The best things to do in Washington, D.C. with kids

The Smithsonian’s National Zoo is a must-visit whether you’re vacationing in D.C. for the first time or making a seasonal pitstop, and that’s doubly true for any child. The zoo is home to more than 2,200 animals from nearly every continent; kids will have a blast observing lions, cheetahs, gorillas, otters, eagles and more. We’re sure your kids can’t wait to see the zoo’s two newest VIP residents, the giant pandas, which were unveiled to the public in January.

Daily programs such as kids’ farmkeepers talks and meet and greets with the animals help educate kids about the zoo’s crucial conservation and research work. Best of all? Admission to the zoo is free, and only requires reserving timed tickets ahead of your visit online.

Time Out tip: The zoo opens bright and early at 8am on weekends, ideal for kids who wake with the sun (and adults who want to skip the lines). Another tip: The best way to get to the zoo is via Metro’s Red Line, but don’t get off at the Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan stop if you want to avoid a steep uphill walk. Instead, ride one stop farther and disembark at the Cleveland Park stop to enjoy a roughly equidistant but downhill walk to the zoo’s entrance.

For city dwellers searching for an escape from urban life, the United States Botanic Garden is a green oasis that exposes visitors to all sorts of natural wonders. Kiddies will love a trip to the Butterfly Garden and enjoy getting their hands dirty with interactive activities in the Children’s Garden.

To entice a new generation of botanists, the attraction offers a plethora of resources for youngsters, including a regional garden field journal and a plant and food passport that provides a (figurative) taste of how we consume plants. Check out the annual Season’s Greenings display in December, with model trains, twinkling lights and U.S. landmarks sculpted from plants.

Time Out tip: The Botanic Garden’s website offers a printable Plant Passport activity that lets kids explore the Conservatory in a fun, interactive way. It takes about 30 to 45 minutes and makes for a great garden adventure. You’ll also find other printable guides available for kids of all ages.

The National Museum of Natural History is pure fuel for a child’s imagination—where else can you see dinosaur fossils, butterflies, precious gemstones and mammals from all over the world under one roof?

We particularly love the Butterfly Pavilion, which is filled with live butterfly species and tropical plants, and the recently renovated Hall of Fossils, which is chock-full of dinosaur fossils that feel like they’re in danger of pouncing on you. Kids of all kinds will be sure to marvel at the dazzling jewels and stones on display at the Hall of Geology, Gems and Minerals, which include sapphires, emeralds, pearls and the Harry Winston Hope Diamond—the inspiration for Rose’s Heart of the Ocean necklace in Titanic.

Time Out tip: The Butterfly Pavilion is a must—kids frolicking with butterflies is as wholesome as it gets. Tickets are usually $6, but it’s free on Tuesdays. Just make sure to grab a timed-entry pass in person at the Pavilion Ticket Desk.

Scoring tickets to a White House tour can be tricky, but you can still get a taste of presidential life at The People’s House: A White House Experience, just nearby. This free, immersive, interactive exhibit space curated by the White House and the White House Historical Association brings visitors young, old and in-between into a recreation of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW.

Kids will love walking through an exact replica of the Oval Office, complete with the Resolute Desk. They can also replicate the President’s 45-second commute through the West Colonnade and a representation of the famous Rose Garden.

Time Out tip: Don’t skip the White House Historical Association Gift Shop. Yes, it’s a gift shop, but a good one. You’ll find presidential ties, kids’ souvenirs and collectible White House Christmas ornaments that have been redesigned every year since the ’80s.

While the Library of Congress might not be the first place families think of, its Young Readers Center invites kids, teens and families to join in activities every Wednesday through Saturday from 10am to 4:30pm. The YRCPL allows visitors to engage in activities centered around the Library’s collections together. It’s a great way to dive into the library’s extensive collection and uncover the history of the building, its books and the influential writers who have shaped our nation.

Time Out tip: The Library of Congress website has downloadable activity kits including “Cooking Up History,” which dives into centuries-old recipes from the archives (like Thomas Jefferson’s mac and cheese). Try recreating a 100-year-old dish from their Chronicling America newspaper archive, a fun way to keep the learning going after your visit.

Of course D.C. has a museum just for kids! The National Children’s Museum in downtown Washington, D.C., is a children’s museum and science center designed for kids up to age 12 and their families. It offers interactive exhibits that explore science, technology, engineering, art and math. Highlights include the Dream Machine, where children can climb into clouds; the Innovation Sandbox, which shoots bolts of lightning; and the Tinkerers Studio, a maker space for your youngest inventors.

Time Out tip: This is a ticketed museum, and admission’s about $18.95 for anyone over age one. To make the most of your visit, check the calendar for storytimes or music sessions. Events turn the space from a museum to a community hangout. 

What’s better than a family day watching a ballgame? This baseball park designed for fans of all ages

offers special programming for kids, including giveaways and a play area featuring a jungle gym, in case the little ones need a break from the stands. Bonus for wannabe baseball stars: kids ages 4–12 can run the bases—yes, on the field—after select Sunday home games throughout the season, weather permitting. So bring on your Natitude, and play ball!

Time Out tip: There are all sorts of yummy snacks for both kids and adults alike at Nats Park. Options we think kids would love include nachos, hot dogs, pupusas, tacos, potato sticks and crepes. Our favorite? The chocolate and vanilla swirled custard from Rita’s, which comes in a cup shaped like a plastic baseball cap.

Rock Creek Park is beautiful in every season and offers miles of scenic nature trails to explore. For kids, the highlights are certainly the critter-packed Nature Center and captivating planetarium. There, you’ll find fun educational exhibits for kids as well as tanks with turtles and fish. On Wednesdays, the planetarium generally has programming for young children (ages 4–10).

You can stop in a half-hour early to pick up free passes for all shows. Be sure to double-check the hours for both the Nature Center and Planetarium before visiting.

Time Out tip: Is your kid obsessed with horses? Rock Creek Park is home to the Rock Creek Park Horse Center, the only public riding facility in the city. Sign up for trail rides, pony rides and lessons here and become your kid’s favorite person.

The Air and Space Museum in D.C. is a big favorite for kids, which makes sense since the museum boasts the largest collection of aviation and space artifacts in the world. You can get right up to historic airplanes, gaze in wonder at spacecraft that have traveled to the moon, and learn about some incredible astronauts. They have flight simulators and interactive displays about space exploration that make learning fun for everyone, no matter how old you are.

Time Out tip: No surprise, the Air and Space Museum is a hot ticket. Grab a free timed-entry pass online ahead of your visit to lock in your spot.

What list of things to do with kids is complete without swings and jungle gyms? The Beauvoir Outdoors Playground is certainly one of the most alluring spots little ones will come across in D.C. Located on the grounds of National Cathedral Elementary School, the outdoor hot spot is accessible to the public from 6pm to dusk. You’ll want to keep your kids’ comfiest sneakers close by, as the playground will keep them busy with rope bridges, wooden jungle gyms, slides and even a zip line. Who can possibly say no to that?

Time Out tip: Since the park is part of a private school connected to the National Cathedral, it’s only open when school’s out (so weekends and breaks). Check the school’s calendar before you go. For parking note that there’s a small lot on-site, and if it’s full, street parking nearby is usually a breeze.

What kid won’t love learning all about the art of espionage? The International Spy Museum will teach your kids about the fascinating spies who have contributed to world events. Attendees will get to glimpse at special equipment, including cameras and vehicles, and sign up for programs (ideal for kids under 10) that will have them embark on secret missions, climb through ductwork, diffuse an atomic bomb, hang from a construction site and test their own spy skills.

Be sure to check out the special exhibit all about the cars, planes, trains, boats and more used by perhaps the most famous (albeit fictional) spy of all—James Bond, a.k.a. 007.

Try visiting on weekdays to avoid crowds and, if weekends are your only option, come early. That shouldn’t be hard if your kids are serious about espionage: The best spies are always on time.

Time Out tip: Much of the museum was designed with kids in mind, so be sure to ask a staff member for which spots to check out. You can even download a guide mapping everything of special interest to kids and families called Adventure for a Family of Spies on the museum’s website.

Nesting isn’t just for birds. Kids will love seeing the Washington Youth Garden’s (pretend) giant bird and sitting in its child-sized nest when exploring this part of the U.S. National Arboretum. Devoted to research and public engagement, this kid-friendly section seeks to enhance science learning and encourage healthy food choices. The garden works with area schools but is also open to the public. Watch your kids take in the whimsical designs or climb in the play area when dropping in.

Time Out tip: After your visit, swing by the nearby U.S. National Arboretum, especially the stunning National Bonsai & Penjing Museum. What started with 53 trees from Japan in 1976 has grown into a rotating collection of over 300 bonsai and penjing masterpieces from around the world.

Take in views of the Anacostia River as kids splash in the dancing fountains or hop into a canoe or kayak for a fun adventure with the family! There’s even a trapeze school at this stellar park. The waterfront green space is home to plenty of events, too, such as movie screenings and kid-friendly music classes for tots, among many other offerings. Explore the events calendar before making a visit.

Time Out tip: This strip is packed with great restaurants and ice cream spots. Grab takeout so you can snack while your kiddo explores and splashes around the Dancing Fountain.

Although contemporary art might seem a bit too advanced for children to appreciate, the Smithsonian’s Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden makes the work accessible to its young visitors. From guides for parents that include suggested activities and talking points to interactive art carts and storytime, the Hirshhorn is for kids, too.

Time Out tip: Gelato makes everything better, including museum trips. Dolcezza, a beloved local coffee and gelato chain, has a cute truck in the Hirshhorn’s courtyard that’s open year-round. Grab a cone or cup of the good stuff—our favorite flavors are black and white cookie batter, cookies and cream, salted caramel and roasted strawberry. 

Let your kids wave at the ducks swimming up to shore or splash in the popular fountain during warmer months on this 10-acre city park space. Boasting views of the Potomac River and the Key Bridge, Georgetown Waterfront Park is a relaxing place to take in the city’s lush greenness. If your family wants to get a little more interactive with the water, rent canoes or kayaks from the Thompson Boat Center. If the kids would rather stay on land, opt to take them on a trip down the area’s dedicated trail. (Bikes are also available for rent.)

Time Out tip: Keep an eye on the Friends of Georgetown Waterfront Park website for kid-friendly events like Story & Song Time. It’s a great excuse to grab takeout from Falafel Inc. or Chaia and let the littles roam. Or cash in your early dinner hours and snag a daytime res at Fiola Mare—parenting perks, baby.

Get your fill of architecture, engineering and design at this unique museum dedicated to everything from towering skyscrapers to incognito cities—even the stories of how household goods have changed over time and how modern architecture is changing to accommodate the needs of the modern American. Littles (ages 2–6) should cruise by the Building Zone complete with construction play trucks, a pretend hardware store and dress-up gear, as well as Play Work Build, home to a massive foam play-block area.

Time Out tip: If you’ve got a little builder on your hands, don’t sleep on the National Building Museum. They host birthday parties for kids ages 3 to 8 with fun, hands-on themes like train construction and castle building. Kids get to design, engineer and create, and parents can explore one of D.C.’s most underrated landmarks while they’re at it.

With 10 acres of parks in Southeast Washington, Capitol Riverfront Park is a crowd-pleasing destination. Start your visit at this sustainable and neighborhood-centric green space, located on three acres of the city. It’s home to seasonal markets and festivals along with dancing fountains in the summer and ice skating in the winter.

Time Out tip: Unless you thrive in chaos, avoid the area during Nats games. Your sanity (and your bumper) will thank you.

This Northwest Washington estate turned museum includes an 18th-century French decorative art collection, a Russian imperial art collection and 25 acres of lush gardens.

If your child is more into culture than cars and trucks, Hillwood’s inside exhibits and displays will be sure to wow them. They’ll have a great time taking in all the gilded surfaces and plushly decorated interiors, which are reminiscent of a palace. Those who love the botanical world are sure to be delighted by the green gardens, which include a Japanese garden with a flowing stream and waterfall, and numerous colorful flowers.

Walk the grounds while discovering treasured art pieces and participate in programs that involve dance, music and storytelling. The museum even suggests imaginative games to play as you stroll, including posing to look like one of the many statues or portraits on the property.

Time Out tip: There are lots of delicate objects at Hillwood, most of which aren’t behind glass but are roped off. This destination is best for kids who can stay on the beaten path, as running around the grounds is discouraged.

The local library is always a must. And the D.C. Public Library system offers more than book-borrowing to draw kids in—though the books, of course, are key. Visit the Petworth location for kid-friendly classes and events, and look for programs like outdoor story time and writing workshops.

Time Out tip: Your library card does more than unlock books, you can also check out DVDs. After storytime or an event, browse the film section for everything from Black Panther 2 to Criterion classics and bring home a movie night. (Public libraries for the win!) 

The Renwick Gallery, which is located right across the street from the White House, has all sorts of bright, big installations and art works that kids will surely like. Best known for its massive, Instagram-worthy installations like Janet Echelman’s room-consuming light and fiber installation 1.8 Renwick, the Renwick honors art that has to do with crafts. Kids will love lying on the floor and gazing up at the changing colors of Echelman’s work.

Time Out tip: If you’re already at the Renwick, keep the art adventure going by heading to SAAM and the National Portrait Gallery next door. Pick up a family-friendly audio tour map at the info desk and uncover hidden stories through fun, interactive stops designed for kids.

The National Museum of the American Indian houses one of the world’s most expansive collections of Native objects, photographs and media. After exploring the exhibits, head to the imagiNATIONS Activity Center on the third floor, a vibrant, hands-on space designed for kids 10 and under. Through interactive play, young visitors can explore the scientific and cultural innovations of Indigenous communities, many of which continue to shape daily life around the world today.

Time Out tip: Located inside the museum, the Mitsitam Native Foods Café is a gem, serving Native-inspired dishes in a gorgeous space. Bonus: There’s an espresso bar for tired parents in need of a recharge.

Housed in the historic Franklin School, Planet Word is—no exaggeration—one of the coolest museums in D.C. This voice-activated museum (the first of its kind!) is packed with interactive galleries that make words and language feel magical. It’s one of our favorite spots for kids, but adults will be just as into it.

Time Out tip: Reserve your passes online in advance. Timed-entry passes go fast, so book online in advance to avoid missing out.

This Smithsonian staple is packed with iconic artifacts, from Dorothy’s ruby slippers and the Star-Spangled Banner (as in the literal flag that inspired the anthem) to Lincoln’s top hat and Jefferson’s writing desk. For little ones, Wegmans Wonderplace is an interactive play space designed for kids six and under, while older kids (ages 6–12) can tinker, build and explore at Draper Spark!Lab, a hands-on inventors’ workshop that blends STEM with creativity.

Time Out tip: Don’t miss the “Drop in the Ocean” VR experience (2 East), where you’ll ride a jellyfish through the deep sea, meet a leatherback turtle and come face-to-face with a whale shark—all while learning about ocean conservation in full immersive style.