Guide to Washington DC with kids
Washington DC is such a fun city to visit with kids. There are so many fun things to do, and the best part is most things I include on the list are completely FREE!
On the blog, I will share our Guide to Washington DC with kids. You can easily choose a few of these ideas to add to your Washington DC with kids itinerary, or plan a weekend trip and explore all there is to see in our nation’s Capital.
I also share some of the lesser-known National Parks in Washington DC. Most people don’t know that there are actually National Parks in Washington DC!
Pick up a Junior Ranger edition Passport to National Parks here for the kiddos before your visit and start collecting stamps!
You can easily explore Washington DC on a day trip or plan a weekend adventure exploring our Nations Capitol.
Washington DC is such a fun family destination, and I hope you can plan a visit to the district one day!
*Plan a springtime visit to Washington DC to witness the beautiful Cherry Blossoms in bloom, and read our Guide to the Cherry Blossom festival for some tips and how to make the most of your visit.
*This post may contain affiliate links. Affiliate links are no extra charge to you, but I may earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase.
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Best ways to get around DC
Washington DC is such a walkable city, you can easily explore most of the main attractions on foot!
There are also many other ways to explore the city. Rent a bicycle from Capital Bikeshare, or scooters. Take the metro which has stops throughout the city.
You can also get on the hop on hop off bus tours which takes you to all of Washington DC’s main attractions while learning some history along the way.
If you’re staying in a hotel at the DC Wharf, you can hop on the free Southwest Shuttle Bus to the National Mall, or take the free Wharf Jitney to ferry across the Washington Channel to East Potomac Park.
You can also go on a seasonal Water Taxi ride from The Wharf to explore the Georgetown area or Old Town Alexandria in Virginia, which is located nearby.
Top things to do in Washington DC with kids
Go on a walking tour of the National Mall
One of the best things to do on a visit to Washington DC with kids is a walking tour along the National Mall. There are so many monuments and memorials to explore.
Did you know the National Mall is a National Park? Let the kids lead you on a tour of the National Mall with their Junior Ranger books.
The National Mall and Memorial Parks have several Junior Ranger activities for the adventurous kiddos to earn badges while exploring the park.
*You can pick up the booklet from a park ranger at one of the Memorials, or download one online here. When you complete the booklet, you can earn your very own junior ranger badge.
*Check out this fun online scavenger hunt the kiddos can do and receive a Junior Ranger badge.
Take a stroll along Constitution Gardens
One of our favorite spots for kids in Washington DC is the Constitution Gardens, which is located within the boundaries of the National Mall.
This peaceful oasis in the city is the perfect place to take a break from your sightseeing tour of Washington DC.
The kids will enjoy the big open space, and the ducks swimming in the pond. There is also a tiny island on the pond with a Memorial to the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence.
The gardens is one of our favorite places in Washington DC, it’s such a serene landscape in the middle of the city.
Visit a Smithsonian museum
One of the best things to do in DC with kids is a visit to one of the FREE Smithsonian museums.
Some of our little one’s favorite museums are the Smithsonian Natural History Museum, the National Air and Space Museum, and the Museum of the American Indian.
You can now visit most museums without needing timed-entry passes, except for the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and the National Zoo, which you still have to reserve online.
The best part about all the Museums is all the fun kid’s interactive play and learn rooms.
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
HOURS: OPEN DAILY 10AM-5:30PM
Our little one’s favorite museum is hands down the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.
She loves the mummy exhibits, and the Dino hall, exploring all the fossils and discovering new dinosaur species.
The kids will also enjoy the Q?rius and Discovery Rooms at the Smithsonian Natural History Museum, which is an interactive and experimental learning space for kids.
They can use the microscopes, handle some of the museum’s collections, draw and color, and solve some science puzzles.
There is always something going on for kids at the Natural History Museum. Visit the website for more fun events for kids at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.
Smithsonian National Museum of American History
HOURS: OPEN DAILY 10AM-5:30PM
The Smithsonian National Museum of American History is another favorite museum.
The museum traces our American History with more than three million historical objects and is also home to the Star-Spangled Banner, which is the flag that inspired the national anthem.
Our little one is always entranced when she visits the Star Spangled banner and loves the interactive exhibits in the museum. There are so many unique exhibits and collections to explore!
She especially loves the fun interactive playrooms at the National American History museum.
Wegman’s Wonderplace is the perfect place for the littlest learners with the fun and interactive learning space, while the Draper Spark!Lab is for kids ages 6-12 to get their creativity going while they explore, experiment, and invent in this fun and creative space for kids.
*Make sure to visit the website for some at home activities for the kids here. You can also check out the online exhibits at the American history museum here.
Smithsonian Museum of the American Indian
HOURS: WEDNESDAY-SUNDAY 10AM-5:30PM (Will open daily starting May 30, 2022)
Another one of our favorite Museums in DC is the Smithsonian Museum of the American Indian.
The museum is home to one of the world’s most expansive collections of Native artifacts, including objects, photographs, archives, and media covering the entire Western Hemisphere.
The kids will love the interactive imagiNATIONS Activity Center here. Make sure to let the kids pick up an imagiNATIONS passport at the entrance and start their adventures learning about Native cultures and all the fun exhibits.
Our little one loves the basket weaving experience, igloo making, craft activities, and the fun teepee. There are also other fun themed events that go on throughout the year here, visit the website to learn more.
*You can also continue learning at home with this fun Inca road activity guide, and this Americans Gallery discussion guide.
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
HOURS: CLOSED TILL FALL 2022, CURRENTLY UNDER RENOVATION!
I believe the National Air and Space Museum is a favorite for all kids and is one of the most visited museums in the world.
The Air and Space Museum is where you can explore the history and science of aviation and spaceflight.
The kids will have fun exploring all the space and aircraft on display, some of which are originals.
There’s even a planetarium and lots of fun hands-on learning exhibits for the kids.
One of the most popular activities for the little ones is storytime, which allows the littles to understand air and space from a child’s perspective.
*Check out the website for some fun online activities the kids can enjoy for now.
The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
The Udvar-Hazy Center is the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum’s annex and displays thousands of aviation and space artifacts.
Some of the highlights here are the Space Shuttle Discovery, the Enola Gay; Concorde, Lockheed Martin SR-71 Blackbird, and the Boeing Stratoliner.
There’s also a restoration hangar, where you can watch specialists reconstruct, repair, and preserve rare artifacts. All visitors ages 2 and older are required to wear a mask
- Hours: 10:00 am to 5:30 pm
- Open every day but December 25
- Ticket prices: FREE admission, Parking $15
- Location: 14390 Air and Space Museum Parkway
- Chantilly, Virginia 20151
Hirshhorn Museum
HOURS: OPEN DAILY 10AM-4:30PM
Another museum worth visiting with kids is the Hirshhorn Museum. The Hirshhorn features modern and contemporary art and thought-provoking and interesting exhibits that are fun for the whole family.
One thing that the museum offers are the Art Cart event for kids 6 and under, which is an art-making activity that you can do at the Museum or at home. Visit the website here for more information.
There are also some at home activities here that you can do with kids at home, as well as some activities for teens with ARTLAB, that are currently virtual, and offers virtual workshops, talks, and creative challenges.
The FUTURES exhibit at the Arts and Industries Building
HOURS: OPEN DAILY 10AM-5:30PM
Another fun museum to visit, that has recently reopened after being shut down for over two decades is the Art and Industries Building, featuring the FUTURES exhibit, which goes through July 6, 2022, and is so amazing!
FUTURES presents nearly 32,000 square feet of new immersive site-specific art installations, interactives, working experiments, inventions, speculative designs, and “artifacts of the future”.
Our little one loved all the interactive exhibits, and futuristic displays including the light sculpture at the Rotunda, and the flying electric taxi which was just so cool!
Admission is FREE! and the kids can pick up a kids activity book and stickers to learn more about this wonderful exhibit.
Visit the Smithsonian Zoo
HOURS: OPEN DAILY 8AM-3PM
Spend the day visiting the Pandas, Lions, and elephants at the Smithsonian Zoo. The best part is that entrance is FREE.
If you’re driving parking cost $25, but the proceeds go towards the zoo. This 163-acre zoo is home to more than 2,700 animals representing more than 390 species.
The highlights of the zoo are definitely the pandas, lions, and elephants, but we love the reptile discovery center, and kids farm as well.
*The Smithsonian Zoo is open daily from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Reserve FREE passes here.
Don’t forget to print out these downloadable zoo activities to complete on your visit, and the Zoo crew training manual to use as your guide as you explore the zoo.
There are so many fun interactive exhibits for the kids, and look out for special events that happen at the zoo.
Some events to look forward to are the Boo at the Zoo on Halloween and Zoolights during the holidays.
*Make sure to check out the Smithsonian Zoo webcams here to see a live feed of some of the animals!
Other Museums for kids in DC
The Museum of the Bible
One of our favorite museums in DC is the Museum of the Bible. It’s such a kid-friendly museum with lots of fun and immersive exhibits learning about the history of the Bible.
The kids will love the fun scavenger hunt to complete as they explore the World of Jesus of Nazareth exhibit on the third floor, which ends with a prize that you can pick up next to the gift shop on the first floor!
The highlight was definitely the Children’s experience room featuring an exhibit with “courage” as the theme.
The Courageous Pages exhibit is designed for children to play and learn through a series of fun games and interactive features.
There’s also an entire area dedicated to the little ones with engaging animal artwork, a two-story playscape, and games for the little kiddos.
- Hours: Open Thursday through Monday 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (closed Tues. & Wed.)
- Tickets: $19.99 for adults online ($24.99 at the door) $13.99 Kids 5-17 ($14.99 at the door) Purchase tickets online here
- Parking: We parked along the metered parking spaces along Jefferson Dr. SW and walked 2 blocks to the museum. There are also lots of parking garages nearby as well. Make sure to reserve parking on SpotHero here for discounted parking.
- Location: 400 4th St SW, Washington, DC 20024
International Spy Museum
One place not to miss with kids in DC is the International Spy Museum. The Museum holds the largest collection of international espionage artifacts on public display, including collections that trace the history of espionage.
The kids will have fun learning about espionage and intelligence in a fun and engaging way. Make sure to reserve tickets online since tickets are limited, and usually sell out quickly. Masks are also required on your visit!
- Hours: Mon-Fri 10am-6pm/ Sat 9am-7pm/ Sun 9am-6pm
- Ticket costs:
- $26.96 Adult (13-64)
- $16.95 Youth (7-12)
- FREE Child (6 and under) ticket required
- $23.95 for Senior-Military-Law Enforcement-Intelligence Community-College Student (with valid ID)
Visit the National Building Musuem
The National Building Museum is a museum of architecture, design, engineering, construction, and urban planning.
There is an entrance fee to the National Building Museum, but it’s so worth it for the kids. The National Building Museum inspires curiosity with all the fun and interactive building rooms.
The main room in the building is like one big giant play area for kids as well, and it’s one place we like to visit in the winter.
*Visit the website for some fun at home learning activities for the kids.
Our little one’s favorite is the PLAY WORK BUILD room. The kids will have fun with the various size building blocks, tinker toys, and Lincoln logs here, it’s so much fun.
They’ll also love the House and Home room where they can play with model play homes, and the “Please touch” exhibition walls. It’s like one big giant playroom for kids.
- Hours: Friday–Monday, 11 am–4 pm
- Tickets: $10 adults/ $7 kids ages 3-17, student with ID, Senior ages 60+
- Visits to the Great Hall, the Museum Shop, and Gun Violence Memorial Project are FREE.
- Location: 401 F Street NW Washington, DC 20001
The National Children’s Museum
Let the kids have fun using their imagination through interactive exhibits exploring science, technology, engineering, art, and math at the National Children’s Museum in DC!
The museum is located in the Ronald Reagan Building downtown and is open with limited capacity.
Make sure to reserve tickets online to ensure a visit on your specific day. Masks are also required for guests ages 2 and up.
- Hours: Thursday through Sunday with two timed sessions
- mornings session: 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
- afternoon session: 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm
- Tickets: $15.95 for children over the age of one and adults. Kids under one is FREE!
- Location: 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
Planet Word
Planet Word is an immersive language experience and voice-activated museum. The interactive galleries and exhibits bring words and language to life in fun ways to keep the kids engaged.
- Hours: Thurs-Sun 10am-5pm
Tickets: FREE (with a suggested $15 donation to support the museum) but you must reserve passes online here. - Location: 925 13th Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20005 Entrance on K Street
Visit the National Archives
One of the best places to visit with kids in Washington DC is the National Archives.
What’s cooler than seeing the actual Charters of Freedom documents, such as the United States Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.
Entrance is free to the National Archive, but I suggest reserving tickets online to avoid the long queues.
Our little one’s favorite thing to do here is the Public Vaults exhibit. She loves exploring all the fun “please touch” interactive exhibits here.
One interesting place to take the kiddos is the Boeing Learning Center. The kids can participate in scavenger hunts, games, and activities based on National Archive collections.
*The National Archives is open daily with limited capacity from 10am-5:30 pm. Reserve free timed-entry passes here.
*You can explore the actual Charters of Freedom online here, and print out kids activities here.
Take a tour of the United States Capitol
You definitely need to add a visit to the United States Capitol on your trip to Washington DC with kids. Tours are completely free and take about 45 minutes.
The Capitol tour is great for kids to learn more about the home of the U.S. Congress, and the seat of the legislative branch of the U.S. Federal government.
You can even download a student activity guide for kids K-2 here, and one for older kids here.
Print these beforehand and bring them to your U.S. Capitol tour to make the visit more interesting for the kids.
*Take a virtual tour of the United States Capitol here.
Explore the Library of Congress
After your tour of the U.S. Capitol, make sure to visit the Library of Congress next door. Tours of the Library are free and are on a first come first-served basis.
Our little one loves reading books in the main reading room, but there’s also a young readers center for kids to enjoy as well.
*Visit the website to print out activity sheets and take them with you to complete at the library. You can also go on a virtual tour of the Library of Congress here.
Visit the United States Botanic Garden
One of our favorite places to visit is the United States Botanic Garden.
The United States Botanic Garden is a living plant museum to inform visitors of the importance of plants and how they affect our ecosystem.
Entrance is free, and I highly recommend visiting when planning a trip to DC.
One of our favorite times to visit the gardens is during the winter in the warm and humid climate. One of our little one’s favorite things to do here is the canopy walks along the glass dome.
During the holidays in Washington DC, the Botanic gardens transform with displays of the DC monuments made completely of plant material.
There’s also a fun train display that the kids will surely enjoy, and they’re also made of plant materials as well!
One way to make your visit to the Botanic gardens more enjoyable for the kids is to pick up a plant passport that can be stamped as they learn and observe specific plants along the way as they explore the gardens.
There is also a Plant Explorer’s Field Journal they can pick up along with the plant passport, which is available at the Visitor’s information desk at the entrance.
The kids will have a great time with all the fun activities as they observe the plants in each room.
*You can even download the gardens coloring book for more fun at home!
There is also an option to become a Junior Botanist. Pick up a Junior Botanist adventure kit at the Gardens, and when you complete the sheets, you’ll get an Apprentice Junior Botanist badge.
Make sure to visit the outdoor Children’s Garden. The Children’s Garden gives kids a chance to get some hands learning where they can explore and use gardening tools and watering cans.
*Go on a virtual tour of the US Botanic garden here. You can explore the indoor and outdoor gardens!
Best outdoor things to do in Washington DC with kids
Explore the Theodore Roosevelt Island
If you’re in need of some outdoor therapy, make sure to visit Theodore Roosevelt Island. This 88-acre island is an oasis in the city, and one of the National Parks in DC.
There are miles of trails through wooded uplands and swampy bottomlands, perfect to do with the little ones.
You can also find a memorial Plaza of Theodore Roosevelt, which was designed in honor of our 26th President, who was a great outdoorsman and conservationist.
Just be aware that cars and bicycles aren’t allowed on the island, but there is a parking lot, that usually fills up quickly, especially on weekends. The island can be reached from the parking lot through a footbridge.
*Download the Theodore Roosevelt Island Junior Ranger Booklet for kids to complete and earn a Junior Ranger Badge.
Explore the Mount Vernon Trail
If your family is into cycling, then make a day out of exploring the Mount Vernon trail on wheels.
This 18-mile paved trail stretches from George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate to Theodore Roosevelt Island.
You can start your bike ride in DC and make your way to some scenic stops along the way.
A few spots worth visiting are Theodore Roosevelt Island, Arlington Cemetery, Gravelly Point, Old Town Alexandria, and ends at George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate.
The kids will love exploring the wildlife and marshlands along the way and the beautiful Potomac River views.
We did a few miles of this trail, but couldn’t go the whole way! This is definitely something you have to plan for if it’s something you want to do on your trip to DC.
*Download the Fort Hunt Junior Ranger booklet here to complete and earn a Junior Ranger Badge. Fort Hunt is located along the Mount Vernon Trail.
Visit the United States National Arboretum
Another place for some outdoor therapy in DC is the United States National Arboretum.
This 446-acre park is the perfect place to do some hiking, biking, or just simply enjoy the outdoors.
Our little one enjoys the nature hikes on the various trails, and her bike rides around the park.
One of our favorite times to visit is in the spring when the trees are in bloom.
There’s also a beautiful Azalea and bonsai garden for you to enjoy, and Magnolia and cherry blossoms to look forward to. Make sure to download the Plant Finder & Interactive map here.
*Download Agents of Discovery App here. This FREE educational app allows players to unlock geo-located challenges, solve trivia questions, and puzzles and earn a prize! Fun Family activity when visiting the National Arboretum!
Visit the DC Wharf
One of the newest waterfront destinations in Washington DC is the DC Wharf. There’s always something going on here, which makes it a fun year-round destination.
There are also lots of fun activities for the kids, like the oversized outdoor games, a splash fountain, and giant swings on the pier.
You can even visit the recreation pier and rent kayaks and paddleboards to enjoy the Potomac River.
We also love making s’mores in the giant outdoor fire pit and the ice skating rink in the winter. You can even catch some outdoor entertainment around the Wharf and on the floating stage.
READ MORE: How to spend the day at the DC Wharf with kids!
Visit the Georgetown Waterfront Park
Spend the day on a bike or scooter ride along the Georgetown Waterfront Park. It’s one of our little one’s favorite places to hang out.
The park links 225 miles of parkland along the Potomac River stretching from Cumberland, MD., to Mount Vernon, VA.
During the summer there’s even a fun splash pad for the kids, or you can rent a kayak and explore the Potomac River.
You can also find cafes and restaurants on the waterfront serving up some delicious seafood.
*Another fun outdoor splash pad for kids is at the Yards Park in DC.
Go hiking at Great Falls Park
One of our favorite hiking spots in DC is Great Falls Park. Great Falls Park is another one of the lesser-known National Parks in the area.
There are two locations to visit, one on the Virginia and Maryland side. Great Falls Park is about a 30-minute drive from DC and I highly recommend the visit.
Not only will the kids be in awe of the waterfalls, but the hiking trails here are some of the most kid-friendly! We love the River trail which goes along the Potomac River.
Make sure to pick up a Junior Ranger activity book at the Visitors center and complete all the activities to receive your Junior Ranger badge.
A visit to Great Falls Park is a fun day out in nature with the kids!
READ MORE: Guide to Great Falls Park
Take a stroll along the C&O Canal Towpath
Another National Park in the area, the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath is another one of our favorite outdoor spaces to go on a nature walk.
Explore America’s early transportation history as you stroll along the C&O Canal.
This 184.5-mile trail goes from Georgetown to Cumberland, MD, and is the perfect place for a bike ride, a run, or a walk.
Our little one loves her bike rides here and skipping rocks along the Potomac River. It’s the perfect place to spend a family day out in nature.
READ MORE: Kid friendly trails and parks in the DC area
Where to stay in Washington DC
We love the hotels at the DC Wharf because of its central location, and how easy it is to get to most of DC’s main attractions.
The Hyatt House Wharf DC is one of our favorites. We love the big rooms with a kitchen, and views of the Potomac River. They even offer free breakfast that’s one of the best.
The Hyatt Place National Mall is another favorite. It’s located just a short walk away from the National Mall and the US Capitol.
READ NEXT: Things to do with kids this summer in DC
Book your hotel in Washington DC here:
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