Top things to do in Old Town Alexandria with kids
Old Town Alexandria is one of the most charming small towns in Virginia, known for its historic old town, with red brick sidewalks and well-preserved 18th and 19th century buildings.
Since it’s located just a few miles from Washington DC, a visit to Old Town Alexandria is the perfect day trip to add to your itinerary.
There are so many activities in Old Town Alexandria for the whole family, which you can easily explore in one day.
But if you want to make the most of your visit, I suggest spending the weekend in Old Town Alexandria.
You can spend one of those days exploring all that the town has to offer, plus add a visit to George Washingtons estate at Mount Vernon nearby.
On the blog, I will share top things to do in Old Town Alexandria with kids, so you can plan that weekend getaway and explore one of America’s most charming town.
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How to get to Old Town Alexandria
Old town Alexandria is an easy day trip from DC, which you can easily reach by car. It takes less than 30 minutes to get here, and there are many parking garages and metered street parking located within the city.
We like to park at either the Tavern Square garage (located at 418 Cameron St., or the Market Square garage (entrance on N. Fairfax st.)
Metered parking can be found all along the streets of Old Town Alexandria with a two hour max parking. Make sure to download the ParkMobile App to make paying the meters easier.
If you’re staying in Washington DC and don’t plan on renting a car, you can also get here by either a water taxi ,or by Metro, which stops at the King Street station. From there, you can take the FREE King Street Trolley to get to the heart of Old Town Alexandria.
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Booking.comBest time to visit Old Town Alexandria
Old Town Alexandria is beautiful in any season, but is absolutely stunning at springtime during the Cherry Blossom season. The city comes alive with spring blooms everywhere and it’s just so pretty!
A visit in the Fall is just as amazing as well! The fall foliage against the historic streets is just so beautiful, plus the city really knows how to do Halloween with it’s over the top Halloween decor.
There are also some fun Halloween events to look forward to during the spooky season, and is definitely something to experience!
During the holidays, Old Town Alexandria transforms into a Christmas wonderland and it’s just so magical!
Plus there are so many fun Holiday events to look forward to, including the annual Scottish Christmas Walk, and holiday boat parade.
READ NEXT:
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How to spend the holidays in Old Town Alexandria
Top things to do in Old Town Alexandria
Stroll through King Street
One of the top things to do in Old Town Alexandria is a stroll along the brick lined sidewalks of King street.
Recognized as one of the “Great Streets” of America, it’s a great place to take a stroll, or shop with its many boutiques and specialty shops.
You will also find a huge variety of restaurants to choose from. Some of our favorites are Virtue Feed and Grain, Mia’s Italian Kitchen, and the seafood at the Wharf.
*Download this fun scavenger hunt to help you explore some of the historic spots in Old Town.
Make sure to stop by Kilwin’s or Pop’s Old fashioned ice cream Co. for some yummy treats, or grab a gelato and espresso from Dolci Gelati.
You can also get on the Free King street trolley, with stops every two blocks from the waterfront to the King St-Old Town Metrorail station.
READ NEXT: Best things to do at springtime in DC
Go on a walking tour of the Historic district
The spirit of George Washington lives on in the streets of Alexandria. Go on a walking tour and explore Washington’s stomping ground.
One place in particular is his townhouse located in the historic district. It’s an unassuming little house that’s easily missed without the plaque in front and a statue of Washington’s bust on the window.
George Washington would stay at this house on his visits to Alexandria. Today, it is now a private residence, and has been restored.
Don’t miss a stroll along the streets of Alexandria and admire some of its most historic buildings and architecture. The colorful row homes are just so beautiful, especially when they are decorated for the holidays with the fruit wreaths and garlands.
Stop by the Visitors Center in Old Town Alexandria where you’ll find brochures, maps and tickets to a variety of tours and attractions. There is also a gift shop and transportation information as well.
Another place worth visiting is the Stabler Leadbeater Apothecary Museum which boasts a vast collection of herbal botanicals, hand-blown glass, and medical equipment. The museum is so cool and kind of reminds me of Harry Potter.
The museum is open Fridays 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., and Sundays & Mondays 1 – 5 p.m. Self-Guided Tours includes admission to the first floor and souvenir booklet. Tickets are $5 Adults-$3 (ages 5 -12)- FREE 4 and under with a paying adult.
Visit Gadsby’s Tavern
One other place that Washington usually frequented during his visits to Alexandria is Gadsby’s Tavern. Gadsby’s tavern is a National historical landmark in the Old town.
Built in 1785, the tavern consisted of two buildings, a hotel and a tavern. Some of its famous guests included George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and James Monroe. Today the tavern is still in use, and the hotel is now a musuem.
Sit in George Washington’s Pew at Christ Church
One other historical sight worth visiting is Christ Church. Located in Old town, the church was built around 1765.
Until the twenty-first century, it was tradition for sitting presidents to attend a service. Some of it’s most notable parishioners are George Washington, Franklin Roosevelt and Winston Churchill.
See the smallest house in Old Town
One of Old Town Alexandria’s most unusual home is the Spite house, which is located in Queen street.
Named the smallest house in America, the Spite house was built in 1830 to keep horse drawn carriages and loiterers out of an alleyway owned by an adjacent house.
The house is only 7 feet wide, and about 325 square feet in two stories and is now a private residence.
Just a short walk away is another tiny little house located on Prince street. This one is a little bigger being 8 feet wide, but still very small and cute. We thought that they were such a unique little landmark in the area.
If only they turned them into museums or little Airbnb’s for people to rent out, it would’ve been so cool to take a tour of these tiny houses!
You can find Spite house at 523 Queen St., and the bigger one at 403 Prince St. close to St. Mary’s basilica.
Admire the beautiful gardens at the Carlyle House
Visit the Carlyle House Historic Park and it’s beautiful gardens. Carlyle House is a restored Georgian mansion built in 1753 by merchant and city founder John Carlyle.
It is architecturally unique as the only stone 18th-century Palladian Revival style residence in Alexandria.
You can go on a tour of the mansion or just relax and admire it’s beautiful gardens. It was absolutely beautiful and one of our favorite places in Old town.
Explore Old Town Alexandria’s Waterfront Park
If you haven’t been to Old Town Alexandria lately, the Waterfront has been completely revitalized.
The new Waterfront Park features an open plaza, complete with swinging chairs and shady areas, perfect to sit and relax while you enjoy the river views.
You can even get on a boat cruise, or take a water taxi that takes you along the Potomac River into either DC or the National Harbor.
The Waterfront park also features a temporary art installation, with a new theme every year. The very first one was the Mirror Mirror installation, which was a sound responsive art installation.
In 2020 you can look forward to a new installation called the Wrought, Knit, Labors, Legacies, which will be on view from March-November.
Go on an Alexandria Waterfront Walk
One of the best things to do in Old Town Alexandria is a stroll along the Potomac on the Alexandria Waterfront Walk.
The Walk connects eight waterfront parks, and goes for about a couple of miles from the Jones Point Lighthouse up to the Tide Locke Park. Some of the parks along the way are a perfect place for an afternoon picnic, with amazing Potomac River views.
If you want to explore more of the trails in the area, the walk also connects into the Mount Vernon trail. Rent a bike and explore the trail, which goes from George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate to Theodore Roosevelt Island.
READ NEXT: Guide on some of the most kid friendly trails and parks in the DC area.
Visit one of the oldest running Farmers Market in America
Visit the Old Farmers market. The market was where local farmers and artists have been selling their products since 1753.
It is thought to be one of the nation’s oldest continually operating farmer’s markets.
One of its most famous vendors was George Washington, who sent his produce from Mount Vernon to be sold here. We visited in a Saturday morning and it was pretty cool.
There are stalls selling fresh local produce, beautiful flowers, and delicious foods to sample. If your ever in the area make sure to visit this historic market and take part in this ongoing local tradition in Alexandria.
Take a cruise on the Tall Ship Providence
Take a cruise in Alexandria’s newest waterfront attraction, The Tall Ship Providence.
The ship is docked at the Old Town Alexandria waterfront, and is a reproduction of the first ship authorized to serve in the Continental Navy and John Paul Jones’ first American command.
You can take a tourof the ship, or go on a cruise and experience what life was like aboard an 18th-century ship.
Daily tours are offered Friday to Sunday each week, and you have the option of a public or private tour, as well as a private boat cruise as well. The cruises last about 75 minutes, while the tours go for about 45 minutes.
Visit the Torpedo Factory
One of our little ones favorite place is the Torpedo Factory. The Torpedo Factory was once a Naval Munitions factory and has been converted into an art center.
It is home to one of the largest number of artists studios than you can visit. Our little one loves exploring the many different studios and interacting with the artists.
There are also seasonal activities here, like a visit with Santa during the holidays and much more. Make sure to visit the website for more events going on throughout the year.
Visit the Alexandria Archaeology Museum on the third Floor, #327 to learn more about Alexandria’s history.
The main exhibit shares some historic finds and tells the story of Old Town Alexandria’s past that was excavated at the corner of Lee and Queen Streets.
You can participate in hands on activities, and explore temporary exhibits highlighting archaeological research. The museum is open Fridays and Saturdays 11 a.m.-4 p.m., and Sundays 1-4 p.m.
Visit the Wilkes Tunnel
On your sightseeing stroll around Old Town Alexandria, you will come across the Wilkes Tunnel.
Built in 1856, the tunnel was originally used by the Orange and Alexandria rail company, and is one of only a few structures left associated with Alexandria’s railroad history.
At the end of the tunnel you will come across the Windmill Hills Park with playgrounds for the kiddos.
Visit Jones Point Park
Visit another one of the historic spots in Old Town Alexandria at Jones Point Park. The park was once the largest centers for shipping, manufacturing, and transportation in the nation.
It is also home to the last remaining riverine lighthouse in Virginia, which was built in 1855. There are so many opportunities for outdoor adventures here.
The kids will enjoy the playgrounds, hiking, fishing, a canoe launch, basketball courts, and a big open space to ride bikes or scooters.
Scramble Indoor Play Area
Scramble is an indoor European style play area for kids in Alexandria. There’s a play area for toddlers and for the older kids.
There’s a cafe, tables and a space for birthday parties. No reservations for weekday visits, reservations required on weekend and holidays. Socks are required for both kids and adults
- Hours: Sunday-Thursday 9:30am-6:00pm/ Friday & Saturday 9:30am-8:00pm
- Ticket prices: Infants (5-11 months)-$10
- Toddlers (1-3 years old)-$12
- Children (4-10 years old)-$14
- Adults-$2
- Tickets $2 dollars more on weekends & Federal Holiday
- Reserve weekend and holiday tickets here
Cameron Run Regional Park
Spend the day at Cameron Run Regional Park that features a Waterpark, Mini Golf, Batting Cages and more.
During the summer, cool off from the hot sun at the Great Waves Waterpark which features water slides and a giant wave pool. Check prices and dates here.
In the winter, the park hosts the Ice & Lights Winter Village which features an ice rink, holiday photo-ops, music and more! Visit the website here for more info!
Visit the George Washington Masonic Memorial
Make sure to visit the George Washington Masonic Memorial on your trip to Old Town Alexandria.
The Memorial is dedicated to the memory of George Washington and is fashioned after the ancient lighthouse of Alexandria in Egypt.
You can go on a one hour guided tour that you have to reserve online. The tours runs daily with the last tour at 4pm. Admission costs $18 per person, while children 12 and under are free.
Where to eat in Old Town Alexandria
There are so many places to eat when visiting Old Town Alexandria, especially if you’re a foodie. Here are some of our favorites:
- Ichiban Sushi House– Yummy Japanese cuisine, make sure to try the Ramen.
- Virtue feed and Grain– Pub fare and lively bar scene
- Chart House– Seafood and Steakhouse with waterfront views
- Dolci Gelati– Gelato and coffee house
- Lavender Moon Cupcakery– Creative cupcakes in a cute little shop
- Landini Brothers Restaurant– Italian menu with a romantic setting
- Vola’s Dockside Grill– Waterfront dining, Raw bar and seafood classics
- Mia’s Italian Kitchen– Pizza Bar and Italian Classics
- Fish Market Restaurant– Chesapeake style seafood, we love the Crabcake sandwich
These are just some of the main sights to see in Old Town Alexandria with kids. Visit the stomping grounds of our founding fathers and admire the cities historic charm. It is one of the most beautiful small towns we’ve seen and is so worth a visit!
READ NEXT:
Guide to the Best day trip ideas from Washington DC.
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Guide to the Holidays in Washington DC.
Guide to the Best Fall activities in Washington DC
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