Things To Do in Washington DC With Kids

Welcome to the Kids’ Corner

Old Town Trolley Tours are great for the whole family! Download kids’ activities.
Your kids will thank you for giving them a fun-filled vacation and you’ll thank Old Town Trolley for taking care of the logistics.

International Spy Museum

Established in 2002, the International Spy Museum is dedicated to all things related to espionage and features the largest collection of international spy artifacts currently on public display. Visitors of all ages will enjoy learning about the history of spies as well as the tools and skills required to work clandestinely. Stop by the International Spy Museum and experience the only museum of its kind in the United States.

White House Visitors Center

A stop by the White House Visitors Center is a must-do while you’re visiting the nation’s capital. Inside, you’ll find a replica Oval Office as well as kid-friendly exhibits about the history of the White House and its inhabitants. Don’t forget a camera to take pictures of the White House itself located nearby.

National Air and Space Museum

One of the most popular Smithsonian museums, the Air and Space Museum is perfect for kids of all ages; among the interactive exhibits is How Things Fly, illustrating the mechanics of popular flight. Kids can also visit with Kermit the Frog in the Treasures of American History section. The museum also contains an IMAX theater and a planetarium.

United States Botanic Garden

The United States Botanic Garden is located on the grounds of the United States Capitol, and home to an array of bright foliage, a butterfly garden and even beekeeping classes. For kids, the Children’s Garden features an imaginative courtyard and unique opportunities for learning about the natural world. If you’re interested in gardening tips or taking a look into the world of carnivorous plants, the U.S. Botanic Garden is a creative, green space for families to enjoy.

Lincoln Memorial Complex

Washington, DC is home to many famous monuments and memorials. Hop off the trolley with your family and visit the Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Korean War Memorial and WWII Memorial. If you can’t fit in a tour of the monuments during the day, try our Monuments by Moonlight tour to see them fully illuminated at night.

National Museum of American History

Part of the Smithsonian Institution, the National Museum of American History is dedicated to preserving the heritage of the United States and home to an impressive collection of artifacts and stories. Journey to the second floor to see the original Star Spangled Banner Flag or check out Dorothy’s ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz. Visitors of all ages will enjoy the eclectic and memorable assortment of artifacts from the nation’s past and present.

National Museum of Natural History

The National Museum of Natural History is one of the most popular and entertaining museums in Washington, DC. Kids love the dinosaur exhibit and the Orkin Insect Zoo, among many other interactive displays. The museum also contains an IMAX theater featuring engaging films on an enormous IMAX screen.

DC Old Town Trolley Tour

Old Town Trolley is a convenient way to explore things to do with kids while maximizing your vacation time. The nation’s capital has dozens of family-friendly attractions to spark everyone’s interests and we stop at quite a few of them. Explore the Air and Space Museum or take a ride 555 feet up to the capstone of the Washington Monument for a view worth getting excited for! Find the lowest price and money-saving packages by purchasing tickets direct through our website

Tour Prominent Government Buildings

To learn more about American government and the political process, arrange a tour of the U.S. Capitol Building. It is best to plan ahead and book a tour online or through your Congressman in advance to avoid long lines. Include a two to three hour block of time in your schedule for a tour of the Capitol. After you’ve toured the Capitol Building, you can walk to the nearby Supreme Court. You might be able to watch some of the proceedings if court is in session. If you have time after touring the Capitol and the Supreme Court, stop by the National Archives for a look at the US Constitution, Bill of Rights and Declaration of Independence in their original forms.

Dine at One-of-a-Kind Restaurants

Founded in 1856, Old Ebbitt Grill is the oldest saloon in Washington, DC. The restaurant’s convenient location near the White House means you won’t have to travel far to eat good food. The restaurant’s atmosphere is family-friendly and people of all ages will be intrigued by the famous dinner guests of days past, including President Teddy Roosevelt, Alexander Hamilton and many more.

The Hamilton is a recently opened restaurant near the White House designed to honor Alexander Hamilton. Its spacious dining area and delicious food, complete with a kids menu, make it an ideal family-friendly option for lunch or dinner. Downstairs, you’ll find a premier listening room where talented local and national artists perform live nightly. The Hamilton is great for a couple’s night out listening to live jazz musicians or a family lunch or dinner.

Finally, the Mitsitam Cafe inside the National Museum of the American Indian is a unique find. Mitsitam’s authentic Native American dishes are full of flavor. The whole family can sample traditional and contemporary Native American food.

To pack all this family fun into a few days, check out a detailed schedule about How to See Washington DC in 2 Days.