Washington Parent | Family Guide for DC, MD & VA

Family enjoys free summer things to do with kids in the DMV this weekend at an outdoor park.

Things To Do

Things to Do With Kids in the DMV This Weekend (Aug. 14-16)

From Mexican paletas and Colombian gelato pops to vegan dairy-free treats and boozy flavors for parents, here's where to find the DMV's best artisan popsicles this summer.

Food

Cool off during this heatwave with the capital region’s best artisan popsicles

Stevie RosenfeldAugust 7, 2026

Back to School Bonanza Brings a Free Outdoor Festival to Springfield Town Center

Schools

Back to School Bonanza Brings a Free Outdoor Festival to Springfield Town Center

Ronel HentschelAugust 4, 2026

LATEST

A platter of stacked deli sandwiches on soft rolls, layered with sliced meats and greens, from a kid-friendly sandwich shop in the DMV

Food

The 14 best kid-friendly sandwich shops in the DMV

Miranda Simpson11 Mins Read

Two children read one of the best night sky books for kids by flashlight on a rooftop under the stars

Guides

The night sky has never looked so fun in these kids’ books

Mary Quattlebaum5 Mins Read

From Spanish immersion and parkour to dinosaur digs and chess strategy, here are the DMV's best programs to keep kids learning and engaged during fall breaks and school holidays.

Camps

Need to keep your kid entertained over fall break? These are the best fall break camps for kids in the DMV

Stevie Rosenfeld3 Mins Read

Your August summer fun guide to close out the season

Holiday Fun

Your August summer fun guide to close out the season

Zakkary Parker6 Mins Read

The Great Stalacpipe Organ surrounded by rock formations inside Luray Caverns.

Holiday Fun

See why Luray Caverns is the ultimate family day trip

Stevie Rosenfeld4 Mins Read

EDITOR'S PICK

Families enjoy Labor Day weekend events at a county fair in the DMV.

Holiday Fun

One last summer celebration: Your guide to Labor Day weekend fun around the DMV

Jenna DolchAugust 11, 2026

Two children sit in a bathtub surrounded by yellow rubber ducks at Bubble Planet DC

Indoor Activities

Is Bubble Planet DC worth it? A parent’s guide to the immersive Bubble Experience

Stevie RosenfeldAugust 4, 2026

Little Free Library book-sharing box on a neighborhood sidewalk in the DMV

Top Things to Do in the DMV

Why DMV families are falling in love with Little Free Libraries

Jenna DolchJuly 2, 2026

National Geographic Museum of Exploration in Washington DC

Things To Do

Visit the National Geographic Exploration Museum this summer

Stevie RosenfeldJune 25, 2026

THINGS TO DO

THINGS TO DO

Free things to do in DC kids playing

Free Activities

Free, family-friendly things to do in August in the DC area

François HentschelJuly 28, 2026

A parent and child at a family stargazing event near DC, looking through a telescope at the moon.

Seeing Stars: Summer Astronomy Events for Families in the DC Area

July 20, 2026

Maryland State Fair 2026: Dates, Tickets and Family Fun

Carnival rides and cattle competitions: Get ready for the 145th Maryland State Fair

July 19, 2026

From train museums and scenic trails to sweet shops and Main Street adventures, Ellicott City is packed with family-friendly fun worth exploring.

10 things you and your family will love doing in Ellicott City

July 6, 2026

From free National Mall events and fireworks to Mount Vernon and Colonial Williamsburg, here's how DMV families can celebrate America's 250th.

Honor America’s 250th birthday with these 25 ways to celebrate scavenger hunt

June 19, 2026

EVENTS CALENDAR

What's Happening Near You in August 2026

EDUCATION

SCHOOLS

A parent and child reviewing My School DC lottery results together at home

School Transitions

How to navigate the My School DC lottery if your child didn’t get their first choice

Jenna DolchJuly 20, 2026

Back to school in the DMV: what families need to know for the 2026-27 school year

Back to School in the DMV: 10 Questions Parents Ask for 2026-27

July 20, 2026

Prince George's County Public Schools: 10 Best for 2026. Teacher in blue dress

Top 10 Prince George’s County public schools

July 19, 2026

school avoidance anxiety children parents help

When ‘I don’t want to go to school’ is more than a phase — it might be anxiety

July 19, 2026

Maryland school calendar 2026-2027 guide for MCPS, PGCPS and Howard County. Find first days, last days, holidays, winter break, spring break and key dates.

Maryland School Calendar 2026-2027: Key Dates for MCPS, Prince George’s and Howard County Families

June 19, 2026

RAISING KIDS

PARENTING ADVICE

Nanny, au pair, daycare: What’s available in the DMV?

Early Childhood

Nanny vs. au pair vs. daycare; What is best for your family?

Stevie RosenfeldJune 25, 2026

teen vape laws

What are the Laws for Vaping and E-Cigarettes for Teens in the DMV?

June 18, 2026

Two kids blaming others by pointing fingers at each other.

Does your kid play the Blame Game? Here’s what to do

June 18, 2026

Mother and daughter enjoying summer activities for kids in the DC area

One size fits none: Customizing your family’s summer schedule

June 17, 2026

Child psychiatrist explains self-concept in children and how early experiences shape a child's sense of self

What is self-concept in children and how can we foster it in a positive way?

June 10, 2026

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