Washington D.C. is an amazing place to visit for families because of its kid-friendly attractions and so many hands-on museums. Couple that with all of the historical things to see and do, you have a trip that will keep the whole family entertained.
Another huge bonus is that no city provides so many free activities as D.C. I’ve compiled a list of the top nine family-friendly places to visit that are entirely free!
1. The Lincoln Memorial: You’ll find that this awe-inspiring 19-foot-tall statue honoring our 16th president is something that has to be seen. Make sure to veer to the right where you will find his most famous speech, the Gettysburg Address written on the wall.
2. The National Air and Space Museum: If you have airplane fans in your family, you’ll have to check this museum out. Boasting of the world’s largest collection of historic air and spacecraft, your little pilots will be mesmerized. There is even a real lunar rock sample!
3. The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History: This museum is a must visit! Containing some of the most famous artifacts in the world, both young children and teens will find something they have to check out. You’ll find a newly revamped 31,000 square foot exhibit illustrating how Earth’s history has played out, an insect zoo, an exact replica of a living North Atlantic whale and so much more!
4. National Museum of American History: For your teenage fashionistas, head over to this museum which houses a display of the First Lady’s inaugural gowns and evening dresses from the past 120 years!
5. Smithsonian National Zoo: For your animal lovers, plan an afternoon getting to know more than 1,500 animals from around the globe at this zoo. Make sure you check out the giant pandas and their adorable offspring!
6. National Portrait Gallery: Your sports fan will have to make a stop at this museum showcasing portraits and memorabilia of some of the most amazing sports figures of all time. Truly inspiring!
7. Rock Creek Park: Have a young astronomer in your family? Plan to visit Rock Creek Park’s Planetarium. If your visit is scheduled for a Wednesday, they offer a special program specifically for little ones at 4 pm!
8. Martin Luther King Junior Memorial: Truly thought-provoking and inspiring, you’ll find a huge MLK statue as well as all of his famous quotes written out on the walls surrounding it. Truly a teachable experience for children in love and compassion and for sure will instigate some wonderful conversations for parents with their children.
9. And of course, no trip to Washington D.C. is complete without seeing the White House. While you may not be able to get as close as you like with the security, you’ll be able to get some great pictures of our President’s home!
Jade Monzo is the owner of Rope Drop Travel, a full-service travel agency specializing in Disney destinations. She lives with her husband and six little ones ages 8 and under. She enjoys helping with her children’s school PTO’s and all things Disney.
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