Washington DC with kids aged 3 to 6
Free museums and big open lawns
Washington DC is a great value family city. Many Smithsonian museums are free, so you can pop in for an hour and leave before anyone melts down. The National Mall gives kids room to run.
Best time to go
Spring and fall are most comfortable. Cherry blossom season in spring is beautiful but crowded. Summer is hot and humid.
Getting around
The Metro is clean and has elevators at stations, though elevators are sometimes out of service. The Mall is long, so plan walking carefully.
Stroller notes
Very stroller friendly. Museums have elevators. Security screening may require you to fold the stroller briefly.
Toilets and changing
Museums have clean restrooms and are your best bet. Restrooms on the open Mall are limited.
Nap tips
Plan one museum in the morning, then a stroller nap on a walk across the Mall or a hotel break.
3 day itinerary
Day 1: Natural History and the Mall
- Morning
- National Museum of Natural History for dinosaurs, the giant squid, and the Butterfly Pavilion.
- Nap window
- Stroller nap while walking the Mall.
- Afternoon
- Ride the carousel on the Mall, then see the Washington Monument from the lawn.
- Evening
- Early dinner near your hotel.
- Playground stop
- Open lawns on the Mall are ideal for running. Yards Park near Navy Yard has fountains.
Day 2: Air and Space and the zoo
- Morning
- National Air and Space Museum. Free timed-entry passes are required for every visitor at the National Mall building, including kids, so reserve them on the Smithsonian website before you go.
- Nap window
- Hotel nap or stroller nap.
- Afternoon
- Smithsonian's National Zoo. Entry is free, but every visitor needs a free entry pass, reserved online, and parking passes must be bought separately. The zoo is hilly, so start at the top and walk down.
- Evening
- Relaxed dinner.
- Playground stop
- Kids' Farm at the National Zoo has a playground area.
Day 3: Monuments and gardens
- Morning
- United States Botanic Garden, with a children's garden outside.
- Nap window
- Nap break.
- Afternoon
- Lincoln Memorial and the Reflecting Pool. Point out ducks and the big statue.
- Evening
- Pack up.
- Playground stop
- Georgetown Waterfront Park has fountains and river views.
Opening hours, prices, and access change often. Always check official websites before you go.
Rainy-day backup
- The Smithsonian museums are indoors and free.
- National Building Museum often has family exhibits. Check current hours.
- National Museum of American History has interactive spaces for kids.
Packing tips
- Comfortable shoes for long walks
- Small bag that is quick to search at security
- Refillable bottles
- Light rain jacket
Plan and book
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FAQ
Which DC museums are best for ages 3 to 6?
Natural History, Air and Space, and the National Zoo are big favorites. American History has hands-on areas too.
Are DC museums free?
Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo have free admission. Most museums, including Natural History, need no pass, but the National Air and Space Museum and the National Zoo require free timed or entry passes reserved in advance. Going inside the Washington Monument also requires a timed ticket.
Is the Metro good for strollers?
Yes, most stations have elevators. Check the transit website for elevator outages before you go.
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