The Ultimate Guide to Washington DC with Kids
/If you are looking for what to do with kids in Washington DC, you are in the right place. Not only can you accomplish a stay in Washington DC for little cost, but you can also see so many of the nation’s most valuable and important artifacts.
looking out on the national mall from inside the white house
There are endless things to do with kids in Washington DC. We have visited Washington DC several times throughout the years, but even with so many visits, we still have so much to see. No matter what age your family is, toddlers or teens, Washington DC is family-friendly.
As you plan your family vacation in Washington DC, use this guide to help you find the best things to do in Washington DC with kids. I will tell you about every single thing we have visited with our kids in tow. I have highlighted some additional stops at the bottom in case you have more time!
Use this guide to build your own Washington DC kid friendly Itinerary that fits your family’s interests and time in the city!
Table of Contents
Click below to jump to the section you’d like to see!
The best family-friendly attractions in Washington DC
National Air and Space Museum (& Udvar Hazy)
National Monument (Going up top)
Other National Park Sites and Monuments
Jefferson Memorial
Abraham Lincoln Memorial
Iwo Jima (US Marine Corps Memorial)
Women’s Memorial
Korean War Memorial
Vietnam Women’s Memorial
Air Force Memorial
World War Two Memorial
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
If you’re in the DC Area, consider checking out the Historical Harpers Ferry!
Where to Stay in Washington DC with Kids
This picture does this awesome place no justice. It was so clean, perfectly located and a classic DC row house!
When choosing where to stay in Washington DC with kids or when choosing the best family friendly hotels in Washington DC with kids, you’ll want to consider a few things. First, can you walk to the attractions? If not, can you easily grab an Uber or taxi? Second, what part of Washington DC are you wanting to explore? The city is broken up, so it’s a good idea to stay closest to what you want to see most. Finally, which hotel in Washington DC is family friendly? (or which Airbnb). Some hotels in the city cater to business people and some offer suites with multiple rooms for the extra space for families.
We normally don’t need a hotel since we have family that lives all around the city. However, we have stayed in an amazing 2 Bedroom, 1 Bath renovated row house. It was in a perfect location with a very easy check-in and out. The apartment owner even let us use her street parking pass, so we could park our car near the apartment. The apartment had a laundry and a full kitchen; it was absolutely perfect for us.
If you’re looking for the best family-friendly hotels in Washington DC, you can use the map below to find a hotel in the perfect location and the right price range for your family or check out my other guide for the top 5 family friendly hotels in DC.
Where to Eat in Washington DC with Kids
Founding Farmers is a must not miss in washington dc
Washington DC is a foodie haven. There are so many kid-friendly DC restaurants, seriously, SO many! However, these are the ones we’ve eaten at and loved. If you’re out walking the National Mall and don’t want to stop, pack a picnic and enjoy it on the National Mall! OR if you’re wanting to try an iconic food in Washington DC, stop and grab a couple of hotdogs from the street vendors!
Founding Farmers: If you’re ready for some DELICIOUS USA-grown food, you have found the right spot. This restaurant is co-owned by 47,000 US Farmers. That’s right. 47,000! The North Dakota Farmer’s Union banded together to bring the U.S. a real farm-to-table experience. I had the chance to try FF with some other travel blogger friends and I was IMPRESSED. Not only was the food absolutely amazing, but the house-made sodas were also incredible. As if it couldn’t get any better, this restaurant is located only 3 blocks from the White House, so while you’re out experiencing Washington DC, you can easily hop over to enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner. We all enjoyed a delicious appetizer with fig and brie cheese, then for my lunch, I ordered the Fried Chicken and Donut — DROOL WORTHY. As a dessert, the table ordered Cappuccinos and macaroons which are made fresh in the on-site bakery. You can’t miss Founding Fathers!
old ebbit grill is located very close to the white house and the ford’s theater
Old Ebbitt Grill: Another Washington D.C. classic is Old Ebbit Grill. When you visit, you are visiting a true piece of American History. OEG was opened in 1856 and was a favorite of many Presidents to included: President Grant, Cleveland, Harding, & Teddy Roosevelt. The restaurant serves upscale American saloon food. From Oysters to decedent pasta to an amazing children’s menu — NOTHING on the menu disappoints. In addition to the extensive food menu, OEG is known for its vast wine selection. I have visited this restaurant many times and I always leave feeling full & happy.
For something different, try an afternoon tea at the Willard Hotel.
old ebbitt grill has a nice kids menu and awesome atmosphere
The Best Things to do in Washington DC with Kids
Natural History Museum (Free)
I always love a good Natural History Museum and the one here has proven to be one of the best things to do with kids in Washington DC! As you walk into the museum you are greeted by a grand rotunda featuring an 11 ton, 13 ft. tall African Elephant named Henry who has graced the hall since 1959.
How old were cell phones when this photo was taken? AH - and that hair! C & I in Dec 2015 (Pre latham!)
Every room of this museum is as exciting and educating as the last. I felt like we ran from room to room to be sure we saw it all. The museum is host to a plethora of exhibits including African Voices, Bone Hall, Butterfly Pavilion, Fossils, Hall of Human Origin, Ancient Egypt, Gems, Hall of Mammals, a Narwhal exhibit, and several more. Considering this museum is completely free, it’s definitely at the top of our list as a must-visit. Plan to spend several hours here.
National Building Museum
If you’ve been following us for a while, you know I loved this museum. As you enter the building you walk into an unbelievably beautiful atrium with floor-to-ceiling columns and sculptures lining the ceiling. The admission desk is located in the center.
When you get your tickets, they will assign you a time for the “Building Zone” which is an interactive playroom for kids 2-6. You get 45 minutes of play included with your admission! If your time is later in the day, head to one of the other incredible exhibits. We started our trip with the “Work Play Build” room where they have life-size foam tinker toys. Let your imagination go wild as you try to build a house! From there seek out one of the other exhibits: Houses & Homes, Secret Cities, Evicted, and Flickering Treasures.
the work play build room
Getting into the Building Museum’s atrium is completely free, so impress your friends by bringing them to the atrium’s coffee shop or bringing your parent friends to one of the free Story Times or Family Time events offered by the museum! Check their calendar for details and times!
Cost: 2 & Under are FREE, 3-17 are $7, adults are $10
The kids playing in the Building Zone Exhibit
The atrium in the National Building Museum
United States Botanic Gardens (Free)
My first time visiting the Botanical Gardens was in December 2018. Even in the dead of winter, it is absolutely impressive. We walked the outside garden first, then made our way in through the main entry.
Clearly latham enjoyed the gardens!
The lobby was FULL of ornate Christmas decorations including the two tallest indoor Christmas trees in DC! This year the Gardens were home to an amazing plant-made mini train station collection; from Grand Central Station to a Dinosaur station – everyone was represented.
The Botanical Gardens host three plant collections: the conservatory, the National Garden, and Bartholdi Park. Inside the conservatory, you will find tropical, subtropical, and arid regions represented with a showcase of orchids, medicinal, economic, endangered, and Jurassic plants. Visiting the United States Botanic Gardens is completely free.
The Botanical Gardens at Chirstmas is unreal
Old Post Office Tower (Free)
This was on my list for a long time, so when I had to catch a late afternoon flight from DCA, I took the kids for a trip into the city to see what it’s all about.
While the museum is co-located with a hotel, it’s entrance is at the intersection of 12th Street and Pennsylvania Ave N.W. This museum is very unique and turned out to be one of the best things to do in DC with kids in my opinion!
Old Post office Tower
It’s very small and a visit only takes about 30 minutes unless you spend a ton of time looking at DC from the top. Did you know that this is the second tallest building in DC? Second only to the Washington Monument?
Once you enter you will go through a long hall with the history of the building and tower. You’ll reach an elevator – take that up! Get off the elevator and take a second one up! This will put you out at the top of the tower – the views are pretty spectacular. You will get *almost* 360* views. Be warned; it’s windy up there! One of the elevators has a glass back wall too, so as you ride up you will see into the renovated hotel.
Admission to the tower is FREE **bonus, there is a Starbucks right at the entrance, so if mama needs coffee, this could be a good break for the family!
The Views from the top of the old post office tower are unmatched
National Air and Space Museum (Free)
National Air and Space Museum: There are actually two of these! One is located near the Dulles International Airport in Chantilly, VA (Steven F. Udvar – Hazy Center) and one is right along the National Mall. I recommend visiting both if you have the time.
If you’re already on the National Mall, head inside to be blown away by the vast number of airplanes spanning from the begging of flight to today. In addition to real airplanes hanging over your head, you’ll find an I-MAX museum, a planetarium, the interactive exhibit “How Things Fly”, and room after room of historically significant aircraft to include; the 1903 Wright Flyer, Spirit of St. Louis, Bell X-1 and the North American X-15.
A visit to Chantilly will also be FREE to go inside. The museum also boasts a huge assortment of aircraft to include; a Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird (the world’s fastest aircraft), a Concorde, the Enola Gay and the Space Shuttle Discovery (my personal fave). You will also find Airbus IMAX Theater and an air traffic control tower that you can go up into to see how they organize aircraft in flight. This museum is three levels, so plan to spend ample time walking around soaking it in.
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Ford's Theater
Ford's Theatre is renowned for its association with one of the most pivotal moments in American history: the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln.
Originally built in 1833 as a working theater, Ford's Theatre gained worldwide fame on April 14, 1865, when John Wilkes Booth, an actor and Confederate sympathizer, fatally shot President Lincoln during a performance.
Visitors can explore the theater, which has been meticulously restored to its 1865 appearance, and view exhibits detailing Lincoln's presidency, the Civil War, and the aftermath of his assassination. Adjacent to the theater is the Petersen House, where Lincoln was taken after being shot and where he ultimately passed away. Ford's Theatre serves as both a solemn reminder of a tragic moment in American history and a celebration of Lincoln's enduring impact on the nation.
You must book tickets in advance: You can purchase tickets online through the Ford's Theater website or in person at the theater's box office. It's advisable to book early, especially during peak tourist seasons, as tickets can sell out quickly.
*Be sure to get your Junior Ranger Badge from Ford’s Theater!
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National Monument
The National Monument is an American Icon. It was designed by architect Robert Mills and construction of the National Monument began in 1848 but was halted due to funding issues and the Civil War. It wasn't until 1884 that the monument was finally completed and dedicated to the nation.
Standing at a towering 555 feet, it was the tallest structure in the world at the time! If you go up to the top, you'll be treated to panoramic views of the National Mall, the White House, the Capitol Building, and more. The tour of the National Monument takes about 45-60 minutes.
at the top of the national monument
How to get tickets to the National Monument: Fortunately, you don't need tickets to visit the National Monument itself! It's open to the public and free of charge. However, if you want to go inside the monument and take the elevator to the top for those breathtaking views of the city, you'll need to reserve tickets in advance. Tickets are limited and tend to go fast, especially during peak seasons, so snag yours early!
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the history of the national monument is amazing
National Park Sites and Monuments (FREE)
Jimmy & Latham at the World War 2 Memorial
There are more than 30 National Park Sites in Washington DC and all of them are FREE! Since we have had the opportunity to visit Washington DC several times, we’ve ticked off quite a few of the National Monuments.
However, because many of the monuments are along the national mall, you don’t need days and days to see most of them. You can see so much of Washington DC with kids in 3 days! (or less!) In one afternoon (with two toddlers) we were able to see The White House, Constitution Gardens, The Vietnam Memorial, Abraham Lincoln Memorial, Korean War Memorial, The World War 2 Memorial, and the National Monument grounds.
One memorial that I want to tell you about is the Jefferson Memorial. It’s not as easily accessed from the National Mall. You CAN walk to it, but you’ll be walking quite a ways….and if you’re cool with that – DO IT. If you drive there, drive to this address: 971 Ohio Dr SW, Washington, DC 20024 – this will bring you to a parking lot that has a walkway over to the Jefferson Memorial. At this parking lot you can see the Cuban Friendship Urn. Keep walking along the path and you will pass the George Mason Memorial. If you keep walking you will find the Thomas Jefferson Memorial. **While you are over there, be sure to make the short walk over to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial.
Korean war Veteran’s memorial
***Pro Tip: Bring your National Park Passport with you! There are park rangers at every memorial to give you a stamp! I believe if you go to the NPS HQ they have them all there in one place!
CLICK HERE TO READ OUR 35+ U.S. NATIONAL PARK GUIDES
Get Ready for your trip to Washington DC with Family! These will help you stay prepared as you navigate DC with kids!
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The Kids at the Thomas Jefferson Memorial
The Kids and me at the Abraham Lincoln Memorial
National Mall
I made this its own attraction because, well, it is. The National Mall is home to 19 Smithsonian National museums, several national memorials, the Capitol Building, and you’ll see many of the locals playing sports, riding bikes or lounging in the grass.
The kid’s and I on the national mall in may 2018
It is home to more than 26 miles of walking trails and 8 miles of bike trails. This area of green space has held a plethora of jobs over the years. It’s been home to a railroad, a large market, during the American Civil War it hosted buildings, there have even been slaughterhouses directly on the NM. The National Mall is now home to over 9,000 trees including the many Cherry Blossoms given to the USA by Japan in 1912. Annually the National Mall gets 10 tons of grass seed and 3,000 yards of sod. It is a piece of US history just the same as the many many museums and buildings that line it. As you walk along it, imagine what it looked like 75, 100, 200 years ago!
The National Mall is one of the easiest things to do in DC with kids and is the heart of Washington DC.
Also - if you’re in DC in the Spring, be SURE to check out the famous Cherry Blossom festival!!
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The White House
These days you can’t just jump in line for a tour of the White House, it has to be scheduled. It is still free to visit, but you must write a letter your congressman asking for a visit. If you are an international visitor, you must write to your embassy. All tours are first come, first serve and can be requested up to 3 months in advance, no earlier than 21 days in advance.
we did a white house tour and it was really fun!
You are allowed to see and take photos with the White House from the front and back, outside the building’s secured gates. We’ve taken our kids several times and this is always what we do. It’s a fun way to expose them since I can never plan that far in advance! When they are older I will tell them we went inside of course!
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The White House 2017
The White House 2018
Arlington National Cemetery
I have taken my kids several times to Arlington. Their great grandfather and a few of my friends from college are buried there. Before your visit, I suggest you map out where you want to go. Arlington is HUGE. They have a nice air-conditioned museum right at the entrance.
From there, it’s up to you to walk to whichever grave you want to visit. I highly recommend watching a Changing of the Guard. Before you go, read about what it takes to be selected as a sentential for this program. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a sight in itself to bear witness to. Don’t forget to pay your respects to President John F. Kennedy and First Lady Jackie to see their eternal flame.
Be sure to download the ANC app on your phone before you visit – you can locate specific graves and find walking directions to it.
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The Kids in Arlington National cemetary through the years
Also, while you are at Arlington National Cemetery, please pay a visit to the Women in Military Service For America Memorial. It is an AMAZING museum curated by female veterans. I had the chance to speak at a conference there when I was in college. If you are a female veteran, be sure to register yourself on their website!
Marine Corps Memorial (Iwo Jima): We took the kids here on our way to Arlington, but it was under an extensive year-long renovation. HOWEVER, this is a must-see. (I went as a kid) It is now re-opened to the public and looks absolutely fantastic. Please take the time to visit. You will need to drive to the monument, but you will find parking nearby.
**ProTip: Do Arlington National Cemetery, The Women in Military Service For America Memorial, AND the Marine Corps Memorial all together. They are all right near each other. Don’t waste time driving back and forth across the city.
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Other Things to do in Washington DC with Kids
Charletta and I outside the national archives — we didn’t go in this time
Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden
Air Force Memorial
The Martin Luther King Jr National Memorial
Visit the Tidal Basin
The Arts and Industries Building
The International Spy Museum**
The Holocaust Museum**
The National Museum of African American History and Culture
The Freer Gallery of Art
The Smithsonian Institution HQ
The National Museum of American History**
The National Archives**
The Sylvan Theater
Mt Vernon Estate
National Harbor
** Indicates I have visited, but without kids. If you want to know my thoughts on those, shoot me an email!
How to Get Around in Washington DC with Kids
Latham riding the metro with his grandpa, pop pop
Metro: The DC Metro is a great way to get around the city without a car! We have taken the Metro many times on our passing’s through. The Metro, also known as the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority or WMATA, connects all of DC to outlying areas such as Fairfax, Alexandria, and parts of Maryland. The fares will vary based on the time of day. There are Peak Fares and Off-Peak fares. Most stations have an attendant who can help you purchase tickets or there are several kiosks. All entrances and exits have handicap access which you can push a stroller through. Almost all stations have elevators down to platforms.
Adult Cost:
Children Cost:
Up to two children (age 4 and younger) can ride free with each fare-paying adult
Children age 5 and older pay regular fare
Your Feet: Be prepared to do a TON of walking in Washington DC. Pack super comfy shoes, sunscreen, an umbrella, and tons of water.
Uber: We have used Uber many times in DC. Sometimes, it’s just easier than getting on the metro, faster than walking or faster than driving/parking.
“Uber Car Seat provides uberX vehicles equipped with a car seat. To request Uber Car Seat, tap the 'car seat' option after selecting the uberX vehicle type. A $10 surcharge is added to uberX pricing for Uber Car Seat trips.
Uber Car Seat provides one forward-facing car seat for a child who is at least:
(a) 12 months old AND
(b) 22 lbs. AND
(c) 31 inches.
A child is too big at 48 lbs. or 52 inches.” - Info taken from Uber’s website
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This is the Ultimate Guide to Washington DC with kids. Overall, you will find so many family-friendly things to do in Washington DC. It is one of the most budget-friendly big cities we’ve visited in the USA, too. You can experience so much culture and history for free.
I hope that each of you visits the U.S. capitol at some point in your travels and that this guide helps you figure out which things to do in dc for kids. Whether you are a baby, toddler, teen or adult, you will not be disappointed in Washington DC. I also want to add that if you are considering a mult-generational trip, DC should be at the top of your list!!
Check out my guide on the Top 5 family friendly hotels in Washington DC.
Have you ever been to Washington DC? What was your favorite place to visit? Tell us in the comments!
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