Next to a vibrant, neon ferris wheel, families enjoy lawn activities while movies, TV shows and sports games play on a huge, outdoor projection screen. The answer to summer boredom is literally right here.

The National Harbor, located just south of D.C., overlooks the Potomac River, and is just a 30-45 minute drive from Whitman, depending on traffic. All summer long, the Harbor will host a variety of free, family-oriented events, including Movies on the Potomac and Summer Fridays.

Movies on the Potomac

Movies on the Potomac, scheduled for every Thursday and Sunday night at 6 p.m., is one event planned at the harbor to attract more visitors this summer. The movies will be projected on the screen in the center of the harbor; attendees are invited to bring their own chairs and blankets to set up on the grassy area in front of the screen.

Movies shown on Sunday nights are family-friendly and rated G or PG, while more adult-oriented films and romantic comedies are shown on Thursdays, creating a date-night atmosphere.

“I think watching a movie there would be really cool because it’s such a nice little cozy place where everything’s outside, but it’s still pretty and not too hot,” sophomore Dana Gurland said.

Here’s more information on Movies on the Potomac.

Summer Fridays

Another event being held by the Harbor in summer 2016 is Summer Fridays. From 3-9 p.m. every Friday, the Harbor will be filled with lawn games, concerts by Bobby McKey’s Piano Bar, giveaways and a live DJ.

As people storm the Summer Fridays event, stores and restaurants gain attendance from more kids and teens especially, as they visit the store after the small concerts are over, according to Peeps and Company employee Caryn Warner.

The Harbor’s many activities, as well as its high security and cleanliness make it a popular attraction for families. In addition, out-of-town visitors are drawn to the area because of the variety of activites the Harbor has to offer.

“I think this is a beautiful place to come, especially with children,” Maureen Serrecchia, an out-of-town visitor, said. “You’ve got a lot of nice shopping here and great restaurants.”

The combination of free events, restaurants and shops, and a full calendar of activities makes the National Harbor a go-to destination for students and families this summer.

“I think if it [the National Harbor] was well publicized it would definitely attract more people because it’s a really cool place to go out and it’s somewhere kids in our area don’t go that often,” Gurland said. “It’s unique, and it’s free, which is a strong point for students.”

For more information on Summer Fridays, click here.