Washington DC is a great place to pack a simple tip. Where have been many of the best free things to do in Washington DC with kids. You don’t have to spend a dime to enjoy the activities! Here are many awesome free activities that’ll keep your toddler ones entertained and happy.
Best 13 Best free things to do in Washington DC with Kids
To help you plan your family vacation to DC, we are making a list of the best free things to do in Washington DC with Kids both indoors and outdoors in DC.
It is very important to start a plan within time. While most of the free things to do in Washington DC are with walking on the National Mall.
1. The National Mall
The National Mall is like a giant playground. Where you can explore monuments, museums and beautiful parks free of cost. You can enjoy iconic places like the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument and the Reflecting Pool. Arrange some snacks, enjoy a mini picnic and let the kids run around. Kids always love it!
2. Smithsonian Museums
Washington DC is home to a bunch of Smithsonian Museums. They offer all the exhibitions fully free. Where has the National Air & Space Museum, Natural History Museum and National Zoo.
These places are not only educational, but great fun too. Without spending a dime, kids can see cool things like dinosaur bones, space shuttles and amazing creatures.
3. National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden
This place is like an outdoor art gallery, but it’s the coolest place. There is a fountain, where your kids can visit around during warmer times. Kids can check out cool sculptures and even play a game of “I spy” with the art pieces.
4. Rock Creek Park
Rock Creek Park is one of the first choices for nature lovers. It is a nature paradise right in the heart of Washington DC. You can hike, bike or simply stroll through the beautiful trails.
There are playgrounds, picnic spots and even a planetarium. Where your kids can know about stars and planets.
5. The Library of Congress
It is a very quiet place. It has stunning architecture and cool exhibitions. Sometimes they offer events just for kids. While having fun, an awesome place to sneak in a bit of learning more.
6. The U.S. Botanic Garden
This place is a living museum of plants. Your kids can explore different gardens from tropical to desert plants. It’s a great place to teach them about nature and let them discover the beauty of various plant species.
You can make a free tour of the Capitol Building. It’s an iconic landmark. Your kids can also learn a lot about the history of the United States while checking out this stunning building.
8. National Postal Museum
The National Postal Museum is always free to enter and enjoy. Where your kids and you will know about the US history of the postal network system from colonial times to the present time.
The museum offers some hands-on exhibits where kids can choose packages, design stamps and climb on board a stagecoach. The museum isn’t large, so you can see this all in one visit.
9. Dacha Beer Garden
Dacha Beer Garden located 1.5 miles north of the National Mall. It is one of the best places for kids’ parents. However, many people only recommend it for adults or it’s not for normal kids.
However, when you sip craft beers with a variety of local meads, ciders, etc., the kids can enjoy some time fresh air.
10. Glen Echo Park
Entry, Enjoy and vehicle parking is free in the Glen Echo Park. Don’t miss it! It’s along the Potomac River. The kids can stretch their legs by running at the playground.
Also, big attractions that need admission include two award-winning kiddos theaters, an aquarium; drop-in art classes for children ten and under years.
11. Scenic Boat Cruise on the Potomac River
The Potomac River runs past the Mount Vernon estate from Washington DC. Sightseeing cruise to the Potomac to view Mount Vernon as river visitors would have seen during Washington’s time.
There are 45 mins narrated cruises that leave from the Wharf. And it is from 15th March through fall.
12. George Washington’s Estate — Mount Vernon Virginia
George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate is a complete day trip from Washington DC. It has the restored Mansion and outbuildings, education center, a museum and a plethora of these activities make it a worthwhile trip.
One of the best activities at George Washington’s Mount Vernon is the Mansion visit. The tour covers all the main rooms on the first and second floors, including the rooms where the Washington family lived and entertained many distinguished guests.
Before you head out, take a photo with the First Family, rendered in bronze just inside the center. Most of the interesting re-enactors in period uniform are often to answer questions and tell you more story about what life was like at Mount Vernon.
13. Free Events
Keep a search out for free events happening around DC. From festivals to outdoor concerts, especially kids activities at various locations. There’s always something going on that won’t cost you a dime to enjoy.
So, there you go! Washington DC has a treasure trove of free activities for kids. You can have a fantastic time exploring the city without less money.
It is a great guide for Best free things to do in Washington DC with Kids. With some of the popular museums, monuments and parks in the country, there is always something to do. I hope the list of fun and free activities in Washington DC helps to ease your planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s are free things to do in Washington DC?
Washington DC is a treasure trove of free things to do. It is worth mentioning among them The National Mall, Smithsonian Museums, National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden, Rock Creek Park, The Library of Congress, The U.S. Botanic Garden, The Capitol Building, National Postal Museum, Dacha Beer Garden, Glen Echo Park, Scenic Boat Cruise on the Potomac River and many more activities.
Lucy Aurora is a travel, lifestyle and food content strategist at The US Pedia. She covers trends and destinations that appeal to the modern traveler. He has been writing many helpful and unique articles about travel since the early days of his career, most of the time helping the travel enthusiasts in many ways. Several of his articles have appeared in various media, including the New York Times, Travel & Leisure, and Good Morning America
