BD's Mongolian Grill - Bethesda

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Kids eat free with the purchase of an adult entree, but in addition to that this is a very kid-friendly place. You don't have to wait long for your food, during that short time it's fun to choose your ingredients at the bowl stations and watch the cooking done on an open grill. The result is a delicious, kid-friendly meal with fun ingredients like lo-mein noodles and shredded beef.

Annapolis - Storm Bros Ice Cream, Pusser's Restaurant, Vivo

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This was our first time in Annapolis and were really glad such a nice place was so close to where we live.  We only went for a half day, but a horse and buggy ride, boat tour, and trolley ride are all on our to-do list for next time.

There were alot of great ice cream spots, but Storm Bros. had factory in the name so we had to go - then some locals confirmed it was the best place in town.

Pusser's was a recommendation from this same local and had a good kids menu.  We both had different kinds of fish and it was all delicious if not slightly expensive.  Try to call ahead so you can reserve a table on the deck and watch the boats float by.   There is no railing so keep hold of your toddler's hand.  (410) 626-0004

Vivo is actually a women's clothes store, but had an off-beat kids toy section and some rarer kid's clothes.  It's tough to give Mom a break and entertain your little one at one store so this place made the cut for this list.

National Air and Space Museum D.C.

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There are some great planeterium shows for kids here, with Sesame Street characters and others. There is plenty to see on any given day including climbing on board planes of different eras. And of course, it's free!
http://www.nasm.si.edu/


Related activities include the National Air and Space Museum Hangar in Dulles (same link) and the Maryland Aviation Museum in College Park http://www.marylandaviationmuseum.org/

Sandy Point Beach

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I've heard conflicting reports regarding the bay water quality, but I think most would agree Sandy Point and other state parks are safe to swim.  They have a decent snack bar with classic old bay fries.  Close enough for a day trip!

http://www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/southern/sandypoint.asp

MLK Pool with Lazy River, Long Branch Pool with Slide, Piney Branch Elementary Pool, and Takoma Community Center Pool

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Long Branch has a kiddie pool with a cool whale sculpture though I have never seen it's fountain turned on.  The medium pool low-end is good for toddlers and there are 2 slides that my 2 year old has braved with and without me going down with her.  If you go down with your kid watch you don't pin back their ankles - our ped says going down slides with their parents is the most common way kids fracture ankles.

PBES Community Center Pool is a great rainy day activity.  If you have to hold your kid, admission is free for them.  Call to schedule a swim lesson with Tony.

Sugarloaf Mountain Winery

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Live music, good wine, a farmer's market with a great BBQ stand, and a kid friendly atmosphere make this a great way to suck down some drinks and still get in some quality time.  When they get some kind of kid area or playground they will go from great to legendary.

NW Branch Trail

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This is toddler friendly trail I found on this website:
http://hikingalongtrails.blogspot.com/2009_09_01_archive.html

Any thoughts on the water quality?  I read here they have a test station so it's probably pretty decent, but the bacteria love 95 deg. plus heat. Be sure to bring some hand sanitizer if you splash around: http://www.fosc.org/WaterQuality.htm

Spray Park

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Spray Park features a series of sprinklers and fountains, watch out for the buckets!  I always forget to bring some water toys or cups but maybe you won't.

Rock Creek Horse Stable and Nature Center w/ Planeterium

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The people seem to be pretty cool about picking some hay off the ground and feeding the horses.  You can pet most of the horses but if they point there ears back that means they are freaking out so take it easy.  the nature center and planeterium is great and will bail you out on a rainy day.

Homestead Farms

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The produce is seasonal so call to see what they have.  The petting zoo has sheep, cows, chicken, goats and sometimes bunnies.  A halloween hay ride to the pumpkin patch is a great time.  They have covered picnic areas, but not much by way of lunch so b.y.o.  They charge 50 cents for a picking box so also bring baskets.

Wheaton Regional Park Carousel and (working) Miniature Train, 3 Amigos Restaurant

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Great Carousel and Train.  The train goes through a tunnel and over a bridge which kids love. 

The nearby brookside botanical gardens are a great place for a picnic.

http://www.montgomeryparks.org/enterprise/park_facilities/trains/wheaton.shtm

Three Amigos has everything that makes a place your favorite: subtle design touches, interesting people, and of course - great food. We were here for lunch after a trip to the Wheaton Train and Carousel and had a great meal. It had a bar so I can't speak to what the scene is in the evening.

Franklin's General and Bladensburg Waterfront Park

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Great pulled pork in Carolina and Texas style, one is tomato based, the other is vinegar based. The General Store attached to the restaurant has great toys and an amazing beer collection. Grab a growler for refills! Hyatsville gets a little cooler each day:

www.franklinsbrewery.com

I recommend coupling a trip here to the Bladensburg Waterpark for a boatride or to play on the antique train. All this and the playground have great views of the Anacostia River. The bird art is a welcome decoration to the ample covered picnic space. Boat rentals are affordable and include paddle, kayak, and group pontoon boats with tour:

http://www.pgparks.com/Things_To_Do/Nature/Bladensburg_Waterfront_Park.htm

Great Falls Park

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Toddler friendly hiking paths and plenty of picnic tables.  You can enter on the VA or MD side.

Pilot Map with Glen Echo Park and Volcano Island Water Park

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Glen Echo is an amazing park with a carousel, art-deco carnival booths and puppet theatre, great folk-festival, living museum and beautiful nature scenes.

Volcano Island is a great way to spend a day.  Slides of all sizes to thrill babies and parents alike.  The snack bar is not too expensive ($5 burgers).