Best Museums in Washington DC for Kids & Families

Looking for the best museums in Washington DC for kids? As the nation's capital, packed with free world-class museums, Washington DC offers interactive exhibits and hands-on learning that families won't find anywhere else. Whether you're visiting for the first time or looking for something new, we've rated every option for age-appropriateness, stroller access, and value so you can skip the guesswork.

The best children's museums aren't quiet places where kids can't touch anything — they're the opposite. Look for hands-on exhibits, maker spaces, and outdoor play areas attached to the museum. In Washington DC, expect cherry blossom springs, hot summers, beautiful falls — avoid August if you can. Pro tip: Most Smithsonian museums are free. Plan one museum per day max with kids — they're enormous.

Below you'll find our curated list of museums in Washington DC, DC — each with detailed age ratings (infants through teens), cost estimates for a family of four, and the practical parent details that matter: parking, stroller access, nursing rooms, and honest reviews of what makes each spot worth your time.