As the capital of the nation, Washington DCIt is a great destination for travelers with a thirst for American culture and history.
However, if you’re traveling with your family, you may be wondering which attractions are suitable for children. For example, the National Archives Museum is a popular attraction, but it can be difficult to get kids to keep quiet inside and keep their hands to themselves.
Luckily, Washington has plenty of other activities for kids and adults alike. Here are eight of our favorite attractions for people of all ages.
national zoo
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- Hour: 8am to 6pm
- Value: Free, but advanced admission ticket required for all guests.
- Arrive there: Three blocks from Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan subway station or 15 minutes by Uber from downtown. If you’re driving yourself, the zoo charges a $30 parking fee, so we recommend taking advantage of the ample street parking nearby.
The Smithsonian Institute of Conservation Biology, commonly known as the National Zoo, is home to more than 2,000 species of animals. They are grouped along trails specific to their species, continent, country, or region.
Along the Asia Trail, you can see clouded leopards, Asian small-clawed otters, sloth bears, red pandas and many other animals. The stars of the elephant trail include the 48-year-old Sri Lankan-born Asian elephant Kamala (meaning “lotus”), who came with Swarna (meaning “gold”) and its second baby elephant , Maharani (meaning “queen”), from the Calgary Zoo about 10 years ago.
Along the American Trail, you can see Andes bears and Amazonian creatures like electric eels, piranhas, poison dart frogs, stingrays, fish, and coral.
One of the main attractions of the zoo is Xiao Qi Ji, a two-year-old giant panda. His name, which means “Little Miracle”, pays homage to his mother, who, at 22, became the oldest giant panda born in the US.
Getting people out the door early on holiday can be difficult, but try to visit in the morning when animals are usually more active.
Related: The perfect one-day field trip in DC for travelers of all ages
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National Center
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The National Mall is full of family-friendly activities. At the National Air and Space Museum, you can step inside historic planes and even try flying a virtual plane. There is also an exhibit dedicated to speed, which explores the fastest ground vehicles throughout American history.
The National Museum of Natural History is also a kids favorite with giant dinosaurs, a giant squid, a butterfly garden, and the giant Hope Diamond.
When you’re ready to leave the museum, enjoy the green spaces of the National Mall. There are lots of lawns for kids to run around or play frisbee. Kids also love the Smithsonian carousel here.
Stay away from fast food carts and expensive cafeterias in museums. Instead, stop for lunch in the downtown area (a few blocks north) or picnic on the lawn in the middle of your visit.
Related: Best time to visit Washington, DC
International Spy Museum
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- Hour: 9 am to 7 pm from Sunday to Friday; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday.
- Value: $28.95 for adult tickets (13-64 years old), $18.95 for youth tickets (7-12 years old) and $25.95 for college students and military personnel with identification. Child tickets (ages 6 and under) are free.
- Arrive there: The nearest metro station is the L’Enfant Plaza stop, a five-minute walk away.
There really is something for everyone in this immersive museum. Kids of primary school age and up will enjoy assuming spy identities and completing interactive quests throughout the museum. Younger kids will love the space to roam and the abundance of photos and visual displays.
Older children and adults alike will find plenty to explore. They will learn how espionage tactics are used in cyber warfare and how spies use costumes to conceal their true identities.
There are also small cinemas throughout the museum that play videos of real former spies explaining their jobs, providing the perfect opportunity to gather and relax for a few minutes whenever needed. .
Each visit lasts two to three hours on average, but you’re free to explore at your own pace — ideal for those with young children.
National Postal Museum
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- Hour: 10am to 5pm
- Value: Free of charge.
- Arrive there: The nearest Metro station is Union Station, a five-minute walk away.
The quieter, more retro National Postal Museum is an ideal spot to relax and escape the crowds that congregate at the more famous Smithsonian stores.
Children tend to love vehicles, and one of the highlights of the museum is the large display of trucks, railroad cars, and planes that the United States mail service has used throughout its history. There’s even a recreated train carriage that you can climb on and look around. Some exhibits have interactive elements where children can identify fake letters or write real postcards.
Older children and adults alike will enjoy the impressive stamp collection and exhibits highlighting the importance of the mail system to our national safety and personal connections throughout history. US history.
Related: The best museums in DC you’ve never heard of
Gunston Hall
- Hour: 9:30am to 5:30pm
- Value: $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $5 for children and free for children 5 years and under.
- Arrive there: 35 minutes drive from the city center. Free parking.
The former home of George Mason (one of the Founding Fathers of America), Gunston Hall is a great place to bring kids to learn about American history and the founding of our nation. The tours are fun and our guides have a lot of experience working with children.
For younger children, the gardens and grounds at Gunston Hall are great places to run around and look at historic buildings. Children can also participate in interactive workshops and activities depending on the season.
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Older children can explore the history of the mansion and the Mason family. Ask them to pay attention to small details, such as the molding of the royal crown and the Parisian wallpaper, which are particularly rare in Colonial Virginia. The tour of the mansion features various hands-on exhibits and we love the main source citations.
With fewer people than George Washington’s Mount Vernon, Gunston Hall is a must-see for families with kids interested in America’s history and foundations.
National port
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- Hour: 10am to 9pm
- Value: Free to walk.
- Arrive there: A 20-minute drive from downtown DC You can also go water taxi from the city for $40 round trip. Children 2 to 11 years old cost $33 round trip.
National Harbor is another great family-friendly destination in the Washington, DC area. If you can, come by journey from Washington or Alexandria, Virginia, so you can enjoy the beautiful river views.
The Capital Wheel is a 180-foot-tall ferris wheel with stunning views of the Potomac River and downtown Washington, DC in the distance. It costs $15 for adults, $13.50 for seniors over 60, and $11.25 for kids ages 3 to 11.
Just steps from the Capitals Wheel, you can rent pedal boats by the hour, and there’s the Bear Workshop and Ben and Jerry’s store. All of these attractions are within walking distance of each other.
Kids also love playing on The Awakening, a 70-foot-tall Zeus-like statue that emerges from the sand.
National Baseball Game
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- Hour: Check National schedule for the date and time of the match at home
- Value: Starting at $13 per ticket.
- Arrive there: The nearest metro station is Navy Yard station, a three-minute walk away.
Combine your historical experiences and visit another Washington, DC icon: the National Stadium. Kids of all ages will enjoy the occasional jumbo tron music, crowd songs and snacks.
When anyone on your team gets jittery, there’s plenty of space to walk around the stadium and even room for the kids to practice their throwing skills. When you’re ready for lunch or dinner, don’t miss the iconic Ben’s Chili Bowl stall.
If the Nats aren’t playing a home game while you’re in town but have MLB fans on your team, you can still tour the stadium. Tours take place at 10:30am, 12pm, 1pm, and 2:30pm only on non-game days. Ticket price $25 per ticket.
If you’re not visiting during baseball season, check out the Wizards NBA game, the Commanders NFL game, or the DC United MLS game.
Related: Redeem One Mile for MLB
afternoon tea
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- Hour: 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, excluding public holidays. Reservation required.
- Value: $68 per adult, $45 per child (12 years old and younger).
- Arrive there: The nearest Metro station is Foggy Bottom Central Station—GWU Kennedy, an eight-minute walk away.
Head to The Ritz-Carlton for afternoon tea if you want to treat your group to an exhilarating afternoon excursion.
Adults will enjoy a selection of sweet and savory dishes, as well as a selection of teas and a glass of sparkling wine. Children 12 and under can enjoy Teddy Bear Tea, which includes kid-friendly treats with tea or hot chocolate and a teddy bear to take home.
This is a little splurge but a great option if you’re celebrating something special or just want the chance to dress up and enjoy a lovely two-hour tea experience together.
Related: Next time you travel, take your kids for afternoon tea
bottom line
Washington, DC, is packed with museums, historical attractions, and outdoor play spaces that are perfect for a trip with young children. All Smithsonian museums have interactive exhibits and engaging activities for children.
Traveling with children to the district is both fun and educational, as it can bring children’s classrooms to life. There are endless opportunities to run, explore, learn and have fun.
