The best things to do in Washington, D.C. with kids

The Smithsonian's National Zoo is a must-visit whether you're vacationing in D.C. for the first time or making a seasonal pitstop, and that's doubly true for any child. The zoo is home ot more than 2,200 animals from nearly every continent; kids will have a blast observing lions, cheetahs, gorillas, otters, eagles, and more. We're sure your kids can't wait to see the zoo's two newest VIP residents, the Giant Pandas, which will be unveiled to the public in January. 

Daily programs such as kids' farmkeepers talk and meet and greets with the animals help educate kids about the zoo's crucial conservation and research work. Best of all? Admission to the zoo is free, and only requires reserving timed tickets ahead of your visit online.

Time Out tip: The best way to get to the zoo is via Metro's Red Line, but don't get off at the Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan stop if you want to avoid a steep uphill walk. Instead, ride one stop further and disembark at the Cleveland Park stop to enjoy a roughly equidistant but downhill walk to the zoo's entrance.

For city dwellers searching for an escape from urban life, the United States Botanic Garden is a green oasis that exposes visitors to all sorts of natural wonders. Kiddies will love a trip to the the Butterfly Garden, and enjoy getting their hands dirty with interactive activities in the Children's Garden.

To entice a new generation of botanists, the attraction offers a plethora of resources for youngsters, including a regional garden field journal and a plant and food passport that provides a (figurative) taste of how we consume plants. And now that the holidays are here, be sure to check out Season's Greenings, the garden's annual holiday display that includes model trains snaking through twinkling light displays and sculptures of U.S. landmarks made from plants.

The National Museum of Natural History is pure fuel for a child's imagination—where else can you see dinosaur fossils, butterflies, precious gemstones, and mammals from all over the world under one roof? 

We particularly love the Butterfly Pavilion, which is filled with live butterfly species and tropical plants, and the recently renovated Hall of Fossils, which is chock-full of dinosaur fossils that feel like they're in danger of pouncing on you. All the little princesses (and princes, too) are sure to marvel at the dazzling jewels and stones on display at the Hall of Geology, Gems, and Minerals, which include sapphires, emeralds, pearls, and the Harry Winston Hope Diamond—the inspiration for Rose's Heart of the Ocean necklace in Titanic.

Youngsters will gravitate toward the interactive elements, including Object Project, Wegmans Wonderplace (best for those 0–6) and SparkLab (for ages 6–12) where little academics will have access to STEM activities. 

A tour of the White House can be tough to come by, but a visit to the nearby The People's House: A White House Experience. This immersive, interactive exhibit space curated by the White House and the White House Historical Association brings visitors young, old, and in-between into 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW.

Kids will love walking through an exact replica of the Oval Office, complete with the Resolute Desk. They can also replicate the President's 45 second commute through the West Colonnade and a representation of the famous Rose Garden. 

While the Library of Congress might not be the first place families think of, its Young Readers Center invites kids, teens, and families to join in activities every Wednesday through Saturday from 10am to 4:30pm. The YRCPL allows visitors to engage in activities centered around the Library's collections together. It's a great way to dive into the library's extensive collection and uncover the history of the building, its books, and the influential writers who have shaped our nation.

Of course, D.C. has a museum just for kids! The National Children's Museum in downtown Washington, D.C., is a children's museum and science center designed for kids up to age 12 and their families. It offers interactive exhibits that explore science, technology, engineering, art and math. Highlights include the Dream Machine, where children can climb into clouds; the Innovation Sandbox, which shoots bolts of lightning; and the Tinkerers Studio, a maker space for your youngest inventors.

What's better than a family day watching a ballgame? This baseball park designed for fans of all ages offers special programming for kids, including giveaways and a play area featuring a jungle gym, in case the little ones need a break from the stands. Bonus for wannabe baseball stars: kids ages 4–12 can run the bases—yes, on the field—after select Sunday home games throughout the season, weather permitting. So bring on your Natitude, and play ball! 

Time Out tip: There are all sorts of yummy snacks for both kids and adults alike at Nats Park. Options we think kids would love include nachos, hotdogs, pupusas, tacos, potato sticks, and crepes. Our favorite? The chocolate and vanilla swirled custard from Rita's, which comes in a cup shaped like a plastic baseball cap. 

Rock Creek Park is beautiful in every seaosn, and offers miles of scenic nature trails to explore. For kids, the highlights are certainly the critter-packed Nature Center and captivating planetarium. There, you'll find fun educational exhibits for kids as well as tanks with turtles and fish. On Wednesdays, the planetarium generally has programming for young children (ages 4–10).

You can stop in a half-hour early to pick up free passes for all shows. Be sure to double-check the hours for both the Nature Center and Planetarium before visiting.

Time Out tip: Is your kid obsessed with horses? Rock Creek Park is home to the Rock Creek Park Horse Center, the only public riding facility in the city. Sign up for trail rides, pony rides, and lessons here and become your kid's favorite person. 

The Air and Space Museum in D.C. is a big favorite for kids, which makes sense since the museum boasts the largest collection of aviation and space artifacts in the world. You can get right up to historic airplanes, gaze in wonder at spacecraft that have traveled to the moon, and learn about some incredible astronauts. They have flight simulators and interactive displays about space exploration that make learning fun for everyone, no matter how old you are. Just a heads-up: you'll need a timed pass to get in, so make sure to snag your free tickets online before you go.

What list of things to do with kids is complete without swings and jungle gyms? The Beauvoir Outdoors Playground is certainly one of the most alluring spots little ones will come across in D.C. Located on the grounds of National Cathedral Elementary School, the outdoor hotspot is accessible to the public from 6pm to dusk when school or camp is in session.

You'll want to keep your kids' comfiest sneakers close by, as the playground will keep them busy with rope bridges, wooden jungle gyms, slides and even a zip-line. Who can possibly say no to that?

What kid won't love learning all about the art of espionage? The International Spy Museum will teach your kids about the fascinating spies who have contributed to world events. Attendees will get to glimpse at special equipment, including cameras and vehicles, and sign up for programs (ideal for kids under 10) that will have them embark on secret missions, climb through ductwork, diffuse an atomic bomb, hang from a construction site and test their own spy skills. 

Be sure to check out the special exhibit all about the cars, planes, trains, baots, and more used by perhaps the most famous spy of all—James Bond, aka 007. 

Try visiting on weekdays to avoid crowds and, if weekends are your only option, come early. That shouldn’t be hard if your kids are serious about espionage: The best spies are always on time. 

Time Out tip: Much of the museum was designed with kids in mind, so be sure to ask a staff member for which spots to check out. You can even download an guide mapping everything of special interest to kids and families called "Adventure for a Family of Spies" on the museum's website.

Nesting isn’t just for birds. Kids will love seeing the Washington Youth Garden's (pretend) giant bird and sitting in its child-sized nest when exploring this part of the U.S. National Arboretum. Devoted to research and public engagement, this kid-friendly section seeks to enhance science learning and encourage healthy food choices. The garden works with area schools but is also open to the public. Watch your kids take in the whimsical designs or climb in the play area when dropping in. 

Take in views of the Anacostia River as kids splash in the dancing fountains or hop into a canoe or kayak for a fun adventure with the family! There's even a trapeze school at this stellar park. The waterfront green space is home to plenty of events, too, such as movie screenings and kid-friendly music classes for tots, among many other offerings. Explore the events calendar before making a visit!

Although contemporary art might seem a bit too advanced for children to appreciate, the Smithsonian’s Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden makes the work accessible to its young visitors. From guides for parents that include suggested activities and talking points to interactive Art Carts and storytime, the Hirshhorn is for kids, too.

Time Out tip: Gelato makes everything better, including museum trips. Dolcezza, a beloved local coffee and gelato chain, has a cute truck in the Hirshhorn's courtyard that's open year-round. Grab a cone or cup of the good stuff—our favorite flavors are Black and White Cookie Batter, Cookies and Cream, Salted Caramel and Roasted Strawberry. 

Let your kids wave at the ducks swimming up to shore or splash in the popular fountain during warmer months on this 10-acre city park space. Boasting views of the Potomac River and the Key Bridge, Georgetown Waterfront Park is a relaxing place to take in the city’s lush greenness. If your family wants to get a little more interactive with the water, rent canoes or kayaks from the Thompson Boat Center. If the kids would rather stay on land, opt to take them on a trip down the area’s dedicated trail. (Bikes are also available for rent.)

Get your fill of architecture, engineering and design at this unique museum dedicated to everything from towering skyscrapers to incognito cities—even the stories of how household goods have changed over time and how modern architecture is changing to accommodate the needs of the modern American. Littles (ages 2–6) should cruise by the Building Zone complete with construction play trucks, a pretend hardware store and dress-up gear, as well as Play Work Build, home to a massive foam play-block area.

With 10 acres of parks in Southeast Washington, Capitol Riverfront Park is a crowd-pleasing destination. Start your visit at this sustainable and neighborhood-centric green space, located on three acres of the city. It’s home to seasonal markets and festivals along with dancing fountains in the summer and ice skating in the winter.

This Northwest Washington estate turned museum includes an 18th-century French decorative art collection, a Russian imperial art collection, and 25 acres of lush gardens.

If your child is more into culture than cars and trucks, Hillwood's inside exhibits and displays will be sure to wow them. They'll have a great time taking in all the gilded surfaces and plushly decorated interiors, which are reminiscent of a palace. Those who love the botanical world are sure to be delighted by the green gardens, which include a Japanese garden with a flowing stream and waterfall, and numerous colorful flowers.

Walk the grounds while discovering treasured art pieces and participate in programs that involve dance, music and storytelling. The museum even suggests imaginative games to play as you stroll, including posing to look like one of the many statues or portraits on the property.

Time Out tip: There are lots of delicate objects at Hillwood, most of which aren't behind glass but are roped off. This destination is best for kids who can stay on the beaten path, as running around the grounds is discouraged.

The local library is always a must. And the D.C. Public Library system offers more than book-borrowing to draw kids in, though the books, of course, are key. Visit the Petworth location for kid-friendly classes and events, look for programs like outdoor story time and writing workshops.

The Renwick Gallery, which is located right across the street from The White House, has all sorts of bright, big installations and art works that kids will surely like. Best known for its massive, Instagram-worthy installations like Janet Echelman's room-consuming light and fiber installation "1.8 Renwick," The Renwick is honors art that has to do with crafts. Kids will love lying on the floor and gazing up at the changing colors of Echelman's work.