Things to Do in Washington DC with Kids

Things to do in Washington DC with Kids whether you’re staying for a day or the weekend, prefer to walk, take public transportation or drive!

Chris and I have visited DC several times, but with young kids, it’s an entirely different trip! We decided to spend a few days in DC to quench Adalyn’s thirst for American history and it didn’t disappoint.

If you plan to visit, there are so many things to do in Washington DC with Kids of all ages, even if you want to limit the amount of walking you’ll do. Below you’ll find my sample itinerary filled with tips and tricks to make your trip effortless.

Things to Do in Washington DC with Kids:

Ebbits Grill – a quintessential stop with photo ops as they enter the beautiful gold revolving doors. Here you’ll find history, great food but most important, servers that cater to your kids along with the best mango sorbet on an extensive kids menu! Of course I snuck a bite. Save yourself a wait by using OpenTable to make a reservation.

Walk down the street and around the corner to passing the Department of Treasury to see the White House for yet another photo op. As you’re turning the corner, you may notice security partitions in the street/entrance raise and lower to allow vehicles to pass through. The girls loved watching them “disappear”!

From here, take an 18 minute walk or an Uber to the US Bureau of Engraving and Printing for a great tour to see millions of dollar bills made and packaged. Stop by earlier in the day to get your free tickets as they do “sell out”. {free}

Walk to the nearby Washington National Monument for an up close look at one of our most iconic monuments.

Turn the corner to walk past the stunning National Museum of African American History {or if you’re lucky enough to get tickets in advance I hear it’s a must see}.

Take a 5 minute walk to the American History Museum to see the Inauguration Dresses for many of the First Ladies. {free}

Take an Uber or public transportation to the American Indian Museum and venture to the third floor for interactive activities geared toward children 10 and under. Don’t forget to grab your passports and stamp them for each activity and catch the craft if available. {free}

Walk next door to the National Air and Space Museum for a fun filled interactive area to learn how planes fly. You’ll also see rockets, shuttles, inside a space station, airplanes and so much more. {free}

If you find a quiet day, visit the International Spy Museum where you’ll learn how spies shaped history. This is a paid museum that can quickly become crowded making it difficult to enjoy the interactive features so you may want to visit during off-peak days / times. There’s also a level dedicated to spies in Hollywood. Guests 12+up have opportunities for additional adventures as well. Purchase your tickets in advance to avoid the line.

See the National Monuments. If you’re up for it, walk. There’s no better way to explore DC than to stroll through it, but you can also see them on the water via a beautiful boat tour, via bus tour or by taking the DC Circulator for just $1/person that drops off and picks up from each monument every 10 minute so you can explore them all, without a walk, aka meltdown. If you take the boat tour, you’ll see the Lincoln Memorial as it was intended to be seen with bridges to each side and stairs just below it.

You’ll also see the Kennedy Center, Watergate, The Pentagon, Reagan National Airport {complete with planes taking off and landing every couple minutes} and so much more.