15 Best Things to do in Washington, D.C. with Kids!
Washington, D.C. is often seen as a city of politics, monuments, and history. But when you look closer, you’ll find it’s also one of the most family-friendly destinations in the United States. From free Smithsonian museums to outdoor parks, interactive exhibits, and hands-on learning experiences, the city offers endless ways to keep kids entertained while teaching them something new. In this guide, we’ll walk you through 15 best things to do in Washington, D.C. with kids to make most of your time worthy.
- 1. Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
- 2. Smithsonian National Zoological Park
- 3. National Air and Space Museum
- 4. National Children’s Museum
- 5. International Spy Museum
- 6. Museum of Illusions Washington DC
- 7. Columbus Circle
- 8. United States Botanic Garden
- 9. Georgetown Waterfront Park
- 10. Smithsonian National Museum of American History
- 11. Wegmans Wonderplace
- 12. The Capital Wheel
- 13. Capital One Arena
- 14. Nationals Park
- 15. John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
1. Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
Located at the National Mall, Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History is one of the most visited spots in Washington, D.C., welcoming families throughout the year. Since its founding in 1910, the museum has collected more than 140 million items, ranging from fossils and minerals to gemstones, cultural objects, and even live exhibits like the insect zoo and butterfly pavilion. Inside, families can walk through the Hall of Geology, Gems, and Hall of Fossils to see towering dinosaur skeletons or explore the Sant Ocean Hall, which highlights the wonders of marine life.
2. Smithsonian National Zoological Park
Founded in 1889, Smithsonian National Zoological Park spreads across 163 acres and houses nearly 2,000 animals representing about 400 species. The giant panda exhibit is one of the highlights, where visitors can meet Bao Li and Qing Bao, the zoo’s newest panda residents. Families can also enjoy exhibits like Elephant Trails, the Great Ape House, Reptile Discovery Center, and Amazonia, each offering a look at different animals and habitats. Guests are welcome to wander along scenic trails, tune into live animal cameras, and join educational programs that make the zoo both fun and informative.
3. National Air and Space Museum
The National Air and Space Museum is one of the most popular places for families and visitors of all ages. It tells the story of flight and space travel through real airplanes, rockets, and spacecraft that shaped history. Guests can see the Wright brothers’ first plane, the Apollo 11 command module, and even touch a piece of moon rock. The museum also has exhibits about how aviation began, how astronauts reached the moon, and how technology continues to grow. Kids enjoy the flight simulators and planetarium shows, while adults appreciate the detailed displays and artifacts.
4. National Children’s Museum
The National Children’s Museum is a place made especially for kids where play and learning come together. It focuses on science, technology, engineering, art, and math, giving children a chance to explore through hands‑on exhibits. Inside, little ones can climb, build, and create while older kids test ideas and solve problems in fun ways. There are engaging areas that spark creativity in kids, with art corners for hands‑on fun and interactive science exhibits that invite families to explore. Parents like that it is easy to visit and not too large, so families can enjoy it without feeling rushed.
5. International Spy Museum
The International Spy Museum is an exciting spot that holds the world’s biggest public collection of espionage artifacts. It takes visitors through the story of intelligence work, showing how real spies operated, how secret missions were carried out, and how surveillance technology has changed over time. Inside, guests can check out spy gadgets like hidden cameras, disguise tools, and coded communication devices. A favorite display, Bond In Motion, features cars and vehicles from James Bond movies, bringing together the thrill of real espionage with the fun of pop culture.
6. Museum of Illusions Washington DC
The Museum of Illusions Washington DC is a hands-on place that plays with how people see and think. With over 50 different exhibits, it’s built to surprise the mind and spark the senses. Visitors can step into optical tricks, stereograms, and holograms, or walk through rooms that create unusual visual effects. Favorites include the Tilted Room, where gravity feels off balance, and the Infinity Room, which surrounds guests with endless reflections. The museum also has puzzles and brain teasers, giving everyone a chance to test their problem‑solving skills in a fun and interactive way.
7. Columbus Circle
The Columbus Circle is a historic roundabout that works as a busy transportation hub, linking key streets such as Massachusetts Avenue, Delaware Avenue, and Louisiana Avenue. At its center stands the Columbus Fountain, created by sculptor Lorado Taft and first shown to the public in 1912 as a tribute to Christopher Columbus. The fountain has a tall statue of Columbus, surrounded by symbolic figures that reflect the ideas of discovery and exploration. Around the circle, flagpoles display the flags of all 50 U.S. states, along with those of the nation’s territories and Washington, D.C. itself.
8. United States Botanic Garden
Founded in the early 1800s, United States Botanic Garden has been open to the public for generations and sits close to the U.S. Capitol. Inside the Conservatory, guests walk through different environments, from deserts to tropical forests, each showing how plants grow in unique conditions. There are orchids, medicinal plants, and displays that explain how plants connect to daily life. Outside, National Garden and Bartholdi Park give more space to explore native plants and quiet paths. Seasonal exhibits, like holiday shows and model trains, bring new experiences during the year.
9. Georgetown Waterfront Park
The Georgetown Waterfront Park is a riverside space where people can relax and enjoy the Potomac River. The park stretches from 31st Street till Key Bridge and connects with other trails, making it easy for walking, biking, or jogging. Visitors often stop to watch rowers on the river or sit on benches to take in the views. The open lawns and gardens provide quiet spots for families and friends to gather. Paths lead to overlooks where you can see the Kennedy Center and nearby bridges. Seasonal changes bring different colors and moods, making each visit feel new.
10. Smithsonian National Museum of American History
The Smithsonian National Museum of American History lets visitors explore the nation’s story through its many exhibits and collections. Among the most famous pieces on display are the original Star‑Spangled Banner, Abraham Lincoln’s iconic top hat, and Dorothy’s ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz. One of the key exhibits, The Price of Freedom: Americans at War, shares the country’s military history and the sacrifices made during different wars. The museum also features a transportation section with historic vehicles and even a piece of Route 66.
11. Wegmans Wonderplace
Inside National Museum of American History, Wegmans Wonderplace gives children a fun, hands‑on space to play and learn. Spread across 1,700 square feet, it offers themed zones that spark imagination. At The Port, children can step onto a ship and pretend to sail, while The Castle invites them to climb and slide. In The Farm, little ones can gather pretend vegetables and eggs, and The Kitchen is filled with cooking tools for make‑believe meals. The Gallery invites kids to make portraits, while The Construction Site encourages them to build and test ideas with locks and blocks.
12. The Capital Wheel
The Capital Wheel at National Harbor lets guests enjoy Washington, D.C. from a whole new angle. Standing 180 feet tall above the Potomac River, the wheel offers stunning views of the Washington Monument along with nearby landscapes of Virginia and Maryland. It has 42 enclosed, climate‑controlled gondolas, each able to hold up to eight people for a comfortable ride. The experience lasts around 12 to 15 minutes, giving plenty of time to take in the sights. With restaurants and waterfront activities close by, families can easily spend an entire day enjoying everything National Harbor has to offer.
13. Capital One Arena
The Capital One Arena is a large indoor stadium found in Chinatown section of the Penn Quarter neighborhood. Since opening its doors in 1997, it has become the home ground for several teams, including the Washington Capitals of the NHL, the Washington Wizards of the NBA, and the Georgetown Hoyas men’s basketball team. More than 200 events take place here every year, ranging from comedy shows and live concerts to family‑friendly entertainment. Big events like NCAA tournaments and major music performances making it one of the busiest venues in Washington, D.C.
14. Nationals Park
Located in Navy Yard by the Anacostia River, Nationals Park is a popular stadium known for hosting baseball games. Opened in 2008, it became the first professional sports venue in U.S to receive LEED certification for its eco‑friendly design. The stadium can hold more than 41,000 fans and gives clear views of both Washington Monument and U.S. Capitol. Along with usual baseball games, it also hosts concerts and special events throughout the year. A favorite tradition here is the Racing Presidents, where mascots dressed as past U.S. presidents dash across the field to entertain the crowd.
15. John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Opened in 1971, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts stands as one of Washington, D.C.’s most important cultural venues. It presents a wide mix of performances, from theater and ballet to jazz and symphony concerts. Inside, there are several stages such as Concert Hall, Eisenhower Theater and Opera House, each built to highlight different styles of art. The center operating as the home of National Symphony Orchestra and Washington National Opera, making it a favorite spot for music fans. Every day, visitors by the Millennium Stage to enjoy free shows that are open to the public.
FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. What are the top kid-friendly museums in Washington, D.C.?
Washington, D.C. has many museums that welcome children with hands-on exhibits and fun learning spaces. The National Children’s Museum was created especially for kids, offering science and art activities they can enjoy through hands‑on play. The National Air and Space Museum is another favorite, where families can see real airplanes and spacecraft. Wegmans Wonderplace inside National Museum of American History is perfect for children who enjoy play-based learning.
2. Are there indoor activities for kids in Washington, D.C.?
Museums like the National Museum of Natural History and the National Building Museum have exhibits that keep children busy and entertained. Indoor spaces like creative art corners, play zones and science labs give children room to learn and discover. Families also have the chance to watch planetarium shows or join interactive exhibits that blend fun with learning, where kids can explore freely while parents enjoy the experience too.
3. What are the best outdoor attractions for kids in Washington, D.C.?
Families can enjoy outdoor spots in Washington, D.C. that offer fresh air and scenic areas for play. The National Mall offers wide lawns where kids can run and enjoy the view of monuments. Georgetown Waterfront Park is a nice riverside spot for biking, walking, or just relaxing by the water. The U.S. Botanic Garden and its outdoor gardens give children a chance to see plants and flowers up close.
4. Are there seasonal events for families in Washington, D.C.?
Families can enjoy different events depending on the time of year. During spring, Cherry Blossom Festival fills the city with shows, parades and trees covered in pink blooms. Summer brings family events and outdoor concerts, with places like Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage hosting free performances. Fall brings harvest festivals and Halloween activities across neighborhoods. Winter is filled with holiday lights, ice skating, and special museum programs.
5. What sports experiences can kids enjoy in Washington, D.C.?
Nationals Park hosts baseball games where kids can watch the Racing Presidents, a fun mascot race. Capital One Arena offers basketball and hockey games, giving children a chance to see professional teams in action. Families can also enjoy college sports, like Georgetown basketball, which has a lively atmosphere. Nearby parks also give children the chance to join in games like basketball, soccer or baseball, making the city’s outdoor spaces fun for kids.
6. Are there any unique experiences for kids to enjoy in Washington, D.C.?
Yes, D.C. has special activities that stand out from regular attractions. At the National Zoo, kids can see giant pandas and learn about wildlife conservation. The Spy Museum gives older children a chance to step into the world of secret missions and codes. Touching a real moon rock at the Air and Space Museum is something they won’t forget. Interactive exhibits at the Children’s Museum let kids build, create, and test ideas in fun ways.
