12 Best Things to Do in Washington DC with Kids

Last updated on November 8th, 2024 at 12:57 pm

Looking for things to do in Washington DC with Kids? Here’s the Washington DC Trip Planner for Families you need.

Washington DC with kids might not be the first thought that springs to mind when you think about a family city break. Many will plump for its brash, attention-seeking sister New York, meaning it easily gets overlooked.

However, scratch the surface, and you’ll find there’s so much more to Washington DC than politics. In fact, a joint trip to Washington DC and New York with kids makes my Top Eight Best Family Holiday Destinations for 2024!

There’s lots to do in Washington DC with kids, much of it free. A Washington DC family trip with teens is a particularly great idea, with so much for them to learn. Read on for your Washington DC kid-friendly itinerary…

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Where to Stay in Washington DC with Kids

If you have a 2 or 3 day itinerary for Washington DC like us, you’ll want to stay somewhere central so that you can easily get to the main Washington DC attractions.

We stayed at Hyatt Place Washington DC / White House (there are several different Hyatt locations). Breakfast was included and prices were reasonable, but the best thing about this hotel is the location.

Round the corner from the White House (hence its name), it’s a good base for the National Mall as well. There are plenty of shops and restaurants nearby. In fact, you can walk to Founding Farmers (one of our recommendations, below) from the hotel.

✅ Book HERE the best rates for Hyatt Place Washington DC/ White House via Booking.com

Other locations which are good for a Washington DC family vacation are Downtown DC, Georgetown and Dupont Circle.

Here are my 12 Best Things to do in Washington DC with kids

Our recommendation, when planning a trip to Washington DC for family, is to plan a mix of outdoor and indoor Washington DC attractions, so that you’re covered for all potential weather (whether too cold or too hot).

Here are our recommendations for the best places to visit in DC (find them all on the map of Washington DC below).

What To Do in Washington DC – Outdoor Attractions

Washington DC can get cold (and rainy) in the winter, and be extremely humid in the summer. If the weather’s good and you want to spend time outdoors, here are some great options for family fun in Washington DC:

Smithsonian’s National Zoo

Best For: All ages, but especially if you’re looking for toddler activities in DC or you’re with kids under 10.

Free to enter, this zoo is beautifully cared for and has gorgeous gardens. It’s definitely one of the top activities for kids in Washington DC.

Reserve your entry passes ahead of time on the Smithsonian’s National Zoo website to guarantee entry. The zoo is open daily from 8 am to 4 pm and the closest train stops are Woodley Park and Cleveland Park. There is parking at the zoo, but it’s limited and quite pricey.

One of the highlights of the Smithsonian’s National Zoo is catching sight of the three giant pandas who are residents there. There’s a webcam in action on the website so you can check out what they’re up to before or after your visit.

We were lucky during our visit and got some close-up views of the pandas – both indoors (having a bite to eat) and outdoors (having a play).

You’ll find a wide range of species at this zoo, from clouded leopards and American bald eagles to binturongs and bobcats!

The zoo is regularly involved in conservation work and works closely with the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute. While the headquarters are in Virginia, the zoo takes part in lots of research programs (which you can make a donation to if you wish).

Make sure the Smithsonian’s National Zoo is top of your list of things to do in Washington DC with kids if the weather is in your favour!

Address: 3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington DC 20008

Martin Luther King Jr’s ‘I Have A Dream’ Plaque

Best For: If you’re in Washington DC with Teens

18 steps down from the Lincoln Memorial, you’ll find the spot where Martin Luther King made his ‘I Have A Dream’ speech in August 1963. The plaque was placed here in 2003 to celebrate the 40-year anniversary of that speech.

The kids had fun competing with each other to try and find the step the marker was on. But, more importantly, locating it opened up a conversation about Martin Luther King Jr, his wishes, intentions and the context he gave his speech in.

My son had recently learnt about Martin Luther King Jr’s speech and its impact at school, so it was quite special to see where it actually happened.

Martin Luther King Jr gave his speech in front of a crowd of more than 250,000 people. His message was one of peace, justice and equality for all. The speech has become known as one of the most significant aspects of the civil rights movement in America in the 1960s.

Sadly, as many will know, Martin Luther King was assassinated, in Memphis, Tennessee – only 5 years after his famous speech.

Address: Right in front of the Lincoln Memorial (see below)

Abraham Lincoln Memorial

Best For: If you’re in Washington DC with Teens

Behind Martin Luther King’s ‘I Have a Dream’ plaque, sits the iconic statue of Abraham Lincoln. The memorial, built to honour the 16th president of the United States, sits opposite the Washington Memorial (you’ll have great views of it from the Lincoln Memorial).

For us, the Lincoln Memorial opened up important discussions with the kids about slavery and Lincoln’s contribution to its abolition (through the issuing of the Emancipation Proclamation).

The memorial is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Opened to the public 100 years ago in 1922, the Lincoln Memorial is the most visited tourist site in Washington DC. It’s a must for your Washington DC with kids itinerary.

Address: 2 Lincoln Memorial Cir NW, Washington DC, 20002

Korean and Vietnam War Memorials

Best For: If you’re Washington DC family trip includes teens

The Korean War Memorial and the Vietnam War Memorial are both found on the National Mall. By the way, if you’re wondering why it’s called the ‘Mall’ it’s because parks were called malls in the 1700s).

The Korean War Memorial consists of 19 stainless steel soldiers with members from each of the U.S. Armed Forces represented. I found this one of the most emotive of the memorials – probably because the soldiers are so realistic.

Nearby is the Pool of Remembrance, around which are the names of soldiers killed, wounded or imprisoned during the Korean War.

There’s also a ‘United Nations’ wall which bears the statement ‘Freedom Is Not Free’, acknowledging the sacrifices these soldiers made.

The Vietnam War memorial, completed in 1982, is made up of two black granite walls with the names of soldiers who were killed or went missing in action during the war.

The statues of ‘The Three Soldiers’ and the ‘Vietnam Women’s Memorial’ were added 2 and 11 years later respectively.

We didn’t know a huge amount about American history, but we felt like Washington DC changed that for us. Best for older children, the war memorials will prompt you all to think about the reality and impact of these wars for those involved in them.

Address: Near the Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall

Martin Luther King Jr Memorial

Best For: If you’re looking for things to do in DC for teens

The Martin Luther King Jr Memorial is another impressive statue to see on your walk around the National Mall. It’s located in West Potomac Park, right next to the National Mall.

Having been in the planning stages for more than 20 years, it was finally unveiled in 2011. As with the other memorials on the National Mall, it’s free to visit and open every day.

The inspiration for the design of the memorial, which sees Martin Luther King carved out of a large block of stone, is the following quote from his ‘I Have A Dream’ speech: “Out of the mountain of despair, a stone of hope..”

Martin Luther King is the first African American to be honoured with a memorial on or near the National Mall, and the fourth non-president to be given this honour.

✅ Book HERE for Family Monument Tours in DC (on foot, by bicycle and by bus)

Address: 1964 Independence Ave SW, Washington DC 20004

Colonial Williamsburg (A Day Trip From DC)

Best For: Families visiting DC with children of any age

Colonial Williamsburg isn’t in Washington DC. However, if you have a slightly longer stay in DC, or are heading further south like we were on our East Coast road trip en route to Charleston, I’d definitely recommend stopping by.

Colonial Williamsburg is just over 2 hours from DC by car and is open every day from 9 am to 5 pm. It’s one of the best day trips from DC for families.

You can walk around the town for free, or purchase tickets in order to be able to access certain buildings and talks. We bought tickets and enjoyed some of the historic buildings and talks for ticket holders only.

However, I think you could probably have an equally good day out at Colonial Williamsburg without tickets.

Our favourite tour/ talk was ‘Freedom’s Paradox’ which focused on what life was like for slaves at Williamsburg (in 1775, more than half of the population there consisted of slaves).

Our guide highlighted the contradiction between the settlers at Williamsburg wanting freedom from England yet never considering that this is what their slaves might desire from them.

Our tour guide was such a captivating speaker and while my 9-year-old was probably a bit young to understand some of what was being discussed, my 13-year-old was really engaged with it which was great to see.

Other highlights at Colonial Williamsburg include the Wigmakers Shop, the courtroom and the Governor’s Palace.

✅ Book HERE for Colonial Williamsburg Family Tours

Address: 101 Visitor Center Dr, Williamsburg VA 231185

Best Things to Do in Washington DC With Kids – Indoor Attractions

You might be looking for indoor activities for kids in DC – for when it’s either freezing or sweltering outside. Here are our recommendations for Washington DC indoor activities.

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

Best For: Families with younger children. This is one of the best museums for kids in DC.

The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History is arguably the best of the Smithsonian museums in Washington DC for families. There’s no entry fee and no need to book ahead. The museum is open every day from 10 am to 5.30 pm.

Highlights include:

• The Butterfly Pavillion
• The Ocean’s Hall
• The Mammal’s Hall
• The Hope Diamond (all 45.5 carats of it)
• The Hall of Human Origins
• The Hall of Fossils
• The dinosaurs.

You’ll find small theatres in some of the halls (such as the Ocean’s Hall) which provide rest for weary feet and interesting facts and video footage complementing the displays.

The restaurants here are pretty good – you’ll find the Atrium Cafe on the ground floor and the Ocean Terrace Cafe above it on the first floor. A great place to stop for lunch in Washington DC with kids.

To make the most of the National Museum of Natural History, consider booking a private family tour. This is a great way to see the highlights and learn all about them.

✅ Book HERE for DC National Museum of Natural History Private Family Tour

Address: 10th St & Constitution Ave NW, Washington DC 20560

International Spy Museum

Best For: If you’re in Washington DC with Tweens

This hugely interactive museum over two floors is a tween’s dream and one of the best Washington DC kids museums! Start at the ‘Briefing Center’ where you’ll receive your cover identity and learn your mission.

You can test your spy skills throughout the museum, and also learn about spying that has shaped history over the years. Get your hands on gadgets, learn how to crack code, and learn about the inventions created to steal secrets.

There are usually a number of exhibitions on, including currently ‘Bond in Motion’ which features a collection of iconic vehicles which have been featured in James Bond films.

The museum is targeted to children aged 9 and up – however, younger children are very welcome and the museum has put together a suggested ‘Family Highlights’ tour to engage their younger visitors.

The International Spy Museum is one of the stops on the DC Hop On Hop Off Tour Bus.

✅ Book HERE for tickets for DC’s Hop on Hop Off Tour Bus

Address: 70 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Washington DC 20024

Smithsonian National Museum of American History

Best For: Families on a Washington DC trip with Teens

There are a couple of gems at the National Museum of American History which are worth popping in for. You’ll find it next to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. It’s open from 10 am till 5.30 pm, entry is free and there’s no need to book.

Grab a map and head to the following best bits:

• Abraham Lincoln’s Top Hat
• The star-spangled banner
• The First Ladies’ dresses
• The Batmobile
• Dorothy’s ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz

Spark!lab and Wonderplace at the Museum of American History are great for kids and give them a chance to get hands-on. A perfect addition to your Washington DC kid-friendly itinerary.

Private tours are a great way to make the most of the Museum of American History and can be a particularly great idea for families.

✅ Book HERE for private tours of the Museum of American History

Address: 1300 Constitution Ave NW, Washington DC 20560

Library of Congress

Best For: Families visiting Washington DC with Teens

You’ll need to book ahead to see the Library of Congress and most tours don’t allow you access to the Reading Room on the ground floor. However, it’s still really worth seeing this awe-inspiring building with its beautifully painted ceilings. Plus you’ll get an excellent view of the Reading Room from the balcony.

You can book your free time slot for the Library of Congress up to 30 days in advance.

However, you’ll still be in with a chance to see the library if you haven’t been that organised. This is because a good number of same-day slots are released at 9 am every morning. We booked our tickets this way.

At the library, you can pick up an audio guide (also available on the Library of Congress website).

The website also offers a number of ideas and activities for kids. Younger children may not be open to a longer tour of the library – but you can check out the Young Readers Centre and the Gift Shop which is fun.

While the Library of Congress may not have initially been on your list of things to do in DC with kids, we really loved it and would recommend you add it to your Washington DC family trip.

The library is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

If you’re interested in guided tours of the Library of Congress and Capitol Hill, here’s one that comes highly recommended:

✅ Book HERE for Capitol Hill and Libary of Congress Tour

Address: 101 Independence Ave SE, Washington DC 20540

The Capitol

Best For: If you’re looking for things to do in DC with teens

The Capitol is one of the most iconic buildings in DC. Tours of The Capitol are free but popular so book ahead online. Also on offer are speciality tours covering different areas of the building and different subjects. These include ‘Votes For Women’ and ‘Halls of the Senate’ (which explores the art on the walls of the Capitol).

Access is via the Capitol Visitor Centre and tours are available from 9 am to 3.30 pm on weekdays only. If you’re hungry, head to the Capitol Cafe, on the lower level of the Capitol Visitor Centre.

Kids will enjoy the interactive Exhibition Hall which has opportunities to get hands-on and summer programmes are often available for families during the holidays.

✅ Book HERE for a Washington DC Bus Tour with Private Tour of The Capitol

Address: First Street and East Capitol Street, Washington DC 20004

The White House

Best For: Families with children of any age

It’s no longer easy to tour the interior of The White House, with requests needing to be made via a member of Congress. Requests for White House Tour Tickets should be made between 21 and 90 days before the date you’d like to visit and are granted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Tours of the White House are available from Tuesday to Saturday mornings and are free.

Tours are of the main house and the East Wing; to see the West Wing, you’ll need a special invitation from the White House itself!

If you’re not able to go inside, it’s still worth stopping by for a while to catch a glimpse of this historical landmark. You can also take a virtual tour of the White House on their website.

The White House is one of the stops on the DC Hop On Hop Off Tour Bus.

✅ Book HERE for tickets for DC’s Hop on Hop Off Tour Bus

Address: 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington DC 20500

Where to Eat in Washington DC with Kids

Founding Farmers

You’ll undoubtedly have experienced a lot of history and culture in Washington DC. Now it’s time to relax and get a taste of some of the amazing food DC has to offer!

It was my birthday while we were in DC, and we booked Founding Farmers restaurant as we’d heard good things.

It’s a particularly popular and busy restaurant so make sure you book ahead. It has loads of options for kids, making it a perfect choice for your Washington DC with kids itinerary.

Founding Farmers follows a sustainable model and carefully sources its ingredients. It also supports local farmers and communities. They serve traditional American dishes done really well -their Farmhouse Platter is a must-try.

If you try one restaurant in DC, it should be this one!

Address: 1924 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington DC 20006

Washington DC FAQ:

Here are the answers to questions you might have about a family trip to Washington DC:

Is Washington DC child friendly?

Washington DC has more on offer for kids than you might at first think. There are some great parks and open spaces, lots of (free) museums and a world-class zoo.

There’ll probably be lots of walking involved, especially if you plan to explore the 2-mile-long National Mall. And that’s definitely a must while you’re there.

The heat can feel overbearing in the summer, as it did when we visited in July. We definitely enjoyed the respite of the air-conditioned museums. Equally, the winters can be cold and bitter and you’ll want to find some indoor attractions.

There’s no doubt, however, that Washington DC is child-friendly. There are lots of fun things to do in DC and there are options in Washington DC for kids of all ages.

It’s also quite easy to visit DC on a budget. Unlike many cities in the United States, there is free entry to many attractions in DC.

What is a good age to take kids to Washington DC?

This is a good question. As noted above, there’s an abundance of things to do in Washington DC with kids. However, my view is that a lot of the attractions (although certainly not all) are suited to slightly older children (perhaps above the age of 8).

That’s certainly not to say that younger kids aren’t catered for. The zoo and the Museum of Natural History are both great for all age groups. But if I was pushed, I’d say Washington DC with teens is a great idea!

What is there to do in DC on a rainy day with kids?

There’s loads to do in Washington DC on a rainy day with kids. In fact, Washington DC is probably one of the best cities to be in on a rainy day as there are so many museums!

For ease, I’ve separated my recommendations for Washington DC with kids below into outdoor and indoor sections. Either way, you’ll find there’s plenty to add to your Washington DC itinerary for families.

Washington DC with Kids: The Verdict

If you’re planning a trip to Washington DC for family, we hope this guide to the best things to do in DC has been helpful. DC makes a fantastic city break and, with a bit of forward planning (the tickets for some of the free museums get booked up early, particularly in the summer), you can also do a family trip to Washington DC on a budget.

Most of the Washington DC attractions listed above are free (we were amazed by the fact we didn’t have to pay for the zoo).

We found it stiflingly hot in August so we’d also recommend visiting Washington DC in the Spring. That way, you also get to see the beautiful cherry blossoms too!

More info…

If you’re planning a road trip on the East Coast, take a look at my post on the 20 Best East Coast Beaches For Families.