For families

1 National Air and Space Museum

Kids’ dreams are founded on and inspired by these ravishing soaring devices and spectacular rockets, while their parents and grandparents can reminisce over the early days of aviation and see how far we’ve come. End the visit by treating children to a scoop of the freeze-dried ice cream.

Address: Independence Ave, SW & 7th St, SW
Transport: The closest MetroRail stops to the National Mall building are:
L'Enfant Plaza (Blue/Orange and Yellow/Green lines)
Smithsonian (Blue/Orange lines)
Phone: 202-633-1000
Opening info: Open 10am–5:30pm daily
Closing info: closed Dec 25
Disabled Access: Dis. access
Admission charge: Museum: Free; Planetarium shows: $8.50; Lockheed Martin IMAX Theater: $8.50; Theater/Planetarium Combo: $14
www.nasm.si.edu

2 National Zoological Park

The animals in Washington, D.C.’s zoo are housed in large, recreated natural habitats and are close enough to be clearly observed. Sea lion demonstrations never fail to delight. The Kids’ Farm is an educational, interactive, outdoor exhibit, where children can touch and learn about farmyard animals.

Address: 3001 Connecticut Ave, NW
Phone: 202-633-4888
Transport: Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan (Red Line)
Opening info: Open Apr–Oct: grounds 6am–8pm, buildings 10am–6pm daily; Nov–Apr: grounds 6am–6pm, buildings 10am–4:00pm daily
Closing info: closed Dec 25
Disabled access: Dis. access
Admission charge: Free
www.natzoo.si.edu

3 National Geographic Society Explorers’ Hall

These first-class exhibits explore the major domains of society, including foreign cultures, nature, archaeology, and superb photography. The hall is at the forefront of designing and constructing interactive and immersive displays to involve visitors in their fascinating subject matter.

Address: 17th & M Sts NW
Phone: 202-857-7588
Transport: Farragut North (Red Line), Farragut West (Blue and Orange lines)
Opening info: Open 9am–5pm Mon–Sat, 10am–5pm Sun
Closing info: Closed Dec 25
Disabled access: Dis. access
Admission charge: Free
www.nationalgeographic.com/museum

4 Verizon Sports Center

Children love the energetic events here. The Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus performs here, along with touring ice skating spectaculars, professional wrestling, hockey games and many top-name pop and rock acts. The food is better than usual at an arena and, naturally, is geared toward kids.

Address: 601 F St, NW
Phone: 202 628-3200
Transport: Metro is conveniently located directly underneath Verizon Center with metro stations at Gallery Place-Chinatown (Red, Yellow and Green lines)
Disabled access: Dis. access
www.verizoncenter.com

5 National Building Museum

This interesting museum runs regular programs for families, where children and parents can learn about various methods of construction, architecture, and design. Together, families can build edible houses, learn about different construction materials, or solve a city’s transport problem. The permanent and visiting exhibitions will also appeal.

Address: 401 F St, NW
Phone: 202.272.2448
Transport: The National Building Museum is located across the street from Judiciary Square station on Metro's red line. Alternatively, take the yellow or green lines to Gallery Place/Chinatown.
Opening info: Open 10am–5pm Mon–Sat, 11am–5pm Sun
Disabled access: Dis. access
Admission charge: Free, donations appreciated
www.nbm.org

DK Eyewitness Travel Guides are one of the most popular guides in the world. Whether you want to plan a trip, find inspiration, book a hotel, or indulge in a spot of retail therapy you'll find all the information and advice you need here.