what to do in dc with kids for 3 days

SD › Washington, DC with Kids
Updated: June 8, 2021

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• Best Family Hotels in Washington, DC
• Where to Stay in Washington, DC

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• Government Buildings with Kids
• National Mall with Kids
• DC Monuments with Kids
• Child-Friendly Events in DC

The Top 26 Things to Do with Kids in Washington, DC

If there were a contest for best family destinations in the The states, Washington, DC would surely be a winner. No other city offers so many places that involvement young people – and none has then many sites that are admittedly gratuitous. Washington is also an easy city to navigate with kids, thanks to the efficient Metro subway organisation. And for just $1, the Circulator bus covers ii of the uppercase city's nearly visited areas, the National Mall with its museums and the Capitol building, and the Tidal Basin with its famous Memorials. Buy a SmarTrip carte du jour, available at any Metrorail station, and you lot will never have to worry well-nigh exact change; the card is good on all the city'south trains and buses.

Washington Government Buildings with Kids

Programme Ahead for Congressional Visits and White Business firm Tours!

• For the chance to visit a Congressional Gallery when in session, or to bout the White House, contact your Senator or House Rep well in advance of your trip. (International visitors should contact their nation's DC diplomatic mission.) White House sign-ups begin iii months ahead. When planning your days, remember to allow sufficient fourth dimension for security checks at these buildings.

1. The U.s. Capitol

This impressive 540-room edifice with its familiar grand dome is not only a magnificent symbol of freedom that is over 200 years old – it also houses the working offices of our Senators and Representatives and is the place where they meet to brand the laws that govern our state.

A visit to the Capitol begins in the hush-hush Visitor Heart, which offers printed guides, activities, and information sheets for tiny visitors and for those in grade six and up. The 45-to-threescore-minute gratuitous building bout is fun for anybody – it begins with a pic, so takes visitors to the Rotunda nether the neat dome, the National Statuary Hall, and the original Firm and Senate chambers. Tickets are bachelor at the information desk-bound on a first-come up, first served basis; tours leave every few minutes. To avoid waits on busy days, sign upward in advance online or contact your Representative or Senator to reserve the time you prefer. Stories in the Old Senate Chamber take place on Mondays at 10:30am, and family activity sessions are held every Th and Saturday at 10am and 2pm. A special session every weekday at noon explains What's Happening in the Chambers.
• Monday-Sabbatum 8:30am-four:30pm

2. The White House

The dwelling of every American president after George Washington. Highlights of the public, self-guided White House tours are the beautiful formal reception rooms, each furnished in a different historical period (including the Light-green Room in Federal Fashion, the Cherry Room in the Empire style of 1810-1830, and the Blue Room in the period of James Monroe). Visitors also see the chandelier-bedecked Eastward Room that's used for official receptions, the formal dining room that seats up to 140 people, the Library, and the China Room.
• Tours 7:30am-11:30am Tuesday-Thursday, vii:30am-1:30pm Friday-Saturday
• Public tour requests must exist submitted through a fellow member of Congress or International embassy.
• Bout requests can be submitted up to three months in advance and no less than 21 days in advance.
• Government-issued ID is required for anybody eighteen and older.

If you haven't scheduled a tour, the next best thing is a visit to the White House Visitors Eye, where the National Park Service has set up exhibits, films, and photos about the White House's architecture and furnishings, besides equally personal glimpses into the daily lives of the families who have chosen the White House home – kids volition enjoy activities like Who Ordered What, the adventure to estimate which president chose which foods, from jelly beans and fried chicken to squirrel soup.
• 7:30am-4pm daily

3. The Supreme Courtroom

No passes are needed to visit the stately columned home of the Supreme Courtroom, though there is often a waiting line. A visit, recommended only for older children, includes a 24-minute movie on the history of the edifice featuring justices past and nowadays. Docents requite talks in the courtroom when the court is non in session. Actual sessions are open to the public, with seating on a outset-come basis; 2 lines form outside, one hoping to hear the entire argument, the other a 3-infinitesimal line just to view the session briefly. Lines can be long when an interesting case is on the docket. Start the first Monday in October, the Supreme Court generally hears two one-hour arguments a day, at 10am and 11am. A agenda is posted on the website.
• Monday-Fri seven:30am-4:30pm

4. Library of Congress

The biggest library in the world and amid the most beautiful – even if you simply walk in and gaze, y'all will be glad y'all came. Enter and adore the Great Hall, filled with statuary, flanked with marble staircases, and topped with 750-human foot ceiling with stained drinking glass skylights. Then head for the tertiary flooring for an overview of the spectacular columned and domed 160-pes high Chief Reading Room, whose stained glass windows hold the seals of 45 states of the menstruation. A favorite attraction is the Thomas Jefferson Library, opened in 1897 and named for the president whose own 6,487 books were the foundation of the collection – at that place'southward even a replica of Jefferson's personal library on the premises. The library'south collections embrace just about everything: presidential papers, manuscripts, books, music, videos, spider web pages, even comic books. (Over 100,000 of them!) Information technology takes three buildings to hold information technology all.

Self-guided tour brochures are available, and free one hour tours are offered regularly. Excellent activity sheets for children tin exist downloaded in advance to enhance the bout. During summit seasons, special family tours may be available for kids age half dozen to 14. Ask at the ground floor visitors' desk about current tours and exhibits, which feature changing themes on the vast collections that tin can range from film posters to writing implements, children'due south literature to baseball memorabilia. Storytime for toddlers takes place Fridays at 10:30am in the Immature Readers' Eye on the basis flooring.
Note that a tunnel connects the library with the Visitors Heart of the Capitol building.
• Monday-Saturday, viii:30am-iv:30pm

5. U.S. Bureau of Engraving & Printing

Who wouldn't have fun watching millions of dollar bills come up flying off the presses? The Agency offers a free 40-minute visit that includes an introductory moving-picture show and a walk along a gallery to watch the press procedure. Visitors larn nigh the special paper used for currency, and the different presses necessary to achieve the proper coloring. Huge sheets of bills are scanned for defects and then cut into individual bills, stacked, and bundled. No free samples, but you can purchase a souvenir purse of shredded money in the souvenir shop. Tickets are required from March through November, available at a booth on Raoul Wallenburg Identify SW (formerly 15th Street) starting at 8am. The booth is open up until all the tickets are distributed for the solar day. Once you get a ticket, line up at the nearby Visitor Archway a few minutes before your admission time.
• Tours Mon-Friday 9am-6pm April to November; 9am-2pm Dec to March.

National Mall Museums with Kids

One of the best parts of a trip to Washington DC is time spent on the National Mall, a wealth of world-form museums and gardens lining the two-mile corridor between the Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol – all of them free.

The Smithsonian Institution

The Smithsonian Institution in DC consists of 11 museums and galleries on the National Mall, six other museums around the city, and the National Zoo – all gratis. Named for British scientist James Smithson, who never visited the U.Due south. nonetheless in 1829 left his fortune to constitute what has become the world's largest museum collection.

For a printed museum guide, introductory video, and a chance talk to volunteers who can help programme your visit, start at the Company Heart in the "Castle", the stately original 1855 building. An informal café and rest rooms make this a handy oasis during the day, too. Exist sure to ask about schedules of the Discovery Centre located adjacent to the castle, where children'southward theater, music, and art workshops are often offered. The five Smithsonian mall museums most popular with families are detailed below. Other special-interest museums in the Smithsonian Collection are the Freer and Sackler Galleries (Asian art), the Hirshhorn Museum (modern art and sculpture), and the National Museum of African Art. The Smithsonian Metro cease is convenient to all.
• Museum Hours: 10am-5:30pm daily, airtight December 25
• Company Heart Hours: 8:30am-five:30pm daily, closed December 25

six. National Air and Infinite Museum

The most popular museum on the mall is packed with exciting exhibits that trace the development of flying from the first Wright Brothers plane to SpaceShipOne, the commencement individual piloted vehicle to reach space. Lots of exhibits are interactive (some even encourage climbing aboard), while sky shows at the Albert Einstein Planetarium and a 5-story loftier IMAX moving-picture show theater add to the attractions. Special family activities are offered regularly, including the chance to expect through the museum'southward behemothic telescopes; for immature visitors, children's storytimes and the film, One Earth One Sky: Big Bird's Run a risk, shown free in the Einstein Planetarium on selected days. Check the website for schedules. Grab-and-go sandwiches and salads in the café can be enjoyed on benches forth the mall when weather cooperates. Note: The museum is currently nether renovation, so some galleries may non be bachelor.
• 10am-5:30pm daily, closed December 25

vii. National Museum of American History

No dull, dry history here – exhibits include the giant flag that inspired the Star Spangled Banner, an original Kermit the Frog muppet and Dorothy's ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz, First Ladies countdown gowns from Martha Washington to Michelle Obama, Abraham Lincoln's elevation hat, the Batmobile, vintage cars, ships and trains — much more than tin e'er be packed into a single visit. Galleries are arranged past themes such equally America on the Motility, Stories on Coin, and Places of Invention. Draper Spark!Lab, an art and science action centre, invites ages half dozen to 12 to create and invent; Wegman's Wonderspace is designed for ages i to six – both can be plant on the showtime floor west and are open from 10am to 4pm daily except Tuesdays. The Stars and Stripes Café serves lunch from 11am to 3pm, the Jazz Café offers snacks 10am to 5pm. Self-guided museum sound tours can be downloaded in accelerate.
• 10am-5:30pm daily, airtight Dec 25

8. National Museum of Natural History

The earth' largest diamond, a live coral reef, and an insect zoo with regularly scheduled tarantula feedings are amidst the lures of this top science museum. Models of a 25-foot behemothic squid and gigantic bluish whale are more reasons why children really like this museum – and it's guaranteed they volition desire to post a photograph standing inside the jaws of a fearsome shark. The hall of gems, rocks, and minerals is a favorite, featuring the 45.52-carat Hope Diamond, a dazzling 23-carat crimson, and some of the rarest pearls in the world. Q?rius-Jr, a discovery room for children age 10 and under, gives kids the adventure for hands-on scientific learning with items from the museum's collections. Special family activeness programs are held the 2d Saturday of each month on topics from ocean monsters to archaeology. Note that until renovation of the museum cafeteria is completed, nutrient choices here will be limited.
• 10am-5:30pm daily, closed Dec 25

ix. National Museum of African American History and Civilization

Washington'due south hottest destination since it opened in 2016, this exhilarating blend of history and entertainment is an almost overwhelming experience that tin can easily accept an entire solar day. The museum and its crowds may be too much for young children, but volition surely interest those historic period 10 and older. A visit begins with iii cloak-and-dagger levels that tell the dramatic story of American slavery and show how much of our country's growth was fueled by African American labor. Upstairs, the quaternary floor Cultural Expressions Galleries highlight African American artists' bear upon on stage, music, flick, Tv set and visual art – from Marian Anderson to Michael Jackson. Each section is a mini-museum in itself, with performance videos and dazzling costumes contributing to the story. Among the third floor Community Galleries, don't miss Sports: Leveling the Playing Field, with exciting picture show clips from Jesse Owens to the Williams sisters. Children's activities are on the 2d floor, but all ages will find it hard to resist following the hip-hop trip the light fantastic steps of the virtual dance teacher there, alongside screens showing silhouettes of the dancers as they move. Bear upon screens and maps to maneuver add to the fun. Sweet Home Café offers southern favorites from fried chicken to Cajun cuisine.
• Admission is costless, merely timed tickets are required. These are released online on the starting time Wed of each month for dates up to 3 months in advance. Six tickets are allowed per order.
• Same-24-hour interval passes are offered online when bachelor, from 6:30 a.yard. until they run out.
• A limited number of walk-up tickets are given out on weekdays only, starting at i p.m.
• 10am-5:30pm daily, airtight Dec 25

x. National Museum of the American Indian

The building itself is a showplace, a curving sandstone sculpture surrounded by waterfalls and lush landscaping. The colorful galleries inside tell the story of Native American history and culture, with beadwork, basketry, masks, headpieces, dolls, totems, jewelry, and other crafts on display. A good commencement is the 4th-floor Lelawi Theater for the 13-minute film Who We Are, which introduces native life – the fringed-seat Indian Chief motorcycle on this level is also a popular exhibit. The don't-miss exhibit for families is ImagiNations, a big third-flooring activity center for children 12 and under, with craft activities, a fuzzy llama statue to climb on, and giant soft building blocks to construct life-size adobe-similar houses. Kids receive a passport to exist stamped at each activity and kept as a souvenir. Ask for The Neat Inka Road, a children's xv-page activity guide to the whole museum. Indian food can be sampled in the Mitsistam Native Foods Café.
• 10am-5:30pm daily, closed December 25

11. National Gallery of Art

Started by Congress in 1927 with the impressive drove of financier Andrew Mellon, the National Gallery has grown to fill ii buildings; vast holdings spanning the earth and the centuries that include some of America's greatest fine art treasures. In the stately Due west Building, housing art from the 13th to the 19th centuries, family-friendly guides to Dutch, French, Italian and American art are available at the information desk-bound. The Due east Edifice, designed past I.M. Pei, is a dramatic home to contemporary art where kids especially enjoy the pop fine art galleries, the delightful top flooring gallery of Alexander Calder mobiles, and the roof garden with its behemothic bluish rooster sculpture. Don't miss the moving clandestine walkway that connects the two buildings through a tunnel of twinkling lights. The museum'south outdoor sculpture garden provides a dainty alter of pace; from mid-November to mid-March, the reflecting pool becomes an ice skating rink. Free audio guides help keep children engaged, and many guided tours and family programs are offered; check the daily schedule. While the National Gallery is not part of the Smithsonian collection, information technology is also free to all.
• Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sun 11am-6pm

12. United States Botanic Garden

Just down the hill from the Capitol building is a place where children can stretch their legs and everyone can savor a various oasis of green. Sparked by George Washington'south notion that a national garden would demonstrate the importance of phytology, the U.s. Botanic Garden was established past Congress in 1820 and has since grown into an impressive showplace, a museum of plants from the desert to the tropics. The glass and stone Solarium offers a canopy walk above a tropical rainforest and a collection of 5000 orchid varieties. In flavour, the hands-on Children'due south Garden allows young visitors to explore, dig, water, and learn about plants. The National Garden is a 3-acre space of lawns and terraces and plantings that include a First Ladies H2o Garden, a Kitchen Garden, and a butterfly garden. But across Independence Artery, don't miss the celebrated Fountain of Light and Water in Bartholdi Park. Ask for the Plant Explorer'south Field Journal to acquire as you stroll, too equally the Junior Botanist kid'south backpack for explorers anile nine and up. Children too receive informative constitute passports to be stamped forth the way. All of it is costless.
• Daily 10am-5pm, to 7pm Memorial Day to Labor Day

DC Monuments with Kids

The National Mall extends beyond the Museums to agree some of America'due south most beloved monuments and memorials, beginning with the Washington Monument. Many of them are located around the Tidal Basin, a manmade reservoir that enhances their beauty. The walk around the Tidal Bowl, where Washington'due south famed cherry blossoms are planted, is particularly beautiful in late March-early on April when the trees are in bloom. If your family unit likes biking, expect into the Cycle and Roll Tours, daily three-hour cycle tours with stops at all of the major attractions. The $ane Circulator coach makes loops around the monuments, making the trip easier for little legs and saving energy for all – kids under five ride gratis. The Memorials honor by presidents and civic leaders, as well as the nation's major wars, including the Korean War, the Vietnamese War and World War II. All are open 24 hours, staffed with NPS rangers from 9:xxx a.1000. to 10:00 p.m. to answer questions and lead programs, including Junior Ranger tours; check monument websites for schedules.

13. The Washington Monument

You lot tin't miss this towering slim shaft, modeled after an Egyptian obelisk and standing over 555 feet tall – the highest freestanding stone sculpture in the globe. The tribute to our first president was begun in 1848 simply wasn't completed until 1877, delayed by lack of funds and the Ceremonious War. (You can come across the departure in the color of the stones.) Tours to the top offer spectacular city views, only the interior has been temporarily closed for needed repairs. Bank check the website for reopening dates.

14. The Lincoln Memorial

The most visited of the memorials, the nineteen-foot seated figure of Abraham Lincoln defended in 1922, never fails to inspire. It is flanked by inscriptions of his Second Inaugural Accost and the Gettysburg Address. The 39 columns on all iv sides of the sleeping accommodation represent the states that existed at Lincoln's decease. For the energetic, there are 58 steps from the chamber to the plaza level, and 87 steps from the sleeping accommodation to the reflecting puddle.

xv. The Jefferson Memorial

The circular dome of this memorial to our third president (and author of the Declaration of Independence) is patterned after the Pantheon in Rome, a design Jefferson admired and used at his ain home, Monticello. Many visitors consider this the most cute of the monuments, in its priveliged location correct abreast the Tidal Basin. Inside is a bronze statue of Jefferson and excerpts from his writings.

16. The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial

This one is a favorite for young visitors who like exploring – a series of trails and waterfalls that connect iv outdoor galleries, i for each of FDR'south presidential terms. Bronze sculptures depict his eventful years in role that span the Low and World War 2. One of the statues honors his married woman, Eleanor; another shows the president with his much-loved pet, a Scottish terrier named Fala. The wheelchair Roosevelt used after his bout with polio is non shown in the sculptures merely is displayed in the company centre.

17. The Martin Luther Male monarch Jr. Memorial

This powerful thirty-foot granite statue, the capital city's newest major memorial, was dedicated in 2011 to pay tribute to the African American Civil Rights leader. The unusual pattern, the effect of a competition, is based on a line from King's "I Take a Dream" oral communication, "With this faith, nosotros will be able to hew out of a mountain of despair, a rock of promise." The memorial depicts Dr. King every bit the "rock of hope" and the two massive separated pieces of granite behind him as the "mountain of despair." Excerpts from his writing are engraved on the surrounding walls.

More than Not bad Things to Do in DC with Kids

Washington's riches extend across the Mall'south virtually-visited museums and memorials. The family-oriented listings here don't include important art collections like the Renwick Gallery of American crafts, the Corcoran Gallery of American art, and the Phillips Collection, a private gallery with treasures from Renoir to Rothko. Estimate for yourself whether these would be of interest to your family unit.

xviii. Smithsonian National Zoological Park

The enchanting giant pandas lone are enough reason to brand time for this slap-up 163-acre zoo, but they are far from the whole prove. Founded in 1891, the zoo is home to 2700 animals representing 390 species from beyond the world. They live in a park-like setting designed past the great landscape builder Frederick Police force Olmsted, with liberty to roam outdoors and within a host of creative exhibits. And it's all free.

Set to spend the day and arrive as early on equally you can – the lines abound long along the Asia Trail to run into the famous panda residents, papa Tian Tian, mama Mei Xiang and their male cub, Bei-Bei. Another new big attraction is the Elecbrush-tailedDemonstration Lab in Amazonia, with LED lights, a wave-class screen, and speakers all powered by charges from the resident electrical eel. Other popular residents are the lions and tigers, elephants, and orangutans who tin be seen making their way on an overhead highway in the Great Ape House. The Small Mammals exhibit introduces intriguing animals like tamarins, brush-tailed bettons, black footed ferrets, hedgehogs, lemurs, and meerkats. The Kids Subcontract offers close-upwards looks at alpacas, goats, miniature donkeys, and cows – keeper talks at 11am and 1pm each mean solar day tell almost the personalities of the friendly animals. Keeper talks and feedings also are scheduled in many other locations each day; check the schedule. Get ready in advance past downloading the Zoo Crew Grooming Manual, a gratuitous family unit guide. On warm summer days, young visitors enjoy the run a risk to get their anxiety wet in the shallow flowing water of the Tide Puddle on the American Trail. Annotation: the zoo's hillside location means that walking can get steep. Wearable appropriate shoes.
• The zoo can be reached via ii Metro stops, Woodley Park-Zoo (an uphill walk) or Cleveland Park (apartment walk). The L1 and L2 buses stop at the gate.
• Mid-March to September grounds 8am-7pm, buildings 9am-6pm. Rest of year grounds 8am- 5pm, buildings 9am-pm.

19. Smithsonian American Fine art Museum and National Portrait Gallery

One of the major collections of American art shares the same accost as the highly-seasoned National Portrait Gallery. Both are housed in the former U.South. Patent Role, an 1836 building with g vaulted galleries, curving stairways, and decorative iron balconies. The folk art collection is a favorite family destination in the art museum but it is the Portrait Gallery that really engages children, with a range of subjects from George Washington to Beyonce. Rap star LL Cool J, tech guru Nib Gates, basketball game great Shaquille O'Neal, baseball game star Pedro Martinez, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg – anyone who has had an impact on American culture can exist found here. The presidential portraits are a large draw along with many starting time ladies, peculiarly the most recent additions, Barack and Michelle Obama. Portrait Discovery Kits, available in the Education Eye Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m., offering children'due south activities, games, and puzzles that tell more about the people who have made their own kind of history. The Explore Gallery, designed for children aged 1 ½ to eight years, offers a host of daily activities daily, likewise as stories near the subjects of the paintings on eleven:45am Tuesday to Sun. Check the current schedule for other programs for Young Portrait Explorers. Notation that these museums are free and stay open later than the mall properties, making them easier to fit into a schedule.
• Daily 11am-7pm

20. Smithsonian National Postal Museum

Its location (most Union Station, away from the mall) makes this big, gratuitous, fascinating, and family-friendly museum easy to overlook – but information technology's worth a visit. The history of the US Postal Service parallels the development of the nation's transportation system and exhibits its progression with actual artifacts from covered wagons to express trains, vintage planes to jets. The William H. Gross gallery boasts some twenty,000 stamps, some never before on display, and at that place are pullout frames with of import letters and postcards to peruse. Mailboxes from around the world class another popular display. Gratis handouts feature 10 fun things to exercise with kids, including creating a unique stamp featuring your own photo, walking a postal route in Colonial America, sorting packages like a postal worker, and boarding a stagecoach or a delivery truck. A scavenger hunt handout offers more than challenges for immature visitors. Those inspired to start a stamp collection will find out how and be offered a few free starter samples as well.
• Daily 10am-5:30pm

21. National Building Museum

Though it is a long-time favorite of local families, many visitors miss this unique museum dedicated to the art of building, with terrific activity galleries that encourage children to build things themselves. The 1887 building itself is wowing, worth just walking in for a look – nineteen inaugural balls take been held nether its xv-story rotunda with columns 75-feet high, some of the tallest in the world. There is a fee for upstairs galleries but they are worthwhile, with a host of irresolute exhibits that deal with innovations in building structure. The permanent gallery, House and Home, explores American homes of yesterday and today, how they are built and how we alive inside them. "Please-impact" full-scale cantankerous-sections of structure elements from adobe walls to solar panels are a rare chance to actually see how buildings are put together. Displays show popular household items over the years from butter churns to microwaves and there are 14 models of famous American buildings, including Mountain Vernon, Frank Lloyd Wright'due south Fallingwater, and Boston's John Hancock skyscraper. For youngsters, the Play Work Build gallery on the second floor is filled with all sizes and shapes of soft blocks to build anything the imagination tin conjure, large or minor. The Building Zone on the beginning floor is for ages two to 6, designed to introduce young ones to the building arts. Storytimes for five-and-unders take identify on Tuesdays at 10:thirty a.yard. and monthly family Saturdays have changing themes such as learning how to spackle walls or chop forest. An excellent gift store is filled with imaginative building toys to have dwelling.
• Mon to Saturday 10am–5pm, Lord's day 11am–5pm

22. International Spy Museum

For older children (the museum recommends age ten and upwards), this is an intriguing introduction to the world of espionage: what it takes to exist a spy, how spying has been used in both war and peacetimes, and how techniques and technologies are changing to deal with the new challenges of cyberspace. Visitors are invited to get involved, to take a cover identity and meet how they stack up at interactive stations testing skills of observation, surveillance, and disguise. Exhibits likewise innovate famous spies and villains of the past, existent and fictional, and display more than 200 spy gadgets, weapons, bugs, cameras, and other intriguing tools of the trade. The admission charge is a little steep, but a lot of families find it worthwhile and teens declare it "cool." The museum has plans to movement to a larger location – check for the current address.
• Daily 10am-6pm

23. Mount Vernon

George Washington's cute manor on the Potomac River is a smashing day'southward circuit from the urban center. Besides the gracious mansion where our starting time president lived for 45 years, the grounds include lovely gardens, a blacksmith store, whiskey distillery, grist manufactory, and slave quarters. Horses and mules are at piece of work on the active 18th-century farm, and visitors acquire about the advanced farming techniques Washington pioneered here, growing some 60 crops. An interactive instruction center, museum, and theaters offer a very personal picture of the Washingtons and their life. A formal restaurant and informal food court are on the grounds. Mount Vernon is an hour's trip: take the metro to Huntington Station, where a connecting bus goes to the estate. Or you can brand a memorable day of it via a breathtaking two-hour boat cruise on the Potomac. The Spirit of Mount Vernon departs from Pier four at 6th and H2o Streets SW daily at eight:30 am, arriving at 10:30am, and returns to the metropolis at 1:30pm for a 3:30 arrival.
• Daily 8am-5pm April to August, 9am-5pm March, September, October; 9am-4pm November to Feb

24. Old Town Alexandria Scavenger Hunt

Kids and immature adventurers will get wild for this scavenger hunt and self-guided tour that takes identify on the cute brick-lined streets of One-time Town Alexandria. Your historic journeying will lead you through a maze of clues as you acquire about George Washington and the Urban center of Alexandria. The hunt is very cheap, simply buy a map at The Christmas Cranium shop at 125 S. Union Street and get started. Perfect for families, groups can even interruption upwards into teams and come across who wins. Cease off the mean solar day with a wonderful lunch at one of the many restaurants that line King Street.

25. Cruise The Potomac

Take a cruise on the Potomac with Capitol River Cruises. This is a fun, festive and inexpensive style to cruise the Potomac River. Selection upward this riverboat cruise/bout at the Georgetown Waterfront and spend the next fifty minutes seeing the major Washington D.C. landmarks that hug the Potomac River. Rates are reasonable and kids under the age of iii ride for free. Save some money and lodge your tickets in advance on the web. During the cruise, interesting facts about local landmarks and history are shared with passengers. Beer, wine, soda, and snacks are bachelor. This is neat entertainment for the unabridged association – Bring a camera and aim for a sunny twenty-four hours. At that place are also river cruises with the larger and glass-enclosed Odyssey (pictured above). For something actually special (and a piffling fancy) do a 3-course dinner prowl on the glass-enclosed Odyssey (pictured above), merely book in advance as it's very popular.

26. Stroll The National Harbor

The National Harbor is a recent improver to the Washington D.C. Metro surface area. This expansive complex boasts 6 hotels, 23 restaurants, 32 shops, and an amazing marina. It's located on the Potomac River just over the Woodrow Wilson Bridge in Prince George'south County, Maryland. The National Harbor has wonderful views of Washington D.C. and Erstwhile Boondocks Alexandria, and an 180-foot Observation Wheel – a especially lovely experience at sunset. The spacious marina and pier have a number of local cruises available to visitors, including a h2o taxi to the Washington National games. If all this wasn't plenty, the National Harbor as well plays host to outdoor movies, a Wine & Food Festival, a summertime concert serial, an almanac road race, and a producer-only farmers' market. Check the website for all the details. With reasonable room rates and loads of activities, y'all might opt for a room at i of the National Harbor hotels (The Westin and Residence Inn by Marriott are both near the h2o), with ferry rides into the Washington D.C.

The Best Events in DC for Kids

January in Washington, DC

• Chinese New Years Parade
  Dragon dances, burn crackers and a colorful parade welcome in the Chinese New Year. This annual event is held in DC's Chinatown and commonly falls in either Jan or Feb. This is a fun celebration for the entire family. The event is free and held from two-5pm. The parade is held at H Street between 6th and 8th Street.

MARCH in Washington, DC

• St. Patrick'south Mean solar day Parade – Washington D.C.
  DC breaks out the greenish and plays host to an entertaining day of floats, marching band, Irish Dance troop, and bagpipers. The 3-60 minutes event is typically held the Sun before St. Patty's Mean solar day. The parade route begins at Constitution Avenue and runs from seventh and 17th Streets.
• National Blood-red Bloom Festival
  Just as weary locals are more than than fix to put away their shovels and gloves forth comes the Cherry Blossom Festival. For the Metro DC area this event ushers in a spring right of passage. The celebration is held for two weeks and culminates with a parade. It is truly breathtaking to see three,000 trees come up to life at the Jefferson Memorial & Tidal Basin.

Apr in Washington, DC

• White House Easter Egg Coil
  Children of all ages tin can enjoy the annual White House Easter Egg Roll. The event includes egg coloring, fine art activities, face painting, music, magicians, and other activities. Tickets are required ticket to attend. The National Park Service holds an online lottery about a calendar month prior to the event. Stay tuned to the website for updates. Great fun for all, bands such as the Black Eyed Peas have been in omnipresence.

MAY in Washington, DC

• Bethesda Fine Arts Festival
  The event plays host to over 140 artists and craftsmen. Junior will savor the sites and sounds of the fun crowd and live music. Don't forget to sample the culinary delights of local restaurants that have booths prepare upyou're your dining pleasure. The fun lasts an entire weekend and normally falls on the second weekend in May.
• Cinco De Mayo
  One thousand of people converge on the National Mall for the annual Cinco De Mayo Festival. Relish a total 24-hour interval of music, trip the light fantastic toe, nutrient and even a children's pavilion. The event teaches children how to make piñatas, weave strands of colored yarn into decorative braids, and decorate beautiful fans. A very fun twenty-four hours for the whole family.
• Flower Mart / National Cathedral
  This annual consequence is held for the benefit of the gardens, grounds and woodlands of Washington National Cathedral. This two-twenty-four hours flower fest is held outdoors on the beautiful Cathedral grounds. Yous will detect music & entertainment along with more than l bazaar booths, filled with souvenir items for the habitation and garden. Ride the antiquarian carousel, which is just open for this upshot. Flower Mart features institute sales, floral and horticultural displays, boutique booths, tasty foods, fun activities for children. Tower Climbs volition be offered Friday afternoon and Saturday during the event.
• Aureate Cup
  This is a great event that has been celebrated for over 80 years. Gold Loving cup is widely known every bit the crown jewel of steeple chase. There is an eclectic mix of people. You will discover everything from the hats and pearls crowd to normal folks that are just there to take in the sites and sounds of Gold Loving cup. Regardless of you financial status, this is a fun 24-hour interval at the races for all. Lots of food, fun and plenty of spirits are the properties of this local favorite. The upshot is typically held the first Saturday in May.
• Memorial Day Weekend – Rolling Thunder
  Since 1988 state of war veterans and supporters have rumbled through our Nation'southward Capitol over Memorial Twenty-four hours Weekend. The annual pilgrimage draws over 500,000 riders to the Metro DC area. Rolling Thunder blazes a trail through Washington D.C. on the Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend with a ride from the Pentagon to the memorials.

JULY in Washington, DC

• 4th of July On the Mall
  The mack daddy of all almanac DC events is the celebrated 4th of July festivities on the National Mall replete with celebrity bands, fireworks and a large quondam parade. This is one that you have to go to at least once in your life. Yes, the crowds tin can exist a flake much merely if you lot go early and use Metro you will be in skillful shape. Noteworthy, the parade kicks off at 7th & Constitution. The result culminates with fireworks that are set off around 9pm. Most concord this is a LONG twenty-four hour period and best meant for older kids. Infants and toddlers tend to poop out in the lord's day, heat and extended hours.

SEPTEMBER in Washington, DC

• Blackness Family Reunion
  The Black Family Reunion Commemoration is a cultural event that attracts more than 500,000 people each year. The iii-day festival focuses on wellness, education and economic empowerment in the African American customs. The celebration includes a VIP Gala, themed pavilions and an enchanting evening R&B concert on the National Mall. The event is held in early September.
• Labor Twenty-four hour period Concert
  Have a moment to soak in the official last moments of the summertime at The National Symphony Orchestra FREE Labor Day Weekend concert. Held on the West Lawn of the U. South. Capitol, the annual concert is led by the NSO Acquaintance Conductor. This fun event is family friendly. The Kennedy Heart lists concert information under its "Performance Calendar" tab. The concert is typically held the Sunday of Labor Day Weekend at 8pm.
• National Volume Festival
  The festival is free and open to the public and features more than 70 laurels-winning authors, illustrators and poets appearing in "Fiction & Fantasy," "Mysteries & Thrillers," "History & Biography," "Children," "Teens & Children," "Poetry," and "Home & Family" pavilions. Activities for children, which are fun and promote reading, can exist establish in the popular "Let's Read America" pavilion. Cheque out the Library of Congress WW I pavilion. The Pavilion of the States brings representatives from throughout the country to the festival with information on local reading and literacy programs. This is a great day and message for children. This event is held in late September.

OCTOBER in Washington, DC

• Marine Corps Marathon
  The Marine Corp Marathon is the quaternary largest United states of america Marathon and 7th largest in the world. One of the most memorable moments for those that finish the MCM is what happens later on you pass the cease line. Runners receive their official finisher'south medal from the men and women of the Marine Corps.
• Shenandoah Valley Hot Air Balloon, Wine & Music Festival
  The Shenandoah Valley Hot Air Balloon & Vino Festival is a fabulous 3-day almanac event. The quaint town of Longbranch plays host to this charming festival, held every October. Stunning fall foliage and the intoxicating Blue Ridge Mountains are the properties for the festival. The majestic sky is filled with hot air balloons throughout the effect. The festival also features a huge array of children'south activities, amusement, artisans & crafter, antique fire trucks and more than. The venue is 60 miles from Washington D.C. In one case simply a Hot Air Balloon Festival, it has expanded to the Shenandoah Valley Hot Air Airship, Wine and Music Festival.
• Halloween – Boo at the Zoo
  Pull a fast one on or treat with the lions and elephants? The "Boo at the Zoo" Halloween event has been attracting little ghosts and goblins for years. Harry Potter, Dora the Explorer and even Spiderman can be seen at this fun, festive and rubber Halloween gathering at the National Zoo in Washington DC for kids ages two to 12. Costumed volunteers paw out processed, snack food and special treats at xl+ treat stations. Animate being encounters, zookeeper chats, Halloween decorations and zoo animals will be on hand for the fun.

DECEMBER in Washington, DC

• National Christmas Tree Lighting
  Annually the White Business firm rolls out the scarlet carpet to thousands of lucky guests that get the opportunity to see the President of The United States light the National Christmas Tree. The result is marked with song, storytelling, alive bands and The First Family. An online lottery is held prior to the event. Tune into the White House website in mid-November to detect out all the details. If are a lucky ticket holder, bundle your little ones upwardly. Y'all will be in the elements for a few hours.

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Photos credits

culpepperpatut1995.blogspot.com

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