Things to do with kids in Washington, D.C.
50 family-friendly places in Washington, D.C.: zoos, aquariums, playgrounds and more.
Ranked with the travel guide's picks and well-known places first. Showing the top 40 of 50.
Things to do with kids in Washington, D.C.
SeeMuseumNational MallUnited States Holocaust Memorial Museum
Both a museum and a memorial, this space is dedicated to the exposition of just what exactly occurred during the Holocaust, its pointless inhumanity and unbelievable suffering. Exhibits include video and audio testimonies as well as more traditional museum exhibits. This is without a doubt the most somber, and even disturbing place for visitors on the Mall, and a good portion of the visitors leave sobbing—make sure your kids are old enough for this material. Entrance is by free timed ticket on a first come, first served basis during the busy months of March-August.
10AM-5:30PM dailyFree entry
SeeArt museumNational MallNational Museum of African Art
A much smaller museum of art than the massive National Gallery and Hirshhorn museums, but it is excellently exhibited, and extremely family-friendly, with daily events and programs for kids. The exhibits subvert the name of the museum, showing that creative arts from the African continent, traditional and contemporary, are too diverse to fit neatly under the title of "African Art." The museum hosts frequent performances of storytellers, musicians, films, etc.
10AM-5:30PM dailyFree entry · Wheelchair accessible
SeeArt museumNational MallHirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden
Home to D.C.'s premier collection of international modern and contemporary art, housed in an intimidating brutalist spaceship of a building. The exhibits are wonderfully stimulating and cutting-edge, albeit often not made accessible to casual viewers (a free docent-led tour available noon-4PM can be helpful), and very often not family-friendly with very graphic content. The museum tries to make it clear when you are about to walk into an "adult exhibit," but do not count on this if you are with children. The sculpture gardens, however, are great fun for kids, and a nice quiet escape from the Mall proper. And this modern sculpture collection of several Rodins, a huge Lichtenstein brushstroke, and other famous works, is world-class!
Mon noon-5:30PM, Tue-Sun 10AM-5:30PMFree entry
SeeCathedralUpper NorthwestNational Cathedral
Cathedral Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul
The impression of walking up to the world's 6th-largest cathedral, a hulking mass cut over a period of 83 years of 150,000 tons of stone, is alone worth the trip. Tours are a must if you really want to see the cathedral, and the towers and the crypt are off limits without a guide during the busy season. The organ demonstrations are spectacular and loud. Check the website for events, as there is often children's programming as well as major concerts.
Visitor hours: Mon-Fri 10AM-5:30PM, Sat 10AM-4PM, Sun 8AM-5:15PM. Tours: every half hour (Sun last tour at 2:30PM). Mass (Episcopalian): Mon-Fri noon; Sat 7:30AM, noon; Sun 7:45AM, 8:45AM, 10AM (contemporary), 11:15AM. Evensong: usually Mon-Fri 5:30PM, Sun 4PM. Organ demonstration: Mon Wed 12:30PM-1PM$12 adult; $8 for seniors, children 5–17, students, teachers, and military; Sundays free · Heritage listed
SeeHistory museumWaterfrontMuseum of the Bible
A privately-owned museum founded by David Green, founder of Hobby Lobby, that displays the history and impact of the Bible.
Open now · closes 5 pm$25 adults; $20 seniors/military/first responders/students; $15 children 7-17; free for children under 6 · Wheelchair accessible
SeeHistory museumWaterfrontInternational Spy Museum
Exhibits are interesting to anyone even marginally interested in espionage and Cold War history, and it also has a great exhibit tailored specifically to kids.
9AM-5PM or 9AM-6PM daily, last admission one hour before closeAdults: $21.95; Seniors: $15.95; Youth (7-11): $14.95; Children aged 6 and under: Free
SeeUpper NorthwestNational Zoo
A collection of 400 species, including 2,000 animals. Get a map at the entrance, take your time, and be prepared to walk a great deal. Bring water—the concessions here are insultingly expensive. The most crowded exhibits are nearly always the Pandas and the Ape House. The pandas are perhaps the zoo's shyest residents. The Ape House is fun no matter the crowds. Other hits include the Seals & Sea Lions Exhibit, the Reptile House, the remarkable Aviary, and the irresistibly cute prairie dogs.
8AM-7PM; winter: 8AM-5PM, last admission 1 hour before closingFree. Parking $25 (limited availability in spring and summer) · Free entry
SeeHistoric siteWest EndBlair House
The Blair House was built in 1824 for Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Lowell, and sold in 1837 to real estate mogul, Francis Preston Blair and inherited by Montgomery Blair. The adjacent house was owned by the Robert E. Lee family. The U.S. government bought the Blair House in 1942, and has since used it as the official guest house for state visitors, at the insistence of First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt who was tired of running into Winston Churchill and other visitors roaming around the White House in the middle of the night. Today, the Blair house not only consists of the original townhouse, but includes the Lee House and two other adjacent townhouses. The total space of 70,000 sq ft exceeds that of the White House. Blair House is not open to the public.
- SeeMuseumEast End
Planet Word Museum
A museum of language, linguistics, and literature, with 3 floors of interactive exhibits and displays. Fun for kids. The museum includes a separately-booked room of puzzle boxes, at varying levels of difficulty, that have the general flavor of an escape room.
Wed-Sun 10AM-5PMFree, with a $15 suggested donation · Free entry
DoParkNational MallIce Rink @ National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden
A relaxing place just outside the National Gallery of Art to enjoy the fresh air, listen to music, and enjoy the surroundings, including a view of the National Archives building. Take a break from skating to enjoy hot cocoa or a meal at the Pavilion Café, next to the skating rink. Note that the sculpture garden itself closes M-Sa 5PM, Su 6PM, and access after that time is restricted to the ice rink only.
Nov–March: Mon-Thu 10AM-7PM, Fri-Sat 10AM-9PM, Sun 11AM-7PM$8.50 adults, $7.50 children, students, and seniors; $3 skate rental
EatShawBen's Chili Bowl
A mainstay since 1958 and one of the few businesses in the area to survive the 1968 riots, this restaurant is a city landmark. It's been patronized by President Barack Obama, Martin Luther King Jr., Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald, Cab Calloway, Nat King Cole, Bill Cosby, and every recent city mayor. In fact, you might find future mayoral candidates bivouacked here, in hopes of showing that they are "of the people." It's a down-home, low-maintenance, diner-style restaurant known for serving D.C.'s best half-smokes and for its friendly staff. Take a peek inside so that you can say you've been here, but if want something fancier, look next door for Ben's Next Door, which is a nice bar/restaurant opened in 2008 by the same owners to capitalize on their fame. The restaurant displays a sign in front saying Barack Obama and his family can eat for free.
Mon-Thu 11AM-2AM, Fri Sat 11AM-4AM, Sun noon-8PM$3.50-7
SeeBrookland-Petworth-TakomaPresident Lincoln's Cottage
President Lincoln and his family summered here from 1862–1864 to escape the awful climate (physical and political) by the White House. Here he penned the second draft of his Emancipation Proclamation. Recognizing that Lincoln's political acumen was rivaled by his taste in abodes, later presidents James Buchanan, Rutherford B. Hayes, and Chester A. Arthur all took up the cottage as a summer residence as well. In addition to simply looking lovely, the cottage today contains several exhibits, as well as a reproduction of the desk on which Lincoln wrote his Proclamation.
Visitor Center: Mon-Sat 9:30AM-4:30PM, Sun 11:30AM-5:30PM; tours: Mon-Sat 10AM-3PM, Sun noon-4PM (tours start on the hour)$12, $5/child 6–12
.jpg?width=240 "Photo: Lou Stejskal, CC BY 2.0")
EatRestaurantCapitol HillRose's Luxury
Tasting menu: $135. Rated as one of the best restaurants in the city. In a converted townhouse. Portions are generally shared among your party, "family style". Roof garden available for large groups.
Closed · opens 5 pmTasting menu: $135 · Limited wheelchair access
SeeEast EndKoshland Science Museum
Koshland is very much on the small side for D.C. museums, but it's great for kids, and for those happy adults who can let loose and act like kids.
10AM-6PM daily except closed Tue, last admission 5PMAdults: $5; seniors, children, students, active duty military: $3
- DrinkBarAdams Morgan-Columbia Heights
Dan's Cafe
This family run operation is a true dive bar and most colorful bars in the city. Operated since 1965 by owner Clinnie Dickens, who is now in his 80s. SoCo lime shooters are served in squeeze ketchup bottles. It's a one of a kind experience. If you want a dive on 18th St, this is it. Cash only.
Sun-Thu 7PM-2AM, Fri Sat 7PM-3AMLimited wheelchair access
- DrinkCaféWaterfront
Lot 38 Espresso Bar
A rare sign of neighborhood life in the form of an actual family-run local business! It's a great coffeeshop with a big space, and serves as a really good meeting place pre-games, if the Bullpen isn't your thing. Free Wi-Fi.
Mon-Fri 6:30AM-6PM, Sat-Sun 8AM-4PMWi-Fi
SeeGeorgetownOld Methodist, Mount Zion, and Female Union Band Historic Cemeteries
Mount Zion Cemetery
The Old Methodist Burying Ground, today’s Mount Zion Cemetery, and the Female Union Band Society Cemetery are among the oldest Black ancestry surviving cemeteries in Washington, DC. They are a physical reminder of the heritage, contributions, and sacrifices made by enslaved Africans, their enslaved descendants, and born to freedom Black people during their lifetimes. They also provide insight into their families and the community in which they lived during a time of deep segregation. The burial grounds are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and are a UNESCO-designated Slave Route Project site of memory. Together, they are the only two cemeteries remaining in the District which were specifically maintained for the burial of enslaved and former enslaved persons. They are among the few Black history landmarks remaining in Georgetown, a community whose population during the late 19th century was between 35 and 45 percent persons of African ancestry. The associated Mount Zion United Methodist Church, at 1334 29th St NW, remains in operation with only a handful of its member families living in Georgetown.
Daylight hours
SeeMuseumWest EndNational Geographic Museum
Photography and other exhibits on nature, history, and culture. Films, lectures, and concerts take place at the National Geographic Society's Grosvenor Auditorium. The gift shop has numerous books, DVDs, and other items. Good for kids.
Wed-Sun 10AM-5PMFree, special exhibits: $10-35
EatWaterfrontMunicipal Fish Market
Knucol
A real D.C. cultural tradition that has survived the neighborhood's upheavals for over two centuries. It's centered on a big parking lot surrounded by some ten huge steel barges, most of them family owned, all offering copious quantities of seafood, fresh, live, raw, cooked, or however else you want it. Chowder, grouper, snapper, catfish sandwiches, oysters, clams, mussels, squid, shrimp, jumbo shrimp, jumbo jumbo shrimp, tiger shrimp—the fishmongers will shout out their products as they try to catch your attention in the bustle. The delicacy here is the shellfish, blue crabs in particular, covered in the local spice of choice, Old Bay—a peppery mix of celery salt, bay leaf, mustard seed, black and red pepper, cinnamon, and ginger. Peak times, when the market puts out its vastest display of fish, run from Friday evening to Sunday afternoon.
8AM-9PM daily
- DoUpper Northwest
Turtle Park
Friendship Park
Turtle Park has the coolest playground in town. The centerpiece is an enormous sandbox littered with eminently climbable turtle sculptures and plastic shovels and buckets. In the summer, you can get the sand off your kids away without a trip to the bathrooms at the "sprayground." The park is fenced in and has plenty of shade, as well as four baseball fields, two basketball courts, two tennis courts, and a rec center.
Rec center: Mon-Fri 2:30-9PM, Sat 10AM-4PM
- Do Not mapped
Library of Congress National Book Festival
Sponsored by the Library of Congress, this festival celebrates books, authors, and reading. Highlights include listening to your favorite author speak, queuing up to have a book signed, taking the kids to visit their beloved PBS Kids characters, and collecting stamps from all the US states and territories in the Pavilion of the States.
One Sat in early September
DoParkNational Mall
The National Mall is a landscaped park near the downtown area of Washington, D.C., the capital city of the United States. It contains and borders a number of museums of the Smithsonian Institution, art galleries, cultural institutions, and memorials, sculptures, and statues. It is administered by the National Park Service (NPS) of the United States Department of the Interior as part of the National Mall and Memorial Parks unit of the National Park System.
- SeeHistoric siteAdams Morgan-Columbia Heights
Stoddard Baptist Nursing Home
Ingleside Estate
Mount Pleasant's residential streets are filled with beautiful old single-family homes and rowhouses, and several old estates. This former 19th century estate, which was far larger than the present day property, now houses what is probably the city's most architecturally significant retirement home!
- EatBar & grill restaurantBrookland-Petworth-Takoma
Brookland's Finest
A family-friendly establishment with a modern-industrial theme and a nice outdoor patio.
- SeeAdams Morgan-Columbia Heights
Walter Pierce Park
A beautiful park with a community garden, dog park, basketball court, chess tables, and children's area.
- DoUpper Northwest
Rock Creek Park Nature Center and Planetarium
Deep inside the park, the Nature Center offers hands-on exhibits, guided nature walks, an "observation beehive," and a full planetarium. Especially good for kids.
Wed-Sun 9AM-5PMFree
- BuyShaw
Lee’s Flower Shop
Opened in 1945, this family-owned business is one of only 3 businesses on U St to survive the 1968 riots.
- EatAnacostia
Player's Lounge
Georgena's Restaurant
One of Anacostia's few full service establishments is a comfortable, stylish place for some drinks and a meal. It's way out of the way, but it's a nice family-run establishment catering to a crowd in their thirties and older, local politicians (it was Marion Barry's favorite until his death in 2014), and the twenty-somethings when the DJ arrives on Friday and Saturday nights (great R&B here). The kitchen closes at an early 8:30PM daily, so make sure to show up before then if you want to try their renowned soul food.
Sun-Thu 11AM-12:30AM, Fri Sat 11AM-2AM
- DoGeorgetown Not mapped
Ice Skating @ Washington Harbor Ice Rink
An 11,800-square-foot outdoor ice rink that operates in the winter months. In the summer, it is a colorful fountain.
Nov–March: Mon-Tue noon-7PM, Wed Thu noon-9PM, Fri noon-10PM; Sat 10AM-10PM, Sun 10AM-7PMAdults $10, children $9, skate rental $5
- BuyUpper Northwest Not mapped
Proper Topper
This is where you get your hats! From fedoras to baseball caps, they have hats and accessories for women, men, and children, and all of them are stylish.
Mon-Fri 10AM-8PM, Sat 10AM-7PM, Sun noon-6PM
- DrinkBar
The Muni
Golf-themed bar & lounge with putting greens, golf simulators, & darts.
Closed · opens 5 pm
- SeeChildren museum
National Children's Museum
Combining science center content with a children’s museum experience, National Children's Museum is a hands-on space that ignites curiosity and inspires young children to explore science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (or STEAM) through whimsica
- SeeAttraction
Reptile Discovery Center
3001 Connecticut Ave NW
- SeeAttraction
Great Ape House
3001 Connecticut Ave NW
- SeeAttraction
Small Mammal House
3001 Connecticut Ave NW
- SeeAttraction
Bird House
3001 Connecticut Ave NW
- SeeAttraction
Think Tank
- SeeAttraction
Speedwell Conservation Carousel
3001 Connecticut Ave NW
- DoMiniature golf course
Puttery
800 F St NW
- DoArcade
VR Zone DC Arcade
2300 Wisconsin Ave NW
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Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Washington, D.C. (CC BY-SA 4.0). Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Place data from Overture Maps. Some descriptions from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).