Spring break is fast approaching, and if you haven’t made any plans yet, there’s no need to panic! Check out our Spring Break Bucket List for must-do activities for kids near Washington, DC that won’t break the bank!
Spring Break Bucket List
1. Go to a local park:
- Brookside gardens: Visit the Brookside Nature Center and the conservatory that features plants from around the world. After that, head to the Wheaton Regional Park and ride the Spring Eye Spy miniature train (Starting on March 23), enjoy a ride on the carousel, and have fun at the Adventure Playground with climbing structures, sand pit, and giant slides. Cost: Brookside Gardens: Free. Spring Eye Spy Train Ticket: $5.00. Carousel ticket: $3.50.
- Seneca Creek State Park: Enjoy a kid friendly lake loop trail, then have fun at the tire playground, and have a snack in one of the many picnic grounds. Cost: $3 for Maryland residents and $5 for out-of-state residents.
2. Take a nature park hike:
Go on a Spring Scavenger Hunt at Potomac Overlook Regional Park. Enjoy fresh air and look for flowers, birds, and other signs of spring. Get a prize when you return with your completed sheet! Cost: $8 per kid.
3. Chase a waterfall:
Cunningham Falls State Park: Not only are there waterfalls, but easy hiking trails, campgrounds, beach area, and picnic areas. The Houck area is the closest to Cunningham Falls parking lot and the beach/lake. Cost: $3 for Maryland residents and $5 for non-residents.
4. Don’t miss the Cherry Blossoms Festival:
Check out the full guide to enjoying all the Cherry Blossom events HERE. Cost: varies.
5. Visit the National Zoo:
Celebrate Easter Monday at the Smithsonian National Zoo. Cost: free admission.
6. Plan a day trip to DC:
Choose from one of these itineraries here. Our favorite is #1 which is having a picnic at the National Mall and then playing around the Reflecting Pool. You can also head towards the White House afterwards and catch a tour of The President’s house. Of course, this needs to be planned in advance, but NOW is the time to do it. Cost: free admission.
7. Visit a farmers market:
Spring is the start of the growing season and many farmers markets open during this period. Check out one of the 13 best farmers markets in the DMV. Cost: free admission.
8. Attend a baseball game:
Opening Day is April 1st. Enjoy a day at the ballpark, grab some food and drinks while watching the game, and then head to The Fields at RFK Playground for some more fun for the kids. Cost: varies.
9. Visit a kid-friendly winery or brewery:
These 12 wineries and breweries offer kid-friendly food options, have play areas, and indoor and outdoor seating for kids to run around safely. Cost: varies.
10. Visit a local farm:
Many farms offer a variety of spring activities, such as petting zoos, hayrides, and Easter egg hunts. Some of my family’s favorites are: Butler’s Orchard Bunnyland, Green Meadows Egg Hunt, Meadowlark Botanical Gardens Egg Hunt, and Leesburg Animal Park. Check out more options in our Easter Egg Hunt Guide here. Cost: varies.
11. Catch a free performance at Millennium Stage:
Free performances at the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage can be viewed every Wednesday through Sunday at 6:00 PM. Other things you can do while at the Kennedy Center are: taking a free tour, exploring the outdoor exhibitions at The Reach, and getting some of the best views of the National Mall, Arlington, and Georgetown from the Roof Terrace. Cost: free.
12. Ride on a Bunny Train
Ride on a Walkersville Southern Railroad’s scenic train ride with the company of the Easter Bunny. Mr. Bunny will visit with each family during the ride, and give each child an Easter surprise! Cost: Children ages 2+ $18 and Adults $22.
13. Go on a Horseback Trail Ride
Try out a fun horseback trail ride through the lush fields and woods next to Seneca Creek Park. It’s perfect for anyone aged 8 and up! Cost: $150+
14. Drive out for great ice cream!
Take a tour and explore the South Mountain Creamery, feed the calves, watch how the cows are milked, and eat ice cream! On March 30, they are also hosting a fun easter egg hunt with moon bounce, face painting, and DJ. Cost: Tours are $5 and sign up required for feeding the calves. Egg hunt tickets are $10.
15. Visit a museum:
Spring is the perfect time to go to the U.S. Botanic Garden. Don’t miss the Children’s Garden for hands-on fun, where children can dig, plant, water, and discover what’s in bloom. Then head to the National Museum of American Indian next door and visit the ImagiNATIONS Activity Center, an interactive and fun-filled space just for kids. Cost: free.
16. Go on a search to find bunnies
It’s a fun-filled activity perfect for all ages, combining the excitement of a scavenger hunt with the charm of encountering cute bunnies along the way, topped off with crafting fun at the end. Register HERE. Cost: $6.
17. Spend a day at home:
Rainy day? Create a fun-filled schedule at home that includes:
- Spring-themed arts and crafts
- Story time with books that celebrate spring
- Music and movement with our favorite: Cosmic Kids
- Preparing spring themed brunch or snacks
- Plant the seed for financial growth with FREE spring-themed activities
- Spring cleaning! Let your kids choose the clothes and toys they want to donate at local thrift stores
18. Spend an afternoon at an indoor playground:
Indoor playgrounds typically offer a variety of activities that are safe and suitable for children to play with, such as ball pits, climbing walls, and inflatable bouncy houses. A great option for parents who want to keep their kids active and entertained, regardless of the weather conditions outside. Cost: varies.
19. Plan a weekend getaway:
- Looking to go to a nearby beach? Check out this Beaches and Water Parks near Washington, DC guide.
- Looking for history, fun, and excitement? Visit Philadephia. I recommend the Please Touch Museum, the Philadelphia Zoo, Sesame Place, and of course, eating cheesesteaks. Another great option is Lancaster, PA only 2 hours away from DC. (Although Dutch Wonderland is closed during Spring Break).
- Looking for an outdoor adventure? Go shark tooth hunting at Calvert Cliffs State Park, ride a boat on the Chesapeake Bay, and visit the Calvert Marine Museum.
20. Go to an all-inclusive paradise:
What’s better than an all-inclusive vacation to relax and unwind. Check out the Ultimate Guide to Kid-Friendly All-Inclusive Resorts for the best resorts that are only one flight away from DC.
In conclusion, Spring Break is the perfect time to explore new places and try new things. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, there are plenty of destinations and activities that should be on every spring break bucket list. From hiking in national parks to relaxing on white sand beaches, and from exploring our beautiful Washington, DC area to taking a road trip, there are endless possibilities for a fun spring break.
