Things To Do in Washington DC With Kids

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Old Town Trolley Tours are great for the whole family! Download kids’ activities.
Your kids will thank you for giving them a fun-filled vacation and you’ll thank Old Town Trolley for taking care of the logistics.

The Ultimate Family Guide to Washington D.C. with Old Town Trolley Tours

The most efficient and entertaining way to visit Washington D.C.’s top family-friendly attractions is with Old Town Trolley Tours. This essential hop-on, hop-off service offers a relaxing and expertly narrated tour that eliminates the stress of driving and parking, allowing parents to focus entirely on having fun. Old Town Trolley Tours connects families directly to the city’s best children’s museums, historic sites, and memorials.

Why Old Town Trolley Tours is Perfect for Kids

• Convenient Hop-On, Hop-Off: The tour includes 15 trolley stops at major attractions, allowing your family to set their own pace and avoid walking long distances.
• Family-Friendly Logistics: Parents can focus on having fun instead of navigating the city, searching for directions, or finding parking.
• Certified, Entertaining Guides: Friendly conductors provide live, fascinating narration and trivia that brings American history to life for kids and adults.
• All-Weather Comfort: The trolleys are enclosed and all-weather, ensuring a pleasant experience rain or shine.
• Best Views Guaranteed: Tallest vehicles allowed by law feature stadium seating for unparalleled panoramic views of the city’s monuments.

Top Family Attractions Accessible by Trolley

The Old Town Trolley Tour in Washington D.C. makes it easy for families to explore the city’s key historical landmarks and the best museums for kids.

• Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum: Known for its interactive exhibits, including “How Things Fly,” making it popular for kids of all ages.
• Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History: A favorite among families for its dinosaur exhibit and the Orkin Insect Zoo, alongside many other interactive displays.
• National Museum of American History: Home to many historical treasures, including a section where kids can visit with Kermit the Frog.
• The White House Visitor Center: A must-do stop featuring a replica Oval Office and kid-friendly exhibits about the history of the White House and its inhabitants.
• International Spy Museum: Features the largest collection of international spy artifacts and is the only museum of its kind in the U.S., engaging visitors of all ages in espionage history.
• Historic Memorials: The tour provides direct access to the complex housing the Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the World War II Memorial. These sites, managed by the National Park Service, offer incredible backdrops for family photo opportunities and shared moments of reflection.

International Spy Museum

Established in 2002, the International Spy Museum is dedicated to all things related to espionage and features the largest collection of international spy artifacts currently on public display. Visitors of all ages will enjoy learning about the history of spies as well as the tools and skills required to work clandestinely. Stop by the International Spy Museum and experience the only museum of its kind in the United States.

White House Visitor Center

A stop by the White House Visitor Center is a must-do while you’re visiting the nation’s capital. Inside, you’ll find a replica Oval Office as well as kid-friendly exhibits about the history of the White House and its inhabitants. Don’t forget a camera to take pictures of the White House itself located nearby.

National Air and Space Museum

One of the most popular Smithsonian museums, the Air and Space Museum is perfect for kids of all ages; among the interactive exhibits is How Things Fly, illustrating the mechanics of popular flight. Kids can also visit with Kermit the Frog in the Treasures of American History section. The museum also contains an IMAX theater and a planetarium.

United States Botanic Garden

The United States Botanic Garden is located on the grounds of the United States Capitol, and is home to an array of bright foliage, a butterfly garden, and even beekeeping classes. For kids, the Children’s Garden features an imaginative courtyard and unique opportunities for learning about the natural world. If you’re interested in gardening tips or taking a look into the world of carnivorous plants, the U.S. Botanic Garden is a creative, green space for families to enjoy.

Lincoln Memorial Complex

Washington, DC is home to many famous monuments and memorials. Hop off the trolley with your family and visit the Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Korean War Memorial, and WWII Memorial. If you can’t fit in a tour of the monuments during the day, try our Monuments by Moonlight tour to see them fully illuminated at night.

National Museum of American History

Part of the Smithsonian Institution, the National Museum of American History is dedicated to preserving the heritage of the United States and is home to an impressive collection of artifacts and stories. Journey to the second floor to see the original Star Spangled Banner Flag or check out Dorothy’s ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz. Visitors of all ages will enjoy the eclectic and memorable assortment of artifacts from the nation’s past and present.

National Museum of Natural History

The National Museum of Natural History is one of the most popular and entertaining museums in Washington, DC. Kids love the dinosaur exhibit and the Orkin Insect Zoo, among many other interactive displays. The museum also contains an IMAX theater featuring engaging films on an enormous IMAX screen.

Tour Prominent Government Buildings

To learn more about American government and the political process, arrange a tour of the U.S. Capitol Building. It is best to plan ahead and book a tour online or through your Congressman in advance to avoid long lines. Include a two to three hour block of time in your schedule for a tour of the Capitol. After you’ve toured the Capitol Building, you can walk to the nearby Supreme Court. You might be able to watch some of the proceedings if court is in session. If you have time after touring the Capitol and the Supreme Court, stop by the National Archives for a look at the US Constitution, Bill of Rights and Declaration of Independence in their original forms.

Dine at One-of-a-Kind Restaurants

Old Ebbitt Grill: No trip to DC is complete without a stop at the city’s oldest saloon (est. 1856). Its proximity to the White House made it a favorite of presidents like Ulysses S. Grant. Today, it remains a bustling, family-friendly landmark.

The Hamilton: A modern classic near the White House offering delicious American fare and a great kids’ menu. Check out “The Hamilton Live” downstairs for nightly concerts.

Mitsitam Cafe: Skip the standard burgers and try the Mitsitam Cafe at the National Museum of the American Indian. This acclaimed culinary destination offers visitors a chance to taste indigenous foods from the Western Hemisphere, including traditional fry bread and bison chili.

To pack all this family fun into a few days, check out a detailed schedule about How to See Washington DC in 2 Days.