Exploring our nation’s glorious capital is exhilarating, fun and educational, with so much history and culture to absorb. You could spend a whole day visiting just one of the country’s top museums located here. And many of these attractions are absolutely free. It’s also easy to navigate thanks to the efficient Metro system. A visit to Washington D.C. is a treat for the whole family, and here are just some of the many kid-friendly things to do and see during your stay.
1. Smithsonian National Zoological Park
This a must-do on your list –a visit to this 163-acre zoo could take up the whole day as there’s so much to see and the giant pandas alone are a reason to bring the kids here. But there’s so much more -you can see the orangutans at the Great Ape House, the lemurs and meerkats in the Small Mammals Exhibit and stroll through a jungle-like atmosphere at the Amazonia Exhibit. And the cherry on top of the icing on the cake –it’s all for free. But come early to avoid the lines along the Asia Trail to meet the most famous residents –the Panda family -papa Tian Tian, mama Mei Xiang and their male cub, Bei Bei.
2. National Museum of Natural History
Your budding scientists will love a visit to the Museum of Natural History, where they can marvel at the giant dinosaur skeletons in the dinosaur exhibit, witness daily tarantula feedings, and stroll through the butterfly pavilion with live butterflies. Kids under 10 can enjoy hands-on activities at the Discovery Room, where they can feel the skin of a crocodile, examine animal teeth, and try on clothes from around the world.
3. National Air and Space Museum
This is a must-see for kids who love learning about science, aviation and space exploration. The Air and Space Museum houses the world’s largest collection of airplanes and spacecraft. Kids can ride a flight simulator, enjoy planetarium shows, and discover what it’s like to be an astronaut. They can even make and fly their own paper plane, climb inside an aircraft, look through a telescope with astronomy experts, and touch the Moon rock Apollo 17 brought back to earth in 1972.
4. Monuments at the National Mall
Take the kids for a stroll along the National Mall to see the major monuments and memorials. These include the Washington Monument (you can’t miss it) located at the end of the reflective pool, the Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, or the Vietnam Wall. Then make your way down to the Tidal Basin to view the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. And if you’re there in Spring check out the glorious cherry blossoms.
5. The Three Houses of Government
And of course, what kid doesn’t want to boast that they’ve been to the Whitehouse (tours must be booked three months in advance through your congressional representative.) And if you can’t go on a tour inside you can at least view it from the outside –which is also spectacular, with some great photo ops for you and the kids. You can also take a guided tour of the U.S. Capitol and visit the U.S. Supreme Court.
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