Things to Do with Kids in Washington DC, DC
46 kid-tested activities — museums, parks, zoos, restaurants, and more.
Great Big Game Show DC
Ages: Best for ages 6 and up
The Escape Game DC (Penn Quarter)
Ages: Best for ages 10 and up
Hyper Kidz Rockville
Ages: Best for ages 1-10
FreeBeauvoir Playground
Ages: 1–10
Hyper Kidz Alexandria
Ages: Best for ages 1-10
Escape the Room DC (Penn Quarter)
Ages: Best for ages 10 and up
Little Ivies DC
Ages: Best for ages 1-6
FreeReservoir Park Playground
Ages: 1–10
FreeSmall Mammal House
Ages: Best for ages 2-12
FreeChessie's Big Backyard
Ages: 2–12
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
Ages: Best for ages 2-12
FreeJerome "Buddie" Ford Nature Center
Ages: Best for ages 2-12
Recess Play Center
Ages: Best for ages 1-10
FreeAmazonia
Ages: Best for ages 2-12
FUNBOX Bounce & Party Center
Ages: Best for ages 2-12
FreeWoodland Wonderland Playground
Ages: 2–12
FreeUnited States National Arboretum
Ages: Best for ages 2-12
FreeElephant Trails
Ages: Best for ages 2 and up
FreeUnited States Botanic Garden
Ages: Best for ages 2-12
FreeThe Magic Tree Box
Ages: Best for ages 1-12
FreeSmithsonian Pollinator Garden
Ages: Best for ages 2-12
FreeKalorama Park
Ages: 1–10
FreeTakoma Playground
Ages: 1–10
Partially FreePalisades Recreation Center & Playground
Ages: 1–12
FreeTurkey Thicket Playground And Spray Park
Ages: 2–12
FreeEast Potomac Park Playground
Ages: Best for ages 1-12
FreeTurtle Park
Ages: Best for ages 2-9
FreeGreat Cats Exhibit/Lion and Tiger Hill
Ages: Best for ages 2 and up
FreeNewark Park Playground
Ages: 1–10
National Aquarium
Ages: Best for ages 2 and up
Bubble Planet: An Immersive Experience - Washington DC
Ages: Best for ages 2 and up
FreeWegmans Wonderplace
Ages: Best for ages 0-6
Children's Science Center Lab
Ages: Best for ages 4-12
Partially FreePetworth Recreation Center Playground
Ages: 1–12
Partially FreeStead Park
Ages: Best for ages 2-14
FreePlayground at the Parks DC
Ages: 2–10
Scramble Alexandria
Ages: Best for ages 2 and up
Glen Echo Park Aquarium
Ages: Best for ages 3-12
Maryland Science Center
Ages: Best for ages 3-13
FreeGreat Ape House
Ages: Best for ages 2 and up
Flight Adventure Park Springfield
Ages: Best for ages 5 and up
Scramble Parkour
Ages: Best for ages 2 and up
Off Limitz Adventure Park
Ages: Best for ages 5 and up
Junior Playland
Ages: Best for ages 1-10
Magic Ground
Ages: Best for ages 1-10
NOVA Wild
Ages: Best for ages 2-12
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Family Travel Guide: Washington DC, DC
Discover the best things to do with kids in Washington DC, DC. Our family-tested guide covers top attractions, restaurants, outdoor adventures, and hidden gems — all rated by age, with stroller info, cost estimates, and real parent tips.
Washington DC Family Guides
In-depth guides with real costs, age-by-age picks, and parent tips.
Best Washington DC Activities for Toddlers (Ages 0–4)
Read guide →Rainy DayRainy Day Activities for Families in Washington DC
Read guide →3-Day Itinerary3 Days in Washington DC with Kids: The Perfect Family Itinerary
Read guide →Free & CheapFree & Cheap Things to Do with Kids in Washington DC
Read guide →Cost GuideWhat Families Actually Spend in Washington DC: Real Activity Costs
Read guide →Big Kids GuideBest Washington DC Activities for Big Kids (Ages 6–12)
Read guide →Common Questions About Washington DC with Kids
- What are the best free things to do with kids in Washington DC?
- Washington DC has 22 free family activities. Top picks: Beauvoir Playground, Reservoir Park Playground, Small Mammal House, Chessie's Big Backyard, Jerome "Buddie" Ford Nature Center. See all free activities at kidpaths.com/washington-dc.
- What can we do with kids on a rainy day in Washington DC?
- There are 29 rainy day options in Washington DC. Top indoor picks: Great Big Game Show DC, The Escape Game DC (Penn Quarter), Hyper Kidz Rockville, Hyper Kidz Alexandria, Escape the Room DC (Penn Quarter).
- What are the best activities for toddlers in Washington DC?
- 40 activities in Washington DC are rated for toddlers (ages 1–3). Parent favorites: Hyper Kidz Rockville, Beauvoir Playground, Hyper Kidz Alexandria, Little Ivies DC, Reservoir Park Playground.
- Which Washington DC attractions are stroller-friendly?
- 33 of 46 activities in Washington DC are fully stroller-friendly. KidPaths rates stroller access as yes, limited, or no for every listing.
- What are fun things to do with teens in Washington DC?
- 13 activities in Washington DC are rated for teens (ages 13–17). Top picks: Great Big Game Show DC, The Escape Game DC (Penn Quarter), Escape the Room DC (Penn Quarter), Elephant Trails, Great Cats Exhibit/Lion and Tiger Hill.
- How much do family activities cost in Washington DC?
- KidPaths tracks family-of-4 cost estimates for 46 activities in Washington DC. 22 are completely free. Each listing shows the real cost for a family of four, not just per-person pricing.
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