Washington DC Summer Guide (Bookmark Me)

Kiddos swimming in Rock Creek Park. 

Summer is not my favorite season here in Washington. 

I grew up in Miami where getting to the beach was easy, and the public pool looks like THIS.  Then I spent several years in Chicago where the lake and a bevy of summer festivals make summer one of the city's best assets. 

But I call Washington home, so I need to make the best of my summers as long as I'm here.  What I have discovered is that enjoying a DC summer requires planning.  And planning can be hard especially because May, June, and July are typically our city's busiest months. 

Behold, Handle with Karo's Reference Guide to a Washington summer. 

 

For those who are too overwhelmed with life to plan:

If you don't feel like you have time to plan, the Washington Post planned out every weekend for you between memorial day and labor day. We are about five weeks into this master plan so get moving people! LINK 

For Movie Goers:

Screen on the Green Photo via NBC Washington.

Every summer, movies are hosted in neighborhoods throughout the Washington metro area.  And what could be cooler than watching a movie on the National Mall?   

• DC Outdoor Films is a website devoted to DC's outdoor movie scene. 
• There is also the Washingtonian's Guide to Outdoor Movies.

For the Aquatically Inclined:

The Miami girl in me is still coming to terms with DC's pool situation.  You probably wouldn't understand if you did not grow up with a pool in your back yard or with friends with even cooler pools in their back yards.  But I digress.

• DC Parks and Recreation's Aquatic Facilities Page.
• DC Tot's list with a handy map of Pools and Spray Parks
• The Washingtonian's 2013 Outdoor Pool Guide
• The Washington Post's Best Pools Guide
• Bright Young Things' Outdoor Pool Guide

For the Farm to Table Crowd

You never know who you will run into around here. 
The First Lady at the farmer's market.

Believe it or not we live close to lots of fertile grounds. Get thee to a farmers market one weekend morning or go visit a farm.  

• Fresh Farm Markets is the Washington area's farmers market association.
• The Washington Post's List of Farmers Markets
• Bright Young Things Farmers Market Guide
• Kid Friendly DC's List of Areas Farmers Markets
• The Washingtonian's List of Area Farms

For the Outdoorsy  

Great Falls is about 30 minutes outside of Washington.  Get up and Go!

• The Washingtonian's 45 Hikes and Bikes
• Kid Friendly DC's list of the best places to enjoy the outdoors
• The Appalachian Mountain Club and Capital Hiking Club plan great hikes and activities.

For the Sports Goers

What is a summer without going to a baseball game?   If you can't get tickets to see the Nationals try one of the Minor League teams in the area.   I also linked you to the DC United's schedule in case you aren't into baseball.

• The Washington Nationals' Schedule
• The Aberdeen Ironbirds' Schedule (Did you know that Cal Ripkin owns the Ironbirds? )
• DC United's Schedule

For those who like Music and Festivals

Chardonay please? Summer concert at the Strathmore. 
Photo via Washington Post by Margot Schulman.

• The Washington City Paper's Summer Entertainment Guide has everything from music shows to exhibitions.
• The Thrillist's 14 Things to do this Summer has a chronological list of festivals and other events.
• The Smithsonian Folk Life Festival deserves its very own mention. This year's festival will be all about Kenya and China.
•  The Strathmore has free music on Wednesday Evenings in June, July and August.

 

For those who want to take a quick Road Trip

• Travel and Leisure's Washington Weekend Getaways.
• 36 hours in Baltimore, Gettysburg, Richmond, Williamsburg, Charlottesville, Irvington,
• The Washington Post's Midatlantic Travel Section and best escape routes so you can get out of town in a jiffy.
• Would you prefer a staycation?  Download the HotelTonight App and be spend 36 hours as a tourist in Washington.

Final Thoughts

• Museums are airconditioned and the Smithsonian museums are free.  Perfect for a brutally hot day. 
• Avoid the crowds, get your coffee and hit your destination early. 
• Everything doesn't have to be planned and perfect.  Chances are you will have much for fun doing something new without reservations than you would at home on your couch. 
• If all else fails, go out and buy a watermelon.  Trust me on this one.