Your Kid’s Summer To-Do List (Part I)
Summer is almost through! Can you believe it? Here’s Part I of a list of things your kids are certain to go crazy for. Links to their websites are provided for more information.
Enjoy!
(Pictured above is #7 on this list).
1. Great Country Farm 18780 Foggy Bottom Rd. Bluemont, VA 20135
My kids and I had a blast at this place a few years ago. Of all the “U-Pick” locations around Virginia, this is the best. Get lost in their maze, swing on their rope swings, challenge each other to a game of giant chess, enjoy their rides, multiple play areas, rope web, giant slides and especially their ginormous jumping pillow. They also have a petting zoo where you can feed the animals and a wagon ride that takes you out to the acres and acres of fruit waiting and ready to be picked!
2. Water parks and amusement parks are a must do summer activity in my family. Our favorite activity every year is the “Old Time Photo Booth.” We always have such a blast dressing up, it has been a tradition since my youngest was in kindergarten.
Of the Amusement Parks, Kings Dominion has always been our favorite.
Fun Fact: The name given to the park is derived from the name of its sister park, Kings Island, and the nickname for the state of Virginia, “Old Dominion!” With 60 rides and attractions, and 14 roller coasters, it’s nearly impossible not to be entertained. And don’t leave without trying the Anaconda. Talk about a thrill! This year is also King Dominion’s 40th birthday!
16000 Theme Park Way, Doswell, VA 23047
We have some great water parks not too far from Washington DC, also.
Here are our faves:
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor 
(pictured)
Six Flags Blvd
Jackson, NJ 08527
Kings Dominion Water Works
1600 Theme Park Way
Doswell, VA 23047
Splash Down Beach Water Park
16 Old Route 9 W
Fishkill, NY 12524
3. Hiking!!
I’d recommend:
Billy Goat Trail in Great Falls, section A (the Virginia side).
This is not your average trail. You will enjoy varied terrain including beaches, rocks and trees where both climbing and walking will be necessary. You will have plenty of opportunity to dip your feet as well as take a moment to watch the waterfalls. Bring a lunch and plenty of water! This trail will feel like more of a workout than you’d anticipate. It takes about three hours (although the trail breaks a few times so you can easily make your way off it, if necessary) and is a fun and beautiful time with the family!
Mount Vernon Trail in Alexandria
This trail is 18 miles and a huge attraction for DC residents! It links Theodore Roosevelt Island Park with George Washington’s Estate in Mount Vernon. The trail follows the course of the Potomac and passes through parks, yacht clubs, wetlands, neighborhoods, towns and wooded acres. Though a totally different vibe from the Billy Goat Trail, it’s just as beautiful and fun. You can also make sure to spend some time touring the Mount Vernon estate (pictured) to add some historical relevance to the activity!
4. Summer Concerts
Did you know that Washington Harbor has local bands perform for free on Wednesday evenings? The weekly event is called Harbour Nights! Support your local music community while enjoying fab views, burgers for the kids, and cocktails for you. 3050 K Street NW Washington D.C. 20007
Another venue for awesome concerts is Wolf Trap (pictured below)! Everything from theater, local bands to musical legends make their way to this spot. Check out the schedule for this summer HERE. 1551 Trap Road, Vienna, VA 22182 
5. Give Biking a spin!
DC has over 800 miles of biking trails, the most famous in the entire country is located in Washington D.C. and is called the Capital Crescent Trail. It is an off-road trail from Georgetown, D.C. to Silver Spring, MD and is suitable for walkers, joggers, bikers and rollerbladers. The trail was built upon the abandoned rail bed of the 11 mile Georgetown Branch of the B&O Railroad. It is a hard surface trail from Georgetown to Bethesda, and is packed crushed stone from Bethesda to Lyttonsville, in west Silver Spring. The trail consists of four bridges and two tunnels, all of which offer gentle gradients for leisurely but lengthy biking!
Don’t have a bike? Not to worry, Capital Bikeshare makes it easy! Click HERE for more details.
6. Go to a Washington Nationals Game! You can’t go through the entire summer without watching the Nats play!! Make sure to check out their schedule and take your family out to a ball game!
7. Harpers Ferry Zip Line Canopy Tour! Just one hour outside of the DC Metropolitan Area, the ONLY Zip Line Canopy Tour in the region offers a 2-3 hour guided Canopy Tour thrill ride along the Potomac River where Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia come together. You’ll fly high above the river while enjoying stunning views and learning of the history with the help of their provided tour guides. You’ll also experience a few ladder climbs and two suspension bridges as well as a final free fall on the automatic hands-free safety belay — so be prepared for much more than a tour!! It’s a very memorable experience. Check out the link above to learn more.
408 Alstadts Hill Rd, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425
More to come!…stay tuned…
Curbside in DC 