DC is a fabulous town for visiting with kids but an visiting museums and monuments for an entire vacation has its limits. Here are some suggestions you might consider.
Links to websites are displayed in red.
Links to websites are displayed in red.
- Recommended books to help plan your kid-friendly vacation:
- "Mission Washington, DC: A Scavenger Hunt Adventure (for Kids)" by Catherine Aragon
- "Awesome Adventures at the Smithsonian: The Official Kids Guide to the Smithsonian Institution" by Emily B. Korrell
- Glen Echo Park: the premier amusement park in the Washington area until it closed 1968. Today, Glen Echo still has been restored and has a lot to offer including a 1921 restored carousel and a children's theater. The park is particularly great at night when all the neon lights are lit up. Check the Glen Echo website for schedules and hours of operation. The park is only 7 miles away but there is no Metro nearby. If you don't have a car, Uber is the best option. lin
- Boomerang Pirate Ship: Great family fun, kids love it when the boat is "attacked" by a pirate and must defend the ship with a water canon. Just be aware that the adult cruises are for the beer-drinking college crowd. Cruises start from the Georgetown waterfront.
- Washington Nationals: seeing a major league game is a wonderful way for the family to spend an evening and is only a Metro ride away. Tickets can be purchased online.
- Kennedy Center: offers a full calendar of family-friendly concerts and performances.
- Millennium Stage: 365 days a year, the Kennedy Center offers a free concert at 6pm, many of which are specifically for kids. CLICK HERE for the current schedule.
- Concerts for Young Audiences: CLICK HERE for a full calendar of upcoming performances. Tickets can be purchased online.
- Smithsonian: offers lots of age appropriate activities and exhibits and best of all, remember that Smithsonian museums are free.
- National Zoo: just 2 miles away, the zoo is a must on your list of DC activities.
- Wonderplace at the American History Museum: this 1,700-square-foot interactive space is designed for children age 0 to 6.
- Rose Park is just across the street from the house so although not a national monument, with 2 separate age appropriate playground areas, it's a great place for kids to work off some excess energy while visiting DC.
- Ice Skating: just a 10 minute walk from the house at the Georgetown waterfront DC's largest outdoor ice skating venue. Skate alongside the Potomac River and enjoy a hot beverage from one of the rink-side restaurants. Children's helmets and penguin skate aids are available, free to use, first come first serve.