🏙️ City

Things to Do with Kids in Washington, DC

Explore 40 family-friendly activities in Washington — filtered by age, scheduled around nap time, and ready to drop into your personalized itinerary.

Top Family Activities

40 of 40 selected
🎡

Smithsonian's National Zoological Park

Half DayAges 012+Stroller OK

Free admission but timed entry passes recommended in peak season. Stroller-friendly paved paths throughout, rentals avai...

🏛️

National Air and Space Museum

Half DayAges 212+Stroller OK

Free admission; timed-entry passes required, book online in advance. Stroller-friendly throughout; check IMAX schedule f...

🏛️

National Museum of Natural History

Half DayAges 012+Stroller OK

Free; timed-entry passes required. The giant elephant in the rotunda wows toddlers. Butterfly Pavilion has a small fee. ...

🏛️

National Museum of American History

Half DayAges 312+Stroller OK

Free; timed-entry passes required. Spark!Lab on the 3rd floor is hands-on for kids ages 6-12. Stroller-friendly with wid...

🏛️

Children's National Museum (Capital Children's Museum)

Half DayAges 08+Stroller OK

Interactive exhibits designed for ages 0-8; perfect rainy-day option. Stroller parking at entrance. Book tickets online ...

📌

The National Mall

Half DayAges 012+Stroller OK

Wide, flat paved paths make this one of DC's most stroller-friendly routes. Pack snacks; food vendors along the mall. Co...

📌

Lincoln Memorial

1–2 hoursAges 012+Stroller OK

Free admission. Stroller-accessible ramp on the south side; avoid the main steps with a stroller. Visit at sunrise or du...

📌

Washington Monument

1–2 hoursAges 012+

Free but timed passes required; book at recreation.gov well in advance. Stroller storage at base required before enterin...

🏛️

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Full DayAges 512+Stroller OK

Free but timed-entry passes are required; book months in advance as they sell out fast. Stroller-friendly with wide gall...

🎡

National Aquarium (Baltimore — day trip)

Half DayAges 012+Stroller OK

About 40 miles from DC; easy day trip by MARC train or car. Dolphin shows and shark tanks thrill kids of all ages. Strol...

🏛️

Smithsonian American Art Museum & National Portrait Gallery

2–4 hoursAges 412+Stroller OK

Free; no timed-entry required. The Kogod Courtyard is a beautiful covered atrium great for snack breaks. Stroller-friend...

🌳

Rock Creek Park

Half DayAges 012+Stroller OK

Over 1,700 acres of urban forest. Stroller-friendly paved trails along the creek. Nature Center offers free family progr...

📌

DC United Soccer Match at Audi Field

2–4 hoursAges 212+Stroller OK

Family-friendly atmosphere; kids under 4 often free. Stroller-accessible stadium. Arrive early for warmups and kid-frien...

🍕

Eastern Market

1–2 hoursAges 012+Stroller OK

Historic market on Capitol Hill; best on weekends when outdoor vendors expand the market. Stroller-friendly indoor hall ...

📌

Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts – Family Programs

1–2 hoursAges 312+Stroller OK

Free daily Millennium Stage performances at 6pm great for families. NSO Family Concerts are affordable and designed for ...

🏛️

National Museum of the American Indian

2–4 hoursAges 412+Stroller OK

Free; no timed-entry needed. The Mitsitam Café serves regional Native American cuisine — excellent for lunch. Stroller-f...

🌳

Dupont Circle Playground & Park

1–2 hoursAges 010+Stroller OK

Great neighborhood playground with climbing structures. Benches for parents throughout. Stroller-friendly paths. Surroun...

📌

Canal Park Splash Pad

1–2 hoursAges 010+Stroller OK

Free spray ground at Canal Park in Navy Yard neighborhood. Flat and stroller-friendly. Bring a change of clothes for kid...

📌

United States Capitol Building Tour

2–4 hoursAges 612+Stroller OK

Free tours available through your congressional representative's office; book months ahead. Stroller-accessible via elev...

🏛️

National Building Museum

2–4 hoursAges 012+Stroller OK

Stroller-friendly and great for all ages. The Building Zone play area is perfect for toddlers. Summer 'Big Build' instal...

📌

United States Botanic Garden

1–2 hoursAges 012+Stroller OK

Free admission. Stroller-friendly throughout — wide paths and elevator access. The jungle room delights kids year-round....

🏛️

National Museum of American History – Spark!Lab

2–4 hoursAges 612+

Free, hands-on invention lab within American History Museum. Perfect for ages 6-12. Stroller parking outside the lab. Ki...

📌

Old Town Alexandria Waterfront

Half DayAges 012+Stroller OK

Easy Metro ride from DC (King Street stop). Flat, stroller-friendly waterfront boardwalk. Torpedo Factory Art Center is ...

📌

Tidal Basin & Cherry Blossom Walk

2–4 hoursAges 012+Stroller OK

Best during peak blossom (late March-early April). Flat, paved path is stroller-friendly. Go early morning to avoid crow...

📌

Capital Bikeshare Family Biking on the National Mall

2–4 hoursAges 412+

Rent bikes or e-bikes by the trip. Bike trailers available from third-party shops nearby. The Mall path is flat and car-...

🏛️

Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden

2–4 hoursAges 512+Stroller OK

Free; no timed-entry needed. The outdoor Sculpture Garden is a fantastic open space for kids to explore. Stroller-friend...

📌

George Washington's Mount Vernon

Full DayAges 312+Stroller OK

About 16 miles from DC; scenic drive or boat trip option. Kids love the farm animals and hands-on programs. Stroller-fri...

🏛️

National Geographic Society Museum

1–2 hoursAges 512+Stroller OK

Changing exhibits on exploration, science, and culture. Affordable entry. Stroller-friendly. Good for ages 6+ who love a...

📌

National Mall Carousel

under_1hAges 010+Stroller OK

Classic carousel on the Mall near the Air and Space Museum. Very affordable and beloved by toddlers. Stroller parking ne...

📌

Library of Congress – Thomas Jefferson Building

1–2 hoursAges 612+Stroller OK

Free self-guided tours and free guided tours available. The Great Hall is breathtaking and older kids are impressed by t...

🥾

Theodore Roosevelt Island

2–4 hoursAges 212+

Free national park island with 2.5 miles of wooded trails. Access by footbridge from Virginia side. Some trails are unpa...

📌

Nationals Park Stadium Tour

1–2 hoursAges 412+Stroller OK

Behind-the-scenes tour covers the field, dugout, and press box. Kids love the dugout and clubhouse. Book online in advan...

📌

Glen Echo Park

Half DayAges 012+Stroller OK

Former amusement park turned arts center just outside DC. Antique Dentzel Carousel is a must-do for toddlers ($1 per rid...

📌

The White House & President's Park

1–2 hoursAges 012+Stroller OK

Self-guided tours require arranging through your congressional rep 21-90 days ahead. Public exterior viewing at Ellipse ...

🍕

Pizza Paradiso

1–2 hoursAges 012+Stroller OK

Popular family-friendly pizzeria with multiple DC locations. Kids menu available. Stroller-friendly ground floor seating...

🌳

Benjamin Banneker Park Playground

1–2 hoursAges 010+Stroller OK

Small hilltop park in SW DC with great views and a recently renovated playground. Stroller-friendly. Near the Wharf wate...

📌

The Wharf DC Waterfront

2–4 hoursAges 012+Stroller OK

Modern waterfront with great dining, water taxis, and open plazas. Kids love the floating docks and boat watching. Strol...

📌

Discovery Theater at the Smithsonian

1–2 hoursAges 210+

Affordable live performances for children ages 2-10. Inside Ripley Center below the Mall. Very small and intimate — perf...

🏛️

National Archives Museum

1–2 hoursAges 612+Stroller OK

Free to enter; timed-entry passes recommended on busy days. See the original Declaration of Independence and Constitutio...

🌳

Yards Park & Public Green

1–2 hoursAges 012+Stroller OK

Beautifully landscaped park along the Anacostia River. Seasonal splash pad for toddlers. Stroller-friendly wide promenad...

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Packing Tips for Washington
  • Sunscreen & hats for outdoor activities
  • Comfortable walking shoes for the whole family
  • Stroller or baby carrier
  • Snacks & water bottles
  • Rain jacket or poncho (just in case)
  • Small first-aid kit with band-aids
  • Entertainment for transit (books, tablet, coloring)
  • Hiking gear & bug spray
Get a full personalized packing list when you plan your trip.
Sample Family Itinerary
Day 1 — Explore
📌
Lincoln Memorial
1–2 hours
🍕
Lunch Break
🎡
Smithsonian's National Zoological Park
Half Day
Day 2 — Adventure
🏛️
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Full Day
Build Your Custom Itinerary

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best things to do with kids in Washington?

Top family activities include Smithsonian's National Zoological Park, National Air and Space Museum, National Museum of Natural History, National Museum of American History, Children's National Museum (Capital Children's Museum). Toddler Trip curates age-appropriate activities and builds nap-aware itineraries for your family.

Is Washington good for toddlers?

Yes! Many activities in Washington are suitable for toddlers. Toddler Trip filters activities by your children's ages and schedules around nap time so everyone enjoys the trip.

How do I plan a family trip to Washington?

Use Toddler Trip's free planner: enter your family profile, pick from AI-curated activities, and get a nap-aware day-by-day itinerary with a personalized packing list — all in about 5 minutes.

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