Looking for fun, family-friendly things to do with kids in D.C.? Whether you live in the area or are just visiting, there’s plenty to choose from. Here are some of our top picks for kid-friendly activities to enjoy this summer in D.C.
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute has switched to its summer schedule, extending daily hours to 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. Admission remains free with a required reserved entry pass; parking passes are $30 in advance or $40 same-day.
Bubble Planet will transport you into a vibrant world, filled with interactive spaces and thousands of bubbles. The dreamy experience has wowed visitors in London, L.A., and Barcelona, and we’re thrilled that it has touched down in D.C. Grab tickets today!
Lighting up some of D.C.’s most remarkable settings, including St. Francis Hall, is this series of enchanting Candlelight concerts that the youngsters are sure to love. Accompanied by an adult, kids aged 8 years or older can attend a magical tribute dedicated to the likes of Beyoncé, Coldplay, Taylor Swift, Bad Bunny, and many more musical stars.
Strike up some friendly competition at indoor mini golf
Swingers, the crazy golf club, now welcomes kids and families every Sunday before 6 pm. Offering crazy golf for the whole family, plus kid-friendly bites and beverages, Swingers Dupont Circle is the perfect destination to plan your next Sunday Funday without breaking the bank. Plus, it’s the perfect way to escape the heat and humidity. Learn more!
Virtual reality technology has opened up a whole new world of possibilities for exploration. From exploring a captivating Machu Picchu VR exhibit to deciphering the secrets of an ancient temple in an escape room, these VR adventures in the D.C. area will immerse you and the kids in extraordinary adventures like never before.
Just a short stroll from the Cleveland Park Metro, All Fired Up welcomes you to unleash your creativity. Choose a pottery piece and bring it to life with your unique design. Once you’re done, the studio will take care of glazing and firing your masterpiece, with pickup available in about a week!
There is something for all ages at All Fired Up! Hand and foot prints, small themed figurines, and boxes are popular among their youngest patrons. The venue also hosts kids’ birthday parties, suggested for ages 6 and up, and perfect for celebrating special occasions!
Step into the shoes of a spy at the International Spy Museum
The International Spy Museum is definitely a fun one to add to your list of the best things to do with kids this summer in D.C. Kids can test their spy skills through an interactive “undercover mission,” examine hundreds of inventions created to steal secrets, try their hand at code-cracking, and much more! The museum is located at 700 L’Enfant Plaza SW, and those 6 and under get in for free.
Get your game on at the bowling alley
With 32 bowling lanes and countless arcade games, Bowlero in Arlington is a must-visit for a family fun day. From old-school classics like Pac-Man to state-of-the art video games, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Plus, the bowling lanes are decked out with comfy lounge seats, black lights, and massive HD video walls that can play sports, family films, and more!
This immersive language experience in downtown D.C. is just as fun as it is educational. Planet Word is the world’s first voice-activated museum, encouraging visitors of all ages to interact with its galleries in all kinds of new and exciting ways. Children can paint with words, sing karaoke-style, laugh it out in the “humor gallery,” and much more.
Explore the National Mall and monuments
While certainly not a secret, the National Mall is undoubtedly a great place to take the kiddos. With open green space, towering monuments, and, of course, plenty of food trucks to stop at for a quick bite, the mall is a spot to add to your list if you need a break from museums and exhibits. Whether you want to pick a favorite bench to rest your legs or make the walk from the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial, this family-friendly spot tends to be a crowd pleaser.
Foster learning in a playful manner at the National Children’s Museum
The National Children’s Museum encourages children to engage with a wide array of exhibits, honing their backgrounds in science, technology, engineering, art, and math. Little ones will be able to wander through a sensory-filled Slime funhouse, control the weather through green screen technology, explore a three-story climber and slide, learn about how data presents itself in our daily lives, and more!
Wander through Rock Creek Park
If you don’t want to leave D.C. but are looking for a more nature-oriented activity to do with kids this summer, Rock Creek Park is the place for you. The park bisects Northwest D.C. and contains a number of trails and paths that are accessible for smaller kids. Consider packing a lunch and stopping at one of the picnic areas if the weather permits!
