Washington DC is such a great place for families to visit. There is so much to do in DC that adults and kids will love. I love Washington, D.C. for so many reasons. It is full of history, science, and culture, making it the perfect destination for family outings.
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I have a list of our favourite things in Washington DC that I’m sure your family will love too! The best part about the city is that there are so many free things to see and do! The Smithsonian museums are all free and they are amazing. Depending on how long you are in Washington DC, there might be too many to choose from, so I have included a few of our favourites.
MUSEUMS
1.National Museum of American History
The National Museum of American History is a captivating exploration of the country’s past, showcasing everything from the Star-Spangled Banner to the original Muppet characters.
We enjoyed engaging with interactive exhibits that bring history to life. My kids loved the “America on the Move” exhibit, which features a vintage car and interactive displays about transportation. They enjoyed virtually trying on outfits from different time periods in the fashion area and playing video games on “old” computers in the pop culture area.
With so much to see, you could easily spend a whole day here, making it an ideal stop for both learning and fun!
2.National Museum of Natural History
Not far from the American History Museum is the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. If you are a jewellery fan, this museum is home to the Hope Diamond.
For dinosaur lovers, you will find the colossal dinosaur skeleton. This museum offers endless opportunities for exploration. My son loved the diversity of life in the “Insect Zoo,” where you can see live insects up close.
Check out the many sea creatures from the past like the life-sized African Bush elephant or the Mega-toothed shark. Don’t forget to check out the interactive exhibits and the family-friendly activities available throughout the museum. It’s a place where learning about the natural world feels like an exciting adventure!
3.Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
For families that are intrigued by flight and space, the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center is a must-see. Located just outside Washington DC, this impressive facility is home to the Space Shuttle Discovery and the Enola Gay, among other iconic aircraft.
The spacious viewing area allows kids to get up close and personal with these massive machines, igniting their imaginations. The “Flight Simulator” experiences offer a thrilling taste of piloting an aircraft, making it a hit for older kids.
With educational programs and interactive displays, the Udvar-Hazy Center is a perfect blend of excitement and learning.
4.National Air and Space Museum
Back in the heart of D.C., the National Air and Space Museum is a family favourite for good reason. With thousands of artefacts related to aviation and space exploration, there’s something here for everyone.
Young visitors can explore hands-on exhibits in the “How Things Fly” gallery, where they can test their own piloting skills. The IMAX theatre often features stunning films that transport you to outer space or back in time to the dawn of flight, providing a perfect break from walking.
Don’t miss the chance to see the original Wright Flyer and Apollo 11 Command Module—it’s a truly amazing experience!
Iconic Buildings Along the National Mall:
1.The Lincoln Memorial
First stop, the Lincoln Memorial! If you’ve seen pictures of Washington, D.C., you’ve probably seen this monumental building—it’s hard to miss!
The Lincoln Memorial, with its grand steps and towering statue of President Abraham Lincoln, is a spot that will leave your family in awe.
The statue itself stands 19 feet tall (nearly the size of a two-story house!) and the entire memorial is rich with symbolism. It’s the place where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech, making it an especially important landmark for history buffs and families alike.
What makes it so fun for kids? The wide steps are perfect for a family photo op, and the view looking down the National Mall to the Washington Monument is just stunning. Plus, there’s plenty of room to run around, so little ones can burn off some energy while you take in the scenery.
2.The Washington Monument
Next up, we’ve got the Washington Monument! Standing 555 feet tall, this iconic obelisk is not only the tallest structure in the city but also one of the most recognizable monuments in the world.
Whether you’re gazing up from the base or snapping photos from across the Mall, the Washington Monument will definitely make an impression.
Here’s the cool part: you can actually ride an elevator to the top of the monument for a stunning panoramic view of the entire city. From the top, you’ll spot famous buildings, lush green parks, and even the White House!
It’s an experience your whole family will remember. Something I wish we knew is to make sure you reserve tickets well in advance!
3.The Reflecting Pool
Between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument lies one of the most peaceful and picturesque spots on the National Mall: the Reflecting Pool.
This shimmering body of water is the perfect spot to pause and take in the beauty of the city. The pool reflects both the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial, creating a stunning photo opportunity for families.
It’s a great place to have a little picnic or just relax and enjoy the sights and sounds around you. Bring a snack and some water and hang out by the pool for a while. It’s the perfect spot to people-watch and soak in the beauty of D.C.
4.The United States Capitol Building
At the opposite end of the National Mall stands the majestic United States Capitol Building. This iconic building is where laws are made, and it’s the heart of the U.S. government.
The Capitol is as grand as it gets, with its massive white dome and columns standing tall against the skyline.
While you can’t just walk into the Capitol, you can apparently take a guided tour to explore its beautiful architecture and learn about how the country’s laws are made.
The U.S. Capitol Visitor Center offers family-friendly exhibits that will keep kids engaged and informed about the history of the Capitol, the legislative process, and how the country’s government works.
Take a stroll through the Capitol grounds and enjoy the well-kept gardens and statues, or relax on the grassy areas with views of the National Mall.
Other Activities:
1.The White House Visitors Center
No trip to D.C. is complete without a visit to The White House Visitors Center. Even if you don’t get the chance to tour the actual White House, the Visitors Center offers a fantastic glimpse into American history.
Interactive exhibits, stunning photos, and videos give you the inside scoop on the first family’s famous residence. Your kids will love the touch screens that let them explore the history of the White House, the people who lived there, and the role it plays in our government. Plus, it’s a short walk from the National Mall, making it easy to add to your itinerary!
My kids particularly loved the opportunity here to become a Presidents Park Junior Ranger. They were given an activity book to complete then sworn in and given a badge by one of the visitors centre rangers!
2.The White House
I’ll start by saying that at the time we visited, non-US citizens were not allowed to tour the White House, so make sure you check ahead of time and book your time slot for visiting.
Whether you’re standing outside admiring its iconic neoclassical architecture or snapping family photos in front of its famous gates, the White House is a must-see. Even if you’re just viewing it from the outside, the experience will feel like a true D.C. moment.
Be sure to check out Lafayette Park across the street for a perfect spot for family photos and a little relaxation.
3.The Wharf
After all the sightseeing, it’s time for some relaxation and family fun at The Wharf, one of D.C.’s most vibrant waterfront destinations.
This revitalised area offers a little bit of everything: fantastic dining, live music, boat tours, and plenty of room to roam. The kids will love the Wharf’s fun playgrounds, and the whole family can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the water.
If you’re feeling adventurous, take a ride on one of the waterfront ferries for a unique view of the city. We enjoyed the giant swings on Recreation Pier and splashing in the fountain at 7th Street Park. We also enjoyed a delicious Mexican dinner at Mi Vida.
4.Zoom Around Town on a Scooter!
Want to add some excitement to your family sightseeing? Rent some scooters and zip around the city in style! Washington D.C. is super scooter-friendly with miles of bike lanes and wide sidewalks perfect for families.
Rent scooters through any of the city’s app-based services (like Lime or Bird) and hit the streets to see the sights. We started at one end of the National Mall near the Lincoln Memorial and scootered all the way to the other end at the United States Capitol.
You’ll be able to breeze by the major attractions while feeling the wind in your hair. Plus, it’s a fun and active way to get from place to place!
5.Smithsonian National Zoological Park
Looking for a family-friendly activity that’s both educational and fun? Head over to the Smithsonian National Zoological Park, one of the best places in D.C. to see amazing animals up close!
Home to over 2,000 animals, including giant pandas, elephants, and lions, this zoo will keep your little explorers entertained for hours. Best of all, it’s completely free!
Spend the day strolling through exhibits, watching feeding demonstrations, and maybe even catching a show at the Kids’ Farm where the little ones can interact with farm animals.
Extra Tips!
- **Plan Ahead**: Check the museums’ schedules for any special family programs or events.
- **Pack Snacks**: While there are cafes in the museums, they are expensive and all parents know that having some snacks on hand can keep energy levels and crankiness down!
- **Take Breaks**: Museums can be overwhelming. Find quiet areas to sit and recharge, especially for younger kids.
- **Have Fun**: Don’t stress about seeing everything. Focus on the exhibits that interest your family the most and enjoy the learning journey together!
Where to stay
Staying in the city to avoid driving and finding parking will make your time in Washington DC much easier!
We opted for a mid-range priced hotel Holiday Inn Washington-Central/White House fit our needs perfectly. It had free breakfast and a rooftop pool where we could unwind and relax at the end of a busy day!
How to get around Washington DC
Rather than worry about parking and traffic, we opted to leave our car at the hotel and utilise public transport. We found the Metrobus easy to navigate to get to certain destinations that were too far to walk from our hotel. We also travelled on the DC Circulator around the National Mall. It’s only $1 to ride and kids are free. It’s a fun way to travel around and see all the monuments.
Have you visited any of these spots before? What’s your favorite family-friendly activity in D.C.? Let us know in the comments below.
Visit here for a detailed 3 day itinerary of Washington DC with kids.