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The nation’s capital is filled with free family activities and things for kids to do.
Washington, DC boasts an incredible range of guided tours – public or private, walking or riding, classic or non-traditional. Check out our list of options perfect for families.
The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial (commonly known as the “FDR Memorial”) honors the 32nd president of the United States and is composed of four “rooms” which represent each of his four terms as commander-in-chief. Bronze sculptures of the president, First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and his trusty canine and First Pet Fala (who is very photogenic) are also featured.
To go with its monuments and memorials, the National Mall features a great, family-friendly lineup of free museums. Choose from a wide range of experiences, from showing the kids classic art to marveling at the wonders of aviation and our natural world.
The Lincoln Memorial, which honors the 16th president of the United States, is one of the National Mall’s most popular attractions. The majestic monument to Abraham Lincoln contains a 19-foot tall statue of the man, as well as an inscription of his most famous speech, the Gettysburg Address. Check out our our guide to the memorial to learn more about its incredible details.
Opened in 2003, the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center serves as a partner facility to the National Air and Space Museum. Located at 14390 Air and Space Museum Parkway in Chantilly, Va., just minutes from Washington Dulles International Airport, the Center consists of two hangars – the Boeing Aviation Hangar and the James S. McDonnell Space Hangar – which house dozens of aircraft and spacecraft. Some of the most notable include the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, a Concorde and the space shuttle Discovery.
Pack up a picnic – we’re going to Gravelly Point. Located in Arlington County, Virginia at the end of a runway at Ronald Reagan International Airport, this spot has plenty of space for lunchtime. The entire family will also be amazed by planes landing in front of them and taking off overhead.
A trip to the Smithsonian's National Zoo is a must for families visiting DC, and an essential experience while there is a trot down the Asia Trail. You’ll be able to pay a visit to giant pandas Bao Li and Qing Bao. Be sure to take a peek at their tiny neighbors, the red pandas, too. Your exploration doesn’t stop there, though: the Zoo features more than 1,500 animals across 300 different species in total.
Planet Word
Everyone in the family can immerse themselves in the power of language at this exciting museum. Planet Word features an array of galleries, including Words Matter, which showcases how language can have an incredible impact on lives. The Spoken World amazes visitors by highlighting the diversity of language around the globe through speakers and signers of 31 different languages. The museum also features Speaking Willow, an interactive sound installation by artist Rafael Lozano-Hemmer. While admission is free, donations are encouraged.
DC’s Rock Creek Park – which is made up of 1,754 acres of National Park Service land from northwest DC into Maryland – is a popular retreat for the city’s outdoor enthusiasts. Lush greenery, miles of trails, picnic areas and gorgeous forestry make this space a must-see for families looking to add recreation to their visit.
Ready to round out your DC itinerary? Explore family-friendly hotels and restaurants.
