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SD › Washington, DC with Kids
Updated: June 8, 2021

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• All-time Family Hotels in Washington, DC
• Where to Stay in Washington, DC

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• Authorities Buildings with Kids
• National Mall with Kids
• DC Monuments with Kids
• Child-Friendly Events in DC

The Top 26 Things to Practice with Kids in Washington, DC

If there were a competition for best family destinations in the U.s., Washington, DC would surely exist a winner. No other city offers so many places that involvement young people – and none has and so many sites that are absolutely free. Washington is also an piece of cake city to navigate with kids, thanks to the efficient Metro subway system. And for just $one, the Circulator bus covers ii of the uppercase urban center'south almost visited areas, the National Mall with its museums and the Capitol building, and the Tidal Basin with its famous Memorials. Purchase a SmarTrip card, available at any Metrorail station, and you will never have to worry about verbal change; the bill of fare is good on all the city's trains and buses.

Washington Government Buildings with Kids

Plan Ahead for Congressional Visits and White House Tours!

• For the chance to visit a Congressional Gallery when in session, or to tour the White Business firm, contact your Senator or House Rep well in advance of your trip. (International visitors should contact their nation'due south DC embassy.) White Firm sign-ups begin three months alee. When planning your days, remember to allow sufficient time for security checks at these buildings.

one. The U.s.a. Capitol

This impressive 540-room edifice with its familiar grand dome is not simply a magnificent symbol of freedom that is over 200 years onetime – it besides houses the working offices of our Senators and Representatives and is the identify where they meet to make the laws that govern our state.

A visit to the Capitol begins in the underground Visitor Center, which offers printed guides, activities, and information sheets for tiny visitors and for those in grade 6 and upwardly. The 45-to-60-minute free building tour is fun for everyone – information technology begins with a film, then takes visitors to the Rotunda nether the great dome, the National Bronze Hall, and the original House and Senate chambers. Tickets are available at the information desk on a get-go-come up, first served ground; tours leave every few minutes. To avoid waits on busy days, sign upwards in advance online or contact your Representative or Senator to reserve the fourth dimension you prefer. Stories in the Onetime Senate Chamber accept place on Mondays at ten:30am, and family activeness sessions are held every Thursday and Saturday at 10am and 2pm. A special session every weekday at noon explains What's Happening in the Chambers.
• Monday-Saturday 8:30am-iv:30pm

2. The White House

The domicile of every American president subsequently George Washington. Highlights of the public, self-guided White House tours are the beautiful formal reception rooms, each furnished in a different historical period (including the Greenish Room in Federal Style, the Blood-red Room in the Empire way of 1810-1830, and the Blue Room in the period of James Monroe). Visitors besides meet the chandelier-bedecked Eastward Room that's used for official receptions, the formal dining room that seats upwards to 140 people, the Library, and the People's republic of china Room.
• Tours 7:30am-11:30am Tuesday-Th, 7:30am-1:30pm Friday-Saturday
• Public tour requests must be submitted through a member of Congress or International embassy.
• Tour requests can be submitted up to 3 months in advance and no less than 21 days in advance.
• Government-issued ID is required for everyone 18 and older.

If y'all haven't scheduled a tour, the next best thing is a visit to the White Firm Visitors Heart, where the National Park Service has prepare exhibits, films, and photos about the White House's architecture and furnishings, as well every bit personal glimpses into the daily lives of the families who have called the White House dwelling – kids will bask activities like Who Ordered What, the chance to estimate which president chose which foods, from jelly beans and fried chicken to squirrel soup.
• 7:30am-4pm daily

3. The Supreme Court

No passes are needed to visit the stately columned home of the Supreme Court, though there is often a waiting line. A visit, recommended merely for older children, includes a 24-infinitesimal moving-picture show on the history of the building featuring justices past and present. Docents requite talks in the court when the courtroom is non in session. Actual sessions are open to the public, with seating on a starting time-come basis; two lines form outside, one hoping to hear the entire statement, the other a 3-minute line just to view the session briefly. Lines tin can be long when an interesting case is on the docket. Beginning the offset Mon in October, the Supreme Courtroom by and large hears ii 1-hour arguments a day, at 10am and 11am. A calendar is posted on the website.
• Monday-Friday seven:30am-four:30pm

4. Library of Congress

The biggest library in the world and amid the most beautiful – fifty-fifty if yous just walk in and gaze, you will be glad you came. Enter and admire the Smashing Hall, filled with statuary, flanked with marble staircases, and topped with 750-foot ceiling with stained glass skylights. And then head for the third floor for an overview of the spectacular columned and domed 160-human foot loftier Main Reading Room, whose stained drinking glass windows agree the seals of 45 states of the flow. A favorite allure is the Thomas Jefferson Library, opened in 1897 and named for the president whose own 6,487 books were the foundation of the collection – there's even a replica of Jefferson'due south personal library on the premises. The library'due south collections cover simply almost everything: presidential papers, manuscripts, books, music, videos, spider web pages, even comic books. (Over 100,000 of them!) It takes three buildings to hold it all.

Self-guided tour brochures are available, and costless i 60 minutes tours are offered regularly. Excellent activity sheets for children can be downloaded in advance to enhance the tour. During peak seasons, special family tours may be bachelor for kids age half dozen to 14. Ask at the footing floor visitors' desk well-nigh current tours and exhibits, which feature irresolute themes on the vast collections that tin range from movie posters to writing implements, children'south literature to baseball memorabilia. Storytime for toddlers takes place Fridays at ten:30am in the Young Readers' Middle on the ground flooring.
Note that a tunnel connects the library with the Visitors Center of the Capitol building.
• Monday-Saturday, viii:30am-iv:30pm

5. U.S. Bureau of Engraving & Press

Who wouldn't have fun watching millions of dollar bills come flying off the presses? The Bureau offers a free 40-minute visit that includes an introductory film and a walk along a gallery to sentry the printing process. Visitors learn near the special paper used for currency, and the different presses necessary to attain the proper coloring. Huge sheets of bills are scanned for defects and so cut into individual bills, stacked, and bundled. No costless samples, but you tin purchase a gift pocketbook of shredded money in the gift shop. Tickets are required from March through Nov, bachelor at a booth on Raoul Wallenburg Place SW (formerly 15th Street) starting at 8am. The booth is open until all the tickets are distributed for the solar day. Once you become a ticket, line up at the nearby Company Entrance a few minutes before your admission time.
• Tours Monday-Friday 9am-6pm April to Nov; 9am-2pm December to March.

National Mall Museums with Kids

One of the all-time parts of a trip to Washington DC is time spent on the National Mall, a wealth of earth-class museums and gardens lining the ii-mile corridor between the Washington Monument and the U.Due south. Capitol – all of them costless.

The Smithsonian Institution

The Smithsonian Institution in DC consists of 11 museums and galleries on the National Mall, half dozen other museums around the city, and the National Zoo – all free. Named for British scientist James Smithson, who never visited the U.S. withal in 1829 left his fortune to found what has become the earth'south largest museum drove.

For a printed museum guide, introductory video, and a chance talk to volunteers who can help plan your visit, outset at the Company Center in the "Castle", the stately original 1855 edifice. An informal café and rest rooms make this a handy oasis during the twenty-four hours, every bit well. Exist sure to ask about schedules of the Discovery Center located next to the castle, where children's theater, music, and fine art workshops are often offered. The five Smithsonian mall museums nigh popular with families are detailed below. Other special-involvement museums in the Smithsonian Drove are the Freer and Sackler Galleries (Asian art), the Hirshhorn Museum (modern art and sculpture), and the National Museum of African Art. The Smithsonian Metro cease is user-friendly to all.
• Museum Hours: 10am-five:30pm daily, airtight December 25
• Company Middle Hours: 8:30am-5:30pm daily, closed December 25

half dozen. National Air and Space Museum

The well-nigh popular museum on the mall is packed with exciting exhibits that trace the development of flight from the first Wright Brothers aeroplane to SpaceShipOne, the offset private piloted vehicle to reach infinite. Lots of exhibits are interactive (some even encourage climbing aboard), while sky shows at the Albert Einstein Planetarium and a 5-story high IMAX movie theatre add to the attractions. Special family activities are offered regularly, including the take chances to look through the museum'southward behemothic telescopes; for young visitors, children's storytimes and the film, One Globe One Sky: Large Bird'south Chance, shown gratuitous in the Einstein Planetarium on selected days. Check the website for schedules. Grab-and-go sandwiches and salads in the café can exist enjoyed on benches forth the mall when weather cooperates. Note: The museum is currently under renovation, so some galleries may non be available.
• 10am-five:30pm daily, airtight December 25

vii. National Museum of American History

No dull, dry out history here – exhibits include the giant flag that inspired the Star Spangled Banner, an original Kermit the Frog muppet and Dorothy'southward ruby slippers from The Magician of Oz, Commencement Ladies inaugural gowns from Martha Washington to Michelle Obama, Abraham Lincoln's top lid, the Batmobile, vintage cars, ships and trains — much more can ever be packed into a unmarried visit. Galleries are arranged by themes such as America on the Move, Stories on Money, and Places of Invention. Draper Spark!Lab, an fine art and scientific discipline activity center, invites ages vi to 12 to create and invent; Wegman'southward Wonderspace is designed for ages one to 6 – both can be found on the offset floor westward and are open from 10am to 4pm daily except Tuesdays. The Stars and Stripes Café serves dejeuner from 11am to 3pm, the Jazz Café offers snacks 10am to 5pm. Self-guided museum audio tours can be downloaded in advance.
• 10am-v:30pm daily, closed December 25

8. National Museum of Natural History

The earth' largest diamond, a live coral reef, and an insect zoo with regularly scheduled tarantula feedings are amid the lures of this height science museum. Models of a 25-human foot giant squid and gigantic blue whale are more reasons why children really like this museum – and information technology's guaranteed they will want to post a photo standing within the jaws of a fearsome shark. The hall of gems, rocks, and minerals is a favorite, featuring the 45.52-carat Hope Diamond, a dazzling 23-carat ruddy, and some of the rarest pearls in the world. Q?rius-Jr, a discovery room for children age ten and under, gives kids the chance for hands-on scientific learning with items from the museum's collections. Special family activeness programs are held the second Saturday of each month on topics from sea monsters to archaeology. Note that until renovation of the museum cafeteria is completed, nutrient choices here volition be limited.
• 10am-5:30pm daily, closed December 25

9. National Museum of African American History and Culture

Washington'southward hottest destination since it opened in 2016, this exhilarating blend of history and entertainment is an almost overwhelming feel that can easily take an entire twenty-four hour period. The museum and its crowds may be too much for young children, but will surely interest those age 10 and older. A visit begins with three underground levels that tell the dramatic story of American slavery and bear witness how much of our country's growth was fueled past African American labor. Upstairs, the quaternary flooring Cultural Expressions Galleries highlight African American artists' impact on stage, music, picture show, TV and visual art – from Marian Anderson to Michael Jackson. Each section is a mini-museum in itself, with performance videos and dazzling costumes contributing to the story. Amidst the 3rd flooring Community Galleries, don't miss Sports: Leveling the Playing Field, with exciting motion picture clips from Jesse Owens to the Williams sisters. Children's activities are on the 2nd floor, but all ages volition find information technology difficult to resist following the hip-hop dance steps of the virtual trip the light fantastic toe instructor there, aslope screens showing silhouettes of the dancers equally they motion. Touch screens and maps to maneuver add to the fun. Sweetness Home Café offers southern favorites from fried craven to Cajun cuisine.
• Admission is free, but timed tickets are required. These are released online on the kickoff Wednesday of each month for dates upward to three months in advance. Six tickets are allowed per club.
• Aforementioned-day passes are offered online when available, from half dozen:30 a.yard. until they run out.
• A limited number of walk-upwards tickets are given out on weekdays only, starting at i p.m.
• 10am-five:30pm daily, closed December 25

10. National Museum of the American Indian

The building itself is a showplace, a curving sandstone sculpture surrounded past waterfalls and lush landscaping. The colorful galleries inside tell the story of Native American history and culture, with beadwork, basketry, masks, headpieces, dolls, totems, jewelry, and other crafts on brandish. A good get-go is the fourth-floor Lelawi Theater for the 13-minute film Who We Are, which introduces native life – the fringed-seat Indian Principal motorcycle on this level is too a pop exhibit. The don't-miss exhibit for families is ImagiNations, a big third-floor activity eye for children 12 and under, with craft activities, a fuzzy llama statue to climb on, and giant soft building blocks to construct life-size adobe-like houses. Kids receive a passport to exist stamped at each activity and kept every bit a souvenir. Inquire for The Slap-up Inka Road, a children'due south xv-page activity guide to the whole museum. Indian food can be sampled in the Mitsistam Native Foods Café.
• 10am-5:30pm daily, airtight Dec 25

11. National Gallery of Art

Started by Congress in 1927 with the impressive collection of financier Andrew Mellon, the National Gallery has grown to fill up ii buildings; vast holdings spanning the globe and the centuries that include some of America's greatest fine art treasures. In the stately West Building, housing art from the 13th to the 19th centuries, family-friendly guides to Dutch, French, Italian and American fine art are bachelor at the data desk-bound. The East Edifice, designed past I.M. Pei, is a dramatic abode to contemporary art where kids especially enjoy the popular fine art galleries, the delightful elevation floor gallery of Alexander Calder mobiles, and the roof garden with its behemothic blue rooster sculpture. Don't miss the moving clandestine walkway that connects the 2 buildings through a tunnel of twinkling lights. The museum's outdoor sculpture garden provides a nice alter of pace; from mid-November to mid-March, the reflecting pool becomes an ice skating rink. Free audio guides help go on children engaged, and many guided tours and family programs are offered; check the daily schedule. While the National Gallery is not part of the Smithsonian collection, it is likewise gratis to all.
• Monday-Sat 10am-5pm, Sunday 11am-6pm

12. Usa Botanic Garden

Just down the hill from the Capitol edifice is a place where children can stretch their legs and everyone can enjoy a diverse oasis of green. Sparked by George Washington's notion that a national garden would demonstrate the importance of botany, the U.s. Botanic Garden was established by Congress in 1820 and has since grown into an impressive showplace, a museum of plants from the desert to the tropics. The glass and stone Conservatory offers a awning walk higher up a tropical rainforest and a drove of 5000 orchid varieties. In season, the easily-on Children's Garden allows young visitors to explore, dig, water, and learn virtually plants. The National Garden is a three-acre infinite of lawns and terraces and plantings that include a First Ladies Water Garden, a Kitchen Garden, and a butterfly garden. Just beyond Independence Artery, don't miss the historic Fountain of Light and H2o in Bartholdi Park. Ask for the Establish Explorer's Field Periodical to learn as you stroll, too as the Inferior Botanist kid's haversack for explorers aged nine and up. Children also receive informative plant passports to be stamped along the mode. All of it is gratuitous.
• Daily 10am-5pm, to 7pm Memorial Day to Labor Mean solar day

DC Monuments with Kids

The National Mall extends across the Museums to hold some of America's most beloved monuments and memorials, beginning with the Washington Monument. Many of them are located around the Tidal Basin, a manmade reservoir that enhances their beauty. The walk around the Tidal Bowl, where Washington's famed blood-red blossoms are planted, is particularly beautiful in late March-early April when the copse are in bloom. If your family likes biking, look into the Wheel and Roll Tours, daily 3-hour bicycle tours with stops at all of the major attractions. The $one Circulator bus makes loops around the monuments, making the trip easier for little legs and saving energy for all – kids under 5 ride free. The Memorials honour past presidents and borough leaders, also equally the nation's major wars, including the Korean War, the Vietnamese War and World War 2. All are open 24 hours, staffed with NPS rangers from nine:xxx a.1000. to 10:00 p.m. to answer questions and lead programs, including Junior Ranger tours; check monument websites for schedules.

thirteen. The Washington Monument

You can't miss this towering slim shaft, modeled subsequently an Egyptian obelisk and standing over 555 feet tall – the highest freestanding rock sculpture in the world. The tribute to our first president was begun in 1848 just wasn't completed until 1877, delayed by lack of funds and the Civil State of war. (You lot tin can come across the divergence in the color of the stones.) Tours to the meridian offer spectacular city views, just the interior has been temporarily airtight for needed repairs. Check the website for reopening dates.

14. The Lincoln Memorial

The about visited of the memorials, the 19-foot seated figure of Abraham Lincoln defended in 1922, never fails to inspire. It is flanked by inscriptions of his 2nd Inaugural Address and the Gettysburg Address. The 39 columns on all four sides of the bedchamber represent the states that existed at Lincoln's expiry. For the energetic, there are 58 steps from the bedchamber to the plaza level, and 87 steps from the bedroom to the reflecting pool.

15. The Jefferson Memorial

The circular dome of this memorial to our 3rd president (and writer of the Annunciation of Independence) is patterned after the Pantheon in Rome, a design Jefferson admired and used at his own habitation, Monticello. Many visitors consider this the virtually beautiful of the monuments, in its priveliged location right beside the Tidal Basin. Inside is a bronze statue of Jefferson and excerpts from his writings.

sixteen. The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial

This ane is a favorite for young visitors who like exploring – a series of trails and waterfalls that connect four outdoor galleries, one for each of FDR'southward presidential terms. Bronze sculptures describe his eventful years in office that span the Depression and World War II. One of the statues honors his married woman, Eleanor; another shows the president with his much-loved pet, a Scottish terrier named Fala. The wheelchair Roosevelt used after his bout with polio is not shown in the sculptures but is displayed in the visitor eye.

17. The Martin Luther Rex Jr. Memorial

This powerful 30-pes granite statue, the capital city's newest major memorial, was dedicated in 2011 to pay tribute to the African American Ceremonious Rights leader. The unusual blueprint, the issue of a competition, is based on a line from King's "I Have a Dream" speech communication, "With this religion, we will exist able to hew out of a mountain of despair, a stone of hope." The memorial depicts Dr. King equally the "rock of hope" and the 2 massive separated pieces of granite behind him every bit the "mount of despair." Excerpts from his writing are engraved on the surrounding walls.

More Great Things to Exercise in DC with Kids

Washington's riches extend beyond the Mall's most-visited museums and memorials. The family unit-oriented listings here don't include of import art collections like the Renwick Gallery of American crafts, the Corcoran Gallery of American art, and the Phillips Collection, a individual gallery with treasures from Renoir to Rothko. Judge for yourself whether these would be of interest to your family.

18. Smithsonian National Zoological Park

The enchanting giant pandas alone are enough reason to make time for this swell 163-acre zoo, merely they are far from the whole evidence. Founded in 1891, the zoo is home to 2700 animals representing 390 species from beyond the globe. They live in a park-similar setting designed past the great landscape architect Frederick Constabulary Olmsted, with freedom to roam outdoors and within a host of creative exhibits. And information technology's all free.

Prepare to spend the day and arrive as early as you can – the lines grow long along the Asia Trail to come across the famous panda residents, papa Tian Tian, mama Mei Xiang and their male person cub, Bei-Bei. Another new big attraction is the Elecbrush-tailedDemonstration Lab in Amazonia, with LED lights, a moving ridge-form screen, and speakers all powered past charges from the resident electric eel. Other popular residents are the lions and tigers, elephants, and orangutans who can be seen making their way on an overhead highway in the Great Ape Business firm. The Pocket-size Mammals exhibit introduces intriguing animals like tamarins, brush-tailed bettons, black footed ferrets, hedgehogs, lemurs, and meerkats. The Kids Subcontract offers close-up looks at alpacas, goats, miniature donkeys, and cows – keeper talks at 11am and 1pm each day tell about the personalities of the friendly animals. Keeper talks and feedings besides are scheduled in many other locations each day; check the schedule. Go ready in accelerate past downloading the Zoo Crew Preparation Transmission, a gratuitous family guide. On warm summer days, young visitors relish the take chances to become their feet wet in the shallow flowing h2o of the Tide Puddle on the American Trail. Note: the zoo'southward hillside location means that walking can get steep. Vesture appropriate shoes.
• The zoo tin be reached via 2 Metro stops, Woodley Park-Zoo (an uphill walk) or Cleveland Park (flat walk). The L1 and L2 buses stop at the gate.
• Mid-March to September grounds 8am-7pm, buildings 9am-6pm. Rest of year grounds 8am- 5pm, buildings 9am-pm.

19. Smithsonian American Fine art Museum and National Portrait Gallery

One of the major collections of American art shares the aforementioned address as the highly-seasoned National Portrait Gallery. Both are housed in the sometime U.South. Patent Role, an 1836 edifice with grand vaulted galleries, curving stairways, and decorative iron balconies. The folk art drove is a favorite family destination in the fine art museum only information technology is the Portrait Gallery that really engages children, with a range of subjects from George Washington to Beyonce. Rap star LL Cool J, tech guru Bill Gates, basketball great Shaquille O'Neal, baseball star Pedro Martinez, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg – anyone who has had an bear upon on American culture can be constitute here. The presidential portraits are a big describe along with many offset ladies, especially the most contempo additions, Barack and Michelle Obama. Portrait Discovery Kits, available in the Education Center Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to iv p.m., offering children's activities, games, and puzzles that tell more than most the people who have fabricated their own kind of history. The Explore Gallery, designed for children anile 1 ½ to 8 years, offers a host of daily activities daily, as well as stories nigh the subjects of the paintings on 11:45am Tuesday to Sun. Cheque the current schedule for other programs for Young Portrait Explorers. Notation that these museums are complimentary and stay open afterward than the mall properties, making them easier to fit into a schedule.
• Daily 11am-7pm

20. Smithsonian National Postal Museum

Its location (well-nigh Union Station, away from the mall) makes this big, free, fascinating, and family-friendly museum easy to overlook – simply it's worth a visit. The history of the US Postal Service parallels the evolution of the nation'due south transportation system and exhibits its progression with actual artifacts from covered wagons to limited trains, vintage planes to jets. The William H. Gross gallery boasts some 20,000 stamps, some never before on display, and there are pullout frames with important letters and postcards to peruse. Mailboxes from around the globe form another popular display. Gratis handouts feature x fun things to practise with kids, including creating a unique stamp featuring your own photograph, walking a postal route in Colonial America, sorting packages similar a postal worker, and boarding a stagecoach or a delivery truck. A scavenger hunt handout offers more challenges for young visitors. Those inspired to starting time a stamp drove volition find out how and exist offered a few free starter samples also.
• Daily 10am-five:30pm

21. National Building Museum

Though it is a long-fourth dimension favorite of local families, many visitors miss this unique museum dedicated to the art of edifice, with terrific activity galleries that encourage children to build things themselves. The 1887 building itself is wowing, worth just walking in for a wait – nineteen inaugural balls have been held nether its xv-story rotunda with columns 75-feet loftier, some of the tallest in the globe. At that place is a fee for upstairs galleries but they are worthwhile, with a host of changing exhibits that deal with innovations in edifice construction. The permanent gallery, House and Home, explores American homes of yesterday and today, how they are congenital and how we live inside them. "Please-touch" full-scale cross-sections of construction elements from adobe walls to solar panels are a rare chance to actually see how buildings are put together. Displays show popular household items over the years from butter churns to microwaves and there are 14 models of famous American buildings, including Mountain Vernon, Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater, and Boston'southward John Hancock skyscraper. For youngsters, the Play Work Build gallery on the 2d floor is filled with all sizes and shapes of soft blocks to build annihilation the imagination tin can conjure, big or small. The Building Zone on the beginning floor is for ages ii to 6, designed to introduce young ones to the building arts. Storytimes for 5-and-unders accept place on Tuesdays at 10:xxx a.m. and monthly family Saturdays have irresolute themes such every bit learning how to spackle walls or chop wood. An splendid gift shop is filled with imaginative edifice toys to accept home.
• Monday to Saturday 10am–5pm, Sunday 11am–5pm

22. International Spy Museum

For older children (the museum recommends historic period 10 and up), this is an intriguing introduction to the world of espionage: what it takes to be a spy, how spying has been used in both war and peacetimes, and how techniques and technologies are irresolute to deal with the new challenges of internet. Visitors are invited to get involved, to take a cover identity and meet how they stack up at interactive stations testing skills of observation, surveillance, and disguise. Exhibits also introduce famous spies and villains of the past, existent and fictional, and display more than than 200 spy gadgets, weapons, bugs, cameras, and other intriguing tools of the merchandise. The access accuse is a piffling steep, but a lot of families find it worthwhile and teens declare it "cool." The museum has plans to move to a larger location – cheque for the current accost.
• Daily 10am-6pm

23. Mountain Vernon

George Washington's cute estate on the Potomac River is a neat day'southward excursion from the city. Besides the gracious mansion where our first president lived for 45 years, the grounds include lovely gardens, a blacksmith shop, whiskey distillery, grist factory, and slave quarters. Horses and mules are at work on the agile 18th-century farm, and visitors larn almost the avant-garde farming techniques Washington pioneered here, growing some 60 crops. An interactive education center, museum, and theaters offer a very personal picture of the Washingtons and their life. A formal eatery and informal food court are on the grounds. Mount Vernon is an hour'due south trip: take the metro to Huntington Station, where a connecting coach goes to the estate. Or you lot can brand a memorable day of it via a scenic ii-60 minutes boat cruise on the Potomac. The Spirit of Mountain Vernon departs from Pier 4 at 6th and Water Streets SW daily at 8:30 am, arriving at 10:30am, and returns to the metropolis at ane:30pm for a 3:xxx arrival.
• Daily 8am-5pm April to August, 9am-5pm March, September, October; 9am-4pm November to Feb

24. Old Town Alexandria Scavenger Hunt

Kids and young adventurers will get wild for this scavenger hunt and self-guided bout that takes identify on the beautiful brick-lined streets of Onetime Town Alexandria. Your historic journey volition atomic number 82 you through a maze of clues every bit you lot learn about George Washington and the City of Alexandria. The hunt is very cheap, just buy a map at The Christmas Cranium store at 125 Due south. Union Street and get started. Perfect for families, groups can even pause upward into teams and run across who wins. Finish off the solar day with a wonderful tiffin at 1 of the many restaurants that line King Street.

25. Cruise The Potomac

Accept a cruise on the Potomac with Capitol River Cruises. This is a fun, festive and inexpensive way to cruise the Potomac River. Selection upwardly this riverboat cruise/tour at the Georgetown Waterfront and spend the next 50 minutes seeing the major Washington D.C. landmarks that hug the Potomac River. Rates are reasonable and kids under the historic period of iii ride for free. Save some money and order your tickets in advance on the spider web. During the prowl, interesting facts about local landmarks and history are shared with passengers. Beer, wine, soda, and snacks are bachelor. This is not bad entertainment for the entire clan – Bring a camera and aim for a sunny twenty-four hours. There are also river cruises with the larger and drinking glass-enclosed Odyssey (pictured higher up). For something actually special (and a footling fancy) do a 3-course dinner prowl on the glass-enclosed Odyssey (pictured above), but volume in advance as information technology's very popular.

26. Stroll The National Harbor

The National Harbor is a recent addition to the Washington D.C. Metro expanse. This expansive complex boasts 6 hotels, 23 restaurants, 32 shops, and an amazing marina. It'south located on the Potomac River just over the Woodrow Wilson Span in Prince George's County, Maryland. The National Harbor has wonderful views of Washington D.C. and Old Town Alexandria, and an 180-pes Observation Bike – a particularly lovely experience at sunset. The spacious marina and pier have a number of local cruises bachelor to visitors, including a water taxi to the Washington National games. If all this wasn't enough, the National Harbor besides plays host to outdoor movies, a Wine & Nutrient Festival, a summer concert series, an annual road race, and a producer-but farmers' market. Check the website for all the details. With reasonable room rates and loads of activities, y'all might opt for a room at i of the National Harbor hotels (The Westin and Residence Inn by Marriott are both near the water), with ferry rides into the Washington D.C.

The Best Events in DC for Kids

JANUARY in Washington, DC

• Chinese New Years Parade
  Dragon dances, fire crackers and a colorful parade welcome in the Chinese New year's day. This annual issue is held in DC's Chinatown and normally falls in either January or February. This is a fun commemoration for the entire family. The event is free and held from 2-5pm. The parade is held at H Street between 6th and eighth Street.

MARCH in Washington, DC

• St. Patrick'south Day Parade – Washington D.C.
  DC breaks out the greenish and plays host to an entertaining day of floats, marching band, Irish Dance troop, and bagpipers. The 3-hour event is typically held the Sun before St. Patty's Solar day. The parade route begins at Constitution Avenue and runs from 7th and 17th Streets.
• National Cherry Flower Festival
  Only equally weary locals are more than ready to put abroad their shovels and gloves forth comes the Cherry Bloom Festival. For the Metro DC expanse this upshot ushers in a bound correct of passage. The celebration is held for two weeks and culminates with a parade. Information technology is truly breathtaking to see 3,000 copse come to life at the Jefferson Memorial & Tidal Basin.

APRIL in Washington, DC

• White Firm Easter Egg Roll
  Children of all ages can enjoy the annual White Business firm Easter Egg Roll. The issue includes egg coloring, art activities, face painting, music, magicians, and other activities. Tickets are required ticket to attend. The National Park Service holds an online lottery well-nigh a month prior to the event. Stay tuned to the website for updates. Great fun for all, bands such every bit the Black Eyed Peas have been in attendance.

MAY in Washington, DC

• Bethesda Fine Arts Festival
  The event plays host to over 140 artists and craftsmen. Inferior volition enjoy the sites and sounds of the fun crowd and live music. Don't forget to sample the culinary delights of local restaurants that take booths set up upyou're your dining pleasure. The fun lasts an unabridged weekend and normally falls on the second weekend in May.
• Cinco De Mayo
  Thousand of people converge on the National Mall for the annual Cinco De Mayo Festival. Relish a full 24-hour interval of music, dance, food and even a children'due south pavilion. The outcome teaches children how to brand piñatas, weave strands of colored yarn into decorative braids, and decorate cute fans. A very fun solar day for the whole family unit.
• Blossom Mart / National Cathedral
  This annual issue is held for the benefit of the gardens, grounds and woodlands of Washington National Cathedral. This two-day blossom fest is held outdoors on the beautiful Cathedral grounds. You lot will find music & amusement along with more than fifty bazaar booths, filled with gift items for the abode and garden. Ride the antique carousel, which is only open for this event. Bloom Mart features plant sales, floral and horticultural displays, boutique booths, tasty foods, fun activities for children. Tower Climbs will exist offered Friday afternoon and Saturday during the event.
• Gilded Cup
  This is a great event that has been celebrated for over eighty years. Gold Cup is widely known as the crown jewel of steeple chase. At that place is an eclectic mix of people. You will observe everything from the hats and pearls crowd to normal folks that are just there to take in the sites and sounds of Gold Cup. Regardless of y'all financial condition, this is a fun solar day at the races for all. Lots of food, fun and enough of spirits are the properties of this local favorite. The event is typically held the first Sabbatum in May.
• Memorial Day Weekend – Rolling Thunder
  Since 1988 war veterans and supporters accept rumbled through our Nation's Capitol over Memorial 24-hour interval Weekend. The annual pilgrimage draws over 500,000 riders to the Metro DC area. Rolling Thunder blazes a trail through Washington D.C. on the Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend with a ride from the Pentagon to the memorials.

JULY in Washington, DC

• 4th of July On the Mall
  The mack daddy of all almanac DC events is the historic quaternary of July festivities on the National Mall replete with celebrity bands, fireworks and a big old parade. This is 1 that you accept to get to at least once in your life. Yes, the crowds tin be a bit much simply if you go early on and use Metro you will be in good shape. Noteworthy, the parade kicks off at 7th & Constitution. The event culminates with fireworks that are prepare off around 9pm. About agree this is a LONG day and best meant for older kids. Infants and toddlers tend to poop out in the sun, heat and extended hours.

SEPTEMBER in Washington, DC

• Black Family Reunion
  The Black Family unit Reunion Celebration is a cultural event that attracts more than 500,000 people each twelvemonth. The three-day festival focuses on wellness, didactics and economical empowerment in the African American community. The commemoration includes a VIP Gala, themed pavilions and an enchanting evening R&B concert on the National Mall. The issue is held in early September.
• Labor Day Concert
  Take a moment to soak in the official last moments of the summer at The National Symphony Orchestra FREE Labor Day Weekend concert. Held on the Due west Lawn of the U. Due south. Capitol, the annual concert is led past the NSO Associate Usher. This fun event is family friendly. The Kennedy Eye lists concert data under its "Performance Calendar" tab. The concert is typically held the Sunday of Labor Day Weekend at 8pm.
• National Book Festival
  The festival is free and open to the public and features more than lxx honor-winning authors, illustrators and poets appearing in "Fiction & Fantasy," "Mysteries & Thrillers," "History & Biography," "Children," "Teens & Children," "Poetry," and "Home & Family" pavilions. Activities for children, which are fun and promote reading, tin be plant in the popular "Allow'south Read America" pavilion. Check out the Library of Congress WW I pavilion. The Pavilion of united states of america brings representatives from throughout the country to the festival with information on local reading and literacy programs. This is a great day and message for children. This event is held in late September.

OCTOBER in Washington, DC

• Marine Corps Marathon
  The Marine Corp Marathon is the 4th largest US Marathon and seventh largest in the world. One of the almost memorable moments for those that finish the MCM is what happens afterward yous pass the finish line. Runners receive their official finisher's medal from the men and women of the Marine Corps.
• Shenandoah Valley Hot Air Balloon, Wine & Music Festival
  The Shenandoah Valley Hot Air Balloon & Wine Festival is a fabulous 3-day annual upshot. The quaint town of Longbranch plays host to this charming festival, held every Oct. Stunning fall foliage and the intoxicating Blue Ridge Mountains are the backdrop for the festival. The majestic sky is filled with hot air balloons throughout the event. The festival likewise features a huge assortment of children's activities, amusement, artisans & crafter, antique fire trucks and more than. The venue is 60 miles from Washington D.C. One time just a Hot Air Airship Festival, it has expanded to the Shenandoah Valley Hot Air Balloon, Wine and Music Festival.
• Halloween – Boo at the Zoo
  Fox or treat with the lions and elephants? The "Boo at the Zoo" Halloween outcome has been attracting piddling ghosts and goblins for years. Harry Potter, Dora the Explorer and fifty-fifty Spiderman can be seen at this fun, festive and safe Halloween gathering at the National Zoo in Washington DC for kids ages 2 to 12. Costumed volunteers hand out candy, snack food and special treats at 40+ treat stations. Brute encounters, zookeeper chats, Halloween decorations and zoo animals will be on hand for the fun.

December in Washington, DC

• National Christmas Tree Lighting
  Annually the White Firm rolls out the blood-red rug to thousands of lucky guests that go the opportunity to see the President of The United States light the National Christmas Tree. The event is marked with song, storytelling, live bands and The First Family unit. An online lottery is held prior to the outcome. Tune into the White House website in mid-November to find out all the details. If are a lucky ticket holder, bundle your trivial ones upwardly. Y'all will be in the elements for a few hours.

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Photos credits

smiththerecomed1949.blogspot.com

Source: https://santorinidave.com/washingtondc-with-kids

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