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Best Attractions for Kids in Washington DC
The nation’s capital is home to more than just the three branches of the U.S. government. This exciting destination is steeped in the history of our country and filled with monuments, historic relics, and fun activities. This locale is a magnet for those who enjoy diverse museums, famous architectural structures, living history and a laid-back metropolitan vibe. The wide variety of activities ensures that any family can find their place in “The District,” as the locals call this city.
No, The National Mall Isn't a Shopping Center... A popular starting place for a family outing in D.C. is the National Mall. This mall is not a concrete building filled with clothing stores and food courts. It is an open air park in the downtown area that stretches between the Lincoln Memorial and the Capitol building.
Home to the President... The White House was originally constructed 1792-1800, the work of James Hoban. It was reconstructed in 1815 after being burned by British soldiers during the War of 1812. It has been the home of every president of the United States since John Adams...
National Zoo... The National Zoological Park is a part of the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum and research complex. The Smithsonian includes 16 museums, as well as the National Zoo. The National Zoo is far more than a place where people can see wild animals...
Zoo for Small Children... The Reston Zoo in Vienna, Virginia, close to all the Washington, DC sightseeing attractions, is a small family-friendly zoo that is especially appropriate for small children. In the midst of urban Fairfax County, this zoo is spread over just 30 acres, making it the perfect size for little legs...
Old Aquarium...New Fish... The nation’s oldest aquarium, the National Aquarium is located just one block away from the Washington Monument and within comfortable walking distance of the Smithsonian Museums...
Pilgrimage to DC... The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, the largest Roman Catholic church in the Western Hemisphere, has become a spiritual home to hundreds of thousands of pilgrims who journey there each year from every state and many foreign lands...
History, Culture and Food... Fredericksburg, Virginia, just a short drive from downtown Washington, DC attractions, offers a variety of historical and cultural family attractions for families as well as fun shopping and delicious dining opportunities. Civil War history buffs will especially enjoy this area, where you‘ll find four battlefields just outside Fredericksburg that are part of the world‘s largest military monument...
Your Picture on a Quarter... The Bureau of Engraving and Printing is quite a sight! Visitors thrill at the sight of stacks and stacks of paper currency as it‘s produced for distribution throughout the United States. Each year, the BEP produces billions of dollars in bank notes and the opportunity to see how it‘s done is quite fascinating...
Bear and Tigers in Washington... Nestled in 30 acres of woods, Catoctin Wildlife Preserve and Zoo features creatures from around the world. Major attractions include 1,000 pound grizzly bear, tigers, zookeeper talks and educational stage presentations featuring touchable animals...
A Star Gazing Experience... The Albert Einstein Planetarium, part of Washington‘s Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, boasts state-of-the-art planetarium instruments and equipment that make this one of the best star-gazing experiences in the country....
Young Diplomats Wanted... The Department of State, responsible for numerous tasks from distributing passports and visas to a number of complicated international issues, offers tours of its beautiful Diplomatic Reception Rooms. These tours are suitable for children over the age of 12...
Other Washington DC Family Attractions include:
Rock Creek Park Planetarium
US Botanic Garden
Blackwater National Refuge
National Observatory
Chinatown
National Arboretum
Pennsylvania Avenue
The Pentagon
Library of Congress
The Supreme Court
Union Station
Department of the Treasury
National Cathedral
Oxon Hill Farm
Arlington Memorial Bridge
Claude Moore Colonial Farm
Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens
FBI Building
Leesburg Animal Park
Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary
National Cherry Blossom Festival
Luray Caverns
Traveling with Teenagers? Check out our Washington DC for Teens advise.
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