Passport DC, Around the World Embassy Tour

Passport DC, Around the World Embassy Tour

This is one of those events that only DC can pull off. For one Saturday every spring, around 40 embassies open their doors to the public and invite you inside for a taste of their culture. Kids can watch traditional dances from Indonesia, try on costumes from West Africa, sample snacks from Latin America, and stamp their "passport" at each stop. It feels like traveling the world in one afternoon, and the best part is your kids will be learning without realizing it. Families usually pick a route of 5 to 8 embassies and walk between them. The whole thing is free, and each embassy puts real effort into making their open house special.

Parent Tips 💡

• ✓Download the embassy map the night before and plan your route. The most popular embassies (Japan, France, Indonesia) get long lines by noon.
• ✓Start early at 10am when lines are shortest. Hit the popular embassies first and save the smaller ones for afternoon.
• ✓Bring a stroller for little ones because you will be walking a lot. Some embassies have stairs, but most are accessible.
• ✓Wear comfortable shoes. You will easily walk 2 to 3 miles hopping between embassies.
• ✓Pack water bottles and snacks even though many embassies offer free samples. The portions are small and kids get hungry fast.
• ✓Let your kids lead. They will naturally gravitate toward the embassies with the most colorful displays, music, or food. Go with it.