Let's discuss what to do in DC with kids. Right now (Jan 2025), my kids are 5 and 7 and as homeschoolers in DC - we spend a lot of times in the museums, federal buildings and attractions around the city.
I'm going to talk about literally everything you can do in DC with kids; including free things to do, nighttime activities, and popular attractions, updated for 2025.
And I'll bring in my colleague, Ingeborg, also a tour guide in DC, for some advice for things to do with teenagers!
- Quick Answer
- Top 10
- Free Things to Do
- Things to Do at Night
- Museums and Attractions
- Restaurants and Food
Why take our advice?
I am a tour guide and city manager in Washington, DC and have two young kids. I homeschool both kids using the museums in Washington DC.
We go on weekly adventures to new sites, events, and museums in the city (often featuring them on our Instagram page @topthingstododc).
With over a decade of tour guiding experience in DC, a lifetime of visiting the museums myself, and more recently what feels like a billion hours at any museum that has 1. dinosaurs (my son's favorite) 2. contemporary art (my daughter's favorite) or 3. American history (my favorite) - there are few kid-friendly places in DC that I have NOT been to.
In addition to exploring DC with their own kids, all DC by Foot guides spend the majority of tour time with school groups coming to the city.
On these trips, we're with one group of students (usually around 40 kids and their chaperones) for 3-5 days taking in the sights and sounds of the city.
"What to do in DC With Kids?" is a popular question in our over 80,000+ member Facebook Group, Washington DC Travel Tips and many of our members share their opinions on what their families have enjoyed.
Is Washington DC a good place to visit with Kids?
Absolutely!
If you're considering a destination that is both informative and entertaining, Washington DC might be the perfect choice.
America's capital city offers many attractions catering to families and kids.
From the iconic landmarks to the museums and interactive exhibits, you'll find plenty of adventures that will keep your young ones on their toes and spark their imagination
Museums Galore
Washington, D.C., is home to dozens of museums, and the best part is that most of them are free.
The National Air and Space Museum, the National Museum of Natural History, the National Museum of American History, and the National Postal Museum are some of the top picks for families. These are all Smithsonian museums so they are free to visit. However, the Air and Space Museum on the Mall requires timed tickets to visit.
These museums hold exhibitions and interactive displays that showcase American history, space exploration, wildlife and natural habitats, and art. And it's all presented in an engaging way that will keep your kids entertained and educated.
Another favorite museum is the Mansion on O - imagine a few row houses connected with hidden stairwells and throughout are dozens of secret doors. Your mission is to find them all. We've been four times and have still not found them all.
Monuments and Memorials
The city boasts some of the world's most significant landmarks.
The Washington Monument, for instance, stands at 555 feet tall and offers a panoramic view of the city.
The Lincoln Memorial, a tribute to one of America's greatest presidents, is another must-visit site.
The National Mall is a vast green space that connects most of the monuments and offers an ideal spot for picnics, bike rides, and kite-flying activities.
Our National Mall walking tour is kid-friendly and comes with a scavenger hunt to entertain younger visitors.
Interactive Exhibits
Washington, DC, is full of interactive exhibits that cater to kids of all ages.
The International Spy Museum is a fantastic place to visit if your children love dressing up and solving puzzles.
The National Building Museum, on the other hand, provides an immersive experience through its hands-on building activities.
My 7-year-old LOVES the National Postal Museum because of all the "things he gets to do!"
Planet Word is a bit hit in my family and my kids can barely read so I'm excited to keep visiting it as they get older. The karaoke room is my daughter's favorite but the joke room is my sons. Be sure to look for the hidden poetry room in the library!
Outdoor Adventure
The city is also packed with green spaces perfect for outdoor activities.
From biking and hiking in Rock Creek Park to observing the animals at the National Zoo to paddle boating in Tidal Basin, there are loads of fun adventures to be enjoyed.
The scenic Potomac Riverboat Cruise provides an excellent opportunity to see the monuments from a different perspective while enjoying a relaxing ride.
Food Scene
Washington DC is a foodie's paradise, and your kids will surely enjoy the delectable cuisine.
From the hand-cut fries at Ben's Chili Bowl to the mouthwatering burgers at Shake Shack to the freshly baked pretzels at Eastern Market, there's an array of food options to please every palate.
If you asked my kids their favorite restaurant it would be Ted's Bulletin, a local chain that has homemade poptarts for dessert.
I post about our family adventures in our 80K+ member Facebook Group, Washington DC Travel Tips - a great resource for advice from myself, and other tour guides (there are 12 "tour guides in training" amongst DC by Foot guides ranging from 1 year old to high schoolers)
TOP 10 ATTRACTIONS AND ACTIVITIES
Washington, D.C. is a fantastic destination for families, offering a rich combination of history and entertainment that will captivate visitors of all ages.
Visit the National Mall and Tidal Basin, where iconic memorials like the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument provide both awe-inspiring sights and teachable moments about American history. The Smithsonian Museums, including the National Air and Space Museum and the National Museum of Natural History, offer interactive exhibits that are sure to spark curiosity and wonder in young minds.
Plus, the city is peppered with beautiful parks perfect for picnics and play, such as the vibrant Rock Creek Park.
I am going to tell you some of my families favorite things to do in DC.
The most popular thing to do in DC for the whole family is to explore the memorials.
We do this on our family-friendly National Mall tour and we think that is the best way to do it, but here are a few tips on visiting the National Mall with kids.
- Go to the Top of the Washington Monument - tickets are required and in the busy season, they are very hard to get. A good alternative is the Old Post Office Pavilion which is free and in my kids' opinion, even cooler because you can see the Washington Monument!
- Find the hidden Kilroy was Here on the WWII Memorial
- Look for the dog tags on the shoelaces of the Three Servicemen statues at the Vietnam Wall
- Stand on the spot of the Lincoln Memorial where Dr. King gave his famous I Have a Dream speech
- Feel free to sit on Albert Einstein's lap at the giant Einstein Memorial
- Look at the different helmets at the Korean Memorial
- Notice the signature of the sculptor at the MLK Memorial
- Find the dog at the FDR Memorial
- Look for the hidden books and corn on the statue of Thomas Jefferson at the Jefferson Memorial.
- Visit at the George Mason Memorial and figure out ... who he was!
1. Sightseeing Tours
All of our walking tours are designed with families in mind and thus welcome kids of all ages.
We are proud that our tours are fun for kids with hidden things to find, jokes, leisurely walks, and places to sit down.
Our guides are experienced in connecting with kids to make the tours fun and exciting.
Our most popular tours for children include:
- Memorials & Moonlight all of our National Mall tours come with a scavenger hunt .pdf you can use on the tour!
- Lincoln Assassination
- Ghosts of Georgetown
- Arlington National Cemetery
But you also have a number of options for other types of tours around Washington DC.
Hop on Hop Off Bus tours can be a nice complementary option to our walking tours and an easy way to get around town for tired feet.
Bike Tours are also a popular family option as a way to visit the memorials - though keep in mind if you rent your own bikes and do the self-guided option that you cannot bike inside the memorials.
If our schedule of walking tours doesn't fit into yours, we do have self-guided and GPS-enabled audio tours available as well as private tours.
2. Visit a Museum
DC has a number of museums and most are great for, if not geared to, younger visitors.
We detail some of the most popular museums for families in our Museums and Attractions post below, but a few highlights.
- International Spy Museum - you'll have a chance to pretend you're a spy with a secret identity while you learn all about international espionage.
- US Holocaust Memorial Museum - a moving and educational experience for older kids to learn about what led to and what happened during the Holocaust.
- National Building Museum - a popular choice with local families, this is a hands-on museum where kids get to build.
- National Postal Museum - a hidden gem that is very fun for young learners (and free!)
Most of the Smithsonian Museums have kids sections that we talk about below.
A quick word about the National Children's Museum, a hands-on, interactive museums meant for the kids. I had high hopes for this museum but neither my family nor any of our friends have enjoyed it. It is better for younger kids (under 5) and it can get very crowded.
3. Cheer on a Sports Team!
DC has an incredible sports scene - from major league to college to suit all interests.
All of the below teams play in Metro-accessible stadiums!
You might also find that Baltimore games are just as easy to get to thanks to the MARC trains between DC and Baltimore!
Basketball
- Washington Wizards (men)
- Washington Mystics (women)
Hockey
- Washington Capitals
Football
- Washington Commanders
- Baltimore Ravens
Baseball*
- Washington Nationals
- Baltimore Orioles
Soccer
- DC United (men)
- Washington Spirit (women)
College Basketball
- Georgetown Hoyas
- George Washington Colonials
- Maryland Terrapins
MLB has a kid-focused promo where any adult buying a ticket in the upper sections can get 2 free kids' tickets!
4. Consider a Tourist Pass
Each Washington DC Tourist Discount Pass includes a variety of fun family-friendly activities and attractions.
Here are just a few examples of locations you can visit either for free or at a discount with one of these tourist passes.
- International Spy Museum
- George Washington's Mount Vernon
- Hop On Hop Off Buses
- Potomac River Cruise
- and more...
If you are planning on visiting more than one of these attractions, see our section below that details all the family-oriented attractions included in the Washington DC pass.
5. Explore the Neighborhoods like a Local
It's always fun to see what life in a new city is like, especially if you aren't from a big city.
One of the unique experiences of city living is taking public transportation. Ride the Metro to get between sites or use a city bus. Two children under the age of 4 ride free with a ticket holding adult and strollers are allowed.
If you have a kid who is really into escalators, the Wheaton Metro stop has one of the longest escalators in the world.
Most lines in downtown are underground but if you're heading out to Alexandria, you'll get to ride above ground.
Georgetown is one of the most popular neighborhoods to visit but unless you're looking for historic homes and antique shopping, it may not be of interest to younger kids. Since Georgetown is my specialty as a local historian, we're in the neighborhood a lot.
My kids will reluctantly explore a historic house museum but love the gardens at Tudor Place and Dumbarton Oaks. Both of this locations sell garden only tickets as well if you just want to skip the house museums.
Or head to Eastern Market - an actual food market and on the weekends you'll find a craft and farmers market. This is more my kids style. The wedding cookies at Fine's Sweet Shoppe are a bit hit.
There is also a great game store (Labyrinth) and a local book store (East City Books) right near the Metro Station.
6. Play outside on the National Mall
Tidal Basin Paddle Boats
Rent paddle boats on the Tidal Basin to get a unique perspective of the Jefferson, Dr. King, and FDR Memorials.
There is a fee to rent the boats and they only operate in good weather.
The Tidal Basin Boathouse supplies life vests for individuals over 18 months of age or 25 lbs.
Great for ages 2 years and up and kids under 16 are not allowed without an adult.
Please Note: Pedal Boats allow for a maximum of 4 people. Total weight 805 lbs. Rates are per boat ($38 per boat on weekdays, $40 on weekends)
PRO TIP: They offer discounts on Thursdays!
Carousel on National Mall (currently closed for repairs)
For little kids, a carousel ride on the National Mall provides a fun break between visiting the museums.
Wide Open Spaces
You'll find a variety of recreational sports being played on the National Mall or you can bring your own balls, frisbees - but no kites! Kites are only allowed on the National Mall during the official event as part of the Cherry Blossom festival.
National Park Service Stables
A highlight of the National Mall is that the National Park Police use horses.
Their stables are on the south side of the National Mall between the WWII Memorial and Lincoln Memorial. The stables and Education Center are open Thursday - Sunday from 9 AM to 5 PM.
Visit the horses and learn more about their role on the National Mall.
Visit the Fountains at the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden
On the north side of the Mall next to the National Gallery of Art (across the street from the National Archives) is a park full of giant statues and a fun fountain.
There is also a sculpture garden across the Mall by the Hirshhorn Art Museum, but my kids like the one by the Archives better - there is a fun colored house, a giant typewriter eraser, something that looks like but is not actually a spider, and a cafe with snacks.
7. Visit the Kids Sections at the Smithsonian Museums
Smithsonian museums have no cost to enter, though some require timed tickets to enter.
Many of the main Smithsonian Museums on the National Mall have separate rooms for younger visitors, a favorite is the miniature Julia Child's Kitchen in the Wegman's Wonderplace at the American History Museum.
You'll also find an entire floor of the American Indian Museum geared towards kids, with a passport to explore the many Native cultures.
Find out more about these exhibits in the museum section below.
8. Run around Mount Vernon, George Washington's Estate
With over 800 acres of farms and fields, kids can explore all different parts of Mount Vernon, George Washington's home and life in colonial times.
Make sure you take the path down to the waterfront and visit the Colonial Farm and 16-sided barn.
Since this is a working farm, there are animals to visit with, too!
Note for 2025 there are some major renovations happening at Mount Vernon! Many of the rooms in the mansion will be closed. Since this is my kids least favorite part of going to Mount Vernon, I would stay its still well worth a visit.
The interactive education center has games, trivia, and movies and Mount Vernon has one of the best gift shops!
9. Learn about the American Government
No visit to DC is complete without experiencing what makes this city unique - the federal government.
Many federal buildings are open to the public but some of the most popular are must-do with families. If you're looking to tour the White House, you will need to plan this in advance.
Not only can you take a tour of the Capitol Building on our Capitol Hill Walking Tour but you can also get access to the galleries and watch a session of Congress in person.
When Congress is in session, visits to the galleries may not be the best option for younger kids.
You're required to sit quietly and you can't bring anything with you (cubbies are provided outside) for distraction. These can be short sessions if you just want to go in for a brief visit.
While you're already on Capitol Hill, you should also visit the Supreme Court - you can take in the museum or even watch a court case with older kids. Just like the congressional galleries, attending a court case is not the best idea with fidgety kids. Mine didn't even last through the 30 minute lecture because you can't bring snacks with you!
That is a pro tip for a visit to Capitol Hill. No food allowed in the US Capitol Building. So if you're like me and always have snacks in your bag, be sure to eat them before you head into the building. They do have a very good cafeteria inside if needed.
And just across the street is the Library of Congress, which is a lot more interesting than you are probably thinking a library would be.
The Capitol, Supreme Court, and Library of Congress are all included on our guided Capitol Hill Walking Tour.
10. Pay Respects at Arlington National Cemetery
A visit to Arlington National Cemetery is at the top of many to-do lists in Washington DC and it can be respectfully done and even keep them interested with kids.
There are many ways to visit Arlington Cemetery, whether you join us on a guided tour, or take our audio tour.
The Changing of the Guard ceremony is mesmerizing for most kids, especially if you have the change to explain the symbolism. If I need to distract my kids (or students on school tours) I asked them count how many steps the sentinel takes and how many seconds he pauses for between.
Younger visitors usually like finding the baseballs on Abner Doubleday's grave, keeping an eye out for the cannon that is really a headstone, and finding John Glenn's headstone.
FREE THINGS TO DO WITH KIDS
In this section, I will provide several different ideas for free things to do in DC. These are in addition to the several items listed above that cost nothing.
Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Kids (and adults!) love learning about how money is printed in the United States at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing.
A particular highlight is the gift shop, which sells bags of shredded hundred-dollar bills, posing a fun (albeit impossible) challenge. You can also purchase uncut sheets of dollar bills.
Free tickets are required for this tour. The tour is only about an hour so is highly recommended for families with short attention spans! I recommend avoiding the lunch hour because when the workers are on their lunch break it is not nearly as entertaining to watch.
Say Hi to the Pandas at the Smithsonian's National Zoo
The National Zoo is always a good option for families.
There are lots to see between the great cats, Asian elephants, and American bison. The National Zoo knows its target audience so many of the exhibits have interactive aspects. You can race a cheetah or see how much you weigh compared to an elephant.
The conservation carousel is a must-do, though take a lesson from me and don't let them pick out an animal before you know you'll be in the front of the line!
I have not seen it a while but for some time there was a little train ride that cost extra - not worth it! It just went around in circles in an open field and not even past any animals! Hopefully the fact that I haven't seen in our last visits means its no longer an option.
However, most guests' favorite is the giant panda exhibit which includes one of the zoo's most popular residents! The Pandas will return to public viewing on January 25, 2025!
Explore the Outdoors
Sometimes you just want to run around.
DC is a museum-heavy place to visit so some fresh air and open spaces might just be what you're looking for - and DC has a number of National Parks to visit for free.
United States Arboretum
Families who are really looking to explore the outdoors will enjoy the U.S. Arboretum. It's basically a huge park!
Highlights include the beautiful Bonsai collection, various aquatic plants, the National Grove of State Trees, and the huge collection of Cherry Blossom trees.
Teddy Roosevelt Island
Located in the Potomac River you can find great views of Georgetown from one end and glimpses of the Kennedy Center and Lincoln Memorial from the other.
There are miles of trails through a woodland forest and swampy areas on wooden boardwalks.
You can only access it from Virginia but there is a parking lot off the George Washington Parkway and you can walk there from the Rosslyn Metro station in about 10 minutes.
Rock Creek Park
Running through the western half of Washington DC, you'll find historic mills, Civil War forts, and concert venues and over 30 miles of hiking trails in Rock Creek Park.
The southernmost portion is in Georgetown but you'll need a car to access a lot of other sites in Rock Creek Park.
C&O Canal
Also in Georgetown, and just near the start of our Georgetown tours, the C&O Canal is a 185-mile hiking trail along the old canal.
If you're up for getting out of the city, you can hike, bike, or even take horses along the canal!
Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens
The only National Park dedicated to water-loving plants, this large garden has fun walkways through ponds filled with water lilies and lotuses.
The most popular time is the summer festival for the peak bloom of the plants, but it is fun year-round if you love being outdoors.
THINGS TO DO AT NIGHT
In this section, I will provide several different ideas for things to do at night with kids in DC.
If you're not tuckered out by night, there are lots of ways to still explore the city after sunset.
My husband is a musician in the city so true to artist life, my kids are night owls. We are often the only ones with kids on our adventures but there are also a many events geared towards kids happening in the evening.
Take a Family-Friendly Ghost Tour
Our evening ghost tours welcome kids of all ages.
We have a stroll through the eerie side of Georgetown on our Ghosts of Georgetown tour. The tour has sneaky history, friendly ghosts and some intriguing curious but there are no jump scares or vivid imagery to keep your kids up late after the tour.
See a Kid Friendly Show
Did you know DC has over 90 theatres? And some of them have shows, especially for kids!
A personal favorite is Imagination Stage in Bethesda. It's a bit outside of downtown DC but the metro is accessible on the red line.
The theatre only has shows for kids and their shows are award-winning and spectacular (we have season tickets for the 4-8-year-old shows!)
Another great option is the Family Theatre at the Kennedy Center or Millennium Stage at the Kennedy Center.
The Family Theatre has children's programming in a smaller theatre with easily accessible bathrooms, comfy seats, and the understanding that the crowd is going to be noisy.
Millennium Stage is a free nightly programming with acts from all over the world who provide an hour-long performance in the Great Hall.
It is free to come and go and there are chairs provided but there is some expectation of decorum - we got yelled at for standing up and dancing once!
Ford's Theatre offers a daytime program called One Destiny which is performed in the historic theatre. It is geared towards older school-aged children.
National Building Museum’s Summer Block Party
Each Summer, the National Building Museum has a special installation built in the Great Hall with select dates open late.
In addition to being able to visit this architectural gem and its unique annual exhibits, the Summer Block Parties often feature live music outside on the lawn and catered food from a local restaurant.
Twilight Tattoo
An evening military show just across the river at Fort Myers in Virginia.
This free and open-to-the-public event showcases Drum & Bugle Corps, Drill Teams, and live music.
Evening Parade at the Marine Barracks
Every Friday in the Summer at 8andI (8th Street and "Eye: Street SE) you'll see the oldest Marine installation in the US and performance of precision and discipline.
Free reservations are recommended for guaranteed attendance.
Watch a Free Outdoor Movie
With a little planning, there are a number of options available for an evening out with the family.
In the summer months, you'll find free outdoor movies in many neighborhoods, including the National Mall, the Library of Congress, and Georgetown Waterfront.
Visit https://www.dcoutdoorfilms.com/ for a map and movie listing.
Museums Open Late
- National Portrait Gallery - closes at 7 pm
- Smithsonian American Art Museum - closes at 7 pm
- Ford's Theatre - if you'll also be taking in a play at the theatre, you'll have free access to the museum before the play.
BEST MUSEUMS & ATTRACTIONS FOR KIDS IN DC
Most of DC's biggest museums and attractions are geared towards families so it won't be hard to find a number of things to do with kids in DC.
Smithsonian Museums
- Free for everyone
- Each museum has kid-friendly exhibits, see below for more.
Spy Museum
- Children under 6 are free
- Included on tourist passes
Bureau of Engraving and Printing
- Free for everyone, but tickets are required during the busy season
Mount Vernon
- Children under 5 are free
- Includes Pioneer Farm, hands-on education center, visiting the animals
FBI Headquarters Tour
- Free for everyone, but advanced reservations required
US Capitol and Library of Congress
- Free for everyone, tickets required.
- Kids Activity Guide available
National Geographic Museum (Currently Closed for Renovations. This will reopen in 2026!)
United States Botanic Gardens
- Free for everyone
- Has a hands-on Children's Garden for getting your hands dirty!
National Building Museum
- Requires Tickets
- Has multiple exhibits and construction zones for kids
Smithsonian Museums for Kids
In all the Smithsonian Museums there are no tickets are required, except for the National Zoo and NMAAHC and the Air and Space location on the National Mall.
During the busy summer months, some of the more popular museums also stay open late.
Check out the extended hours page to see what dates are open until 7:30 p.m. (instead of the normal 5:30 p.m.)
Every museum requires a security check to enter and at peak travel times (March to August), the lines can be long.
TIP: Try to go into the entrance that is NOT on the mall, either Constitution Ave or Independence Ave.
The lines on these sides can be shorter. If you can avoid carrying a bag, also look for the "No Bag" line, which moves faster.
The entire museum is very kid-friendly.
The information desk offers families a guide for "America on the Move" which includes games and other interactive exhibits for families to engage.
There are also simulator rides that are available for a fee.
There is also a section designed specifically for younger visitors 0-6 years old!
Wegmans Wonderplace encourages kids and their accompanying adults, to climb, touch, and play.
There is even a mini kitchen that looks a lot like the Julia Childs kitchen you'll see nearby!
The National Air and Space Museum is often the favorite museum among children.
There are many Discovery Stations that inspire hands-on learning and an IMAX theater.
“How Things Fly” encourages kids to get involved with learning how science works!
The planetarium is one of the best parts for my kids. Note that tickets to the planetarium are only available on-site.
Also, don't leave before checking out the gift shop which sells space food like freeze-dried ice cream.
If you have a car and older kids, you must check out Udvar-Hazy, the Air and Space Annex by Dulles Airport.
It's a little less hands-on and about 30 minutes outside of the city but it's basically a giant hangar full of cool aircraft!
The Fossil Hall has opened with a full T. Rex, in fact, it is the most complete T. Rex ever discovered. You won't see just dinosaurs but also saber tooth tigers.
Sea Life Hall features a wide variety of underwater sea creatures, the Hall of Gems is home to the infamous Hope Diamond, and the Insect Zoo includes tarantulas that are publicly fed every day.
There is a Butterfly Pavilion that allows you to get up close, gently. (There is a ticket fee to visit this, but on Tuesdays, free tickets are available first come first served.
Also, note that the pavilion is usually closed in September for annual maintenance).
The best part is an interactive lab where kids feel like scientists! Q?rius is advertised for teens, but ages 6+ will love it!
- National Museum of the American Indian
This museum is not often on the top of the list, but it really should be.
Especially if you have kids! The imagiNATIONS activity center has hands-on crafts, storytime, play centers and even a teepee!
- National Postal Museum
Design a stamp, mail letters, and more. This often skipped museum is great for kids with lots of hands-on activities and fewer crowds.
I took my son here when he was in 1st Grade and he absolutely loved this museum. They have a kid focused scavenger hunt that was hard enough to be challenging but not impossible. His favorite part was meeting Owney the dog and getting a chance to "drive" the mail truck!
FAMILY-FRIENDLY RESTAURANTS IN DC
One of the best ways to explore a new city is to taste test your way.
In a city like Washington DC where many things close at 5 p.m., sometimes trying a new restaurant is one of the few things to do at night.
If you're still in the mood for sightseeing, why not take a dinner cruise?
You'll get a guided tour of the riverfront and a meal to boot.
Food tours are another way to experience DC in a different way.
Check out our self-guided Georgetown Desserts tour for a sweet stroll or join us on our Eastern Market food tour.
Or check out these other options for Food Tours.
Some of the neighborhood food tours, like Old Town Alexandria, U Street, and Little Ethiopia provide a tasty way to explore parts of the DC area that you may not otherwise visit.
The list below includes restaurants that I've taken my kids to eat.
- Shake Shack
- Ted's Bulletin
- Matchbox
- Hard Rock Cafe
- Carmines
- Pinstripes
- Old Ebbitt Grill
- Buca di Beppo
Food Courts in DC
- Pentagon City Mall (technically in Virginia but easily Metro accessible)
- L'Enfant Plaza Food Court
Another unique place to grab a bite is at one of the many food trucks in DC. You won't just find hot dog stands - DC has everything from gourmet lobster rolls to Chik-fil-a!
You'll usually find a number of trucks at Farragut Square by the White House or outside the L'Enfant Plaza Metro station on Maryland Ave SW.
Use the Food Truck Map to find which ones are near you.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY SIGHTSEEING TOURS
Walking Tours
DC by Foot offers several different walking tours in Washington DC which are family-friendly.
These outings are perfect for visitors both young and old. There are dozens of tours, but here are some kid-friendly ones.
- National Mall Kids Scavenger Hunt
- Lincoln's Assassination
- Capitol Hill & Library of Congress
- Arlington National Cemetery
If you’re interested in learning about the darker side of DC, there is also have a family friendly ghost tours that you can take.
Bus Tours
Bus tours are great when traveling with kids because the little ones will have a chance to rest up a bit during a day of sightseeing.
Since hop-on-hop-off bus tours usually stop at the most popular attractions, you can use the bus to get from one attraction to the next with some entertainment in between.
Our post The Best Hop-On-Hop-Off DC Bus Tours can help you decide which is best for you and your child.
Boat Tours
If you are traveling with kids, they will probably enjoy a ride on the Potomac River to see a different side of the city.
The various routes usually include Georgetown, the National Mall, Old Town Alexandria, and National Harbor and you can even take a boat cruise down to Mount Vernon.
If you were planning on getting tourist passes for the family, many of the discount passes include a Potomac River cruise.
To find out about additional family-friendly options, see our post Which DC Boat Tour or Cruise is Best?
THINGS TO DO WITH TEENAGERS IN DC
My colleague and DC Tour Guide Ingeborg has a senior in high school so she has a better pulse on what teenagers enjoy in the city.
Most of the options I detail on this page are geared toward older kids, but teens can be hard to please.
Ingeborg and I work with a lot of school groups in DC and have narrowed down a list of what always ends up as a favorite activity.
- Walking Tours - any of our walking tours would be a great option and since we work with school groups often we know how to keep it fun!
- Sporting Event - taking in one of the professional sports teams (NBA, NHL, NFL, MLB are all represented in DC) will be fun for a fan of any age.
- Best Museums of Teens - Any of the museums listed in the section above would be good options - the Spy Museum, and all the Smithsonian. We wouldn't recommend the kids' sections of the Smithsonian for teenagers, though.
- Eat your way through Union Market - If your teen is already a foodie, exploring Union Market will be a big hit. This food hall has over 40 vendors to shop and taste.
- Visit the US Holocaust Memorial Museum - This is usually an unexpected highlight of field trips. The permanent exhibit recommends ages 11 and up and the powerful experience has moved millions of school kids.
There is something to do in DC for every interest and with the wide variety of museums and exhibits you'll find something that will suit interest or be relevant to a topic being studied in school.
It might be easier for us to tell you what we don't recommend for teenagers -
- The Bureau of Engraving and Printing is better suited to younger visitors
- Smithsonian Museums Kids sections are probably too young for most teenagers
- National Zoo is more popular with kids than teens.
- Our National Mall for Kids Scavenger Hunt is best for under 12s.
