For the Love of Fun: Ballin on A Budget
Outside is expensive, but having a good time doesn't have to be.
Check out these options that are inexpensive ($35 or less per person).
🕹️ Fun & Playful Activities
Boardroom- Dupont Circle/Arlington bar with board games and a casual vibe.
Boardwalk Bar and Arcade- spot with vintage arcade games and carnival-style cocktails at the Wharf.
Bowling Alleys - Pinstripes (Bethesda and Georgetown), Bowlero (Multiple Locations), Round 1, Main Event
Dopamine Land - An immersive, interactive experience designed to stimulate your senses with vibrant, creative installations and playful activities.
Echo Box Karaoke - A lively karaoke venue offering private rooms and a vast song selection to belt out your favorites with friends.
Fourth Dimension - Recreation center featuring bowling, laser tag, an arcade, and an escape room.
Kraken Axes & Rage- Axe throwing and rage room combo for letting off steam.
Live K- Lively DC karaoke bar with private rooms and drinks at the Wharf.
Perch Putt - Rooftop mini-golf with scenic views, perfect for a fun and competitive outing in Tysons Corner.
Player’s Club- Retro bar near Logan Circle with arcade games and rooftop space.
Punch Bowl Social- Ballston venue with bowling, karaoke, and arcade games.
Rudy’s Golf - Driving range and mini-golf spot in Alexandria.
Sid’s Gold Request Room- Piano karaoke bar in Union Market with live accompaniment.
Swingers – Crazy golf with cocktails and good vibes.
Throw Social- Fun spot for games like axe throwing, shuffleboard, and cocktails.
🕺🏽 Active and Adventure
Bike Ride Around the City – Explore D.C. on wheels with Capital Bikeshare or your own bike!
Dance Class (Line, jazz, etc.)- (Forever Dancing Ballroom, Bachata/Salsa, Dance Sport Dupont)
Glen Echo Park Dance Class- Historic venue offering a variety of fun dance classes.
Kayaking at Key Bridge – Paddle along the Potomac for a scenic water adventure.
Kraken Pickleball - Indoor pickleball courts with food, drinks, and a vibrant atmosphere.
MedStar Capitols Iceplex- Ice skating rink and training facility for skating and hockey fans.
Movement Crystal City- Modern climbing gym with bouldering, yoga, and fitness options.
Salsa Dancing Class- Fun, lively classes to learn salsa moves with a partner or solo.
Sportrock Climbing Centers- Top-notch climbing facilities for all skill levels in Northern VA.
The Capital Wheel- A scenic Ferris wheel with panoramic waterfront views in National Harbor.
🎨 Creative and Unique Experiences
Artechouse- A cutting-edge digital art space in DC blending technology and creativity with interactive, immersive exhibits that engage all your senses.
McFadden Glass Art – Try glassblowing for an unforgettable experience.
Muse Sip and Paint - Relax and paint while enjoying wine and a fun atmosphere.
Plant House - A creative workshop and retail space offering DIY terrarium building, unique plants, and stylish home decor, located in Alexandria.
Relume Co. - Charm jewelry making workshops.
Shop Made in DC- offer a variety of workshops from embroidery, screen printing, to candle making and painting. Price varies from class type.
Tuft Tuft - A DIY tufting studio where you can design and craft your custom rugs or wall art.
🌿 Outdoorsy
Burnside Farms Spring Festival- Celebrate spring with trails lined by blooming Virginia bluebells and nature activities.
NOVA Wild- A safari park with drive-through and walk-through exhibits featuring exotic animals.
Potomac Boat Rentals- Rent kayaks or paddleboards to explore the Potomac River from National Harbor or Key Bridge.
Turner Farm Observatory- An astronomy park offering stargazing, public programs, and telescope views of the night sky.
Virginia Outdoor Center- A Fredericksburg-based outfitter for paddling, tubing, and outdoor exploration.
🎭 Arts Entertainment and Live Events
Blues Alley – Iconic jazz performances in Georgetown.
Comedy Shows - (DC Improv, DC Comedy Loft, Underground Comedy, Capital Laughs, Room 808)
Hotbed Comedy - An underground comedy club in Adams Morgan, DC, showcasing stand-up performances from local and national comedians in an intimate, laid-back setting.
Songbyrd DC - Trendy Adams Morgan music venue with intimate performances and a café.
Wholly Mammoth - An innovative DC theater known for bold, cutting-edge performances and a "pay-what-you-can" ticket option for accessible theater experiences.
🖼️ Museums
Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens - Lavish mansion with Russian imperial art and enchanting gardens in DC.
Dumbarton Oaks Gardens - Peaceful Georgetown oasis with stunning formal gardens and Byzantine art.
Museum of Illusions - Interactive illusions and brain-teasing exhibits in downtown DC.
Museum of the Bible - Immersive exhibits exploring the history and influence of the Bible.
Mansion on O Street - Explore a quirky mansion filled with themed rooms, hidden doors, and eclectic treasures.
Tudor Place - Historic Georgetown home with Federal-period artifacts and lush gardens.
Lincoln Cottage - President Lincoln's retreat and site of important Civil War decisions.
Rubell Museum - New DC museum showcasing cutting-edge contemporary art.
🏑 Go Sports
Baltimore Orioles (MLB) – Catch a game at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
Bowie Baysox (MiLB) – Minor league baseball team based in Bowie, Maryland (Double-A affiliate of the Orioles).
Capital City Go-Go (NBA G League) – Minor league basketball team affiliated with the Washington Wizards, playing in Southeast DC.
DC United Game (MLS) - Watch a soccer match at Audi Field.
Dominion Raceway & Entertainment - A high-energy venue in Thornburg, VA, offering thrilling car races, live music, and a variety of entertainment options for adrenaline and fun seekers.
Fredericksburg Nationals (MiLB) – Minor league baseball team in Fredericksburg, Virginia (Single-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals).
Loudoun United FC (USL Championship Soccer) – Based in Leesburg, Virginia, the second team for DC United.
Nationals Game - (MLB) baseball at Nationals Park in Navy Yard.
Rosecroft Raceway - A historic harness racing track in Fort Washington, MD, offering exciting live horse races and a casual entertainment experience.
Sunset Polo at Great Meadow - A picturesque polo event in The Plains, VA, combining thrilling matches with stunning sunset views and social gatherings.
Washington Spirit Game (NWSL) - support women’s soccer team at Audi Field.
Washington Mystics Game (WNBA) - Catch DC’s WNBA team in action at Entertainment & Sports Arena (Southeast).
🥾 Hikes and Trails
Great Falls Park - VA/MD sides; breathtaking waterfalls and Billy Goat Trail.
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens Trails - walk among flowers and landscaped paths.
Leesylvania State Park- Riverside trails with scenic views, historical markers, and picnic spots.
Shenandoah National Park- Features Skyline Drive, Old Rag Mountain, and Dark Hollow Falls with stunning views and hikes.
Seneca Creek State Park- famous for its spring bluebells.
Patapsco Valley State Park- trails through forests and swinging bridges.
🛳️ Unique Experiences
Water Taxi Rides - Convenient and scenic rides along the Potomac River, connecting destinations like National Harbor, Old Town Alexandria, and the Wharf in DC. Great for both sightseeing and transportation.
🎥 Cinematic Escapes
Bengie’s Big Screen (Middle River, MD)- Iconic Maryland drive-in with the largest screen in the U.S., showing double and triple features
Cinematery (Southeast, DC)- Outdoor summer series featuring classic monster related films to the Congressional Cemetery, where guests can picnic and enjoy classic films under the stars.
The Family Drive-In Theatre (Stephen’s City)- Classic drive-in theater with a nostalgic vibe and double features.
🎊 Festivals
BBQ Battle - A lively summer street festival featuring barbecue competitions, live music, and delicious food from top vendors.
DC Coffee Festival- A caffeinated celebration for coffee lovers featuring tastings, workshops, and specialty roasters.
Water Lantern Festival - A serene evening event where participants design and release lanterns onto the water, creating a stunning display of light.
✨ Seasonal Highlights
Arlington County Fair - Family-friendly fair with rides, exhibits, and local vendors.
Cox Farms – Enjoy a day of apple picking, complete with cider and donuts for a perfect fall outing.
Butler's Orchard- A classic fall activity with pumpkins, hayrides, and seasonal treats.
DC Auto Show - Showcasing the latest cars, concepts, and technologies, this is a must-visit for auto enthusiasts.
DC State Fair - Showcase of local creativity, from food to crafts, in a fun community fair.
Gaver Farm - A family-friendly destination with seasonal activities like corn mazes, hayrides, and fresh produce.
Ice Skating - Pentagon Row, Sculpture Garden, Merriweather District, The Wharf, Washington Harbour, Canal Park
Smores at Camp Wharf- Roast marshmallows and make s'mores by the waterfront for a cozy evening treat.
ZooLights at the National Zoo – A festive display of holiday lights paired with wildlife exhibits.
☕️ Coffee and Cafe’s
Washington, DC
A Baked Joint- A bakery and café with a wide selection of fresh baked goods, sandwiches, and coffee.
Any Day Day Now- A trendy café known for its specialty coffee, pastries, and creative menu items.
Baked & Wired – Famous for its cupcakes and excellent coffee, nestled in Georgetown.
Big Bear Cafe- A popular café offering organic coffee, pastries, and brunch options with a rustic vibe.
Cafe Cino - boutique coffee shop located in PLNTR (DC).
Cameo Coffee & Tea- A charming spot offering high-quality coffee, tea, and light snacks in a relaxed setting.
Call Your Mother - Not technically a cafe but the bagels are bomb!
Compass Coffee – A local favorite with several locations across DC; great for casual coffee dates.
Colada Shop – Cuban-style café offering strong Cuban coffee, pastries, and light meals in 14th Street and The Wharf.
Junction Bakery and Bistro- A neighborhood bakery and bistro offering fresh pastries, breakfast, and brunch options.
La Colombe – A sleek coffee shop serving bold brews and draft lattes, with locations in Shaw and near Union Market.
Llama Bar - A trendy shop in Navy Yard with all day breakfast and cold pressed juices.
Pluma by Bluebird Bakery- A contemporary café serving Bluebird Bakery’s famous pastries alongside exceptional coffee.
Slipstream – A modern café with excellent coffee and small bites, located in Logan Circle and Navy Yard.
The Coffee Bar (TCB) – Small, cozy spot with great espresso drinks in Logan Circle and Dupont Circle.
The Line DC (No Goodbyes) – A creative, modern twist on afternoon tea in Adams Morgan.
The Royal- A neighborhood café serving up craft coffee, brunch bites, and a stylish ambiance.
Tryst – Cozy, laid-back coffeehouse in Adams Morgan with comfy couches and a full menu.
Vigilante Coffee – A roastery and café with a location at the Wharf and a flagship in Hyattsville, MD.
Yellow Cafe- A cozy, laid-back café offering delicious coffee, baked goods, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Maryland
Ceremony Coffee Roasters (Annapolis) – Specialty coffee and minimalist vibes in Maryland’s capital.
Kaldi’s Social House (Silver Spring) – A trendy spot with great coffee and an industrial vibe.
Kefa Café (Silver Spring) – A small, welcoming coffee shop offering strong brews and a community feel.
Vigilante Coffee (Hyattsville) – Known for their expertly brewed coffee and roasting process.
Virginia
Bad Ahh Coffee (Vienna)- Known for its bold Hawaiian coffee blends and laid-back vibe, this café serves up strong brews and tasty pastries.
Bayou Bakery (Arlington)- A New Orleans-inspired café serving comfort food, specialty coffee, and delicious southern-style pastries.
Caféin (Chantilly) – A charming café with excellent coffee and desserts.
Cameron Café (Alexandria)- A cozy neighborhood café with a great selection of coffee, breakfast, and lunch options.
Chateau de Chantilly (Chantilly) - An elegant French-inspired venue featuring grand interiors, lush gardens, and timeless charm.
De Clieu Coffee & Sandwiches (Fairfax) – A quiet coffee shop perfect for relaxing or getting work done.
Detour Coffee Co. (Fairfax) – Great coffee and cozy vibes with plenty of workspace.
Dolcezza Gelato & Coffee (Mosaic District, Fairfax) – Coffee paired with artisan gelato for a unique treat.
East West (Arlington)- A fusion café offering an eclectic mix of global flavors in both food and drink, perfect for adventurous eaters.
Four Five (Rosslyn and Alexandria)- A sleek, modern café offering artisan coffee and fresh pastries in a trendy setting.
Northside Social (Arlington) – Combines a coffeehouse by day and a wine bar by night with excellent pastries.
Magnolia Dessert Bar & Coffee (Alexandria)- A charming café offering gourmet desserts and coffee, with a focus on sweet indulgences like macarons and cakes
🫖 Afternoon Tea
ArTeA (McLean) - A trendy bubble tea café serving a variety of milk teas, fruit teas, and specialty drinks in an inviting, artistic atmosphere.
Kramers (DC)- Bookstore that offers afternoon tea Monday-Friday from 2-5pm.
Lady Camellia (Alexandria)– A charming tea room in Georgetown offering a variety of teas, scones, and finger sandwiches.
Lily’s Chocolate and Coffee (Vienna)- a selection of coffee, tea and pastries. It’s a perfect spot for those craving sweet treats and high-quality coffee.