10 Free Things to Do in DC with Kids

Washington, DC is one of the best destinations for families, and the best part? You don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy it! The nation’s capital is packed with incredible museums, interactive exhibits, scenic parks, and historic landmarks—many at no cost. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or planning a longer stay, there are plenty of fun and educational activities to keep your little ones entertained without breaking the bank.

This guide covers the best free things to do in DC with kids. Get ready for a wallet-friendly family adventure filled with history, discovery, and hands-on fun!

National Air and Space Museum

One of the best free things to do in DC with Kids, in our opinion, is the National Air and Space Museum. We all really enjoyed both the Wright Brothers & the Invention of the Aerial Age exhibit, celebrating human flight, and the Kenneth C. Griffin Exploring the Planets Gallery that highlights space exploration. My kids were especially captivated by the space artifacts, like Neil Armstrong’s Apollo 11 spacesuit and the Apollo 11 Command Module, which made space travel feel so real. They also loved seeing the 1903 Wright Flyer—the very first successful airplane!

What made the visit even more fun were the interactive simulations scattered throughout the exhibits, where you could touch and explore exhibits, bringing them to life. The kids enjoyed helping orchestrate the first flight, building solar systems, and launching virtual aircraft like blimps, helicopters, and hot air balloons. They even got to design their own spaceship—all through computer simulations. We also spent time marveling at rockets, gliders, and the Starship Enterprise model from Star Trek. The museum is a perfect blend of education and excitement.

Another highlight here was the Planetarium show Dark Universe, narrated by Neil deGrasse Tyson. Dark Universe is an exploration of the unseen forces shaping our cosmos. The show uncovers the mysteries of dark matter and dark energy, which together make up 95% of the universe. The presentation was truly fascinating–even my husband, who usually falls asleep in planetariums, stayed awake and enjoyed it!

Information to Help Plan Your Visit

• Open times: Open 10 am – 5:30 pm daily
• Address: 655 Jefferson Drive SW
• Tickets: Free admission (timed passes required, booked in advance online); *Planetarium shows and some exhibits require a paid ticket.

If your family enjoys aviation museums as much as ours does, you’ll also love learning about these two that we recently visited:

• National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Florida
• Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum in Hawaii

National Museum of Natural History

The National Museum of Natural History is the world’s most visited natural history museum, inviting families to explore the wonders of our planet, past and present. With exhibits like the Hall of Human Origins, National Fossil Hall, and Ocean Hall, plus highlights like Egyptian mummies and the famous Hope Diamond, there’s something to fascinate both kids and adults. Families will especially enjoy interactive areas like the O. Orkin Insect Zoo and Butterfly Pavilion (for a small fee).

The animal sections are always a great draw for us at natural history museums, so we especially loved:

• Sant Ocean Hall for its centerpiece—a life-size, 45-foot model of a North Atlantic right whale—alongside fascinating exhibits like giant squids, a living coral reef, and a massive set of jaws from the extinct Megalodon shark.
• Kenneth E. Behring Family Hall of Mammals, which showcases 274 species, with highlights like the orangutan display (my kids’ favorite!) and interactive discovery areas where families can learn about the diversity of mammals across the globe.
• David H. Koch Hall of Fossils—Deep Time offers an incredible journey through 46 million years of history, featuring fascinating fossil displays like dinosaurs and extinct creatures in their ancient environments. Our family loved exploring how life evolved through the interactive screens, in addition to the giant dinosaur fossils.

Another section that sparked the kids’ imaginations was the Cellphone: Unseen Connections exhibit, open through 2026. Unseen Connections is an engaging exhibit that uncovers the hidden stories behind cell phones, exploring their impact on science, art, technology, and society. It reveals how this technology has transformed human culture and global communication. My husband and I enjoyed seeing some of the really old cell phones from our youth, and my older son especially loved the interactive screens where you could become an emoji. My kids are too young to use cell phones themselves, so this was one of their first experiences with a technology that will undoubtedly play a huge role in their futures.

We adults all really enjoyed the same exhibits as the kids, but another highlight for me was seeing the Hope Diamond. This incredible 45.52-carat deep blue gem, is one of the most famous jewels in the world, renowned for its beauty, rich history, and legendary allure. It’s taken a fascinating journey through centuries of royal ownership and thefts, and remains a symbol of elegance and intrigue. My fellow Millennials will recognize it from the movie Titanic, as the movie’s famous heart of the ocean necklace was modeled after it.

A few notes about crowds and timing: We visited the National Museum of Natural History during a holiday weekend, and it was very crowded. If you are visiting during high tourist seasons, I recommend trying to visit on a weekday. Due to its free entry, this museum will always be popular among visitors and locals.

Information to Help Plan Your Visit

• Open times: Open 10 am – 5:30 pm daily, except December 25.
• Address: 1000 Madison Drive NW

The Butterfly Pavilion is only free on Tuesdays. The Pavilion is also open Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 10:15 am to 4:45 pm with a paid timed-entry ticket. Tickets are available only on-site at the Butterfly Pavilion Ticket Desk. You can find more information for visiting the Butterfly Pavilion here.

National Museum of the American Indian

The National Museum of the American Indian celebrates the rich and diverse cultures of Native peoples across the Western Hemisphere. Located on the National Mall in Washington, DC, the museum features expansive exhibits of Native artifacts, art, and stories, with spaces for performances, educational programs, and family-friendly activities. It’s a meaningful place to learn about Native histories and traditions, past and present, through immersive galleries and interactive displays. Families will appreciate the engaging, respectful storytelling that makes it accessible and enriching for all ages.

This museum has a little more of a mature feel to it, offering mostly exhibits that would be more appropriate for older kids and adults, but for kids 10 and under, you don’t want to miss the imagiNATIONS Activity Center. The imagiNATIONS Activity Center offers an interactive, family-friendly space where kids can explore the creativity and ingenuity of Indigenous cultures through hands-on activities. The space is separate and closed off, so kids can discover the origins of everyday innovations that came from Native cultures, from skateboards and kayaks.

Before entering, you need to pick up a free timed-entry ticket, and each group gets 30 minutes to explore. This felt quite short to us since there was so much that the kids wanted to see and explore like igloo building, basket weaving, learning about snowshoes and toboggans, and more. Be aware that this area is open to babies in addition to older kids, so you’ll want to keep an eye on both.

Outside of the children’s section, we adults really enjoyed Sublime Light: Tapestry Art of DY Begay, which is a stunning exhibit showcasing the vibrant, modern tapestries of Diné artist DY Begay, inspired by her Navajo heritage and homeland. I was fascinated by how she dyes fibers using natural materials like onion skins, creating rich, expressive colors that bring her abstract designs to life (on display through July 13, 2025).

I also really enjoyed The True Story of Pocahontas. This section reveals her life as an 11-year-old girl, forced into baptism and marriage, contrasting sharply with the myths popularized in media, especially the Pocahontas we know from Disney movies. The exhibit separates her life into two timelines—her real history and her legacy—and features portraits of her that highlight the contrast between reality and her fictionalized image. This experience is designed for ages 13 and up.

The True Story of Pocahontas is housed within the Americans exhibit that examines how Native American images and stories have shaped American pop culture, from movies to logos, often perpetuating stereotypes. This section is difficult to confront as an American, but it’s essential for understanding the injustices of the past, so we can move toward a more equitable future.

Don’t miss “The Invention of Thanksgiving” video, also in this section, narrated by museum curator Paul Chaat Smith, a member of Comanche Nation. The video examines how the stories of Thanksgiving developed and what they mean in American culture. This video felt really important to absorb as an American. You can view the full video here to decide if your children are the right age to receive this message; however, it’s essential viewing for adults.

Information to Help Plan Your Visit

• Open times: Open 10 am – 5:30 pm daily, except December 25
• Address: Fourth Street & Independence Avenue SW

imagiNATIONS Activity Center

• Open times: Tuesday to Sunday 10 am – 4:30 pm. Recommended ages: 10 & under. Requires a 30-minute free timed-entry ticket that is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Check in at the desk right outside the Activity Center to get your ticket.

US Botanical Gardens

The US Botanical Gardens, on the grounds of the United States Capitol, is a perfect spot for families to explore nature, history, and science—all for free! As the oldest continuously operating public garden in the country, it’s a living museum that brings George Washington’s vision of a botanic garden to life. With lush plants from around the world and interactive exhibits, it’s an educational and enjoyable experience for all ages. Our kids particularly enjoyed exploring the prehistoric plants from the ages of dinosaurs and the funny shapes and textures of the many cacti. They also loved the seasonal miniature train exhibit, which operates outdoors annually from November through January.

Since he’s learning to write at school, my older son also loved adding his note to the “What Tastes Like Home?” wall, an interactive display that invites visitors to jot down a food that reminds them of home on a sticky note. The notes are added to the wall, highlighting the diverse culinary experiences people associate with “home”. The wall is part of the new exhibit “Cultivate: Growing Food in a Changing World.”

My personal favorite was the Virginia Haldan Tropical House, a lush tropical paradise with exotic plants, a serene pond, and a stunning living wall. It’s fully accessible, so you can easily bring a stroller throughout. We loved exploring the displays, especially the chocolate and vanilla plants, and the extra warmth to keep the temperatures tropical for the plants made it a nice break from the outdoor weather.

Information to Help Plan Your Visit

• Open times:
  • Conservatory: 10 am – 5 pm daily
  • Gated Outdoor Gardens: 7:30 am – 5:00 pm daily (closed December 25)
• Address: 100 Maryland Avenue SW

U.S. Capitol

The U.S. Capitol stands as a historic landmark in Washington, DC, recognized for its striking architecture and long-standing role in the country’s government. We took in the view from the outside, taking in its unique design and presence in the cityscape. Whether you’re interested in architecture, history, or simply exploring, it’s a notable stop on any DC itinerary. The outside offers some great photo opps of the Capitol building and the Washington Monument right across the small lake. Our kids especially loved watching the ducks in the lake and running through the expansive lawns adjacent to the Capitol building.

Be aware of tourists feeding the ducks–there are seagulls and pigeons that swarm when this happens, which scared our 4 year old a little bit.

Information to Help Plan Your Visit

Viewing from the outside and indoor tours are both free. You can find the information about booking a tour here.

• Location: East Capitol Street & 1st Street NE
• Open: Outdoor viewing – 24/7; Indoor areas – Monday through Saturday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM. Closed: Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and Inauguration Day 

The White House

No Washington, DC itinerary is complete without at least catching a glimpse of this iconic landmark. While public tours require advance planning, visitors can still view it from several vantage points. Lafayette Square offers a classic view of the north side, while the Ellipse provides a look at the south lawn. Keep in mind that both of these can be significantly fenced off based on the plans of the President.

Information to Help Plan Your Visit

US citizens can request a free White House tour through their congressional representative by submitting a form on their representatives or senator’s official website. Requests must be made at least 21 days in advance and up to 90 days before the desired tour date. Tours are granted on a first-come, first-served basis and are subject to availability. You are more likely to have your request granted during low tourist seasons. For more details, visit house.gov or senate.gov to find your representative’s contact information.

• Location: 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
• Open: Outdoor viewing – 24/7; Indoor tours – 8:00 am – 12:30 pm, Tuesday through Saturday, except federal holidays

Monuments & Memorials

You can’t leave Washington, DC without visiting some of its most iconic monuments and memorials. They’re mostly located along the National Mall and are must-sees for families looking to explore history in an engaging way. If you’re searching for free things to do in DC with kids, these monuments memorials offer a meaningful and educational experience that’s both awe-inspiring and family-friendly.

All have no fees or reservations associated. You can show up at any time. While we usually visit during the day, they can be a really spectacular lit up at night, and the crowds are significantly smaller.

Jefferson Memorial

Sitting along the Tidal Basin, the Thomas Jefferson Memorial is a tribute to one of the Founding Fathers and the author of the Declaration of Independence. The domed structure offers stunning views of the water, and in the spring, it’s one of the best places to see cherry blossoms in full bloom. Kids will love running up the steps and exploring the rotunda, where a 19-foot statue of Jefferson stands beneath inspiring inscriptions from his writings.

Information to Help Plan Your Visit

• Location: 16 E Basin Drive SW
• Open: 24/7

Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial is a powerful tribute to the renowned civil rights leader. The striking 30-foot stone statue of Dr. King emerges from a “mountain of despair,” inspired by his famous words: “Out of the mountain of despair, a stone of hope.” Around the memorial, you’ll find a peaceful reflection area adjacent to the river, and a wall of inspirational quotes from his speeches. This is a great place to talk to kids about history, justice, and equality in an accessible way.

A lot of people skip Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial or don’t even know it’s there because it’s off the path a little, but I think it’s a must-see. It’s very impactful and the setting is lovely right on the river.

Information to Help Plan Your Visit

• Location: 1964 Independence Avenue SW
• Open: 24/7

Lincoln Memorial

The Lincoln Memorial honors President Abraham Lincoln and his leadership during the Civil War. Inside, the massive 19-foot seated statue of Lincoln is awe-inspiring, and the walls are inscribed with his Gettysburg Address and Second Inaugural Address. From the steps, you get a breathtaking view of the Reflecting Pool and Washington Monument—a perfect photo spot. You can stand where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his “I Have a Dream” speech in 1963.

Information to Help Plan Your Visit

• Location: 2 Lincoln Memorial Circle NW
• Open: 24/7

Washington Monument

The Washington Monument is one of the most iconic landmarks in the US, standing tall at 555 feet as a tribute to the first president, George Washington. Completed in 1884, it’s a striking symbol of the nation’s early history and is visible from various spots around Washington, DC. Visitors can admire its grandeur from the base or take in panoramic views of the city from the top.

Information to Help Plan Your Visit

To visit the top of the monument, you’ll need to reserve free tickets in advance. Tickets can be obtained through the National Park Service’s website or at the onsite kiosk, though availability can be limited, especially during peak tourist seasons. The elevator ride offers a quick but stunning view of the city, and tickets are required for both adults and children. Be sure to plan ahead to secure a spot! You can reserve tickets for the Washington Monument on the National Park Service’s official website.

• Location: 2 15th St NW
• Open: Outdoor viewing – 24/7; Indoor observation deck – 9 am to 5 pm daily (last available tour ticket at 4 pm) except for December 25, July 4, and part of July 3

Final Thoughts

Washington, DC is truly a paradise for families looking for fun, educational, and budget-friendly activities. With so many free museums, parks, monuments, and interactive exhibits, you can fill your itinerary without overspending. There are plenty of amazing free things to do in DC with kids!

The key to making the most of your trip is to plan ahead—check museum hours, consider using public transportation, and pack snacks to keep kids happy when you’re around the Tidal Basin and monuments, where there are fewer places to stop to eat.

Feel free to email me or send a message on Instagram if you need further advice—I’m always happy to share more tips and insights to help you travel.