Free and Cheap things to do in the Maryland/DC area

For a recent church activity I was asked to put together a list of free/cheap things to do with kids in our area.  Since I love cheap and exploring with my kids, this was a fun assignment!  If you live in the area, or come visit I recommend these kid friendly places!

Things to do with kids in the Maryland/DC Metro Area

For Free or Cheap!

 

Free Programs for little kids (0-5)

Rio/Washingtonian Center- Little Tots programs twice monthly, park and waterfront path

Westfield Democracy Mall- programs for little kids

 

Rockville Town Square- Mommy and Me! monthly kids programs, Rockville library

 

Favorite Big Parks

Clemyjontri Park

HUGE play structure built to be wheelchair accessible, so it’s great for ages 0-8 or so.  Has a merry-go-round for a small fee.  Totally worth the drive!  Located in McLean, VA.

Wheaton Regional

An adventure playground, also miniature train and carousel rides for a fee.  Located in Wheaton, MD.

South Germantown Recreational Park adventure playground

Very Large Castle themed play structure.  There are also facilities for mini golf, a splash pad, etc. but they aren’t cheap.  Check website for pricing. Located in Germantown, MD.

Cabin John Park

Playground, miniature train to ride for a fee, ice skating rink ($), and lots of trails.  Also Locust Grove Nature Center is located in the park.  Our favorite part is the mechanical trash-eating pig. Located in Bethesda, MD.

 

Nature Centers

Brookside Gardens/ Brookside Nature Center

Meadowside Nature Center- I’m not sure how many times we’ve been here but it never gets old.  Exhibits include: pioneer life area, woodland and cave area, Curiosity Corner where you can see live snakes, frogs, turtles, etc., and live raptors in cages outdoors.  Lots or trails for hike.

Locust Grove Nature Center

 

Water Parks

Our Special Harbor Sprayground

            Free splash pad, zero entry.  Great for ages 0-10.  Located in Franconia, VA

 

Farms

The Mooseum

Free Saturdays during the summer.  Learn about the agricultural history of Montgomery County.  Located in South Germantown Recreational Park, Germantown, MD.

Frying Pan Farm

Free farm with lots of animals, horse arena, large playground, carousel ($), visitor center.  Herndon, VA

 

Summer Fun:

-$1 daytime movies at Regal Cinemas

-free bowling at AMF lanes

-Barnes and Nobles free summer reading program, earn a free book by reading 8

Hope you have a great summer!