The Best Things To Do In Washington DC With Kids
The Best Things To Do In Washington DC With Kids
If you are headed to the nation’s capital, check out our list for the best things to do in Washington DC with kids!
Washington DC is not just the nation’s capital. It is a super family friendly travel destination. There are so many fun things to do with kids in DC, you could easily spend a week or more! The fact that there are so many options for kids of all ages and families with all kinds of budgets, means your family will have a blast in DC!
Read on for our favorite picks for the best things to do in Washington DC with Kids!
Click here to grab this fun DC activity pack for kids!
Ultimate Washington DC Planning Guide
Planning a trip to Washington DC can feel overwhelming fast. Between the Smithsonian museums, monuments, memorials, timed-entry tickets, food planning, and figuring out where to stay, there is a lot to organize. This Ultimate Washington DC Planning Guide pulls everything together in one place, including itineraries, museum guides, National Mall tips, family travel advice, seasonal attractions, and practical strategies for first-time visitors.
3 Day Washington DC Itinerary
My 3 Day Washington DC Itinerary is designed specifically for first-time visitors who want to see the city’s biggest highlights without feeling completely exhausted. It includes a realistic sightseeing schedule with museums, monuments, food recommendations, transportation tips, and practical advice for balancing iconic attractions with manageable pacing.
5 Day Washington DC Itinerary
If you have extra time in the city, my 5 Day Washington DC Itinerary allows for a much deeper experience beyond the typical tourist checklist. This guide includes additional museums, historic attractions, monument touring, neighborhood exploration, food stops, and more relaxed sightseeing strategies for visitors who want to experience DC at a slower pace.
Washington DC First-Time Visitor Guide
My Washington DC First-Time Visitor Guide covers the practical tips that can genuinely make or break your trip, including where to stay, how to use the Metro, timed-entry ticket advice, museum planning strategy, transportation logistics, and common mistakes first-time visitors often make.
National Mall Guide
The National Mall looks deceptively compact on a map, but planning a sightseeing day here takes more strategy than many visitors expect. My National Mall Guide covers walking distances, museum locations, monument routes, food options, restroom locations, transportation tips, and realistic touring expectations for first-time visitors.
Smithsonian Museums Guide
Trying to figure out which Smithsonian museums are actually worth your time? My Smithsonian Museums Guide breaks down the major museums in Washington DC, including which ones are best for families, teens, history lovers, casual visitors, and first-time travelers.
Washington DC Monuments Guide
My Washington DC Monuments Guide covers the city’s most iconic memorials and monuments, including the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, World War II Memorial, and more. The guide also includes walking routes, night touring tips, photography advice, and practical planning strategies.
Where to Eat on the National Mall
Food planning matters more in Washington DC than many visitors expect, especially during long sightseeing days. My guide to Where to Eat on the National Mall covers museum cafes, food courts, quick-service spots, snack stands, nearby restaurants, and practical tips for avoiding overpriced or inconvenient meal options.
Washington DC for Teens
Traveling to Washington DC with older kids or teenagers? My Washington DC for Teens guide focuses on museums, attractions, food spots, immersive experiences, and Instagrammable locations that teens are actually more likely to enjoy during a DC vacation.
Best Museums in Washington DC
Washington DC has an overwhelming number of museums, and it can be hard to figure out which ones deserve your limited vacation time. My guide to the Best Museums in Washington DC compares the city’s top museum experiences, including family favorites, immersive museums, history museums, art museums, and the best options for first-time visitors.
40+ FREE Things to Do With Kids in DC
One of the best things about visiting Washington DC is that there are so many activities that are absolutely FREE! Check out these fun activities.. there are more than 40 FREE ideas!
national zoo in DC
Go see the panda, the gorillas and orangutan, the big cats, and more! The National Zoo in DC is really a fantastic day trip idea!
Building Museum
This museum in DC is worth it just for the architecture. However, they have a number of exhibits just for kids as well!
Postal Museum
The Postal Museum is one of DC’s best kept secrets!
The Absolute best smithsonian museums for babies
If your kids are super young, there are still a lot of fun activities you can do at the Smithsonian Museums. Here are our best picks!
US National Arboretum
Visit the US National Arboretum throughout the year to see flowers and trees in bloom!
US Botanic Garden
A great pitstop near the US Capitol Building. Visit at Christmas for a truly amazing train garden!
Natural History Museum
Check out all the animals and don’t miss the Hope Diamond!
AMerican History Museum
Highlights include the Star Spangled Banner, Lincoln’s hat, and Kermit the Frog!
The National Mall
The National Mall is great for a picnic and to let your kids run around.
Monuments and Memorials
There are so many fantastic monuments and memorials to check out in DC
4th of July in DC
Washington DC is one of the best places to see the 4th of July fireworks. Check out our guide for maximizing your fun.
national archives
See the US Constitution and Declaration of Independence.
air and space museum
This amazing museum has everything about airplanes, rockets, and space! There is also a location at the Dulles Airport!
national gallery of art
A world class art museum your kids will love too!
US Government buildings
Visit the US Capitol, snap a photo of the White House, and see the Supreme Court!
African American History Museum
The newest Smithsonian museum about the Black experience in America. Very moving and educational.
Bible Museum
An entire museum dedicated to the Bible. Very hands on and kid friendly!
Spy museum
Let your kids learn what it means to be a spy at this fun museum!
National Museum of the American Indian
Make sure you visit during the daily drumming time. A great museum, especially for older kids. A great restaurant too!
