Washington D. C., formerly known as the District of Columbia, and simply referred to as D. C. by lovers of this capital city, is a top travel destination for all ages.
Boasting a long roster of world-famous museums, galleries and monuments lining its history-laden streets, Washington, D. C. is an ideal family vacation destination full of educational exhibits and attractions — for all ages and stages. Make learning fun and memorable for younger generations by spending time at these favorite kid-friendly and hands-on experiences throughout the city.
Make the most of your family vacation in the nation’s capital by adding these 10 spots to your “things to do in D. C.” list.
Bonus: Most D. C. museums are free, so if your littlest travelers get tired at one museum, you can easily hop over to the next without feeling guilty.
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
A great place for aspiring pilots, the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Promises a day of sky-high adventure. Get up close and personal with real airplanes and spacecraft from World War II planes to modern-day rocket ships hung from every available support beam in the ceiling.
Kids will especially love the hands-on experiences throughout the museum, along with the chance to participate in free science demonstrations. When you need to rest your tired feet, catch the IMAX movie on the fantasy and realization of flight.
Insider Tip: Purchase a few bags of astronaut ice cream to enjoy while you watch.
Library of Congress Young Readers Center
You don’t have to be a bookworm to enjoy the page-turners and special children’s programs available at the Library of Congress where young readers can fill growing minds with the power of the written word. While you’re there, stop by the Young Readers Center for a series of activity sheets and scavenger hunts. And if you’re visiting on a Friday, stay for Story Hour in the Jefferson Building.
Insider Tip: Pick up your kid’s first library card to use wherever you call home within the United States.
United States Botanical Garden
Located conveniently next to the U. S. Capitol, this balmy indoor garden is especially enjoyable to visit during colder months. It’s home to more than 4,000 seasonal, tropical and subtropical plants. Spend an hour or so walking through the colorful and sensory-rich exhibits.
Insider Tip: Grab a Plant Passport or Field Journal first to help kids explore the garden on their terms.
Sunset Cruise on the Potomac
Embark on a riverboat tour at the Georgetown Waterfront and spend the next 50 minutes exploring the major Washington, D. C. landmarks that hug the Potomac shore. This unique vantage point provides great entertainment for the whole clan, and kids three and under ride for free.
Insider Tip: Level-up the experience and opt for a three-course dinner cruise.
Morning Walk on the National Mall + Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
Take your coffee and hot chocolate to go, and take a family stroll along the Mall Admiring the Washington Monument, Reflection Pool and the Lincoln Memorial. Then take a walk on the wild side at the massive national Museum of Natural History Home to the world’s largest diamond, a full-scale model of a blue whale, a live coral reef, dinosaur skeletons and an insect zoo with regularly scheduled tarantula feedings.
The District Wharf
As one of D. C.‘s newest neighborhood attractions, The District Wharf Designers must have designed it with kids in mind. Larger than life outdoor games, like Boyce ball and mini-golf, make it easy to have a blast, even for the young at heart. Other fun activities include splashing in the fountains, kayaking and paddle boarding in warmer months. Warm yourself up during the winter ice skating.
Insider Tip: Plan your visit so you can enjoy a concert on the floating stage.