SummerFest Family Fun at Gaylord National Harbor

My family and I recently had the chance to celebrate the unofficial start of summer (school’s out!) with a trip and overnight stay at National Harbor.

I know a lot of local families are planning trips to the beach in the next few months, but if you’re looking for a fun, local excursion on the waterfront, look no further than National Harbor, Maryland! This is a great place for DC-area families to plan a weekend staycation.

This is how you harbor

Planning a hassle-free summer trip in the D-M-V can be easy, thanks to Gaylord National’s SummerFest (running May 25 – September 3, 2018) and all that National Harbor has to offer!

Here are ten reasons to schedule your own summer staycation at National Harbor:

1. Water-Splashing Fun

National Harbor is located in Oxon Hill, Maryland along the Potomac River, which means you have some great riverside views! If you want to get out on the water, you can rent a kayak, pedal boat, or paddleboard, or take a wharf water taxi.

Staying at one of National Harbor’s hotels or resorts means even more opportunities to splash around, enjoying the pool and amenities. We love Gaylord National’s pool, splash pads, and outdoor pool deck which even includes oversized games like Connect Four and Jenga during the summer.

Gaylord National patrons can also enjoy live music on the pool deck during SummerFest. This is a great chance to soak up some sun, swimming, and summer jams!

2. Great American Road Trip Atrium Show

Every night at 8:00 and 9:00 p.m. the Gaylord National’s atrium comes to life with a spectacular laser light show combining colorful lights, music, and choreographed blasts from the water fountain. This year during SummerFest the theme of the Atrium Show is “Great American Road Trip” which includes tunes showcasing different American cities and road trip destinations. My kids and I love the nightly fountain laser light show at Gaylord National and this summer’s show is no exception. This is open for anyone at National Harbor to walk in and enjoy!

3. Silent Disco Party at Belvedere Lobby

Gaylord National hotel guests can enjoy the latest new craze in dance parties: the Silent Disco! If the kids, teens, or adults in your family love to dance and groove to music, they’ll love the Silent Disco party at the Belvedere Lobby Bar, taking place Saturdays from 9:00 p.m. until midnight. Each person receives his or her own headphones and can control which music mixes to listen to, as well as individual volume level. The DJ makes the Silent Disco very entertaining and I’m sure other people walking by the lobby must think it strange to see so many people dancing in silence! The silent disco is free for registered hotel guests, but visitors can also join in the fun for $10.

4. Movie Under the Stars

Our family loves watching movies outside on the big screen. On Sunday nights at 6 p.m. you can see free, family-friendly films on the Plaza screen at National Harbor during Movies On The Potomac.

There’s something magical about watching movies under the stars, but I’m not always a fan of battling bug bites and humidity when watching an outdoor film. Thankfully the Gaylord National has a free, family-friendly flick in their Atrium on Saturday evenings at 9:15 p.m. during SummerFest! Sit back on one of their bean bag chairs or bring a blanket to spread out on the ground, and enjoy a movie in their glass enclosed Garden Atrium (comfortable temperature and no bugs!). Movies include Coco, Moana, Despicable Me 3, and Cars 3. Note, the Movies Under the Stars in the Atrium is only open to registered hotel guests.

5. A National Haunting Ghost Tour

Want to learn more about some of the strange and spooky history and tales surrounding the Potomac River and neighboring areas? On Friday and Saturday evenings at 5:30, 6:30, and 7:30 pm, registered Gaylord National guests can enjoy a free ghost tour. “A National Haunting Ghost Tour” is an interactive, walking ghost tour along the National Harbor’s waterfront pathway, lasting about 30 minutes.

Children, including toddlers, were present during our tour, and none of the children were scared by the tales (one included the story of an unknown woman in Alexandria, another included the tale of why the 13th floor is considered unlucky).

The tour guide is friendly, and speaks “in character” as a figure from the past, wearing a black, old-style dress. I’ve never been on a ghost tour of Alexandria or Baltimore, but I imagine this one is similar to those, but with a family-friendly appeal and National Harbor twist.

6. First Class Food

National Harbor is a popular destination for foodies, holding over 40 restaurants. You’ll find everything from upscale restaurants like Gaylord National’s Old Hickory Steakhouse, to quaint eateries and cafes. They have a wide variety of cuisines and options ranging from classic American, Italian, French, Asian, and more.

During our stay we dined at the National Pastime Sports Bar & Grill for dinner which included classic American fare. In the morning we enjoyed a delicious breakfast buffet at the Pienza Marketplace which included waffles, pancakes, made-to-order omelettes, pastries, fresh fruit, and almost every other breakfast item you could want. Later that afternoon we also grabbed ice cream at Savannah’s Candy Kitchen located on American Way.

7. Flashback Fridays at Pose Rooftop Lounge

It’s 80s night every Friday at the Gaylord National’s exclusive rooftop lounge, Pose. It’s not another “manic Monday,” and not everybody’s “working for the weekend,” so why not “bust a move” or “walk like an Egyptian” while enjoying your favorite 80s hits and specialty drinks from 9:00 p.m. until midnight? Hotel guests who are 21 years and older can enjoy free entry to this rooftop party.

8. High-Flying Fun on the Capital Wheel

If you have never been on the Capital Wheel, you have to experience this attraction which takes you 180 feet above the Potomac River! My family and I enjoyed riding this ferris wheel (we think we went around about 7 times!) and getting a bird’s eye view of the harbor. You can find a list of their latest promotional offers and events on their website, which include a special 2-for-1 deal on June 21, the anniversary of the ferris wheel, as well as $4 off tickets on July 4th.

9. Large Sandbox and Sculpture Climbing

My kids love playing in the sand and climbing on The Awakening Sculpture at National Harbor. This is a popular attraction for families, and I always see young children digging in the sand, filling buckets, and creating sand sculptures. Both younger and older children love to see and climb the art installation of “The Awakening” which features a face, an arm, a hand, a knee, and a foot emerging out of the sand.

10. Tanger Outlets

Another great draw to visiting National Harbor is the fact that they have Tanger Outlets! If you love bargain shopping and designer brands, then Tanger Outlets is the place to be. You’ll find hundreds of your favorite brand name stores and discount prices.

Gaylord National SummerFest Vacation Getaway

Planning a short, local getaway to the waterfront is easy thanks to Gaylord National! This is one of the most luxurious, family-friendly hotel resorts in the area and I love that there is so much to do at National Harbor!

 

Disclosure: My family and I were invited on a press trip with other bloggers at Gaylord National which included free meals, activities, and overnight accommodations. Please know the opinions shared in this post are my own. To read my formal disclosure policy, please click here.