Location: Bethesda
Top Things to do in Bethesda
What to do and see in Bethesda, Maryland (MD): The Best Things to do Good for Kids
Bethesda is an unincorporated, census-designated place in southern Montgomery County, Maryland, United States, located just northwest of the U.S. capital of Washington, D.C. It takes its name from a local church, the Bethesda Meeting House (1820, rebuilt 1849), which in turn took its name from Jerusalem's Pool of Bethesda. In Aramaic, ܒܝܬ ܚܣܕܐ beth ḥesda means "House of Mercy" and in Hebrew, בית חסד "beit ḥesed" means "House of Kindness". The National Institutes of Health main campus and the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center are in Bethesda, as are a number of corporate and government headquarters.
Restaurants in Bethesda
1. Escape Quest (Bethesda)
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 17 reviews
Escape Quest™ is a live action adventure game in which players solve a series of puzzles and riddles using clues, hints and strategy to complete the objectives at hand and escape the room.
Reviewed By Ngammy
Our family of 4 signed up to do Black Widow as part of their Halloween promotion. When we arrived we were told that there would be another group joining us. However, since their other room, Expedition Unknown, was available at around the same time, they were nice enough to offer us that room so that we could play as just a family which we were so pleased to take advantage of. We have been to their sister site in Alexandria, Virginia, and enjoyed our experience there so decided to try out their new location. Parking for this site was easier since there is a garage close by with free parking on the weekends. The lobby was one of the nicest that we have visited, and once they have their liquor license, the bar area I am sure will be hopping. The decor in the actual escape room was just as nice and mood setting as in the lobby. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves during our time there. Our family enjoys working together and escape rooms give us the chance to work together on puzzles. The puzzles were challenging but made sense, nicely designed, and followed the theme of the room. The electronics in the room worked great as well. Puzzles were a mixed of physical and mental. The game master will provide hints if you need them. They recommend up to three hints, but did make a point to say that they wouldn’t limit us if we were truly stuck. We did make it out (with only 2 clues), and laughed at our stupid mistakes that held us up. We have been to several escape rooms both locally and internationally. The escape rooms we have been to in Europe have always impressed us with their nice integration of technological features into the room which we have often found lacking in most of the US rooms we have been to. However, the rooms here lived up to their European counterparts in all aspects.
2. Imagination Stage
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 43 reviews
Imagination Stage is the largest and most respected multi-disciplinary theatre arts organization for young people in the Mid-Atlantic region. We offer a year-round season of professional shows (adult actors performing for families and classes), after-school programs and summer camps for ages 1-18, and arts-integration professional development training for teachers, students, schools, and families. All of our programs are informed by our core belief in making the arts inclusive and accessible to all children, regardless of their physical, cognitive, or financial status.
3. Cabin John Regional Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 159 reviews
Reviewed By 655ozlems
It is one the most spectacular place in Maryland. An amazing place especially during autumn and spring where you can kayak, walk, run, bike or just listen the nature. Just go and you will be surprised that there is a heaven in the city
4. Strathmore
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 271 reviews
Reviewed By mvidro - Washington DC, United States
We've subscribed to the National Philharmonic at Strathmore for years. The music director typically selects the classics (example: on Saturday, it was all Mozart, including my favorite, the "Jupiter"), which always keeps me coming back. Although we previously had a Kennedy Center subscription, logistics made it difficult. It required two trains and a 20 minute walk from the Metro station. Strathmore is conveniently located just off the Beltway, making it only a 35 minute drive. Glorious music in a good location.
5. Bethesda Row
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By rachelandbeto - Weston, United States
Best place to eat, shop, walk around! We love Bethesda Row, highly recommend. Fun for everyone and much to do!
6. ArcLight Cinemas
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 105 reviews
Reviewed By colettet106 - Bethesda, United States
All the seats are great, love being able to buy and pick my seats in the app so I can breeze in just minutes before the movie starts.
7. Bowlmor Lanes
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 32 reviews
*Bowlmor Lanes has taken America's favorite pastime and turned it into a luxury experience. Our stunning design features modern, semi-private banquette seating, gourmet cuisine by Celebrity Chef David Burke, and a full service sports bar and restaurant; There is so much to see and do at Bowlmor; every visit is a new experience. Bowlmor Lanes has quickly become ultimate entertainment destination for a night out with your friends. *Our exquisite design and experienced event team make us the ideal location for private parties of any type or size. We specialize in Corporate Events, Children's Birthday Parties, Bar & Bat Mitzvahs, Teambuilding Outings, and more. Please call our Events Office at 212-255-8188 to find out how we can create a customized bowling event just for you!
8. Be With Me Playseum
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 32 reviews
Reviewed By sareysoda - Dayton, United States
Lots to explore and do with younger kids - a must-do in the area!! In my opinion, best for ages 2-6. Each room has a designated theme/purpose for lots of exploring & creativity. Rooms include grocery store, dress-up, painting, music, baking/kinetic sand, soap making, library, history, fire trucks/uniforms, cultural (Asian theme was what they had on display in the cultural room when we visited), vet, doctor, and they have some small live animals you can see too. The best part is when you buy your pass, it is good for the entire day, so you can leave and have lunch nearby and come back and play more. Space is a little tight moving from one room to the next, so leave the stroller and large backpacks at home (they have a small area to park strollers). Hours of fun & lots of educational toys, dolls, & books available for purchase too!
9. Capitol Crescent
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 50 reviews
Reviewed By michaelhU5716LW - Bethesda, United States
Beautifully maintained trail with wild flowers and trees and fellow friendly walkers and bikers and lots of strollers. On the trail sometimes you are meandering in the backyards of apartment blocks and sometimes you are in the woods with sightings of deer, raccoons, opossums, foxes,geese, ducks and at least one chicken! Just terrific!
