Must-Know Tips for Visiting Washington, D.C. with Kids

Is it Spring Break again? Or are you planning a family vacation to Washington, D.C. in the summer? Whenever you choose to visit, one thing is certain: navigating the Capital City with kids doesn’t have to be stressful. With our tips for visiting Washington, D.C. with kids, your trip will be fun, educational, and enjoyed by the whole family. It doesn’t get any better than that!

Visit Family-Friendly Attractions

Some of the top things to do in Washington, D.C. aren’t the most interesting or appropriate for kids, so make the most of your trip by focusing on the family-friendly attractions. Choose activities that suit your family’s ages and interests to ensure every day is engaging and exciting.

A few recommended things to do for all ages include visiting the Smithsonian National Zoological Park (free admission!) and watching a baseball game at Nationals Park, Some attractions that may seem less than kid-friendly actually have dedicated areas for little ones, like the hands-on Children’s Garden at the United States Botanic Garden. Check the schedules for theaters like the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the Ford Theater; special childrens’ programming might run during your visit.

Utilize Public Transportation

If you’ve ever traveled with children, you’ve probably traveled with a child whose feet hurt at the end of the day from so much walking. Skip the long walks (and the inevitable complaining) by taking advantage of Washington, D.C.’s excellent public transportation system. While riding public transit with kids may sound daunting, D.C.’s convenient routes and low prices make it a great choice – and it’s the perfect way to teach kids how to ride the bus or metro.

Metro stops are found every couple of blocks in D.C.’s city center, and bus service is available between the suburbs. To travel between attractions like the White House, the National Mall, and Capitol Hill, the Blue and Orange Lines are most convenient. Take the Red Line to access the Zoo. While adults need to pay a fare, 1-, 3-, and 7-day unlimited passes are also available for purchase, which brings the cost down, and two children under the age of five can ride for free with a paying adult.

Enjoy the Outdoors in D.C.’s Parks

The kids may not be keen on using their inside voices all day, so let them run free for a few hours at one of Washington, D.C.’s beautiful city parks. Most famous is the National Mall, which features that iconic reflecting pool and sprawling grassy areas featuring monuments and statues. But that’s not the only green space in town.

Adjacent to the picturesque Potomac River is Georgetown Waterfront Park, which features 10 acres of paths, benches, and views. It’s the perfect place for a low-key picnic or an exhilarating game of tag. On a summer day, there are also kayak and paddleboard rentals nearby for older kids and adults. Searching for playgrounds in Washington, D.C.? A few within Downtown include Francis Playground, the Rose Park Playground, and the 26th & I Street Playground.

Book a Spacious Vacation Rental

Raise your hand if your kids jump for joy when they have to share a bed or sleep on a couch! Nobody? Well, in that case, skip the cramped hotel room and opt for one of the spacious, comfortable vacation rentals near Washington, D.C. Enjoy the luxury that comes with private bedrooms, multiple bathrooms, and all the comforts of home. Booking a vacation rental doesn’t just save your sanity; you’ll also save money by cooking meals in your own kitchen, doing laundry when necessary, and enjoying the building amenities, which can include pools and game rooms. Doesn’t that sound better than squeezing everybody into one hotel room?

Make Learning Fun

Just because you’re on vacation doesn’t mean the kids need to take a vacation from learning! See history, science, and art come to life at some of the world’s best museums, which make these subjects much more interesting than they might seem at school. Kids will be awed by the enormous dinosaur fossils at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History and the real spacecraft on display at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.

At the International Spy Museum, visitors of all ages get to become a spy for a day and learn about international relations, technology and espionage – and don’t be surprised if your little one ends up with a new career path in mind. Also notable educational experience are the Newseum (focusing on journalism and photography), the National Portrait Gallery (focusing on art and famous people), and, of course, governmental buildings like the White House and the Supreme Court.

No matter how old your young travel companions are, they’re sure to have a fantastic vacation in the Capital City.