Top things to do at the DC Wharf with kids
When planning a trip to Washington DC, make sure to stop by the newest waterfront destination in the city.
The DC Wharf is one of the most exciting new places in DC. There’s always something going on here, plus there’s so much to do for the whole family.
On the blog, I will share the top things to do at the DC Wharf with kids. There are so many fun activities here, and it’s one of our favorite places in Washington DC!
READ NEXT: Guide to Washington DC with kids
*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.
Short on time?…Pin me for later!
BOOK A TOUR:
Where to stay at the DC Wharf
We love staycations at the DC Wharf. One of our favorite hotels here is the Hyatt House.
The Hyatt House offers huge rooms with kitchens, which is perfect for families. They also offer free breakfast, a rooftop pool, and a fun terrace with amazing River views.
Other Hotels at the DC Wharf
Top things to do at the DC Wharf with kids
The Wharf is home to four distinct piers for recreation and transportation. There’s the Market pier, the Transit pier, the District pier, and the Recreation Pier.
Make sure to visit the DC Wharf’s website for the calendar of events. There’s always something fun going on here!
- Public restrooms can be found below Cantina Bambina, right next to the Water Taxi ticket office (wheelchair accessible)
- On Water Street SW below 800 Maine Avenue, next to Array Floral (wheelchair accessible)
- At the Fish Market area, below Tiki TNT
Explore the Water on a kayak, canoe or paddle board
The recreation pier is one of our favorite places at the DC Wharf.
Reserve a Kayak, canoe, or paddleboard at the boathouse and explore the Washington Channel.
- Kids ages 7 or under may go in a multi-occupancy boat with an adult as long as they can sit independently.
- Kids ages 8-15 years old, may go out on their own boat but their parent or guardian must complete and sign the float plan/agreement form and must be supervised by an adult 18 and over and be present on the water with them at all times.
- Kids ages 16 or 17 must have a float plan/agreement form completed and signed by their parent/guardian and may go out on the water unsupervised.
SINGLE KAYAK $18/HOUR
DOUBLE KAYAK $25/HOUR (2 PEOPLE)
STAND UP PADDLEBOARD RATE: $22/HOUR
Take the Wharf Jitney
Take the free seasonal Wharf Jitney to ferry across the Washington Channel to East Potomac Park.
There is a huge playground at Hains Point that the kids will love, plus it’s a great place to take a bike ride around the 4.4-mile loop.
The Wharf Jitney’s operation is subject to weather conditions and operates from Monday–Thursday: 12:00 pm until 30 minutes before sunset
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Holidays: 9:00 am until 30 minutes before sunset
April–November: Daily service
March and December: Weekends and holidays only
BOOK A TOUR:
Cool off at the splash pad
During the summer, let the kids cool off at the splash pad at the Wharf. It’s the best way to beat the heat, just make sure to bring extra clothes and a towel.
The Wharf splash pad is located next to the Boathouse right by the 7th street park.
Visit the Swings at the Recreation Pier
Another fun activity to do at the DC Wharf with kids are the giant swings located along the Recreation Pier. They’re the perfect photo-op at the DC Wharf, plus the kids will have a great time swinging!
Roast s’mores
One of the best things to do at the DC Wharf that’s always a hit with the kids is roasting s’mores.
During the weekends, visit the Camp Wharf s’mores truck and roast s’mores by the fire.
There’s a giant fire pit for you to roast your s’mores, plus it’s the perfect place to warm up if you’re visiting during the winter.
There are usually big Adirondack chairs for you to enjoy while you’re warming up by the fire.
- When: Fri: 6-11pm/ Sat: 3-11pm/ Sun: 3-10pm (Closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day)
- There are different Smore’s options to purchase, including some hot cocoa or some warm apple cider.
- Smore’s $3.75 each or 4 for $13
- Hot apple cider $3.50-(credit and debit cards only)
The Boardwalk Bar & Arcade
The Boardwalk Bar and Arcade is a new dining, and entertainment experience at the Wharf and the venue is the largest indoor/outdoor bar in DC!
There are two levels where you can dine and play with a coastal boardwalk menu including pretzels, corn dogs, cotton candy, sandwiches, tacos, and pizza as well.
There are a variety of arcade games to enjoy including skeeball, shuffleboard, video games, and more! It’s a fun destination at the DC Wharf with kids!
Get on the Water Taxi
If you have more time on your visit to Washington DC, make sure to go on a seasonal Water Taxi ride from The Wharf to Georgetown, the National Harbor, or Old Town Alexandria.
It’s a great way to explore the other waterfronts in the district, plus you get a scenic ride along the Potomac River!
The Water Taxis are located at the Transit Pier, and you can purchase your tickets there as well!
Fares and Hours to Georgetown, Alexandria, and National Harbor
One-Way: Adults starting at $13 | Senior (62+)/Military $12 | Children (Ages 2–11) starting at $9
Roundtrip: Adults starting at $21 | Senior (62+)/Military $19 | Children (Ages 2–11) starting at $15
One Day Pass: Adults $31
Two Day Pass: Adults $40
30-Day Pass: $95
Season Pass: $225
Alexandria/Old Town Service: Weekdays 7:00am – 9:35pm | Weekends 11:45am – 9:35pm
Georgetown Service: Daily 12:30pm – 8:15pm
Due to water conditions, the Water Taxi operates March-December each year.
Play oversized games
Since you’re at the Transit Pier, don’t miss the giant-sized board games. Our little one loves the giant Jenga, Scrabble, and Connect Four games. They are so much fun and it’s the perfect activity for kids.
There are usually some lounge chairs here during the summer and live entertainment as well.
You can even get some refreshments at Cantina Bambina located nearby. It’s the perfect place to spend the day at the DC Wharf with kids!
Take a stroll or bike ride along the Southwest Waterfront Park
Rent a bike or scooter and take a stroll along the 3.5-acre Southwest Waterfront park, which is located right at the edge of the Wharf.
There are shady trellises, gravel bocce courts, and a big open space for the kids to play.
Go Ice Skating
During the winter, make sure to visit the DC Wharf for ICE skating. Located at the Transit Pier, you can bring your own skates or rent some.
It’s fun for the whole family, plus you can get some hot refreshments nearby to warm up.
- When: Nov. 24, 2021-Feb. 2022
- Mon-Tues: Closed/ Wed-Fri: 4pm-10pm/ Sat: 12pm-10pm/ Sun:12pm-8pm
- Special Holiday Hours
- December 23: 12pm-10pm
- December 24: 12pm-7pm
- December 25: 12pm-8pm
- December 26-30: 12pm-10pm
- December 31: 12pm-8pmTicket prices: Adult: $12
- Youth (12 & Under): $9
- Skate Rental: $6
- Group Rate (10 or more) includes skate rental: $14
- Active military, seniors, first responders, and healthcare workers can receive a $2 discount on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Must show a valid ID.
- Location: The Transit Pier on the DC Wharf
- Visit the website here
Take in the views from a terrace
One of the reasons why we love staying at the Hyatt House is their wonderful terrace. This is the best place to take in the sunset at the Wharf.
Grab a cocktail at the Canopy Bar, pull a chair, and watch as the sun sets over the Harbor.
This is also the perfect place to watch the fireworks during the holiday boat parade, which is so much fun!
Where to eat at the DC Wharf
There are so many choices in places to eat at the DC Wharf. We’ve tried so many restaurants and casual eateries here and so far these are some of our favorites:
- The Wharf is home to the Municipal Fish Market, which is the oldest continuously operating open air seafood market in the city, which was opened in 1805!
- Get some fresh seafood and have a waterfront picnic. We love the fresh crabs, shrimp, and stonerock crab claws.
- Mi Vida– High end Mexican fare with waterfront views
- Kaliwa– Filipino, Korean & Thai fare with artful drinks by the waterfront
- Hanks Oyster Bar– New England and coastal beach fare, Raw Bar
- Kirwan’s Irish Pub– Irish Pub fare
- Oficina– Italian fare with an artisanal market, and a full-scale restaurant. Reservations are recommended.
- Moon Rabbit: reinterpreted takes on Vietnamese and American dishes.
- Shake Shack– Gourmet burgers and milkshakes
- Toastique– Gourmet toast and juice bar
Favorite place for Sweets
- Southwest Soda Pop Shop- Ice cream parlor and specialty shakes and floats
- District Doughnuts- Handcrafted, artisanal doughnuts and locally roasted Compass coffee.
- Praline Bakery– made from scratch bakery, fresh baked croissants, danishes, cookies and cakes.
- Bistro Du Jour: Parisian bistro featuring fresh-baked pastries, cakes and cookies from Mah-Ze-Dahr Bakery and coffee from La Colombe. Make sure to try their Brioche doughnuts, which tastes amazing!
Seasonal Events at the Wharf
No matter what season you visit, there’s always something going on at the DC Wharf.
One of our favorite times to visit is during Christmas at the Wharf. We love the Holiday boat parade, visiting with Santa, and the giant Christmas Tree on the pier.
There are also so many fun events during the holidays, like cookie decorating, ice skating at the ICE Rink, and more.
You also can’t miss visiting the DC Wharf at springtime during the cherry blossom festival.
The Wharf hosts some fun spring events, and cherry blossom-themed food and drinks to enjoy.
READ NEXT:
Top things to do at springtime in Washington DC
Parking at the DC Wharf
The DC Wharf has an underground parking garage on Maine Avenue SW, and is open around the clock.
There are three entrances, Blair Alley, Sutton Square, and 7th Street Park. Handicap-accessible parking spaces are available in the garage. The garage clearance height is 8′ 2″.
- Make sure to download the SpotHero app to reserve a parking spot at the garage, as it is usually much cheaper.
- You can also download the ParkMobile app to make paying for parking easier (located on zone 326).
- If you’re only here to visit the Fish Market, parking costs $2 for the first hour, but you must validate parking.
- Bring your ticket and Fish Market receipt to the staff member in the parking lobby in Market Square (near District Doughnut and Blue Bottle).
- You can also park along East Potomac Park, and take the free Wharf Jitney to the DC Wharf!
Pin me for later!
