Summer is here, and if you’re looking for exciting activities to keep your tweens entertained in and around the DMV area, I’ve got you covered! From museums to amusement parks, there’s no shortage of fun and engaging activities that will make this summer unforgettable for your kids. Here’s a comprehensive list based on my own kids' bucket list (plus a few extras) to help you plan the perfect summer adventures.

1. Visit the Spy Museum and Smithsonian Museums

The International Spy Museum in Washington, D.C. is a must-visit. It offers an interactive experience where kids can learn about espionage history, see real spy gadgets, and even participate in undercover missions. Plus, The National Air and Space Museum, the National Museum of Natural History, and the National Museum of African American History and Culture are additional options that can captivate and educate your tweens for hours.

2. Fun at Home

Sometimes the best adventures can be found right at home. Engage your tweens with a variety of fun activities such as:

• Playing Outside: Encourage them to get fresh air with activities like biking, rollerblading, or having a water balloon fight. This is also a great way for them to engage in fun with other kids in the neighborhood.

• Reorganizing Their Bedroom: Make it a fun project where they can personalize their space.

• Playing Board Games: Family game nights can be a great way to bond and have fun together.

• Watching Movies: Set up a cozy movie night with new movies and snacks.

• Reading: Allow them to select new books from a local bookstore and the library and foster or deepen a love for reading.

• Discovering New Hobbies: Whether it’s crafting, cooking, or learning to play an instrument, there’s always something new to explore.

3. Hit the Golf Driving Range

Introduce your tweens to golf by taking them to a local driving range. It’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors and practice their swings. Topgolf is also a popular option in the area, offering a fun and modern twist on the traditional driving range.

4. Indoor Skydiving

Experience the thrill of skydiving without jumping out of a plane at iFLY Indoor Skydiving in Gaithersburg, MD. It's safe and exhilarating, providing an unforgettable adventure for your tweens.

5. Horseback Riding

Take your kids horseback riding at one of the many equestrian centers in the DMV area. It's a great way to enjoy nature and learn a new skill. Rock Creek Park Horse Center in D.C. and Southern Grace Farm in southern Maryland offer lessons.

6. Spa Day

Treat your tweens to a relaxing spa day. Many spas offer special packages for kids, including manicures, pedicures, and facials. It’s a great way for them to unwind and feel pampered.

7. Urban Air Adventure Park

Urban Air in Laurel, MD, is an indoor adventure park that features trampolines, climbing walls, and obstacle courses. It’s the perfect place for tweens to burn off energy and have a blast.

8. Roller Skating

Take your tweens roller skating at a local rink. Skate Zone in Crofton, MD is our go to. Check out the Kids Skate Free program to enjoy savings.

9. Shopping

A trip to the mall can be a fun way to spend the day. Tysons Corner Center in VA and Tanger Outlets in Oxon Hill, MD offer a wide range of stores, dining options, and entertainment.

10. Restaurants

Explore kid-friendly restaurants in the DMV area. Places like Ted’s Bulletin, with its delicious pop-tarts and breakfast all day options, or interactive restaurants like the Melting Pot, are sure to be a hit.

11. dave & buster’s

Food and fun, all in one! This game center is sure to be a win this summer.

12. Fishing

Spend a day fishing at a local lake or on a fishing boat. My kids did this last summer with my husband, and it’s back on their bucket list again.

13. Amusement Parks

My kids have already visited King’s Dominion in Doswell, VA, and Hershey Park in Hershey, VA so far this summer. With roller coasters, water rides, and games, there’s something for everyone.

14. Short Term Camps

Enroll your tweens in short-term camps that cater to their interests. From sports to arts to science, there are plenty of options to keep them engaged, learning new skills and having fun.

15. Cooking Classes

Sign your kids up for a cooking class where they can learn to make delicious meals and snacks. Sur La Table and Cookology offer fun, hands-on cooking classes for kids.

16. Pool Days

Beat the heat by spending the day at a local pool. The Great Waves Waterpark in Alexandria, VA, and the Southern Area Aquatics and Recreation Complex in Brandywine, MD, are fantastic places to cool off and have fun.

17. Sky Zone Trampoline Park

Sky Zone offers wall-to-wall trampolines, dodgeball, and foam pits. It’s an energetic and fun way for your tweens to spend the day. Book a summer pass to save.

18. Beach Trip

Plan a day or overnight trip to the beach. Ocean City, MD, Rehoboth Beach and Virginia Beach are great options for a day of sun, sand, and surf.

19. Water Park

Spend a day at one of the many water parks in and around the area. Great Wolf Lodge in Perryville, MD and Water Country USA in Williamsburg, VA offer exciting water slides, lazy rivers, and splash zones that are perfect for cooling off and having a blast.

20. Outdoor Movies

Enjoy a movie under the stars at an outdoor movie night. Check out events at places like the National Harbor or the various parks in the area that host movie nights throughout the summer.

Making the Most of Your Summer

With so many amazing activities to choose from, it's easy to create a summer filled with fun for your tweens. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of these experiences:

1. Plan Ahead: While spontaneity can be exciting, having a plan ensures that you can fit in all the activities your tweens want to do. Create a summer calendar and map out which days you’ll visit specific places. This is also helpful for all the working parents doing double duty.

2. Get Involved: Join in on the fun! Participating in these activities with your kids not only makes great memories but also strengthens your bond. For example, the kids loved having me ride roller coasters with them at Hershey Park, instead of me just sitting on the sidelines.

3. Stay Flexible: Sometimes, plans change. Be flexible and open to switching up activities if something else catches your tweens' interest. The goal is to have fun and enjoy the time together.

4. Mix It Up: Balance out high-energy activities like amusement parks and Urban Air with more relaxed outings like spa days and fishing trips. This way, your tweens can enjoy a variety of experiences without getting overwhelmed (and this makes sure you don’t get overwhelmed, too).

5. Safety First: Always prioritize safety. Whether it's wearing helmets during horseback riding, applying sunscreen before hitting the pool, or ensuring life jackets are worn while fishing, keeping your tweens safe should always come first.

6. Capture the Moments: Don't forget to take photos and videos. These memories will be cherished for years to come.

7. Encourage Exploration: Let your tweens take the lead sometimes. Encourage them to explore new interests and try activities they've never done before. This can help them discover new passions and build confidence.

Summer is a special time for creating lasting memories with your kids. The DMV area offers an incredible array of activities that cater to all interests, ensuring that this Summer can be a fun one. I'll be sharing our summer adventures here on the blog and Instagram, so be sure to follow along for more inspiration and tips. Here’s to a fantastic summer filled with laughter, learning, and lots of fun!

If you have any other favorite summer activities in the DMV that you’d like to share, drop them in the comments below. Happy summer!

Keep glowing,

Shalyce