Plan a trip
Line 8 · History & culture

Washington, DC with kids

District of Columbia

Best timeMar–Apr, Oct–Nov
Getting thereDrive or fly, depending on your ZIP
Good forHistory & culture

Smithsonian museums (all free), the monuments at night and the National Zoo. ZooLights runs through December.

One of the cheapest big-city trips. Most of the attractions are free.

Price it for your family from your ZIP →

What it costs

Example for 2 adults and 2 kids, 5 days, including lodging, food and activities. Gas or flights depend on where you live, so price it from your ZIP for the full total.

Where you stayEstimated total*
Budget (1★)$1,570
Mid-range (3★)$2,320
Luxury (5★)$4,570

*Planning estimate from typical recent prices, before travel, with an 8% buffer. Holiday weeks and school breaks cost more.

Best time to go

  1. JanGood
  2. FebGood
  3. MarBest
  4. AprBest
  5. MayGood
  6. JunGood
  7. JulGood
  8. AugGood
  9. SepGood
  10. OctBest
  11. NovBest
  12. DecGood

Top attractions in District of Columbia

  1. National MallMonuments and museums
  2. Lincoln MemorialReflecting Pool
  3. National Air and Space MuseumFree
  4. National Museum of Natural HistoryHope Diamond
  5. National Museum of African American History and CultureFree timed entry
  6. U.S. CapitolFree tours
  7. The White HouseTours through your congressperson
  8. Smithsonian's National ZooPandas returned
  9. Washington MonumentElevator to the top
  10. International Spy MuseumKids love it

Where to eat in District of Columbia

  1. Ben's Chili Bowl$Half-smokes
  2. Old Ebbitt Grill$$Near the White House
  3. Founding Farmers$$Farm-to-table American
  4. Rasika$$$Modern Indian
  5. Union Market$Food hall
  6. Call Your Mother$Bagels
  7. Jaleo$$Spanish tapas
  8. Martin's Tavern$$Georgetown
  9. Florida Avenue Grill$Soul food

Things to do

  1. Monuments by Moonlight tourTrolley tour
  2. Paddle boats on the Tidal BasinSpring to fall
  3. Cherry blossomsLate March to early April
  4. Capitol tourBook online
  5. Smithsonian Folklife FestivalSummer
  6. National Christmas TreeDecember
  7. ZooLightsWinter
  8. Day trip to Mount VernonWashington's estate
  9. Bike the MallCapital Bikeshare
  10. Nationals gameSummer

Places change. Tap any name to check it on Google Maps before you go.

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