Summer is still a few months away, but it’s never too early to start making plans for when your kids get out of school—or even just for a weekend.
Amusement parks are fun for all ages and are a perfect reward for good grades, winning at sports or even as a “just because” activity as a family treat. Their regular season usually runs from spring to fall, but there are also annual carnivals and fairs to consider. These often have a more singular focus than amusement parks and are smaller, but still include rides and family fun to look forward to every year.
Here are five of our favorite amusement parks and carnivals that are only a short drive away for DMV families.
Kings Dominion
16000 Theme Park Way, Doswell, VA 23047
Kings Dominion is one of the most beloved spots on the East Coast for roller coaster enthusiasts, with a whopping 13 roller coasters. But if you’re travelling with younger children or aren’t a fan of high-speed rides, there are plenty of other fun attractions, from the kid-oriented Planet Snoopy to rides like the WindSeeker and the Shenandoah Lumber Co. log flume. Kings Dominion is also the only amusement park in Virginia with an on-site water park, Soak City, so park guests can cool off on waterslides and in wave pools after a long day of sweating it out in the summer sun.
kingsdominion.com
Busch Gardens Williamsburg
1 Busch Gardens Blvd., Williamsburg, VA 23185
Busch Gardens Williamsburg is one of the most popular theme parks in North America and is now open for seasonal winter events in addition to its regular summer season. The park is separated into 10 different areas, each themed after a different country in Europe, along with themed attractions. For animal lovers, the park is also notable for the animals that live on site at Jack Hanna’s Wild Reserve and other parts of the campus, including wolves, bald eagles, highland cattle and sheep.
buschgardens.com/williamsburg
Montgomery County Agricultural Fair
501 Perry Parkway, Gaithersburg, MD 20877
The Montgomery County Agricultural Fair started out as a way for farmers and 4-H members to show off their livestock and crops. While agriculture and agricultural education are still a major focus for the fair, it’s grown far beyond its original purpose over the years and is now a great opportunity for Montgomery County residents and visitors from surrounding areas to enjoy fun rides, live entertainment and unique fair food. Visit the fair from Aug. 8 to Aug. 16 in 2025.
mcagfair.com
Northern Virginia Fairs
There are many different state and county fairs to choose from in Northern Virginia, from summer to fall. The August Prince William County Fair is the largest in the state, while the State Fair of Virginia in September brings together entertainers and vendors from all over Virginia for one last hurrah before the winter. A bit further out from the DMV is the Fredericksburg Agricultural Fair in October, which has been a local tradition since 1738!
Others include the Fauquier County Fair, Loudoun County Fair, Fairfax County 4-H Fair and Carnival and Arlington County Fair. Many of these July and August events do not have concrete dates set for 2025 yet, so look out for updates on social media and organization websites.
DC State Fair
2025 date and location TBA
Compared to many other county and state fairs, the DC State Fair has not been around that long—it was first held in 2010, organized by three lifestyle bloggers. Over the past 15 years, though, it’s grown into a beloved event that shows off the best that Washington, D.C. has to offer—and it’s completely free to everyone. The day-long event includes live performances from local musicians, contests for D.C. artists and home cooks, educational programs and even a pie-eating contest. Kids can hang out at the Kids Zone, with child-friendly entertainment and attractions, while parents can check out the many craft and food vendors from around the area.
dcstatefair.org
