Top 25 Things to Do with Kids in DC

Tip: Take the Metro. Parking fills fast on weekends and costs $30. The walk from Woodley Park station is downhill going in and uphill going out, so plan your energy for the return trip. Bring snacks because the food stands are overpriced.

Tip: Enter from the Mall side (Independence Ave) where the line is always shorter. Head straight to the 2nd floor How Things Fly gallery before it gets crowded. Weekday mornings are best.

Tip: Buy timed Butterfly Pavilion tickets online to skip the line. Head to Q?rius or the 2nd floor bones exhibit instead of the Hope Diamond, which is just a rock in a case with a long wait.

Tip: Combine this with the Capitol reflecting pool right outside. The Children's Garden is seasonal (spring through fall), so check the website in winter. Great paired with the nearby National Mall museums for a full day out.

Tip: Come here when the other Smithsonians are packed. It rarely has long lines and the imagiNATIONS center is usually uncrowded. Eat lunch at the Mitsitam Cafe instead of the food trucks outside.

Tip: The parking lot fills up fast on nice weekends, so arrive before 10am. Late afternoon has the best light for photos. Bring ear protection if your baby is noise-sensitive.

Tip: Book tickets ahead online since rides sell out on weekends. Combine with lunch on the Georgetown waterfront afterward. Street parking in Georgetown is a headache, so try the waterfront garage.

Tip: If you're visiting on a game day (DC United plays at Audi Field nearby), expect bigger crowds but also more energy. The splash pad doesn't have shade, so bring sunscreen and hats.

Tip: This is a driving destination. There's no convenient Metro stop. Bring bikes if you have them, the grounds are huge. The Capitol Columns are about a 10-minute walk from the main parking lot.

Tip: Go early on a weekday morning. Weekend crowds make it hard to move with a stroller. Check the NPS bloom forecast online to time your visit. Bring snacks because there are limited food options around the basin.

Tip: Bring your own kite. Buy a cheap one at any dollar store. The wind on the Mall is usually perfect for flying. Arrive mid-morning to grab a good spot before the crowds fill in.

Tip: Take the Metro. Parking at the Wharf is expensive and fills fast during events. Bring a blanket to sit on for the fireworks. The kids zone usually closes before the fireworks start, so plan accordingly.

Tip: Go in the morning when it opens. By 2pm in late June it's hot and the food lines get long. Bring cash for food stalls. Check the Smithsonian website for that year's featured cultures before you go.

Tip: Bring ear protection for babies and toddlers. Pack snacks, water, a blanket, and entertainment for the wait. Arrive by 4pm. Take Metro only. The walk home through the crowds is half the experience.

Tip: Pick 5-6 embassies max. Trying to do all of them means rushing through each one and exhausting your kids. The popular ones (Japan, France, Italy) have the longest lines, so start there early.

Tip: Bring cash for food vendors. Arrive by 11am to see the opening ceremony and taiko performance. The festival stretches several blocks so pace yourself. Strollers work but it gets crowded by early afternoon.

Tip: Don't skip the basement. The songwriting room and spoken word booth are some of the best parts and most visitors miss them. Best for ages 5 and up, though kids closer to 7 get the most out of it.

Tip: Book the first time slot online. By 11am they cap entry and it fills up. Tuesday mornings are the quietest if you can swing a weekday visit.

Tip: Enter through the ground floor (First St side) to go straight to the Young Readers Center. Combine with a Capitol tour across the street for a full morning.

Tip: Check the online schedule beforehand. Some nights are better for kids than others. Arrive 15 minutes early for seating. Casual dress is fine. If your kid needs to leave during the performance, just slip out quietly.

Tip: Check their events calendar for free family Saturdays with themed workshops. Gallery Place Metro is also one block away. The Building Zone alone is worth the visit for kids 3-8.

Tip: Budget at least 2.5 hours. Weekday mornings are half as crowded as weekends. Set expectations about the gift shop before going in. It's expensive and they will want everything.

Tip: Book well ahead, especially for weekends. Best for ages 6 and up since younger kids won't understand the secret door concept. Allow 1.5-2 hours. This works great as a birthday outing.

Tip: Buy family section tickets for the best kid-friendly experience. Take Metro because parking near the stadium is limited and expensive. Arrive 30 minutes early for the kids zone activities before the game starts.

Tip: Saturday mornings are the calmest time to visit with kids. The splash pad runs Memorial Day through Labor Day. For lunch, the fish market at the end of the Wharf has the best deals. Parking is pricey, so take the Metro.