Kid’s Attractions in Your Backyard – MD, DC, and NoVA

Looking for kid’s attractions that are easily within in reach?  If you live in the Baltimore/Washington Metro area there is plenty of family fun right outside your doorstep. Take advantage of all that lies within 30-60 miles of your doorstep and find out what makes this area so unique.   Come see us at our kid’s attraction, Pirate Adventures and use our list to find family fun close to home.

Kid’s Attractions in Maryland

Sail away in search of sunken treasure at Pirate Adventures on the Chesapeake

• Pirate Adventures on the Chesapeake – Annapolis, MD

Tell your kids you’ll be going on a Pirate ship in search of sunken treasure complete with water cannons and the short car ride to Annapolis will be filled with excitement.  The Pirate Adventure takes place six times daily and we recommend you arrive 30 minutes prior to get into character with facepainting and dress-up.  View our Sailing Times and Ticket Prices and call us to make your reservation.  Check out our post What to Do with Kids in Annapolis to plan your day.

• Terrapin Adventures – Savage, MD

Continuing the adventure theme, take your kids on a treetop exploration at Terrapin Adventures.  Discover family fun among the trees in close by Savage, Maryland.  Soar across zip lines and giant swings.  Reservations are always a good idea and they do have a ropes course for smaller children, the Terrapin Explorer Ropes Course.

• Port Discovery – Baltimore, MD

Head to Baltimore and visit Port Discovery with permanent exhibits designed by Walt Disney Imagineering.  Your family will find a giant jungle gym, special events and hands on activities that run throughout the day.  Plan your visit to Baltimore with this post by Mommy Poppins: Where to Eat, Play and Stay in Charm City.

• National Harbor – Fort Washington, MD

Visit National Harbor to hit the National Children’s Museum and the Capital Wheel.  At National Harbor you’ll find places to eat and shop for Mom and Dad and a great place to spend the day by the Potomac River.

Kid’s Attractions in Washington DC

Return to an old favorite and see something new every time at the National Zoo

• National Zoo

The National Zoo is favorite kids attraction for people from all over the country and if you live in the Maryland, DC, or Northern Virginia area your family has most likely visited before.  It really is worth the return trip for so many reasons.  orangutans walking above you, the petting farm, the snake house, the carousel and it’s free!  Want an insider tip?  Get the National Zoo Mobile App.  The mobile app brings the Panda Cam right to your phone, has interactive games, and keeps you updated on special events at the National Zoo.

• Discovery Theater

Take in a live performance at Discovery Theater. Part of the Smithsonian, the Discovery Theater puts on children’s performance of classic story books, musical acts and puppet shows.  Located on the Mall, the Discovery Theater is easily reached by the Smithsonian and L’Enfant Plaza Metro stops.  Find out what’s on stage.

• Rent a Bike

See all the Washington DC sites by bike.  If you’ve ever tried to see too much in DC and carried kids back to the car you know the idea of seeing it all on bikes is perfect for families.  There are multiple companies that rent bikes in Washington DC:  Capital City Bike Tours or Bike and Roll are great places to start.

Kid’s Attractions in Northern VA

Don’t miss the hill slides at Ticonderoga Farms.

• Ticonderoga Farms – Chantilly, VA

This farm experience includes seasonal special events, a petting zoo, jumping pillows, a bamboo maze, slides from the top of hill – everything your family is looking for in a kid’s attraction.  Your kids will go home tired and the grown ups will get a day of fresh air on the farm.  Information on admission prices and special events can be found on the Ticonderoga Farms website.

• Splash Down Water Park – Manassas, VA

Soak in the sun and cool down with water slides and lazy rivers at Splash Down Water Park operated by Prince William County.  Check out the sandy beach and the fountains if you have little ones.  There are also many other water parks options in Northern Virginia.  Find them all with this post by about.com: Water Parks in Northern Virginia.

• Mount Vernon – Mount Vernon, VA

Introduce history at George Washington’s home in Mount Vernon.  With actors in period costumes and a working farm kids will find plenty here to spark interest in the history of our nation.  Check out the Hands On History Exhibit and the kids will find dress-up, puzzles, and daily crafts.  Enjoy views of the Potomac and check for special events before you go.

We hope you’ve gotten some ideas for kid’s attractions within easy reach of your family.  Check them all out and tell us what you think.  Tell us what we left out by leaving a comment below and don’t forget to come see us at Pirate Adventures!

Photo Credits - Smithsonian.org and tripadvisor.com