Toddler-Friendly d.c. attractions

Washington, D.C. is a known hub of politics, historic sites and museums. When visiting the nation’s capital, we don’t want you to have to worry about what to do with your toddler. We are going to cover some fun, free things to do in D.C. with your young children.

Landscape photo of the Washington Monument and the Reflecting Pool before it on a sunny spring day, taken from the Lincoln memorial. Lots of people are on the steps and on paths around the park.
  1. Take a trip to the National Zoo

Gather up your whole family and head over to the National Zoo and the Washington Monument. Go a little deeper into what you can do with younger kids when you step into the National Portrait Gallery, U.S. Botanic Garden and so many more spots across the city.

2. Head to the Smithsonian

Be sure to check out the Smithsonian National Museum of History. Introduce your children to the history of our planet at the National Museum of Natural History. Check out the dinosaurs, elephants, and whales! This one is fun for adults and children alike!

Red metallic sculpture found in the National Sculpture garden in Washington DC

3. Smithsonian National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden.

Stroll through the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden, seeing sculptures both big and small, by artists like Chagall, Miró, Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen, Bourgeois and di Suvero.

In the winter months, an ice skating rink is set up, but in spring through fall, the fountain is on and the gardens are in bloom for babies and toddlers to explore.

4. Go check out the swimming ducks in the Lincoln Memorial Reflectiing pool

In the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, you can see ducks swimming around in this shallow body of water, as well as in Constitution Garden just north of the reflecting pool and east of the Vietnam War Memorial.

We hope you and your toddlers enjoy a trip to these beautiful attractions in D.C. While you’re here, check out these toddler-friendly restaurants to fuel you and your family.!


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  • If you found this article useful, you can find more ideas for child-friendly activities here.

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