Vacation Ideas

Washington, D.C.

The capitol of the U.S.A. is filled with fun activities for families and many of them are free! Many of the museums have areas and activities specifically for kids.

Fun Things to Do:

  • Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History (Free)
  • Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum (Free)
  • Exploring the monuments around the National Mall (Free)
  • Smithsonian National Zoo (Free)
  • Smithsonian National Museum of American History (Free)
  • One of the many other Smithsonian Museums (All Free)
  • National Gallery of Art (Free)
  • National Building Museum (small fee)
  • Spy Museum (small fee)
  • Rent bikes and ride around the National Mall
  • Schedule a tour of the White House or the Capitol with your Congressman (US citizens) or your embassy (non-US citizens)
  • Ride the metro or a hop-on/hop-off bus (A highlight for some kids! Metro is a small fee, some buses are free)

Places to Stay:

Most of the things you’ll be doing as a tourist with kids are around the National Mall (the Zoo being the biggest exception). We recommend staying somewhere where you’re in walking distance to the Mall or close to a Metro station.