Local Gems for Families around United States

While the history might sound boring to some kids, the Smithsonian National Museum of American History makes this trip through America's history fun! Here you'll get to see the Star-Spangled Banner (the flag that inspired the national anthem), the original ruby red slippers that Dorothy wore in the Wizard of Oz, Julia Child's Kitchen (and a smaller version for kids to play in), Abraham Lincoln's top hat, & so much more. Make sure to ask staff about the kids' programs of the day & visit the Spark!Lab, where kids become inventors. This museum's a must-visit for all, so don't miss out!

Tim Ponisciak said:  This is widely considered to be one of the best, most all-encompassing museums for the U.S.A. Your kids can learn about the founding of the nation, can see examples of advertising and product marketing, can hear old music and can learn about some of the harsher times faced by many Americans through the years. Truly experiencing this museum will take at least a day.

You could take a week to view all of the natural wonders in this natural history museum that houses the Hope Diamond, a room with live butterflies, and even a live coral reef. The museum's collection of gigantic dinosaur skeletons, human remains, fossils, meteorites and more is nothing short of impressive.

If your kid has ever wondered what it's like to be a spy, then your family must visit the International Spy Museum! Kids can experience what it is like to be a spy through the eyes of real spies, adopt a cover identity, attend spy school, and learn about the intelligence challenges of today. Your family will love all the interactive experiences here!

Visit the 1903 Wright Brother's flyer and touch and actual moon rock at this museum devoted to man's mission to conquer the skies. Kid-friendly demonstrations and talks lasting 20-25 minutes are given in different galleries throughout the day. An Imax Theater, planetarium, VR and flight simulators, and a real life observatory excite kids and grown-ups alike, while daily story times are perfect for quick, low-key, visits with 2-8 year olds.

Escape the action of the city and go on a hike with the family at Rock Creek Park. After the hike, you and the kids can explore the Nature Center, where you'll learn about the many plants and animals living within the park, and visit the Planetarium.

For such an impressive array of animals (including some of the only pandas in the US), it's hard to believe this beloved DC zoo is free. Families looking for a hands-on zoo experience can visit a petting farm that's home to cows, alpacas, goats and more.

Scramble calls themselves "the ULTIMATE indoor play space for kids" and they hit the nail on the head. This indoor play space is perfect for kids of all ages - from infants to older kids that are ready to take on a sporting match. Between the sensory stimulation for infants and the ball courts or role play zones, where kids can work in the race car shop or coffee shop, kids are guaranteed a great time. Be sure to bring socks, as everyone must have them on at all times.

Rollingcrest-Chillum Splash Pool is complete with water slides, sprays, family pool, lap pool and more. While there are water options for everyone to partake in, we recommend the splash pool for younger kids that don't need the thrill of super high slides. Their thrill will be in a more kid-friendly area and they'll thoroughly enjoy their day here!

Our Special Harbor, an interactive and imaginative Chesapeake Bay-themed spray park, will impress everyone in the family. This sprayground boasts a spraying osprey nest, Chessie the sea serpent, & a misting lighthouse and sunflower. There is also a beach area that's not as busy with softer bubblers and water tables. Oh, and we can't forget the computerized water maze and dumping crab basket!

Wheaton Regional Park is a children's dream playground outside of the busy city! Children of all ages will love the playgrounds suitable for younger and older kids, various nature hikes, fishing ponds, children's gardens with tropical plants, carousel, little train and so much more. There are also picnic tables and grassy areas, so be sure to bring a blanket to eat on. Some visitors have said that you might even spot flying squirrels after sunset - whoa! As if this isn't good enough, parents have even commented on how clean the bathrooms are here. Now that's a relief!

Hyper Kidz! is the ultimate indoor playground, featuring a Big Kid Zone (ages 3 - 13), Kid Zone (ages 2 - 7), and a Mini Zone (ages 0 - 2). The various areas feature age-appropriate activities including multi-story climbing structures, slides, obstacles, ramps & ball pits. Unique attractions include moving rides, ball blasters, and an LED-lit air slide.

The 800-acre Great Falls Park is an absolute stunner! If you love hiking and the outdoors, round up the family, bicycles, a picnic lunch and head on over to Great Falls Park. Take a scenic hike to one of the clifftops with dramatic views, check out the museum exhibits with hands-on activities for kids, or take a bike ride along the tow path and boardwalk over the river. While this is a hiker's paradise, there are hiking paths good for people of all ages and experience. Be sure to bring comfortable shoes and a camera.

Bring your kids out to Frying Pan Farm Park to let them experience what farm life was like in the 1920s to 1950s. This park offers the perfect combination of nature and cultural activities that your kids will enjoy. As part of the park, Kidwell Farm, demonstrates a working farm from this time period and houses many animals, like cows and horses that the kids will love seeing. Additionally, they have a covered picnic area for a nice lunch, grass fields, playgrounds, and an old country store with games and snacks. This is such a unique experience for all.

The National Aquarium has more than 20,000 animals in their incredible habitats. You and the kids will get to see everything from a 500-pound green sea turtle to various sharks. While you're there, you'll even get to discover Living Seashore, an exhibit that allows you to touch stingrays, moon jellies and other animals. You won't regret your visits to one of the top aquariums in the U.S.!

Take a trip back in time with the scenic Walkersville Southern Railroad tour through the Monocacy Valley. The 1hr 20 min trip in 1920s passenger cars or open flatcars take visitors along tracks originally built in 1872 takes visitors past turn of the century buildings and a 100 year old lime kiln. Seasonal train rides include an Easter train, Santa train, Teddy Bear Train, Super Hero Train, steam trains, Civil War reenactments and more.