Best Sports & Recreation in Washington DC for Kids & Families

Looking for the best sports & recreation in Washington DC for kids? As the nation's capital, packed with free world-class museums, Washington DC offers active play, sports venues, and recreation centers 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.

Sports venues are great for burning energy — critical on family trips. We cover everything from batting cages to indoor trampolines, noting minimum ages, safety gear requirements, and whether parents need to participate or can sit and watch. 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 sports & recreation 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.