonian's National Zoo - Washington DC
The National Zoo is free and open every day (except Christmas) About 2,000 animals from about 400 different species are in the collection at the Zoo. Share a day of animal wildlife and up close visits with your family. There are special tours and classes you can be apart of as well.
National Baltimore Aquarium - Baltimore MD
Only a short drive from VA, take a day trip to Baltimore's Inner Harbor and visit the aquarium for a underwater adventure! The Aquarium features hundreds of exhibits featuring more than 16,500 animals. Check before you go as tickets need to be purchased in advanced to enter and to view the dolphin show. My family loves the ocean, water and the animals that live there. We really enjoy visiting aquariums when we can.
Great Falls Park - Mclean VA
Great Falls Park, located along the Potomac River, is one of the most spectacular natural landmarks in the Washington DC metropolitan area. The park offers a variety of activities including hiking, picnicking, kayaking, rock climbing, bicycling, and horseback riding. You can view the falls from several observation areas. Bring your camera for this beautiful site!
Jumpin Jimmy's - Haymarket VA
A crazy fun filled bounce house with over 6,200 square feet of indoor, inflatable fun! They offer open bounce and semi-private parties each weekday, and private parties on the weekends. Take your kids and let them bounce their energy out!
National Mall - Washington DC
This patriotic playground is surrounded by monuments and memorials, great museums near it, and grand trees help shade it. Pack a picnic, bring a ball or a kite and enjoy the National Mall beautiful grounds. The Mall is the heart of the Nation’s Capital and amazing to be a part of. There, the nation celebrates, honors, and demonstrates its commitment to democracy.
Plan a family fun fishing trip to Burke Lake (fishing permit required) after fishing, there is a cute little ice cream parlor open spring through fall. If you want to pass on fishing, your kids will enjoy a train ride or carousel ride located within the park. Pack a picnic on the weekends and stay for awhile. There is a lot to see and do!
China Town - Washington DC
DC's Chinatown is in a small historic neighborhood with Chinese & Asian restaurants and other small businesses. The Friendship Arch, a traditional Chinese gate, is a welcoming mark to neighborhood. Teach your family about Asian culture, cuisine without a passport!
Peterson's Ice Cream Depot - Clifton VA
A perfect little ice cream shop in the heart of Clifton. Enjoy some ice cream or check out their wide menu of hot dogs from their "Dog Pound" menu! Take your kids there for a summer time treat and enjoy your ice cream on the back porch like area in the spring or summer!
Clemyjontri Park - Mclean VA
A magical park where EVERY child is welcome!
This park is for children who use wheelchairs, walkers or braces, or who have sensory or developmental disabilities, children can have a parallel playground experience of fun and exploration. Mrs. Adele Lebowitz, who envisioned this playground and park and generously donated this 18-acre property. There's an enjoyable picnic area and grand carousel for all ages to ride. A must-try park!
A frequent summer cool off spot for my family, Signal Bay features a zero depth entry leisure pool with water cannons, slides, a Lazy River, and a sand volleyball court. Concessions, showers and locker rooms are made available for convenience. Open every summer and a must for little people if your want a different experience than a boring baby pool!
Cox Farms - Centreville VA
Fun for all season Cox Farms is a local family owned farm with many activities. Their outrageous over the top fall festival is hard to beat and a must see! Hay slides, petting farm, wagon rides and great country fair like food makes picking out your own pumpkin and awesome experience! Pick out your own fresh Christmas tree around a bon fire with some cider during Christmas, or visit during the spring and summer for fresh flowers or local grown produce. It's important for kids to be around true working farms and know the importance of farming to our society. Why not make it fun?!
National Air & Space Museum - DC and Dulles VA
With two locations take the family to a Smithsonian Institution National Air & Space museum and enjoy space, flight and history. The museums maintain the largest collection of historic air and spacecrafts in the world for your family to see up close.
All Photos for this page were taken by Melissa Maharaj
