The Best Things to Do in Washington DC with Kids
My six year old son and I first visited Washington DC in 2018. I remember worrying that he might get bored with all of the museums and history, but it ended up being one of our favorite trips. There were so many engaging and interactive things to do in Washington DC that he was completely hooked and asking when we could go back.
We just returned from a trip with the whole family, and it felt like the perfect time to update this post. With so many incredible things to do in Washington DC, it is a destination that truly works for all ages. Even better, many of the top attractions, including the Smithsonian museums, are completely free, making it an easy and affordable trip for families.
The Best Things to do in Washington DC
1. Walk the National Mall
One of my favorite things to do is simply walking the National Mall. We started at the Capital Building and walked down to the Washington Monument.
My son has been obsessed with this monument ever since he saw Spider-Man. The monument was closed for elevator repairs during our visit, which of course I explained that it was due to Spider-Man’s big rescue so he totally understood.
Tickets are required to enter the Washington Monument. Reserve tickets online or get free, same-day tickets at the Washington Monument Lodge on 15th Street near the Washington Monument.
It was a nice sunny day, so we sat by the World War II Memorial and dipped our feet in the water.
From there, we walked along the Reflection Pool and up the stairs to the Lincoln Memorial, which is my personal favorite place in DC. Not only do I have mad love for Abe, but there are some of the best views of the mall from up there.
Lastly, we strolled through the Vietnam Memorial. The never ending list of names is just astonishing.
2. The White House
You can no longer get anywhere near the White House, so we just took a picture from a distance. Tour requests have to be made through your Member of Congress several months in advance. Walk along Constitution Ave NW to look over the Ellipse for the famous views of the White House you are used to. You will almost always see people exercising their right to protest in front of the White House.
3. National Air and Space Museum
This museum will impress kids and adults alike. The highlight for us was seeing the original 1903 Wright Flyer, which marked the advent of the aviation age.
Standing before Amelia Earhart’s Lockheed Vega, the aircraft she piloted solo across the Atlantic Ocean and on the first nonstop flight across the United States by a woman, was an incredibly empowering moment. Just to think of the innovation and bravery that has gone into some of the feats that these people have accomplished is mind blowing.
Consider the Apollo lunar suit, still bearing traces of moon dust—moon dust!—and imagine the thoughts racing through the astronaut’s mind as they took those historic steps onto a new planet. It underscores the incredible capabilities of humanity.
Above all, it reinforces my desire for my children to believe in their limitless potential to accomplish anything they dream.
Please note that free timed-entry passes are required to visit this museum. I booked them several days in advance and I was glad I did, because they were sold out the day of. Same-day passes are released beginning at 8:30 am each morning and they often book very quickly.
4. National Museum of American History
Ok, ok, this may sound dull and boring, but if you make it to one museum in DC, it should be this one. To walk past the original star spangled banner, all tattered and frayed, you could just imagine Francis Scott Key looking through the window of his ship the morning after the bombardment and scribbling down the words that would one day become our national anthem.
The other highlight for us was seeing Abraham Lincoln’s top hat, which he was wearing at the time of his assassination, George Washington’s uniform and Thomas Jefferson’s desk where he wrote the first draft of the Declaration of Independence. These things made our country what it is today and to experience them first hand is not only very special, but such a great way for kids to learn about our history.
Lizzie loved seeing the dresses of all the first ladies. In Entertainment Nation, you can see amazing memorabilia such as Dorothy’s red slippers, Lin Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton costume he wore on Broadway as well as the R2-D2 and C-3PO costumes from Return of the Jedi.
Although you have to look for it, I am always moved by the Greensboro Lunch Counter. On February 1, 1960, four students sat down at the lunch counter at the Woolworth’s in downtown Greensboro, where the official policy was to refuse service to anyone but whites. Denied service, the four young men refused to give up their seats. It started a revolution. By March, sit ins had spread to 55 cities across 13 different states. The bravery of these teens sparked a civil rights movement. I tear up when I see people standing up for what they know is right.
My son loved the hands-on activities in the Spark!Lab where he learned about the process of invention. He also loved playing in Wegmans Wonderplace, which is an interactive play space for kids aged 0-6. Note that these close earlier than the rest of the museum.
5. International Spy Museum
This is the only activity we actually had to pay for in Washington DC, but it was totally worth it. The Spy Museum was his favorite part of the trip and at this very moment he is rehearsing his new spy name and cover identity. It was also a nice break to all of the early American history.
We had so much fun crawling through duct work and going on our own mission. We hung over a city like we were in a James Bond film and tracked down bad guys.
The Spy Museum has moved into a new improved building with even more to do. Adults cost about $35, youth (ages 7-12) tickets are $22 and kids 6 and under are free.
6. National Archives Museum
Head straight for the rotunda to catch a glimpse of the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights. These documents define our country and to see the faded signatures of our founding fathers was incredible.
My kids loved the movie National Treasure and recognized the gift store from the movie. They bought a replica of the Declaration of Independence and pretended to be Nicholas Cage for the rest of the day.
7. National Museum of Natural History
Gaze up at the skeleton of a Tyrannosaurus Rex in awe of the amazing creatures that have roamed this earth. Kids will love the Discovery Room where they can get an up close look at fossils, petrified wood and other specimens and participate in hands-on activities.
This museum also contains the Hope Diamond which is worth $350 million! Believed to be cursed, it was on the Titanic when it sank.
8. See the Changing of the Guard at Arlington Cemetery
Visiting Arlington National Cemetery is a solemn and humbling experience. As you walk among the rows of white headstones meticulously aligned across the rolling hills, you can’t help but feel a deep sense of reverence and gratitude for those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
Arlington Cemetery is the final resting place for more than 400,000 service members from all US wars, from the Revolutionary War to today. The most notable places to visit are the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Arlington House and the Kennedy Family gravesite.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
The military guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is changed in an elaborate ceremony which happens every hour on the hour from October 1 through March 31, and every half hour from April 1 through September 30. The Sentinels of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier stand watch 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, in any weather.
Notice how the Guard marches 21 steps down the black mat behind the Tomb, turns and faces east for 21 seconds, turns and faces north for 21 seconds, and then takes 21 steps down the mat. The number 21 symbolizes the highest symbolic military honor that can be bestowed: the 21-gun salute.
The ceremony demands respect and silence, so have a chat with kids before arriving. They also ask that everyone stand throughout the ceremony.
The Arlington House
The former home of Robert E. Lee is an interesting stop. Kids can earn a Junior Ranger badge here. There is a beautiful view of the city from the top of the hill.
The Kennedy Family Gravesite
Just below The Arlington House is the Kennedy Family Gravesite. John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States was laid to rest here after his assassination in 1963. An eternal flame, lit by Mrs. Kennedy, burns from the center of a five-foot circular granite stone at the head of the grave. She was later laid to rest beside her husband on May 23, 1994.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg (RBG) and her husband are also buried nearby to the JFK memorial.
How to get to Arlington Cemetery
While you can take a quick ten minute Uber across the river to the cemetery, there is also a parking lot. Parking was easy and inexpensive, so we visited on our way out of town. Note that you can’t just drive through Arlington Cemetery.
After passing through security, we purchased tickets for the tram which will bring you up to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (where the Changing of the Guard takes place), the Arlington House and the Kennedy Family Gravesite. The cemetery is expansive and hilly so I would highly recommend the tram. It is also narrated so you can learn quite a bit on the way.
9. Visit the Ford’s Theater
Step inside the well-preserved theater where Abraham Lincoln was tragically assassinated. The self-guided tour begins in the museum on the bottom floor which offers a poignant glimpse into Lincoln’s life and legacy, showcasing artifacts that brought his presidency and the Civil War era to life. See the pistol used by John Wilkes Booth that fateful night and learn how his actions impacted a Nation.
Next, we went up to the theater itself. We sat beside his booth, which all seemed untouched from the day it happened. Once he was shot, chaos ensued and he was carried into a boarding house across the street. You tickets include a visit to the Petersen House, where he spent his final hours.
Our journey through this pivotal moment in our nation’s history was an unforgettable experience steeped in both history and emotion.
There was a scavenger hunt that helped lead the kids around the museum and they can also get Junior Ranger badges at the theater.
“Now he belongs to the ages” –Secretary of War Edwin Stanton
10. Bureau of Engraving and Printing
This 25 minute tour will show you how paper is turned into currency. You can smell the fresh money from the streets!
It was very interesting, but if you are short on time, cut this one out. It is a hassle because the ticket booth is in a different building and they only give out a certain amount of tickets per day. We got lucky and scored the last two for the day, but I dragged my son to three different places before we even found the ticket booth.
I wanted to add that the Holocaust Museum is so well done, it was only withheld from the list because my children are a bit to young to learn about those atrocities.
There are so many things to do in Washington DC with kids, plan for at least 3 days. We did more walking than we did at Disney World and the crowds were worse! Expect long lines due to airport-like security at each museum, but they do move quickly.
Wear good walking shoes, bring rain gear so you are prepared and make Uber your new best friend. Visiting Washington DC with kids is such a great experience for children to learn about the history of our country.
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