10+ Things To Do in Washington DC with Kids

A family of five stands in front of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington D.C. One of the 9 Things to Do Washington DC with Kids.
Photo Courtesy: Missi Dunham

Washington, DC brags about some of the best things to do with kids! In fact, it’s one of the most kid-friendly destinations in the country, perfect for a family vacation. Between free Smithsonian museums, kids’ play spaces for little ones, and even activities for teens, you’ll find something for all ages here! Plus, there are also plenty of parks and gardens to roam about (and release some energy). By way of Metro trains or buses, public transportation is also safe, clean, and relatively stroller-friendly!

Having lived in Washington, DC for more than 15 years, now with a toddler, I have plenty of expertise to help families navigate these 10+ Things To Do In Washinton DC With Kids. Here are some of our favorite places to visit as a family, including where we take visitors when they want to explore everything this dynamic city offers!

Visit the Many Museums

Young boy listens to an audio tour guide on a museum tour.
Photo Courtesy: Jason Carlton

Definitely put The Smithsonian Institutions on your list of things to do in DC with kids! This network of 19 museums and a zoo stands adjacent to the National Mall (the big green space in the center of Washington, DC—not a shopping mall!). As a plus for those traveling on a budget, Smithsonians are free to the public. Check out as many as you can with the help of this handy map of Museums along the National Mall. To narrow it down based on your interests, here are some of my family’s favorite museums to visit, especially with our little one!

RELATED ARTICLE: Best Washington DC Museums For Kids By Age

Smithsonian’s Air & Space

Two young boys sit in an exhibit at the Smithsonian’s Air & Space Museum. One of the 9 Things to Do Washington DC with Kids.
Photo Courtesy: Joanna Diakos Kordalis

Smithsonian’s Air & Space is one of the most popular museums in the world! Anything air or space-related is housed here, from early aircraft replicas to model rockets. Kids can also see the Apollo 11 Command Module that housed Neil Armstrong, “Buzz” Aldrin, and Michael Collins during the first manned lunar landing mission! It’s truly striking how small this module is—and it took the astronauts more than 51 hours to reach lunar orbit. (If your kids complain about the long flight, you could always impress them with that fun fact!)

Older kids will love the museum’s upgraded IMAX theater, which has a new dual 4K laser projection system with a 74-by-49-foot screen, one of the largest in the Mid-Atlantic. A Beautiful Planet in 3-D IMAX is amazing, filmed by astronauts aboard the International Space Station! The most breathtaking part was seeing the cities of South Korea aglow at night—and then seeing its neighbor North Korea, which was shrouded in darkness.

Younger kids can attend the museum’s planetarium for a daily free show at 10:30 am starring Elmo and Big Bird! And there’s storytime most Thursdays and Fridays at 11 am, and Saturdays at 11 am and 1:30 pm.

Book the Air & Space and American History Museum: Guided Combo Tour with Getyourguide.com here!

Natural History Museum

Everyone goes to the Natural History Museum to see the dinosaurs, but there’s also an amazing exhibit on early humans and Neanderthals. And you can also see the Hope Diamond, one of the most famous jewels in the world! The Butterfly Pavilion is so much fun for everyone too. My family had dozens of butterflies land on us while we walked through. (You have to buy tickets to go inside, but it’s worth it.) Go to the Q? rius Lab, an interactive space for kids and teens! (It is REALLY COOL for adults too!) There, you can look at fossils, butterflies, and hundreds of other exhibits under a microscope. It’s open Monday-Friday 2 – 5 pm, and on weekends from 10 am – 5 pm.

Reserve a Guided Tour of the National Museum of Natural History here through Getyourguide.com!

Smithsonian American History Museum

The Smithsonian American History Museum is another one to add on your list of best things to do with kids in DC! Covering the history of The United States, perhaps the most popular exhibits here are the actual Star Spangled Banner and Julia Child’s kitchen. The best reasons to go with kiddos, however, are the Wonderplace and Spark! Lab. These interactive spaces give children of all ages, from toddlers to teens, ample room to explore their curiosities. It’s open every day, 10 am – 4 pm (except Tuesday.)

Looking for a Guided tour of the American History Museum? Book now through Getyourguide.com!

Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture

A view of the outisde of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture in Washington DC.

The National Museum of African American History & Culture is the newest addition to Smithsonian’s lineup. Its exhibitions tell the history of African Americans, from hardships in slavery to current culture and political issues. It’s a beautifully-curated museum, and definitely worth the visit for anyone interested in what’s on display. Here, families can literally walk through centuries of history, starting from the basement level up. Plan your visit beforehand to ensure a spot, though! Free, timed-entry passes are required for weekends, which are available on their website.
Give your family a fantastic taste of African American History and Culture with a professional tour guide with GetYourGuide!

Smithsonian American Indian Museum

Looking down into an exhibit on water crafts at the American Indian Museum. One of the 9 Things to Do Washington DC with Kids.
Photo Courtesy: Meg Bull

Smithsonian’s American Indian Museum’s mission is to advance knowledge and understanding of the Native cultures in the United States—past and present. It’s also a great place to take little ones to teach them about native people’s importance in history! Though constantly rotating, the kid-friendly exhibits here are created in partnership with Native leaders, and are thus true-to-life. Kids will particularly love The American Indian Museum’s interactive exhibits! Be sure to visit the imagiNATIONS Activity Center, which is open every day 10 – 5 (except Monday.)

Also, read: Top Outdoor Things To Do In DC In The Winter With Kids

Art Museums

The National Gallery of Art is a must-visit for art lovers! Our toddler loves modern art, so the museum’s East Building is fun to walk through. On weekends, make sure to check their calendar for drop-in art-making for the whole family. Film buffs or older kids will also appreciate special screenings of films for all ages in the East Building Auditorium. (Though The National Gallery of Art isn’t a Smithsonian, it’s still free!)

For more in depth information, book this 5 hour guided tour with Getyourguide.com which includes a stop at the National Gallery of Art!

The Hirshhorn Art Museum & Sculpture Garden

The Hirshhorn Art Museum & Sculpture Garden is the perfect place for kids to roam free and explore their creativity! It has a wonderful storytime program, connecting its towering metal and bronze sculptures to a wonderful story. Then, you can even enjoy a free play for the entire family!  This spectacular takes place every Wednesday at 10 am and Sunday at 11 am in a space with a panoramic view of the National Mall. For those looking for things to do in DC with kids on the weekends, they also have drawing activities for all ages at 2 pm on Saturdays.

A young boy stands in front of a landscape painting at the Portrait Gallery in Washington D.C. One of the 9 Things to Do Washington DC with Kids.
Photo Courtesy: Nophar Levy Palumbo

Smithsonian American Art Museum & Portrait Gallery is where the famous Presidential portraits are on display—which is fun for any young person learning about Presidential history! (Michelle Obama’s well-known portrait is here as well!) On a sunny day, natural light flooding the building’s central atrium is breathtaking, often decorated with hundreds of orchids. You’re welcome to bring food from outside (Shake Shack is across the street!) into the atrium, where there are tables and wifi for everyone to enjoy. On the first floor of the building, there’s a children’s discovery center with art on display and blocks for play!

Book this tour of the Art Museum & Portrait Gallery with a professional art historian guide through getyourguide.com!

Tour the U.S. Capitol Building

With the newly restored rotunda open to the public, The Capitol is stunning, inside and out. You could get a more personal tour from your Representative or Senators’ offices (which may be easier with multiple strollers in tow) or through the Capitol Visitor Center. (Book a tour in advance!) The Visitor Center offers a 45-minute guided tour, including a brief orientation film (a good time to rest or cool off when it’s hot outside.) Tour guides take about 20 people through the crypt (and the intersection of the four quadrants of the District of Columbia), the rotunda, and the National Statuary Hall. If you’re wondering if it’s hard to hear during the tour, don’t worry! They’ll equip you with a headset so you can hear your guide clearly despite the many other tours happening simultaneously.

Ask older kids to find the two statues in the Capitol that represent your state. (Or your tour guide will know where they are placed.) You can also get passes to the visitor galleries of the chambers of the House of Representatives and Senate. If Congress is in session, you might see them at work, or even voting! (Seriously, it’s very interesting.) The chambers look different in person than on C-SPAN, and it’s fascinating to watch the side conversations happening before a vote.

VIATOR- Washington DC City Day Tour with Stops at 10 Top Attractions

Walk by the Monuments on the National Mall

Family of three stands in front of the Lincoln Memorial. One of the 9 Things to Do Washington DC with Kids.
Photo Courtesy: Jason Carlton

D.C. is an amazing city for people to simply watch and stroll, no matter what season. The best time of year to visit Washington, DC with kids by far, however, is always when the cherry blossoms are in bloom! According to the National Park Service, the average peak bloom date is April 4. (Follow the Bloom Watch.)

RELATED ARTICLE: The Best Hikes Near DC For Families

The Monuments

Exploring monuments around town is definitely one of the most popular things to do in DC with kids. As such, driving could mean getting stuck in traffic and finding a unicorn of a parking spot. The preferable way is to walk, and depending on how fast your kiddos are (or how fast you can push your stroller!), it’s possible to see several monuments in one day. We’ve always started near the Tidal Basin with a view of the Jefferson Memorial (which is a 15-minute walk from the Smithsonian metro station) because it’s our favorite. From there, it’s an easy walk to the Franklin D Roosevelt Memorial (10 minutes) and then the Martin Luther King Memorial (7 minutes.)

Download the Monuments Self-Guided Walking Tour of Washington D.C. through Getyourguide.come here!

A small girl walks along the Vietnam War Memorial Wall. One of the 9 Things to Do Washington DC with Kids.
Photo Courtesy: Diane Oliveira

After that, you could walk northeast to the World War II Memorial (5 minutes.) Or you could walk northwest to the Korean War Veterans Memorial (8 minutes.) I think the Korean War Memorial comes alive at night, so you may want to go later in the day. If you continue walking northwest, you’ll also get to the Lincoln Memorial (3 minutes), which is equally breathtaking at night. And from there, you could walk to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall (also 3 minutes!)

Visit the landmarks and monuments of Washington, D. C. on a 3-hour bus tour after dark through Getyourguide.com!

A family of four stands holding hands facing the Washington Monument in the background.
Photo Courtesy: Samantha D’Onofrio

From almost any part of the Mall, you’ll also be able to see the Washington Monument, a 555-foot marble obelisk that honors President George Washington. (Its elevators are undergoing renovation until later this year, but once it’s open again, you can take a ride to the very top!) Just north of the Washington Monument, you can also see the White House. Public tours are available only through your Member of Congress. (If you are visiting from a foreign country, you’ll need to contact your embassy in Washington, DC for assistance in submitting a tour request.)

RELATED: Exciting Washington, DC Field Trip Itinerary For Families With Tweens and Teens

Watch a Performance at the Kennedy Center

Sure, the Kennedy Center is grand and opulent, and it’s a lot of fun to dress up to see the symphony or the opera. But the Kennedy Center also has regular performances for children and families! Occasionally, the theatre even hosts sensory-friendly performances for children who may need to walk around or children with autism or other disabilities that create sensory sensitivities. Also, there are daily free performances in the main foyer’s Millennium Stage, where everyone is welcome. You can find the schedule here. No tickets are required—just show up, and no need to dress up!

Look here for alternative things to do and see in Washington DC with Fever Up, such as Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience!

Say Hello to the Animals at the Smithsonian Zoo

Four kids sit among a sign reading "ZOO" at the Smithsonian Zoo, in Washington D.C.
Photo Courtesy: Steph Yu

While the National Zoo isn’t on the National Mall, it’s close to two Metro stations—Woodley Park or Cleveland Park. And like the other Smithsonian Museums, the Zoo is also free to the public! Our toddler’s favorite animals here are the orangutans (look for them overhead, on their dedicated “O-Line”), small mammals, and the electric fishes in Amazonia. (There’s also a daily electric fish demonstration at 1 pm.) If you’re visiting between Thanksgiving and Christmas, visit during the evenings, when the entire zoo is covered with festive decorations and lighting for Zoo Lights. (And they serve adult beverages, like spiked cider!)

Also, read: A Fun 5-Day DC Itinerary For Families With Babies and Toddlers

Stroll The U.S. Botanic Garden

Young girl smiles among the plants and flowers at the U.S. Botanic Garden in Washington D.C.
Photo Courtesy: Meg Bull

Spend another day in DC surrounded by luscious nature! The Botanic Garden is located on the southwest end of the Capitol building (House side)—and it’s one of the oldest botanic gardens in North America. Parents will love the tranquil atmosphere here, and kids have plenty of space to roam curiously. The Conservatory is also a giant greenhouse with all sorts of plants in a variety of environments, from jungle to desert. Around Christmas time, look out for carolers in the evening or an epic train display, which little kids love!

Visit the Library of Congress

A view inside the walls of the Library of Congress, looking down on Research and Reference Services.

The Library of Congress is probably one of the most impressive buildings in DC to visit with kids! Luckily for families who are sightseeing nearby, it’s also across the street from the Capitol. And its history is equally fantastic! Take a guided tour to learn all about the significance behind this building, originally established in 1800. While its details may not be best for younger children, older ones will surely be fascinated by the story. Eventually, invading British troops set the library on fire in 1814, then housed in the Capitol. The entire property had all but burned to the ground when retired President Thomas Jefferson offered his entire personal library to Congress as a replacement for $23,950.

RELATED: Amazing DC Field Trip Itinerary For Families With Elementary-Aged 

Learn about Telling Time at the U.S. Naval Observatory

Ever wonder how time was kept in the 1800s? Well before the ubiquitous cell phones in our pockets, the US Naval Observatory was established to care for the US Navy’s marine chronometers and other navigational equipment. In 1845, the observatory also began dropping a time ball, the first of its kind, at Mean Solar Noon to alert all ships and civilians in the area to the exact time! Kids can learn all this and more during a visit today, where the observatory operates one of two Master Clocks, a cesium atomic clock. Back then, however, people had an unobstructed view of the observatory from the docks. Instead of looking for a time ball, you can also always call to get the exact time from a voice announcement: 202-762-1401. Tours are only available on select Monday nights, though, from 8 – 10 pm. Make advanced reservations!

Older kids can also see the stars (or planets) when the skies are clear through a 12-inch refracting telescope. (We saw a star cluster 145 light-years away!) Also, the Vice President lives on the property!

9) Visit the National Cathedral

Your whole family will fancy a visit to DC’s gorgeous National Cathedral! Completed in 1990, it took 200 years to envision, plan, and build in total. It’s also extremely beautiful and tall enough to see from all over the District! In fact, kids will be fascinated to discover its tower holds the highest point in Washington DC. Be sure to understand its history before venturing here, though. The Cathedral isn’t Catholic; rather, it is a part of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington and serves as “a house of prayer for all people and a spiritual home for the nation.”

Point children toward the stained glass window containing a 2 3/8” sliver of moon rock as its centerpiece! “Piece 230 of Apollo 11 rock no. 10057” was presented to the Cathedral by Apollo 11 astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins, “a fragment of creation, from beyond the Earth.” Also, the outdoor gardens are beautiful, and there are many benches under trees to take a break—or burn off some energy running around! Don’t miss Bishop’s Garden as well. (After that, we always get pizza at 2Amys, which is nearby.)

Reserve this private day or evening SUV Tour for up to 7 people through Getyourguide.com and customize your trip to the attractions you want to see in Washington DC!

Attend the Water Lantern Festival

Several lanterns, lit with wishes, float on a pond at the Water Lantern Festival.
Photo Courtesy: Water Lantern Festival

Those visiting Washington DC with kids in July will be delighted to attend one of the summer’s best events. The Water Lantern Festival brings people together for a celebration of light and community! Make a wish and send it away on a floating lantern along with thousands of others at the festival, coming to coming to Oxon Hill (National Harbor SouthPointe). The event will take place both on Saturday, August 5th and Sunday, August 6th (2023 event date). Then, you can also enjoy local food trucks, specialty vendors, and live music throughout the night. Tickets start at $26.98. Use coupon code “LANTERNLIGHT” for a discount at checkout!

Find more DC festivals for families here!

Washington DC Interactive Map

Discover the best places to stay, restaurants, and local attractions in Washington DC with our interactive map. You can filter by what you’re looking for, so it’s quick and easy to select which area you want to explore.

Happy Travels!

Four kids stand smiling in front of the United States capitol building in Washington DC.
Photo Courtesy: Missi Dunham

No matter how you spend your DC vacation, we’re sure you’ll love this magical city. A special thank you to the Families Who Love to Travel Facebook community who also submitted photographs for this list of 9 Things To Do In Washington DC With Kids!

By Rachna Choudhry, co-founder of POPVOX.com, a platform that helps people keep track of what’s happening in Congress. She lives in Washington, DC, and loves exploring the city with her toddler.

Find more from Rachna on Twitter: @rachnacDC and Instagram: @rachnachoudhry.

*This post may contain affiliate links that may earn us a small commission at no additional cost to you. Affiliate links in no way inform the hotels, sights, products, or other recommendations included in our articles. All opinions and recommendations are compiled from submissions submitted by the generous members of our Families Who Love To Travel community.

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