Top things to do at the National Harbor with kids
The National Harbor in Maryland is such a fun destination for families.
There are so many fun activities for the whole family, and it’s the perfect place to stay when planning a visit to Washington DC, or just a family staycation!
Our guide to the National Harbor features the top things to do at the National Harbor with kids, and the best family attractions to make the most of your family trip to this fun waterfront destination in Maryland.
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Where to Stay
There are many hotels to choose from when planning a visit to the National Harbor, including a resort that’s the perfect hotel destination when planning a visit to DC as well.
- The Gaylord National Resort is one of the best hotels at the National Harbor which features an indoor Atrium with lots of fun activities for the family year round. There is also an indoor and outdoor pool, lots of dining options and it’s located along the National Harbor Waterfront.
- Hyatt Place National Harbor
- The Westin Washington National Harbor
- Hampton Inn & Suites National Harbor
- Club Wyndham National Harbor
National Harbor with kids
Get on the Capital Wheel
One of the best things to do at the National Harbor with kids is a ride on the Capital Wheel.
The views from here are one of the best, and they are enclosed and climate-controlled so it’s the perfect activity during the winter as well.
There are many other ticket options for the Capital Wheel, which also includes the VIP experience for up to four guests with a luxurious ride featuring leather bucket seats and a glass floor. The package costs $50 and also comes with a photo package.
- Hours: 4PM-10PM Mon-Thurs
10AM-10PM Fri-Sun - Tickets: $15.00 GENERAL ADMISSION
$13.50 SENIOR $11.25 CHILD - The Capital Wheel and The Carousel Combination Ticket Packages
Ride the Carousel
Another fun activity for kids at the National Harbor is a ride on the Carousel. This waterfront park is the perfect place for the kids to play with an Americana-themed Carousel, a playground, shaded picnic tables, and a pavilion for birthday parties. (SEASONAL ACTIVITY)
- Tickets: $7 per child for unlimited rides (Adults ride free with a child)
- $5 Military discount for tickets purchased on site with valid Military ID
Stroll along the Waterfront
One of the best things to do at the National Harbor for families is a stroll along the waterfront.
There’s so much to do along the beautiful waterfront, with many dining and shopping options, plus there’s always something going on here with their many seasonal events, like outdoor movies, festivals, and seasonal waterside fitness classes like yoga.
There’s also a beach area with some sand for kids to play along the harbor, (no swimming allowed), and the Awakening structure for them to climb on.
Bring the kid’s bikes and scooters and take a stroll along the waterfront promenade.
Mount Vernon Trail connects to the National Harbor via a walking/bike path along the Wilson bridge, and you can take your adventures further into DC or Old Town Alexandria.
The Mount Vernon trail goes for 18 miles from George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate all the way to the Theodore Roosevelt Island.
READ NEXT: Kid-friendly hiking trails in the DC area
Enjoy Movies on the Potomac
One of the most exciting things to do with kids at the National Harbor are the Movies on the Potomac event on Sundays.
Pack a picnic, a blanket, and chairs and enjoy a fun outdoor movie experience that the kids will love, plus it’s also a fun date night for parents as well!
The movie screen is located on the Plaza big screen, and it’s the perfect family attraction at the National Harbor when looking for some weekend ideas to do with the kids in the DC area. Check the movie list here.
Get on the Water
Another fun thing to do for families at the National Harbor is to get out on the water along the Potomac.
You can rent a swan pedal boat, a kayak, and paddleboards at the boating house along the Waterfront. (SEASONAL ACTIVITY)
- Pedal Boat for 4- $40/hr (4-passenger boat) Minimum rental 1-hour rental.
- Kayaks: SINGLE KAYAK $18/HOUR
- DOUBLE KAYAK $25/HOUR (2 PEOPLE)
- Stand-up Paddleboard: $22/HOUR
- You can also purchase season passes, with the option of a 2-Hour or 4-Hour pass. A friend can paddle free of charge with you in a multi-occupancy boat!
Boat Cruises
You can also get on a boat cruise, or Water Taxi to the other waterfront destinations in the area as well, with stops at Old Town Alexandria, the DC Wharf, and the Georgetown Harbor.
City Cruises offers many cruise options, and water taxis from the National Harbor, including dinner cruises, sightseeing tours, and more.
Reservations can be made online, or at the ticket booths, but I recommend making them in advance. (SEASONAL ACTIVITY)
READ NEXT: Top things to do at Old Town Alexandria with kids
Monumental Boat Cruise (CraigCat boat)
Enjoy a boat ride along the Potomac on your own private two-person catamaran boat or CraigCat boat as they call it.
No boating experience is necessary, and Life jackets are provided, including narration and historical information. (SEASONAL ACTIVITY)
- VA/MD Sightseeing Boat Tour $150
- Duration: 2 hrs ( passengers must be 5 and up, and drivers must be 18+ with valid driver’s license) 2 people per boat
Explore the Outdoor Art Gallery
National Harbor is home to works of art from local and international artists. On your visit to the National Harbor go on a family scavenger hunt and explore all the works of art along the Harbor.
Text ACNH to 56512 and go on a self-guided audio tour. This interactive guide will help the art come to life as you walk around the Harbor.
READ NEXT: Things to do with kids this summer in DC
Some highlights are the bronze sculptures along the American Way, which is a pedestrian promenade at the National Harbor that includes historic figures such as George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Frederick Douglass, Rosie the Riveter, Marilyn Monroe, and more!
There are also five sculptures that represent all five branches of the military along the waterfront all sculpted by Ivan Schwartz.
The Awakening sculpture is always a hit with the kids because they love to climb and play around it.
The sculpture depicts a giant struggling to free himself from the sand and is quite impressive.
Dine and shop at the National Harbor
The National Harbor is a fun entertainment destination for families with many dining and shopping options.
The Tanger Outlets are located nearby if you want to do some serious shopping. There’s also a fun playground here for kids as well!
Some kid-friendly shops along the waterfront are the Build-A-Bear stores, Mahogany Books, Savannah Candy’s shop, and America! storefront where you can purchase some local souvenirs.
There are over 40 restaurants at the National harbor as well. Some of our favorite restaurants are:
- Graces’ Mandarin with their modern Asian-inspired dishes.
- McCormick & Schmicks famous for their seafood.
- Rosa Mexicano fresh take on Mexican cuisine with waterfront views.
- Shake Shack burgers, fries, and milkshakes
- Bobby Mckey’s Dueling Piano Bar combined with live music, comedy and audience interactions.
- Fiorella Italian Kitchen Casual Italian dining and pizzeria
- Messy Treatz Dessert shop with a variety of options like cupcakes, pie sticks and more!
Visit the Gaylord National Resort
Another fun destination for families at the National Harbor is the Gaylord National Resort. You don’t need to be a guest to enjoy some of the activities that the hotel has to offer.
There’s always something going on at the Resort and new activities to take part in all year round. Check out the events here
There’s also a free laser light show at the atrium in the evenings and it’s quite spectacular!
Don’t miss all the dining options here including the Replay ’80s-themed rooftop bar serving up some of the most unique milkshake concoctions! There are also retro arcade games and the most amazing views from the rooftop patio.
This spring the Gaylord National Resort will feature some fun spring events for the whole family which include:
- Springtime Light show: March 3 – May 3, 2023 from 7pm, 8pm & 9pm
- Fridays & Saturdays at 5pm, 6pm. 7pm and 8pm $16.99
- Spring-A-Long Scavenger Hunt: March 3 – May 13, 2023 Daily $12.99
- Wildlife Rescue – An Augmented Reality Experience (FREE): March 3-May 13, 2022 Daily
- Easter Bunny Meet & Greet (FREE): March 3- April 9, 2023 Every 30 minutes between 10 AM – 2:30 PM
Seasonal Events at the National Harbor
Spring at the National Harbor
Spring is the best time to plan a visit to the National Harbor, especially during the cherry blossom events in the DC area.
The National Harbor has its very own cherry blossom trees that line the waterfront and they’re just as beautiful.
These newly planted trees are the Okame Cherry blossom variety and they have a pinker hue, and blooms for up to two weeks.
There are also lots of fun cherry blossom events to look forward to at the National Harbor as well including, Sakura Sundays, Movies on the Potomac, cherry blossom-themed food and cocktails, painting classes, and more!
READ NEXT: Spring in the Washington DC area
Christmas at the National Harbor
Another great time to plan a visit to the National Harbor is during the holiday season. Christmas at the National Harbor is so much fun, and there are so many fun holiday activities to look forward to such as:
- I Love Christmas Movies at the Gaylord National Resort, which is a pop-up Christmas movie experience featuring some of the iconic Christmas movies like Elf, Christmas Story, Christmas Vacation and more.
- Christmas Movies on the Potomac featuring Christmas movies on the Big screen at the Plaza on Sunday nights.
- Christmas Tree Light Show is a FREE Christmas Tree nightly light show that takes places every half hour from sundown till 9pm. Theres also fireworks on Saturday nights at 5:30pm.
- Santa at the Capital Wheel Photos with Santa and a ride on the Capital Wheel
READ MORE: Christmas at the National Harbor
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