The zoo and many museums can be as family-friendly as summer camp.

Get the kids off the couch this summer with baseball games, outdoor hikes, and museum visits.

Sail on the Chesapeake, float down the river, or cool off in a secret swimming hole.

Avoid the heat on a quiet sunset or moonlit tour of the Potomac or Piscataway Creek—one of the river’s tributaries.

Rent a bike and ride to Mount Vernon, take a walk along the Potamac, ride a horse in Rock Creek Park, or rent a kayak and paddle the river.

Just because the temperature’s dropping doesn’t mean your spirits have to as well.

At Clemyjontri Park, your children can scramble up a rock wall, pretend to drive a school bus, climb a a rainbow arch, or make their way through a maze.

Riding a carousel, taking an acting class, and other enjoyable activities for children.

Cool off at one of these six freshwater lakes—all within 100 miles of the city.

A walk to a pretty waterfall, a stroll along the surf, and other great paths to lose yourself on happily.

Head to one of these parks for fresh air and maybe a spring picnic.

Nothing brings back summer childhood memories of melted ice-cream cones and belly flops quite like the smell of chlorine.

Here are Todd Kliman’s favorite restaurants for dining out with a child—some of which may surprise you.