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Guide to Family-Friendly Outdoor Attractions in Washington, D.C.
Learn about history, and move at a comfortable pace
Exploring Washington, D.C., with kids doesn’t have to mean endless hours trapped inside hushed museum galleries. The nation’s capital boasts some of the most spectacular wide-open green spaces and outdoor landmarks in the country, perfectly blending monumental history with room to run. Finding great outdoor things to do in DC allows families to enjoy fresh air.
Planning an open-air itinerary gives kids a chance to stretch their legs while taking in legendary monuments, lush gardens, and scenic riverbanks. Utilizing Old Town Trolley Tours® makes navigating the city simple, giving your family front-row seats to the top attractions without traffic or parking stress.
Must-Visit Landmarks
The National Mall
This iconic stretch of history is the perfect outdoor classroom where kids can witness monumental history up close without the pressure of indoor museum etiquette. The National Mall is filled with epic green spaces for lazy afternoons, lessons on botany and horticulture, and exudes history in every blade of grass. Children will love climbing the grand marble steps to spot the giant statue of Abraham Lincoln, followed by a stroll along the shimmering Reflecting Pool to count the ducks.
Taking a walk across the sprawling lawns gives kids plenty of space to run between monuments. Parents can point out architectural details while enjoying unobstructed views of the Washington Monument. It stands out as one of the essential outdoor things to do in DC for visiting families.
- Location: Central Washington, D.C., stretching from the U.S. Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial
- Family Highlights: Wide-open lawns, iconic monuments, and spacious walking paths
- Trolley Access: Hop off directly near the main monuments on the Old Town Trolley Tours route.
The U.S. Botanic Garden
Located right at the foot of Capitol Hill, this living plant museum offers a lush, sensory-rich escape that will captivate young adventurers. The real highlight for families is the seasonal outdoor Children’s Garden, where kids are explicitly invited to get their hands dirty by digging with child-sized tools, watering plants, and exploring a vine-covered kiwifruit tunnel.
Parents can relax on nearby benches while children participate in hands-on gardening activities. The outdoor courtyard display showcases diverse plant species from across North America, blending education with active play.
- Location: 100 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, D.C.
- Family Highlights: Interactive Children’s Garden, plant displays, and sensory pathways
- Trolley Access: Conveniently located near our Capitol Hill trolley stops
The Tidal Basin
Framed by stunning monuments like the Jefferson, FDR, and MLK Jr. Memorials, the Tidal Basin offers a scenic level walking loop that is highly manageable for families. This man-made inlet that sits next to the Potomac River is the perfect spot to wile away the hours on a paddleboat or take in the beauty of the seasons. Kids will love watching the paddleboats glide across the water and exploring the unique stone-carved paths, especially if you visit during the gorgeous cherry blossom season. In spring, visitors to the famed festival find themselves in the perfect spot to take in all of the magic of the cherry blossoms.
The loop around the water provides endless photo opportunities while giving children room to explore safely away from city street traffic. The flat terrain makes pushing a stroller easy for parents throughout the day.
- Location: Adjacent to the National Mall along the Potomac River
- Family Highlights: Paddleboat rentals, cherry blossom trees, and flat walking paths
- Nearby Landmarks: Thomas Jefferson Memorial, Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, and Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
Old Town Trolley Tour
- Hop On Hop Off at 15 Stops near the National Mall
- Celebrating 40 Years as Washington DC's Original Storyteller!
- Fully Narrated 90 Minute Tour
- Best Views with Stadium Seating
- Real-Time Trolley Tracking Map
- Cushioned Seating
- Stories Narrated by Local Experts
- Smart-Sync Historic Visuals
- Tallest Vehicles Allowed by Law
- Free WiFi
- 100+ Points of Interest
- American Owned and Operated
- All Weather Vehicles
- Start at Any Designated Stop
- “One of the 10 best hop-on hop-off tours in the world” - Forbes
- Top Rated Tour by Washington Post
- Free Additional DC Guides
Save up
to 9%
to 9%
SEE THE BEST OF DC BY DAY AND NIGHT
- Includes Tickets for the Hop On Hop Off DC Tour & Monuments by Moonlight Night Tour
- Celebrating 40 Years as Washington DC's Original Storyteller!
- See DC by Day & Night
- Tours Can Be Taken on Different Days
- Old Town Trolley Hop On Hop Off Tour Details
- Hop On Hop Off at 15 Stops near the National Mall
- Fully Narrated 90 Minute Tour
- Best Views with Stadium Seating
- Real-Time Trolley Tracking Map
- Cushioned Seating
- Stories Narrated by Local Experts
- Smart-Sync Historic Visuals
- Tallest Vehicles Allowed by Law
- Free WiFi
- 100+ Points of Interest
- American Owned and Operated
- All Weather Vehicles
- Start at Any Designated Stop
- “One of the 10 best hop-on hop-off tours in the world” - Forbes
- Top Rated Tour by Washington Post
- Free Additional DC Guides
- Monuments by Moonlight Tour Details
- See the National Mall Monuments at Night
- Stops at 6 of DC’s Iconic Memorials
- Includes the Lincoln Memorial, FDR Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, & More
- Scenic Photo Opportunities
- Stories Narrated by Local Experts
- Fully Narrated 2.5 Hour Tour
- Best Views with Stadium Seating
- Flexible Start and End Points
Save up
to 15%
to 15%
SEE DC AT NIGHT AND HONOR OUR HEROES
Experience the beauty and awe of our country’s most stirring monuments in a whole new way… by moonlight. Arlington National Cemetery is an enduring tribute to those who’ve dedicated their lives to defending the ideals of our nation. Explore the rich history of this national landmark from the comfort of our tour vehicles.
- Includes Tickets for the Monuments by Moonlight DC Night Tour & the Arlington National Cemetery Guided Tour
- Save 50%* on the Arlington Tour
- The Best for a Guided Tour Experience
- Tours Can Be Taken on Different Days
- Monuments by Moonlight Tour Details
- See the National Mall Monuments at Night
- Stops at 6 of DC’s Iconic Memorials
- Includes the Lincoln Memorial, FDR Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, & More
- Scenic Photo Opportunities
- Stories Narrated by Local Experts
- Fully Narrated 2.5 Hour Tour
- Best Views with Stadium Seating
- Flexible Start and End Points
- Arlington National Cemetery Tour Details
- The Only Official Tour of the Arlington National Cemetery
- Hop On Hop Off at 7 stops on weekdays and 8 stops on weekends Across 3+ Miles
- Visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
- Tours Every 30 Minutes
- Stories Narrated by Local Experts
- Visit Notable Graves and Memorials
- Comfortable Vehicles
Green Spaces
U.S. National Arboretum
For an off-the-beaten-path adventure, this massive 440-plus-acre sanctuary offers spectacular open meadows where kids can freely burn off energy. Children will be awestruck by the majestic freestanding National Capitol Columns, which look like ancient ruins dropped right into the middle of a giant field.
The expansive grounds include winding roadways, specialized gardens, and quiet wooded trails. Families can pack a picnic lunch to enjoy in the open grass near the historic columns.
- Location: 3501 New York Avenue NE, Washington, D.C.
- Family Highlights: The National Capitol Columns, open meadows, and expansive plant collections
- Activities: Picnicking, self-guided walks, and nature photography
Rock Creek Park
Twice the size of Central Park, this urban oasis offers a true wilderness escape right in the heart of the District. A 1,700-acre park established in 1890, it is filled with serene wooded trails that transport visitors away from the political hubbub and into a space of peace and tranquility. Kids will love hiking along the shaded, bubbling creeks, spotting local wildlife, and visiting the Rock Creek Park Horse Center to see the stables and friendly ponies.
Here, visitors can visit the planetarium and nature center, take a horseback riding lesson or a trail ride, play a round of golf, take in a show at the Carter Barron Amphitheater or spend an afternoon with a plethora of animals at the National Zoo.
- Location: Northwest Washington, D.C.
- Family Highlights: Nature center, planetarium, horse stables, and shaded creek trails
- Great for: Active outdoor exercise, animal sightings, and quiet nature walks
Pro Tips for Parents
Best Times To Visit
Beat the midday humidity and the largest crowds by hitting open-air landmarks early in the morning or closer to dusk. Early morning visits offer cooler temperatures and quiet paths around the monuments, making it easier to manage young children. Sunset visits provide beautiful lighting across the reflecting pools and open plazas, creating ideal conditions for family photos.
Planning outdoor activities during early hours allows you to spend the hottest part of the day resting or taking a continuous-loop ride on Old Town Trolley Tours.
Trolley for Easy Transit
Maximize your sightseeing budget and physical energy by treating Old Town Trolley Tours as your family’s personal chauffeur. As the Attraction that takes you to the attractions, our green and orange trolleys connect major historical landmarks across the city. Our signature Transportainment® experience combines hop-on, hop-off flexibility with entertaining narration from expert conductors.
Using the trolley eliminates the need to navigate city traffic, find rare parking spaces, or buy garage passes. Your family can hop off at a landmark, explore the surrounding green space, and hop back on the next arriving vehicle when little feet get tired.
Packing Essentials
DC exploration requires a little preparation, so ensure everyone wears comfortable broken-in walking shoes and bring a collapsible stroller that is easy to fold on the trolley. Carrying reusable water bottles keeps everyone hydrated while walking between open spaces like the National Mall and Tidal Basin. Sun protection, including hats and sunscreen, is essential when spending several hours outdoors.
- Footwear: Broken-in sneakers designed for long walks
- Gear: Collapsible stroller, lightweight daypack, and sun hats
- Refreshments: Reusable water bottles and portable snacks
Here are a few reasons why Old Town Trolley is the Best Sightseeing Tour in town
1
100% Satisfaction Guarantee
Guarantee
2
Real-Time Trolley Tracking Map
Trolley Tracking
3
15 convenient stops
15 Stops
4
Tour length: 1 hour and 30 minutes
90 Minutes
5
Most frequent hop on & off all day tour
Hop On & Off
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FREE Self-Guided Walking Tours
FREE Walking Tours
Exploring DC Outdoors Made Simple
Finding engaging outdoor things to do in DC is simple when you focus on the city’s monumental parks, tidal basins, and gardens. From exploring the historic pathways around the National Mall to discovering the quiet trails inside Rock Creek Park, Washington, D.C., provides infinite opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Old Town Trolley Tours makes connecting these destinations seamless and enjoyable for parents and kids alike. Our open-air vehicles feature stadium-style seating, offering continuous views of the city skyline while our conductors share fascinating historical trivia. Booking your tickets online in advance guarantees your dates and secures the best rates for your upcoming vacation.
FAQs
Yes, Washington, D.C., is exceptionally stroller-friendly. The walkways around the National Mall, Tidal Basin, and U.S. Botanic Garden feature wide, paved, and flat paths designed for easy accessibility. When riding Old Town Trolley Tours, bring a collapsible stroller that folds easily for storage onboard.
The National Mall spans approximately 2 miles from the U.S. Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial. Families can expect to log several miles of walking if exploring the entire stretch on foot. Utilizing Old Town Trolley Tours allows you to hop off near specific monuments, cutting down on excessive walking for young children.
Yes, public restrooms and seasonal food kiosks are located throughout the National Mall, near the Tidal Basin paddleboat area, and inside park facilities like Rock Creek Park Nature Center. Packing small snacks in your daypack is always recommended when traveling with children.
No, both the U.S. Botanic Garden and the U.S. National Arboretum offer free admission to the public, making them budget-friendly choices for families looking for outdoor activities in the city.
The Monuments by Moonlight Tour® is a specialized evening experience provided by Old Town Trolley Tours. It takes guests past DC’s iconic monuments and memorials when they are fully illuminated under the night sky, offering a unique outdoor perspective on the city’s architecture.
Food and nonalcoholic beverages in covered containers are welcome on Old Town Trolley Tours, making it convenient to keep young travelers refreshed between outdoor stops.