FAMILY ORIENTED ACTIVITIES IN THE DC METRO

Washington DC is one of the best places to live in the US and for Families there are many great things to do.

For a start here are a number of online and print references that are full of activities for kids:

• Washington Families Magazine.
• Washington Parent Magazine.
• Our Kids is an online guide to activities and resources for preschoolers in the Washington, D.C. area.
• The Washington Post's Kid-o-Rama is a searchable database of kids' activities in the greater Washington, D.C. area.

Parks and Libraries

Parks

• Arlington County Parks and Recreation offers lots of programs for children.
• The Fairfax County Parks Home Page. Read about county programs for all ages here.
• The Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority manages some of the larger parks in the area, such as Bull Run and Pohick Bay. The web site includes information about fees, classes, activities, and events.
• Alexandria Waterfront and Walking Trail. A fun place to stroll on a balmy day. Watch boats, hear birds, get an ice cream, window shop. Find out more on the City of Alexandria Parks page.

Libraries

The Washington D.C. area has excellent public libraries. Visit each county's home page for more information on free programs for all ages.

• The Fairfax County Public Library Home Page. Read about one of the nation's largest library systems: its locations and extensive calendar of events.
• Arlington County Public Library.
• Montgomery County Public Library.
• City of Alexandria Public Lirary.
• Washington D.C. Public Library.

Free Things to do in DC

Visit the Arlington National Cemetery, the serene resting place of war veterans. Stroll past rows and rows of solemn white gravestones...and follow the masses to the gravesite of President John F. Kennedy. Buried with his wife Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, two children, and brother Bobby nearby, his grave is marked with an eternal flame. Not far away is the Tomb of the Unknown soldier, where visitors may watch the changing of the guard at regular intervals throughout the day.

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Six theaters at The Kennedy Center host plays, ballets, musical performances and more. The Washington Opera and the National Symphony Opera play here -- and yes, seeing a performance will cot you money. But it's entirely free to take a guided tour of the massive complex seven days a week. You'll see the performance halls, and lots of artwork and sculptures donated to the Center.

National Parks and Monuments. It's completely free to take a walk around and a look at some very recognizable memorials. There's the towering Washington monument, the regal Lincoln Memorial and the moving Vietnam Memorial. Most of the monuments are within a short walk of each other, near the reflecting pool. The vast green space bookended by the Capitol and the Washington monument is a hub of activity. The mall has hosted protests, concerts, festivals and more. And hundreds of joggers prowl the big rectangle every day. It's a refreshing oasis in the middle of a bustling city. And it is the ideal place for a nice quiet rest between stops at the various Smithsonian Museums around its edges.

The Smithsonian like the rest of the attractions listed here, it's absolutely free. But it is massive-- encompassing 16 museums and art galleries. Each of these buildings could easily take you a day or more to see. They house everything from the Fonz' leather jacket to the Hope Diamond to actual spaceships.

The US Capitol hosts an annual 4th of July concert right on the lawn! Visit the site for touring information.

Visit the The Supreme Court.

Stop in the National Geographic Society's Explorers Hall. There, you can experience interactive educational exhibits. Ever wanted to touch a tornado or take a simulated flight high above the earth's surface? Here's the place to do it. There are permanent and changing exhibits open to the public, free of charge.

The National Arboretum is home to over 400 acres of plants, trees, shrubs and more are laid out for you to explore. You can marvel at the unique Bonsai collection, or enjoy a picnic amidst the blooms.

Ford's Theater is the site of the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. Back in 1865, he was shot by John Wilkes Booth while watching a play from his box seat. Today, the National park Service operates a museum in the theater, which features artifacts and photos. Park rangers give regular talks about the night the President was shot. Across the street is The Peterson House, where Lincoln was carried after the shooting, and where he died. While you'll have to pay for the privilege of seeing a play in the historic theater-- a look inside the theater or the house where Lincoln died, a ranger talk and admission to the museum are all free.

The spectacular architecture of Union Station is worth a look. And if that doesn't interest you, there are a variety of shops and restaurants to entice you inside.

The National Gallery of Art. European and American works of art are on display in the National Gallery. There are paintings, sculpture and other features. And the museum regularly hosts exhibits from around the world.

The Navy Museum. Look at naval art, artifacts and more at the Navy Museum. Take a gander at old ship equipment-- including submarine periscopes and World war two gun mounts.

The National Zoo. Recent additions include the birth of cheetah clubs, and a male giant panda cub.

Official Tourism Sites

The Washington, DC Convention and Tourism Corporation.

Explore DC

Cultural Tourism DC

Historic Places Travel Itinerary