National Harbor, Maryland, is an easy summer road trip from New Jersey, with plenty to do within walking distance along the waterfront. Kids can ride the Capital Wheel, spot public art around town, hit the playground after a spin on the carousel, and climb on the giant Neptune statue in the sand.
There’s even more happening this summer as the area celebrates America’s 250th birthday. You can also check out activities inside the massive atrium and lobby at Gaylord National Resort, even without booking a room. The resort has also added DC-themed Super Hero Summer weekends, making it an ideal spot to stay for a quick weekend getaway with the kids.
Here’s how to spend a few days in National Harbor with the kids, from resort activities and waterfront fun to where to eat, what to book ahead and which stops are worth adding to your itinerary.
What to Do in National Harbor
National Harbor is an expansive downtown district stretching along Waterfront Street, National Plaza, American Way and National Harbor Boulevard.
Make a ride on the Capital Wheel your first stop. You’ll reach 180 feet above the Potomac River in an air-conditioned gondola. The Ferris Wheel-like ride gives you about 10 minutes of views of the harbor and Washington, D.C.
Pro Tip: Book a VIP gondola and you’ll sit in comfy leather seats, and look down through a glass bottom. Sit facing the harbor for the best view, and see if you can spot the Washington Monument.
After the ride, walk along the waterfront and you’ll see a gigantic sculpture of Neptune buried in the sand that kids can climb on.
You’ll spot the Spirit Park Carousel in the distance, along with a playground at the end of the carousel ride.
The Harbor Walk is an ideal spot to walk or bike with your crew.
You’ll also see a sculpture that resembles Noah’s Ark, but it’s actually The Wildlife Wonder Boat created in partnership with The Last Wildlife Fund to bring attention to 21 endangered species.
There are sculptures of historical figures in the plaza area (made by Seward Johnson of Grounds for Sculpture fame!) including George Washington, Frederick Douglass, Louis Armstrong, Marilyn Monroe and Rosie the Riveter. Fun Fact: If you text ACNH to 301-747-0466 you’ll get a virtual art guide to find all of the collections.
Pro Tip: Potomac Play Place is right in the heart of the area, making it an easy stop when kids need a break from the art scavenger hunt.
There are lots of restaurants and shops in the area. Among the most kid-friendly are Build-a-Bear Workshop, It’Sugar, ZAAF (specializing in African items) and Escapology.
You can rent a kayak or paddle boat, climb into a donut boat (which looks like an inflatable floating lifesaver) or take the Potomac water taxi across the river.
All summer, free events include Kids’ Day on Tuesdays at 10:30 am, Just Dance classes on Tuesdays at 7 pm, movies on Thursdays at 7 pm and Sundays at 6 pm, and summer concerts on Fridays at 6 pm and Saturdays at 7 pm.
Where to Eat in National Harbor
For breakfast, pop into Illy Caffe downtown, known for their espresso drinks and cookies. Sunday brunch at The Walrus Oyster + Ale House is popular for their breakfast tacos, blueberry pancakes, cinnamon rolls and lobster benedict.
Lunch at Fiorella Italian Kitchen & Pizzeria is our top choice. The wood stone brick oven pizza is made with house-made dough, fresh mozzarella and Italian tomatoes. Kids can make their own personal creations, choosing from marinara, alfredo, buffalo or BBQ sauce; adding toppings like ranch drizzle, pepperoni and fried chicken. We also love the spinach-artichoke dip and fried mozzarella balls.
Pro Tip: You can make a reservation during the week, but Fiorella’s is walk-in only on the weekends – and it gets packed, quickly.
Other restaurants on the way to the harbor include Cadillac Ranch (which has bull riding), Rosa Mexicano, Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls, Mezeh Mediterranean Grill, Potbelly Sandwich Shop; and chains like BurgerFi, Primo Hoagies or Chipotle.
Pro Tip: Silver Diner has a separate parking lot for 10-minute to-go orders.
On your way back to the hotel, pick up an over-the-top milkshake or ice cream-stuffed donut from The Yard Milkshake Bar; or get some old-fashioned candy from Savannah’s Candy Kitchen.
Another Pro Tip: There is a juvenile curfew in effect on Friday and Saturday nights from 5 pm to 5 am, so if you’re visiting with teens, you’ll have to accompany them downtown.
America 250 Attractions
There are a variety of America 250 celebrations at Gaylord National Resort and down by National Harbor to mark our country’s upcoming birthday.
At Gaylord National Resort there is an exclusive dinner at Old Hickory Steakhouse that is a tribute to all foods Americana. The 250 Feast is a $250 prix-fixe dinner for two: warm skillet cornbread with honey butter; fresh Maryland jumbo lump crab cocktail; a 32-ounce tomahawk steak served with a loaded baked potato or mashed potatoes, creamed spinach, mac and cheese and a cabernet demi-glaze; finished off with a sweet, deconstructed American apple pie with a crunchy lattice cookie on top. This is for the adults obvi, but kids can order mac & cheese, pasta, cheeseburger sliders or chicken tenders off the menu.
Also inside Gaylord National are patriotic creations at Capital Confectionery, Potomac District Cafe & Market and Broad Creek Boutique – sweets like chocolate-covered pretzels and Oreos, colorful gelato, and cupcakes and macarons in red, white and blue.
The confectionery will add America-themed treats this summer.
Whiskey Revolution Tasting Room is offering America’s Story in the Barrel, where you can try USA-made whiskeys during exclusive tasting nights.
One of our favorite activities was a waterfront performance by the United States Air Force Concert Band, who performed selections like “The Stars and Stripes Forever” march and the “Battle Hymn of the Republic” along with Broadway and even Star Wars melodies. Part of National Harbor’s America 250 celebration, they’ll be back with their instruments and solo vocalists on select nights during the summer. Pro tip: bring a chair or blanket and snacks for the hour-long concert.
At the far end of the waterfront, Spirit Park features a small amphitheater, historic sculptures and a towering American flag.
Fun fact: It is exactly 177 feet 7 inches tall to mark the first Flag Day in 1777). On select days there is yoga, a DJ and other activities held at the park.
Look for the three metallic bison sculptures that are hidden in authentic American prairie grass around the park.
Where to Stay: Gaylord National Resort
We recently spent a weekend at Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, a 2,000-room, 600,000-square-foot property that has a spacious 19-foot atrium, rooms and suites with interior balconies, plenty of comfy seating both indoors and out, pretty views of the harbor, and access to water sports from the pier.
Start your vacay with a quick breakfast from the Potomac District Cafe & Market, which is stocked with grab-and-go breakfast sandwiches and platters. The cafe also serves sushi and poke bowls.
Then head to the pool area for an early-morning yoga session.
Next, follow the Wildlife Rescue augmented reality scavenger hunt. After downloading a free app, you’ll walk around the lobby looking for markers that ID any of 12 animals. You’ll get to position the kids next AI animals to snap fun pics. This is open to anyone visiting the hotel.
After that, spend a few hours at the indoor pool and the Potomac Playzone arcade; or head outside toward the pier where Eastern Sports has boat rentals.There are several Mini Melts ice cream machines located throughout the property for when your kids want some Dippin’ Dots.
Harbor Social is an attraction onto itself. You can bring the kids to the sports bar, where you’ll challenge each other to duckpin bowling, checkers, shuffleboard, pool, darts, bocce ball, Foos ball, Connect 4 on the wall, and air hockey. There are plenty of seating areas in front of massive screens to catch games.
Harbor Social is known for its beef, lobster and vegetarian sliders; honey BBQ pulled pork; and brownie bites and cheesecake.
At the end of the day, head to the fountain area where Adirondack chairs are set up overlooking the water so you can watch the sun set. There’s also a fitness center and spa for the adults on property, and you can book an appointment via a day pass if you’re not a hotel guest.
The newest addition to the Gaylord National Resort lineup is Super Hero Summer weekends. The resort, often known for conventions, is adding more kid-friendly things to do this summer, starting with a DC Comics-themed summer experience that we got to experience shortly after its debut.
Now through Labor Day weekend, the itineraries on Fridays and Saturdays are packed with DC Comics-themed activities, starting with the DC Super Hero’s Mission Checklist: kids get a badge, a cape, and a list of challenges to complete across the resort.
Your superhero fans will see their favorite heroes walking around the 1.65-acre property, waiting for a high-five or a photo.
On Saturday afternoons, the DC Super Hero Splash party includes pool time, DJ’d music and DC trivia. The pool turns into a movie theater on select nights, when a DC movie is shown on a big screen as kids float in the pool. This is open to hotel guests.
The DC Super Hero Academy Live Show has a live actress named Finley teaching kids about justice, courage and teamwork through a half-hour of interactive storytelling. She’ll read a Justice League story in a Mad Libs-style format, and have kids pick items from her backpack and talk about what villain they belong to. At the end, a special guest appears once you dispose of the Kryptonite (aka a green beach ball that gets tossed around the crowd). This is a ticketed event, but both visitors and hotel guests can watch.
The Revenge of the Riddler Scavenger Hunt is open to families staying over, and starts with a series of riddles in your guide book. Look for four spots marked with a question mark throughout the atrium to solve The Riddler’s riddles in order to save the Justice League. It’s challenging, and may take a couple hours to complete depending on your comic book knowledge.
The DC Super Hero Craft Zone is an arts & crafts station where you create your own hero-inspired memorabilia. Our project was an emblem-shaped keychain made using the diamond dot technique. It took us about a half-hour to assemble, so plan for more time if you have younger kids. The kids in our group loved having something to take home. This is also open to people stopping by for the day or staying over.
The Battle for Justice Light Show uses lighting, graphics and music inspired by DC heroes and villains throughout the resort’s 19-story atrium.. The show plays 3 or 4 times a night on Friday and Saturday, is under 10 minutes, and is viewable from any of the seating areas in the atrium or from your room’s balcony (if you’re staying in the rooms that face the atrium).
If you’re not staying overnight at the resort, you can pay by activity for the arts & crafts, superhero live show and pool time. The light show is free.
You’ll find DC-inspired bites at Harbor Social, including Fortress of Fries, the Gotham City Stack double beef patty, the Amazonian Warrior Quesadilla and the Trinity Treats stack of sugar cookies. Our favorite was the Up, Up and Away Ice Cream: a mini mason jar packed with lemon cake, blueberry compote, lemon and strawberry cream, cream cheese frosting, cookie crumbles and a scoop of ice cream.
Exploring Offsite
Gaylord offers a loop shuttle to the harbor, the Tanger shopping outlets and MGM Resorts casino. It loops every half-hour from the hotel, and is free for resort guests or $10 for a day pass for anyone staying in the area.
Practice your swing at Topgolf or visit Oxon Cove Park & Oxon Hill Farm, which dates back to the 19th century.
Book a car to Washington, D.C., about 15 minutes away, with the Alexandria, Virginia, waterfront on the other side of the river, and the Pentagon an 8-mile drive. Book an Old Town Trolley sightseeing bus tour of D.C., leaving from the Gaylord in the morning; or get on board the Potomac Water Taxi for a narrated boat ride over to D.C. or Alexandria.
Seasonal Attractions at Gaylord National Resort
Gaylord National is also known for its massive ICE! Christmas celebration, which starts relatively soon. The theme will be announced this summer with setup beginning in September. Last year’s activations included a gigantic Christmas tree, visits with Santa, an outdoor ice sculpture village, a Polar Express activity, indoor snow tubing, a light show, and a cirque-type holiday show in the atrium.
There are also seasonal decorations for the fall, and Valentine’s specials at the spa come February.
Cherry blossom season is huge in the D.C. area in the spring, and for months before and after the April blooms, you’ll find flower-themed merch, ice cream, candy flavors, lattes and menu items throughout the property.
Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center is located at 201 Waterfront St., National Harbor (Oxon Hill), Maryland. For the Super Hero Summer weekends, the Sidekick Stays and the Legends in the Making packages are for Friday and Saturday nights now through Labor Day, and start at $265 per night – including the activities and a dining credit. Some extended stay packages include parking fees, but if you’re an overnight guest, parking is $50 per night for self parking (in a garage or the open lot) or $75 per night for valet. If you book a regular room rate, you can also pay for some of the individual Super Hero activities, like arts & crafts and the live show, which cost around $12 each per person.
Pro Tip: Gaylord National is a cashless resort, but you should bring money for tips.
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