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Family Friendly DC
The US capital Washington, DC is fertile ground for young, inquisitive minds and energetic kids.
You’ll be surprised just how family friendly DC can be.
Take your pick a wide array pf hands-on museums, kid-friendly attractions and vibrant events.
Discover the best activities and places to stay for the ultimate DC family trip.
Attractions & Hands-on Museums
Celebrating 50 years in 2024, the National Children’s Museum is a unique hybrid institution, combining the learning elements found in a science centre with interactive and engaging activities for children. This hands-on space inspires young children to explore science, technology, engineering, arts and math through whimsical exhibitions and engaging programmes. Children will especially love the ‘Dream Machine’, a three-level jungle gym with climbing areas and huge slides, plus large-scale cloud-like balls lit up with colourful lights.
At the crossroads of art, science and tech, ARTECHOUSE brings a 21st century museum experience to life. This innovative space hosts rotating, large-scale installations by artists who are at the forefront of modern innovation. Kids will be enthralled by larger-than-life art which also makes the perfect social media backdrop for digitally inclined teens.
This state-of-the-art museum offers enough spy-related intrigue and interactive family fun to fill an entire day. It holds the largest collection of international espionage artifacts on public display, and the museum lifts the veil of secrecy on the hidden world of intelligence, exploring its successes, failures, challenges and controversies. Not only is there lots to see, but visitors can take part in an ‘Undercover Mission’ and discover numerous interactive elements both individually and as a family unit.
Free things to do
Free museums on the National Mall
The National Mall features a great, family-friendly line up of free museums. Choose from a wide range of experiences, from showing children classic art to marvelling at the wonders of aviation and the natural world. Some of these museums include the National Air and Space Museum, National Museum of African American History and Culture, the National Museum of American History, Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, and the National Museum of Natural History.
Animal watch at the National Zoo
A trip to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo is a must for families visiting DC and an essential part of that trip is the Asia Trail. Guests will be able to visit giant pandas Mei Xiang and Tian Tian in 2025. In the meantime, be sure to take a peek at their tiny neighbours, the red pandas. The Zoo features more than 1,500 animals.
Take in the beauty of nature at Rock Creek Park
DC’s Rock Creek Park –bigger than New York City’s Central Park – is a popular retreat for city dwellers. Lush greenery, miles of trails, historic sites, picnic areas and forests make this space a must-visit for families looking to chill in scenic nature.
Guided walking tour with DC by Foot
Go for a stroll with DC by Foot‘s knowledgeable tour guides. The company offers an array of experiences, including tours of the National Mall, Capitol Hill, Georgetown, Arlington Cemetery as well as night-time themed tours like Secret & Scandals and ghost tours, Although the tours are free, tipping your guide is highly recommended.
Explore the world’s largest library
Visitors will be dazzled as soon as they step into the Library of Congress. The Thomas Jefferson Building provides the best visitor experience with graceful Gilded Age architecture accompanied by special exhibits and an incredible collection of books, papers, recordings, maps and more.
Stroll through historic Georgetown
Originally a key transit point for farmers selling tobacco in the 1700s, the city of Georgetown actually predates Washington, DC by nearly 100 years. Georgetown’s mostly Federal and Georgian-style homes have been artfully preserved, and there are more than four hundred shopping, dining and nightlife options there, making for a day full of exploration.
Hotels
The luxury Lyle Hotel offers rooms with kitchenettes and cribs upon request, while the ‘Family Adventure’ has toys, a copy of Lyle Lyle Crocodile book for bedtime and an in-room teepee. Playgrounds, shopping and the Smithsonian National Zoo are also nearby.
Near the Smithsonian Zoo, the Omni Shoreham Hotel feels like a countryside hotel with its views of the Rock Creek Park, which offers outdoor adventure. The hotel has a special offer built around family-friendly attractions as well as a Junior Chefs programme. With a nourishing yet tasty menu, a welcome tote that doubles as a lunch bag and organic snacks to enjoy upon checking in, the hotel makes healthy eating fun.
The Four Seasons Hotel, Washington, DC
For families looking to truly splurge, the Four Seasons Washington, DC is one of DC’s premier hotels with charming views of Georgetown. The hotel provides a plethora of amenities for kids with child care, board games, baby monitors, bottle warmers, strollers, nappies, children’s organic bath amenities, sports equipment and more. There’s also a Kids Concierge that can help make sure the kids have their absolute best day in DC.
For UK travellers, Travelbag offers 4 nights staying in the 4* Omni Shoreham Hotel room only board basis from £899pp including direct return flights from London Heathrow with Virgin Atlantic. These are for selected departures in September 2024 . Book by 30 September 2024. Based on two adults and two children under 12 sharing. Visit www.travelbag.co.uk. All packages subject to availability.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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