You are living in one of the most exciting cities in the world ~ free museums, great transportation, world-class restaurants, many, many parks, two beautiful rivers, and a great nightlife. So get out there and explore! Here is a small collection of the people & places that make DC so wonderful.
Au Pairs in the Capital City (DCC) Cluster come from all over the world to make their home in some of the hippest neighborhoods in Washington, DC. Our clusters are located in the many neighborhoods of DC including Capitol Hill, Georgetown, Dupont Circle, Mt. Pleasant, The Wharf, Cleveland Park, Woodley Park and beyond. Metro (subway) and bus service are easy to use, but often it’s just a short walk to many of the most popular restaurants in the city.
Find Out What’s Happening in DC
Here are several resources that offer the latest insight in cultural events around the city.
- Washington.org – The city’s official events guide, with big festivals and seasonal roundups.
- Events DC – From sports to culture, conferences to concerts, Events DC can connect you to a ton of things.
- Smithsonian – Check out what’s happening (indoors and outside) at all of the Smithsonian museums.
- DC Public Library – From author talks to film screenings to craft nights, the library has a packed calendar.
- Eventbrite DC – A good place to browse for last-minute plans and niche events.
- Washingtonian – This calendar curates a bunch of local events including live music, food, festivals, and more.
- The 51st – One of DC’s newest local news sources, their weekly email newsletter sends out a calendar of what is happening each week. Plus they include a weekly Civics roundup.
- 730DC – A local website with a daily newsletter that includes a wonderful roundup of all kinds of events.
- Clockout DC – Discover upcoming hidden gem events in Washington, DC.
Seasonal Activities in DC
(please check your social plans with your host family directly)
- Washingtonian Magazine’s Things to Do
- Destination DC’s Events
- About DC’s Festivals and Special Events
Spring
Summer
Fall/Autumn
Winter
DC Guides
- Destination DC
- Do You Have Your DC Library Card?
- Washington City Paper’s Best of DC
- Washingtonian Magazine’s Things to Do
- Washington Post’s Going Out Guide
- About DC’s Attractions & Things to Do
Explore (with and without the kids)
- Kid-Friendly Museums and Attractions
- 100 Free Things: Family-Friendly Edition
- Family-Friendly Restaurants
Cluster Area Farmers Markets
- Columbia Heights Community Marketplace (Wed. 4-7:30 PM; Sat. 9 AM-1PM)
- Cleveland Park Farmers Market (Sat. 8:30 AM-12:30 PM)
- FreshFarm Dupont Circle Farmers Market (Sun. 8:30 AM-1:30 PM)
- Markets & More in Bloomingdale (Sun. 9 AM-1 PM)
- Markets & More at 14 & U (Sat. 9 AM-1 PM)
- Mt. Pleasant Farmers’ Market (Sat. 9 AM-1 PM)
- Petworth Community Market (Sat. 9 AM-1 PM)
- Takoma Park Market (Sun. 10 AM-2 PM)
- UDC Farmers Market (Sat. 8 AM-2 PM)
Cluster Area Places for Kids
- Bloombars
- DC Public Library’s story times and kid-friendly events
- Gymboree Play & Music DC
- Magic Ground
- Upshur Street Books
Cluster Neighborhood Blogs
- Cleveland Park Citizens Association
- Crestwood
- Forest Hills Connection
- New Columbia Heights
- Park View, DC
- Shepherd Park Citizens Association
- Woodley Park Community Association
DC Media and Blogs
DC Kid/Family Blogs
- Baby Friendly DC
- DC Thrifty Mom
- KidFriendly DC
- Macaroni Kid NW Washington, DC
- Red Tricycle- DC Edition
- Our Kids
DC City Blogs
DC Media
Transportation
- goDCgo (DC transportation options)
- Transit app (includes bike shares)
- Metro Trip Planner (bus and subway)
- Uber (first ride free with this link)
- Lyft
- car2go (smart car rental by the minute; initial membership fee)