Things to Do with Kids in Washington DC

The most-visited natural history museum in the world, with over 148 million specimens. Kids love the Hope Diamond, dinosaur hall, live butterfly pavilion (separate small fee), insect zoo, and ocean hall. The Discovery Room offers hands-on activities for families. Free admission, no tickets required.

Home to the Wright Brothers' 1903 Flyer, Apollo 11 command module, and Space Shuttle Discovery (at Udvar-Hazy annex). Currently undergoing multi-year renovation with about half the museum open, featuring eight all-new galleries and a renovated planetarium. Free admission but timed-entry passes are required — reserve up to 2 months in advance.

A 163-acre zoo with over 2,100 animals from 390 species, including giant pandas, elephants, great apes, and big cats. The Kids' Farm lets children get close to farm animals. Completely free, but all visitors (including babies) must register for advance entry passes online. Accessible via Woodley Park-Zoo Metro station.

An interactive STEAM museum designed for kids ages 0-12, located at Woodrow Wilson Plaza near the White House. Features exhibits on building, science, and the environment with tons of hands-on play. Children under 1 are free. Open every day except Tuesday. Advance tickets encouraged.

Home to the original Star-Spangled Banner, Dorothy's ruby slippers, Julia Child's kitchen, and the First Ladies' gowns. The Wegmans Wonderplace is a free interactive play space for kids ages 0-6. Spark!Lab lets older kids invent and build. Free admission, no passes needed.

A museum devoted to architecture and design with a spectacular Great Hall (free to visit). Exhibition galleries feature rotating exhibits on building, design, and engineering. The museum frequently runs family-oriented programs and building workshops for kids. Children under 3 are free.

The Smithsonian's performing arts theater for young audiences, located in the Ripley Center. Shows include puppetry, storytelling, music, dance, and cultural performances designed for ages 3-10. Performances are typically at 10am and 11:15am on weekdays. Shows often sell out — book in advance.

An interactive museum where families take on spy identities and complete missions through exhibits on real espionage history. Features disguise galleries, code-breaking challenges, and a laser-beam obstacle course. Best for kids 7 and up. Children 6 and under are free. Timed-entry tickets required.

A free, interactive museum dedicated to language and words. Kids can sing karaoke, create poetry, explore word origins, and play language games across multiple floors. General admission is free with a suggested $15 donation. Reserve a pass in advance online to guarantee entry. Closed Tuesdays.

A beautifully restored historic carousel on the National Mall near the Smithsonian Castle. Reopened in April 2026 after a three-year restoration with updated accessibility features. Rides cost $6 per person regardless of age. Card and touchless payments accepted.

A 5.5-acre park along the Anacostia River with a signature splash park featuring dancing fountains, a waterfall, and LED-lit wading pool (under a foot deep, perfect for toddlers). Free to visit year-round. The Capitol Riverfront Summer Concert Series runs on select Friday evenings. Near Nationals Park and the Navy Yard Metro station.

The oldest continually operating mini golf course in the nation, built in 1931, and the only outdoor mini golf in Washington DC. Located on the Potomac River waterfront in East Potomac Park with views of the monuments. A fun, affordable outing for families with kids of all ages.

Over 141,000 works of Western art across two buildings connected by an underground walkway that kids love. Always free — admission, daily one-hour guided tours, weekend film screenings, and family programs. First Saturdays feature free art-making, films, and pop-up activities. The Sculpture Garden has a fountain for wading in summer and ice skating in winter (~$10). Jazz in the Garden runs Friday evenings in summer with live music and a sangria cart.

Free performances every single day at 6:00 PM in the Grand Foyer — music, dance, theater, poetry, and NSO ensembles. Shows last about an hour, making them perfect for families. No tickets needed for most shows; just show up. Limited advance reservations available first come, first served. Day-of tickets at Box Office starting 4:30pm. The building itself is stunning and free to explore. Special family-friendly festivals throughout the year.

A free hidden gem with 300+ miniature trees across three pavilions inside the 446-acre U.S. National Arboretum. Kids activity pamphlet available in the Exhibits Gallery. The Arboretum grounds feature the Capitol Columns (22 original Corinthian columns from the US Capitol), a koi pond, and open meadows. Rarely crowded. No Metro access — drive or rideshare. Pack a picnic as food options are limited. Combine with nearby Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens (also free) for a full day.

The theatre where Lincoln was assassinated, still an active performance venue. Free with advance timed-entry reservation. The basement museum displays the Derringer pistol, Lincoln's coat, and Booth's diary. Includes access to Petersen House across the street where Lincoln died. Same-day tickets released at 8:30am online and go fast on busy days. No large bags or food/drink inside.

The largest library in the world, with stunning Beaux-Arts architecture in the Thomas Jefferson Building that awes kids and adults alike. The Great Hall and Main Reading Room viewing gallery are must-sees. Thomas Jefferson's personal library is on display. Free one-hour tours Monday through Saturday. Combine with a Capitol building visit next door (free, book through your representative).