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Building Family Traditions in the DMV

Life in the DMV (that’s DC, Maryland, and Virginia for the uninitiated!) is a beautiful mix of urban energy, rich history, and natural serenity. It’s the perfect backdrop for building family traditions that will be cherished for generations. As a mom of 2 and local family photographer, I’m here to help you capture those moments, big and small, that make your family’s story uniquely yours.

Family traditions are like the secret sauce of life—they bring us together, anchor us in love, and create shared memories that we’ll laugh (or cry) about for years to come. Here in the DMV, opportunities for fun, connection, and adventure are practically endless. Let’s dive into ways you can spend this year building family traditions right here in our dynamic corner of the world!

Discover ideas for building family traditions in the DMV, from cultural gems to outdoor adventures and seasonal celebrations.

Explore the Cultural Gems of DC

Where else can you wander through a Smithsonian museum, wave hello to the pandas at the National Zoo, and catch a breathtaking sunset over the National Mall—all in one day? Washington DC is brimming with iconic landmarks, cultural festivals, and hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. Start a tradition of museum days, visiting one exhibit at a time, or make a yearly pilgrimage to the cherry blossoms. The city’s rich history is practically begging to be part of your family’s story and is perfect for building family traditions in the DMV. Not sure where to start? Click here.

Can’t miss museums in DC

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

  • Highlights: Dinosaur skeletons, the Hope Diamond, and an impressive butterfly pavilion.
  • Why Families Love It: Interactive exhibits and hands-on learning for curious kids.

National Air and Space Museum

  • Highlights: Spaceships, airplanes, and flight simulators.
  • Why Families Love It: It’s a hit for aspiring astronauts and pilots!

Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

  • Highlights: Pandas, big cats, and playful otters.
  • Why Families Love It: It’s free, and kids adore the animals.

National Children’s Museum

  • Highlights: STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) exhibits and interactive play spaces.
  • Why Families Love It: Perfect for hands-on, educational fun for younger kids.

United States Botanic Garden

  • Highlights: The Children’s Garden and seasonal displays.
  • Why Families Love It: A mix of nature and education in the heart of DC.

International Spy Museum (Note: Admission required)

  • Highlights: Spy gadgets, secret missions, and a chance to test your espionage skills.
  • Why Families Love It: It’s a thrilling, immersive experience for school-age kids.

National Museum of American History

  • Highlights: The First Ladies’ gowns, the Star-Spangled Banner, and vintage vehicles.
  • Why Families Love It: History comes to life with interactive exhibits.

Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden

  • Highlights: Contemporary art and the outdoor sculpture garden.
  • Why Families Love It: The large sculptures are fun for kids to explore.

Festivals in DC

March–April

  1. National Cherry Blossom Festival
    • Celebrate the arrival of spring with parades, kite festivals, and stunning cherry blossoms across DC.

May

  1. Passport DC Around the World Embassy Tour
    • Experience global cultures by visiting embassies, sampling international food, and enjoying art and performances.

June

  1. Smithsonian Folklife Festival (Late June–Early July)
    • Explore diverse cultures with live music, traditional crafts, and interactive workshops.
  2. DC Jazz Festival
    • Enjoy world-class jazz performances at family-friendly venues across the city.
  3. Capital Pride Parade and Festival
    • A colorful and inclusive celebration of love, featuring music, performances, and a lively parade.

July

  1. Lotus and Water Lily Festival at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens
    • Celebrate Asian cultures with performances, art, and blooming lotus and water lily flowers.

September

  1. Fiesta DC
    • A vibrant celebration of Latino culture with live music, traditional dancing, and delicious food.
  2. H Street Festival
    • A lively street festival featuring local vendors, music, crafts, and family-friendly fun.

Late Summer (August/September)

  1. National Book Festival
    • Inspire a love of reading with storytelling sessions, author meet-and-greets, and book signings.

December

  1. National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
    • Kick off the holiday season with festive lights, live music, and holiday cheer near the White House.
Discover ideas for building family traditions in the DMV, from cultural gems to outdoor adventures and seasonal celebrations.

Embrace the DMV’s Natural Beauty

While DC has its bustling streets, the surrounding areas in Maryland and Northern Virginia are home to some of the most serene outdoor spaces you’ll find. Imagine annual picnics in Rock Creek Park, family hikes on Virginia’s gorgeous trails, or capturing your kiddos twirling under the cherry trees at the Tidal Basin. Nature has this magical way of bringing families closer together, and the DMV makes it so easy to incorporate the outdoors into your family’s rhythm.

Celebrate the Seasons in Style

Whether it’s the crackle of fireworks on the Fourth of July or the cozy glow of the National Christmas Tree lighting, seasonal events around here are unmatched. These celebrations are the perfect opportunities for building family traditions in the DMV. Maybe you’ll make it a tradition to snag hot cocoa and stroll through holiday markets, or find the best spot on the Mall to watch the fireworks year after year.

Farm Adventures in the DMV

The DMV is home to some incredible farms, and they make for fantastic family traditions. In the fall, take the kids apple-picking or navigate a corn maze at a local farm like Cox Farms in Northern Virginia. Spring brings strawberry-picking season, and it’s always a treat to bake something together afterward! Bonus: these make perfect photo session opportunities with your favorite family photographer (hint, hint 😉).

Discover ideas for building family traditions in the DMV, from cultural gems to outdoor adventures and seasonal celebrations.

Monument Walks at Sunrise or Sunset

DC’s iconic monuments are even more magical during the quieter hours. Make it a tradition to take a family walk at sunrise or sunset—when the crowds are thin, and the lighting is chef’s kiss. Imagine the Lincoln Memorial glowing in the morning light or the Washington Monument silhouetted against a fiery sunset.

Foodie Family Fridays

The DMV is a foodie’s dream! Create a tradition of exploring a new restaurant or cuisine every month. From mom-and-pop Ethiopian spots in DC to food trucks in Arlington, there’s something for everyone. Eat around the world and take a family vote on your favorite dish—bonus points if the kids try something new!

Holiday Light Tours

The holidays are magical in the DMV. Pile into the car (hot cocoa in hand, of course!) and drive through some of the area’s most dazzling light displays. Bull Run Festival of Lights in Virginia or the National Zoo’s ZooLights are annual favorites. Add a stop for holiday cookies at a local bakery, and you’ve got a sweet tradition that the kids will love year after year. What else could be more magical for building family traditions in the DMV?

Annual National Park Passport Stamps

If your family loves to explore, grab a National Parks Passport and start collecting stamps at parks in the DMV and beyond! From Great Falls Park to Shenandoah National Park, you can turn this into an annual tradition that combines adventure and education.

Discover ideas for building family traditions in the DMV, from cultural gems to outdoor adventures and seasonal celebrations.

Family traditions are the heart and soul of what makes your family unique, and the DMV is the perfect place to grow them. From cultural adventures in Washington DC to serene escapes in Northern Virginia, every tradition you build adds to your family’s rich tapestry of memories.

My summer schedule is open, and weekends this fall are filling up quickly. Let’s make your traditions last forever with stunning, natural photos that reflect the love and connection you share. I’d love to hear about your favorite family traditions and help you preserve them! 💛

Blaire Ring from Second Ave Photography is an award-winning photographer in Northern Virginia, specializing in newborn, family, and maternity photography with a fun and laid-back vibe. Her work has been featured in magazines and online blogs around the world. In 2023 Blaire was named one of Loudoun’s 40 Under 40, and she is a dedicated volunteer for Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep.

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Hi! I'm Blaire.

I'm a beach bum from New York, living life with a cup of coffee in one hand and a camera in the other.

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blaire@secondavephotography.com

Clients typically invest $1200 - $3500+ in their Northern Virginia photography experience, available in: Great Falls; Fairfax; McLean; Arlington; Vienna; Clifton; Alexandria; Ashburn; Oakton; Chantilly; Round Hill; Hamilton; Aldie; Herndon; Haymarket; Manassas; Springfield; Bristow; Sterling; Broad Run; Purcellville; Reston; Gainesville; Burke; Leesburg; Falls Church; Warrenton; Lovettsville; Centreville; Dunn Loring; Waterford; Paeonian Springs; and Washington DC. Don't let distance keep us apart!

 

Specializing in lifestyle newborn, family, and maternity photography.