Washington DC is a wonderful family-friendly destination filled with amazing museums, gorgeous monuments and beautiful parks … most of which are completely FREE. DC also has a unique underground transportation system the kids will find fascinating. To make sure you get the most out of visiting this awesome destination, I have compiled the ULTIMATE Guide of things to do in Washington DC with kids during a short visit. Check it out!
Getting Around the Big City
Metro
Get ready to bust out your walking shoes, because you’ll be doing a lot of it in DC. From museums to monuments, there is a ton to see in our Nations Capital and if you love baseball, be sure to catch a Nationals game while you are there.
Navigating Washington DC can be a little hectic if you are not use to the big city life. Expect lots of traffic, one way streets and limited parking. The Metro makes life so much easier and is an inexpensive way to commute.
I highly recommend becoming familiar with the Metro system before you visit. You can purchase a card in advance or at the metro station when you arrive. Be sure to plan ahead using the trip planner so you know where to go and how much your trip will cost. You can even email the itinerary to yourself so you know in advance where to board and transfer.
Helpful Tip: While using the escalators, always stand to the right. The left side is used for walking passengers.
Scooters
Another fun option is to rent scooters. The kids loved this and stopped complaining they were tired. You can find these scooters all over the streets in DC. There are a few different brands, just download the app on your phone and set-up an account. It was a learning experience for us and just to let you know, they are a little pricey, costing about .25 – .40 per minute. It adds up quickly, especially when you have to rent multiple scooters.
We picked ours up near the Lincoln Memorial and rode around the pathways and to visit the Washington Monument.
Helpful Tips: There are certain areas you can not ride the scooters and some brands will actually turn off, leaving you to push for awhile. They also need to be returned to designated areas to end your ride.
THINGS TO DO IN WASHINGTON DC WITH KIDS
- Smithsonian’s National Zoo – The National Zoo has a spacious layout with shady pathways. While it is stroller friendly, there are many hills and lots of walking required. The animal exhibits are nice with the pandas being the top attraction, which we did have to wait in a short line to see. There were lots of options to purchase food which was reasonably priced. You can easily spend a day here.
- National Museum of Natural History – This museum will not disappoint, but it’s very popular so expect a lot of people and a wait to get in. The exhibits are large and extravagant, offering so much history and educational opportunities. You could spend a day or two, even three and not see everything the museum has to offer.
- National Mall – This is a great place to rent scooters as you view the Lincoln Memorial, National World War II Memorial, Reflecting Pool, Washington Monument and Constitution Gardens. This area is spacious with large pathways and grassy areas perfect for a picnic or rest.
- Jefferson Memorial – This is slightly secluded from the other attractions and you won’t find a lot of people. It is a beautiful area with the tidal basin in front of the memorial. There is a lower level accessed by the elevator offering history of the building and restrooms.
- Visit the White House – At the very least, be sure to drive by and catch a glimpse of the White House or you can take a stroll by it for a more up close view. It is incredible to think of the history that building holds. Not to mention, another completely FREE activity for families visiting DC.
- Washington Nationals Baseball Game – If you love baseball, catch a game while you are in town. We were able to score awesome tickets with Vivid Seats.
