This post contains details about the most popular things to do with your family in DC.
We include free things to do, nighttime activities, and popular attractions, updated for 2023.
- Quick Answer
- Top 10
- Free Things to Do
- Things to Do at Night
- Museums and Attractions
- Restaurants and Food
- By Month
Why take our advice?
Canden Arciniega, tour and city manager in Washington, DC has two young kids and homeschools the oldest using the museums in Washington DC.
They 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 herself, and more recently what feels like a billion hours at any museum that has 1. dinosaurs (her son's favorite) 2. contemporary art (her daughter's favorite) or 3. American history (her favorite) - there are few kid-friendly places in DC that Canden has 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 40,000+ member Facebook Group, Washington DC Travel Tips and many of our members share their opinions on what their families have enjoyed.
Is Washington DC an excellent 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 a plethora of attractions that cater 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 DC is home to dozens of museums, and the best part is most of them are free of charge.
The National Air and Space Museum, the National Museum of Natural History, the National Museum of American History, and the Smithsonian National Postal Museum are some of the top picks for families.
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.
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 6-year-old LOVES the National Postal Museum because of all the "things he gets to do!"
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.
I post about our family adventures in our 50K+ 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
The following section will cover the best ideas for things to do with your kids in DC, covering whether an activity is free or available at night.
For more ideas on top popular attractions, check out our comparison post on tourist discount passes, which could help you save money on admission and also offer family-friendly itineraries.
You might also want to take a look at our name-your-own-price walking tours and find out more about the various bus tours and boat tours available in Washington DC.
You’ll also find several family-friendly activities on our list of the top 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 pay-what-you-wish walking tours are designed with families in mind and thus welcome kids of all ages.
We also offer ticketed tours and with the exception of our Adults Only tours (obviously), they are great for kids.
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:
- National Mall and Tidal Basin 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 Children's Museum - a hands-on, interactive museums meant for the kids!
- National Postal Museum - a hidden gem that is very fun for young learners (and free!)
Not all of the museums in DC are free like the Smithsonian, but many are included on tourist discount passes that offer free or discounted admission.
Most of the Smithsonian National Museums have kids sections that we talk about below.
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!
TIP: Often severely discounted tickets can be found on Groupon and on Living Social
Baseball*
- Washington Nationals
- Baltimore Orioles
Soccer
- DC United (men)
- Washington Spirit (women)
College Basketball
- 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.
We have a whole guide on visiting Old Town Alexandria with kids below.
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.
PRO TIP: Want to visit Georgetown with kids? Grab some cupcakes and join our family-friendly Ghosts of Georgetown tour.
Or head to Eastern Market - an actual food market and on the weekends you'll find a craft and farmers market.
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.
You can find the operating status and current rates here.
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.
There is also a food and drink stand nearby for a quick snack.
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!
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!
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. Find out more about how to visit the White House here.
Not only can you take a tour of the Capitol Building on our Capitol Hill Walking Tour (or on your own if you know how to get tickets), 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.
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.
We also have a list of some things to keep in mind when visiting Arlington Cemetery with kids below.
FREE THINGS TO DO WITH KIDS
In this section, we 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.
Of course, one of the best ways to save money in DC is to get a discount pass.
If you want to learn more about everything included with these services, make sure to check our section covering family-friendly things you can do with a tourist pass.
For more attractions and locations that are completely free, read our post about free things to do in DC.
Bureau of Engraving and Printing
As of writing, the BEP is still closed. With the BEP moving to Maryland by 2026 it is unlikely this location will reopen.
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.
Free tickets are required for this tour, and you can find out more here. The tour is only about an hour so is highly recommended for families with short attention spans!
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.
However, most guests' favorite is the giant panda exhibit which includes one of the zoo's most popular residents!
Explore Old Town Alexandria
This historic port city in Virginia is just across the river and has many opportunities for kid-friendly things to do.
We offer both guided and self-guided tours of Alexandria, but if you just want to wander the city streets, read some of the advice on visiting Alexandria with kids below.
We offer our Old Town Alexandria Guided Walking Tour as a private option.
We hope you’ll still explore Old Town Alexandria on your own!
You can use the Atlantis Audio Tours app for a GPS-enabled self-guided walking tour of Alexandria that covers the historic sites and museums.
- Book an Audio Tour on our Booking Page
- Receive a confirmation email with a .mp3, .pdf, and embeddable Google Map
- Enjoy the tour(s)!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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, we 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.
Many of the free events listed above are great fun for kids.
For a comprehensive list of things to do at night, visit our main post.
Take a Family-Friendly Ghost Tour
Two of 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 or find out who haunts the halls of Congress on our Capitol Hill Ghost tour.
Go See a Movie
Washington DC doesn't see a lot of movie premieres but we do have a lot of movies filmed here.
What's more fun than watching Wonder Woman just blocks from where it was filmed?
Because DC is often a select market you'll find a lot of movies open earlier here than elsewhere so you can get a chance to see a movie before it opens nationwide.
Centrally located is a Regal Cinema in Chinatown and for a more independent feel, visit the Landmark E Street Cinema, just around the corner from Ford's Theatre.
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.
For more about the Twilight Tattoo, visit our post.
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
- Air & Space Museum, American History Museum, Natural History Museum, and African American History Museum - may have extended hours (7:30 p.m.) during busy times. Visit https://www.si.edu/visit/hours for more.
- 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.
Many of the sections above cover some of our favorite museums for kids.
Read on for more information about museums, the best sightseeing tours for kids and family-friendly restaurants, and things to do with teenagers.
Click on the link to be directed to more information about each museum.
- Free for everyone
- Each museum has kid-friendly exhibits, see below for more.
- Children under 6 are free
- Included on tourist passes
Bureau of Engraving and Printing (CURRENTLY CLOSED)
- Free for everyone, but tickets are required during the busy season
- Children under 5 are free
- Includes Pioneer Farm, hands-on education center, visiting the animals
- Free for everyone, but advanced reservations required
US Capitol and Library of Congress
- Free for everyone, tickets required.
- Kids Activity Guide available
- Children under 5 are free
- Included on tourist passes
- Free for everyone
- Has a hands-on Children's Garden for getting your hands dirty!
- 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.
They have a suggested 10 Fun Things To Do with Kids.
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. Look into the different dinner cruise options on our post here.
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 Desserts and Pastries 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.
This list includes some of the best restaurants for kids and their families in Washington DC.
If you’re looking for locations where your children can enjoy free or discounted meals, check this article about DC Restaurants where kids eat free.
- Shake Shack
- Ted's Bulletin
- Matchbox
- Hard Rock Cafe
- Carmines
- Pinstripes
- Old Ebbitt Grill
- Buca di Beppo - lunch here is included in the DC Sightseeing Pass for free!
Food Courts in DC
- Pentagon City Mall (technically in Virginia but easily Metro accessible)
- L'Enfant Plaza Food Court
TIP: If you're looking for a good deal on food, check Groupon for extra discounts to save some money.
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 - we have 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
This section will provide information about the different types of sightseeing tours you can take with your family in Washington DC.
While some of these services are free, you can usually get tickets either for free or at a discount with DC tourist passes.
Walking Tours
We offer several different walking tours in Washington DC which are family-friendly.
These outings are perfect for visitors both young and old. We offer 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, we also have a few different ghost tours that you can take.
We do offer adults-only versions, but these two are family-friendly.
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
Most of the options we detail on this page are geared toward older kids, but teens can be hard to please.
We 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! If you don't mind your teen hearing stories of historic affairs and murder, our Adults Only tours are open to all ages, we just go into mature content and won't hold back if a younger guest is present.
- 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.
THINGS TO DO IN DC WITH KIDS BY MONTH
Each of our detailed monthly top things to do posts has a whole section on the best thing to do with kids at that time of year. Click on the month below.
Here are detailed guides for visiting some area attractions with kids:
Visiting Arlington National Cemetery with Kids
Arlington National Cemetery is one of the most visited sites on a trip to Washington, DC.
However, with its meaningful and somber story, it can be overwhelming for younger visitors.
Don't let that stop you from sharing the stories and history of this incredible place to visit and learn.
Visiting Arlington National Cemetery with kids can be a rewarding and educational experience if you know where to go within the 624 acres of grounds.
Our Arlington National Cemetery tours are appropriate for visitors of all ages but we also have a Self Guided Walking Tour.
Before You Go:
Read our Arlington National Cemetery Visitor Guide for all you need to know on how to get there and how to get around.
Arlington is an active cemetery with an average of 27-32 funerals each day on weekdays and up to 10 on Saturdays.
In addition, there are some places in the cemetery where silence is required.
Review these areas in advance so the family knows where it is expected:
- Kennedy Memorials
- Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers
Food is not allowed in the cemetery so be sure you eat before you visit.
Most people take at least 2 hours to visit the cemetery, and our Arlington National Cemetery Walking Tour is 2.5 hours.
Know where you can sit!
There are a few benches around the cemetery where you can rest but be sure to note where sitting is not allowed (the walls around Kennedy Memorials, for example).
But sitting on the steps before the Changing of the Guard ceremony is perfectly fine - just be sure to stand when it starts.
ANC requires a lot of walking so be prepared.
There are some routes that require stairs but the Visitor Center has maps to make sure you don't get lost or take the long way.
Bathrooms are located in a few places:
- Visitor Center
- Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (essentially in the basement of the amphitheater)
- Arlington House
- Women's Military Memorial Museum
What to see in Arlington Cemetery with Kids
There are only two Presidents buried in Arlington National Cemetery. William Howard Taft (Section 30, Lot S-14) and John F. Kennedy.
President Kennedy's memorial is also the resting place of his wife, Jackie, and their two children who predeceased their father.
Nearby are the graves of his brothers Robert F. Kennedy, Edward (Ted) Kennedy, and Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. President Kennedy is remembered in the eternal flame that is continuously lit at his memorial.
- Arlington House
While the cemetery is run by the Department of Army, the Arlington House is actually part of the National Park Service.
As part of their Junior Ranger badge program, your kids can earn the Arlington House Badge and a certificate signed by the Park Ranger.
Arlington House was the home of George Washington Parks Custis and later his daughter, Mary, and her husband, Robert E. Lee.
In 2015, the house is under renovation and is ever evolving in the exhibits shown within the house and the rooms open for the tour.
When the Lee family moved further south after joining the Confederacy, the US Army took control of the house and the lands. This would lead to the first burial of a United States Soldier, William Christman in May of 1864.
One of the highlights of a visit to the cemetery is the Changing of the Guard ceremony.
If you're visiting October 01-March 31 the changing only happens on the hour. The rest of the year, it occurs every half hour.
For more information on visiting the Changing of the Guard ceremony, read our guide here.
Tips on visiting with kids: This is one of the most popular things to do in the cemetery which leads to it being very crowded, especially in the Spring when school groups visit.
Getting there early enough to beat the crowd for each change often means standing at the tomb for 20 minutes before it begins - and that is 20 minutes of sitting still and being silent!
If you're not sure your family is up for that and want to avoid the crowds, a few things to keep in mind:
- Watch the half-hour changing. Most groups go on the hour.
- To find a time that is likely to be less crowded, you can look up Events at the visitor center kiosks or the app. If there are lots of School Group Events at 1115 a.m., they are likely to be attending the 11 a.m. changing.
- Go in the afternoon, fewer groups visit in the afternoon.
Notable Graves
The stories of many great men and women can be shared on a visit to Arlington National Cemetery!
- Johnny Clem: At the age of 12, the young drummer boy of the 22nd Michigan was promoted to Sergeant, making him the youngest non-commissioned officer in the Army. He remained in service until 1915 when he was the last living Civil War Veteran still on active duty. He is memorialized in the story of "The Drummer Boy of Shiloh" even though he likely wasn't at the battle. Clem was part of the Battle of Chickamauga in September 1863. He rode out with a musket trimmed down to his size and as the Union army retreated, he was ordered to surrender by an opposing Confederate colonel. So Clem shot him.
Clem is buried by Arlington House along the unpaved walkway that leads to the stairs down to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Section 2, Grave 993
- Abner Doubleday: Little Leaguers may recognize this name as the creator of American baseball. In truth, this story is likely a fabrication. Historians today believe that Abner Doubleday had very little to do with the creation of baseball at all but you will still baseballs left at his tombstone. He was a well-regarded Union general during the Civil War and fired the first shots in defense of Fort Sumter in South Carolina. He did provide baseball bats and baseballs to his men as support of morale during the war.
Doubleday is buried behind Arlington House. Section 1, Grave 61
- Spottswood Poles: An actual baseball figure, Poles was a star outfielder of the Negro League in the early 1900s. His lifetime batting average was .400, with a staggering .610 against the white Major League teams. He was known for his speed and often compared to Ty Cobb. During WWI, he joined the Army 369th Infantry Regiment (Harlem Hellfighters), and earned five battle stars and a Purple Heart.
Poles is buried in Section 42, Grave 2324
- Ludwig Bemelmans: You may not recognize his name, but your family may remember the opening words of his most famous work: "In an old house in Paris, that was covered with vines, lived twelve little girls in two straight lines... the smallest one was Madeline." Bemelmans was born in Austria-Hungary (now Italy) to Belgian and German parents. When he joined the US Army in 1917 he was not sent to Europe due to his Germanic origins.
Bemelmans is buried in Section 43, Grave 2618
Randoph's Cannon is at Section 1, Lot 132. His grave is part of our Self Guided Walking Tour of Arlington National Cemetery.
Outside the Cemetery: Nearby Locations to Visit with Kids
Though not technically within the cemetery, the Iwo Jima Marine Corps Memorial is a recognizable sculpture within easy walking distance from the cemetery. Read our post on visiting Iwo Jima Marine Corps Memorial.
One of our favorite but sadly often missed attractions is the Caisson Platoon and Stables.
Here your family gets a guided tour of the stables and can meet (and sometimes feed!) the horses who escort the coffins to the gravesites.
Read our post on visiting the Caisson Platoon.
Visiting Alexandria with Kids
Old Town Alexandria is a history nerd's paradise, but it's also a great place to escape with the family... and maybe instill the love of history at an early age.
Our Old Town Alexandria Guided Walking Tour is great for families and the guide can make sure you see all the coolest things!
They offer up a great self-guided scavenger hunt that will turn the exploration of Old Town into a fun game!
You can pick up a map at the Christmas Attic (125 S. Union St.) and soak in a little holiday cheer while you're there.
2. Lee-Fendell House (614 Orinoco Street)
Another great way for the kids to relate to historical figures is to see how they grew up, and period costumes make it all the more fun.
The was home to 37 members of the Lee family, a name made famous by Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee and his father Harry Light-Horse Lee.
The only way to visit the house is to be part of one of the tours they offer.
The tours are scheduled at the top of the hour and it's a neat display of how families lived during the Victorian era.
And after the tour, you can saunter on past the boyhood home of Robert E. Lee just across the street.
3. Gadsby's Tavern
Gadsby's Tavern offers up some great programs for younger children. For example, on select days they offer up tours led by their Junior Docents.
What better way for your kids to relate than through the perspective of 4th-6th graders? (and by the way, if you're a local and the history force is strong with your child, they can be a junior docent at Gadsby's Tavern.
Here's how: https://www.alexandriava.gov/GadsbysTavern
Whether eating at Gadsby's or just touring the building it's fun to think about our founding fathers roaming the same space!
4. Take a Pirate Cruise
If you still want to get out on the water you'll find a host of options at the waterfront.
You can also split your day between Old Town and George Washington's house Mount Vernon with a cruise from the Alexandria waterfront.
The route passes underneath the Woodrow Wilson Bridge and stops at National Harbor before disembarking at Mount Vernon. Later in the day you get back on the boat and head back to Old Town Alexandria just in time for dinner.
You want to see Alexandria and Washington, D.C. from the Potomac.
Your kids want to be pirates. Grab a seat on the Pirate Cruise offered by the Potomac Boat Company for a 40-minute ride and satisfy all camps.
You'll hear some stories and history and jokes, all in the unmistakable dialect of pirates. Of course, the pirate life isn't for everyone.
5. Stop by the Torpedo Factory Art Center
The space is full of working artists, which gives you a chance to watch as art is created.
The torpedo on display in the main space is always a kid magnet...don't worry, it's inert.
On a more practical level, the building is air-conditioned for those sweltering summer months and there are public restrooms.
While you're along the river, walk the waterfront and take in the street performers.
Especially on the weekends, you'll find someone doing amazing things as crowds huddle around.
This is also a great chance to give your feet a rest, grab a seat on one of the benches, and watch all the action along the Potomac.
Visiting the Holocaust Museum with Kids
This free museum provides an incredibly educational experience for all ages and has special sections for younger visitors who might be overwhelmed by the main exhibit.
Is the Holocaust Memorial Museum appropriate for children?
The Holocaust Memorial Museum is a moving and educational experience, but it can be tough to navigate with kids due to the subject matter. \
It is up to you how much and at what age you want your children to learn about the Holocaust.
But, we hope the information we provide below will help you make an informed decision about visiting the Holocaust Museum with kids.
- Remember the Children: Daniel's Story
The museum has a special exhibit specifically designed for young visitors.
Remember the Children: Daniel's Story was a special exhibit so well regarded that it has stayed.
The exhibit follows the story of Daniel, a young boy in Nazi Germany from 1933-1945.
It is an interactive model that kids walk through and experience as if they were walking through his bedroom.
Interspersed throughout the exhibit are videos narrated by the young Daniel.
Though Daniel is not a real person, his story is based on many wartime writings and diaries of real children.
An educational addition to a visit is to read the book, Daniel's Story by Carol Matas, sold at the Book Store, that the exhibit is based on.
The museum recommends but does not limit the exhibit to children 8 years old and up.
- Children's Tile Wall
In the lower level of the museum, you'll find one wall completely covered with kids' drawings on more than 3,000 tiles.
The wall shows images and thoughts of American schoolchildren in response to learning about the Holocaust and the approximately 1.5 million children killed.
- Survivor Talks
The museum has many volunteers who experienced the Holocaust firsthand.
On some days, you may see someone at the Survivor's Table in the main ground floor plaza.
They are usually there for a few hours to talk to guests about what they went through.
Also, check the bookstore calendar for author talks and signings.
Survivors and family members often come to talk about the books they have written to keep the memories.
- Permanent Exhibit
This exhibit can be overwhelming for adults.
The museum has taken caution to keep certain images and videos from those who do not wish to view them.
These photos and videos are behind concrete walls, so you must lean over the wall to view them.
If you do not wish to see them or have your children see them, it is easy to avoid these images.
It is a very educational experience and if your children are already studying the Holocaust in school, it would be an incredible addition to their studies.
Most families have found that talking to their children about what they are going to see beforehand and avoiding any images that might be too much have allowed the entire family to learn from the museum.
When you enter the exhibit, each person receives a passport-like identification card that tells the story of someone who lived during the Holocaust.
The exhibit is in chronological order as is the booklet, so visitors can make a personal connection to what one person went through during the time the exhibit is focusing on.
The museum recommends but does not limit the exhibit to children 11 years old and up.
