Unique Things to Do in Washington DC
DC's most unique experiences include Dupont Underground art exhibitions in an abandoned 1949 streetcar station, Planet Word Museum's interactive language exhibits (free), Room 808 speakeasy, the National Bonsai Museum, and Discovery Theater performances inside the Smithsonian.
8 places · 5 free · Updated Oct 2026
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.
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.
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.
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.
Art and performance space in the abandoned streetcar tunnels beneath Dupont Circle. Hosts rotating art installations, immersive theater, comedy shows, and cultural events in a genuinely unique underground setting. Monthly comedy shows and special events. Tickets $10-25 for most events. One of the most unusual venues in DC -- worth visiting for the space alone.