{"id":33791,"date":"2013-11-08T11:19:00","date_gmt":"2013-11-08T15:19:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/?p=33791"},"modified":"2025-09-02T02:58:30","modified_gmt":"2025-09-02T06:58:30","slug":"free-things-to-do-in-washington-dc-with-kids","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/33791\/free-things-to-do-in-washington-dc-with-kids\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Free Things to Do in Washington DC With Kids"},"content":{"rendered":"

Money can buy you lots of things, but you don\u2019t need much of it to have family fun in our nation\u2019s capital, where the best activities are absolutely free. With many government employees clearing out on weekends, hotel rates plunge, so scoring a bargain-priced room is a snap.<\/p>\n

Despite the density of museums and sites, Washington is surprisingly uncluttered, with an abundance of parks and airy gardens that seem strategically placed so that fidgety kids can let off steam. This spring, get the kids packed for a budget-friendly getaway to America\u2019s capital, where the cherry blossoms<\/a> will be in full bloom by April 4.<\/p>\n

1. National Zoological Park<\/strong> | nationalzoo.si.edu<\/a>
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2. The Kennedy Center Free Nightly Performance <\/strong>| kennedy-center.org<\/a>
\nThe Millennium Stage offers free performances each evening at an hour that couldn\u2019t be more bedtime friendly, 6 p.m. It is all part of the “Performing Arts for Everyone” initiative. Visitors can enjoy artists as they showcase their talents in music, dance, theater, and more. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Check the schedule for performers with kid-appeal.
\nMetro:<\/strong> Foggy Bottom<\/p>\n

3. The United States Botanic Garden | <\/strong>usbg.gov<\/a>
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4.<\/strong> Bureau of Engraving & Printing<\/strong> | moneyfactory.gov<\/a>
\nWhat kid wouldn\u2019t want to visit a place nicknamed the \u201cMoney Factory\u201d? You will see sheets of bills being printed, cut and stacked for circulation. The fast-paced tour is under an hour and commences with a film before you move on to the large viewing windows that allow you to see the inking process, but linger for as long as you like. Open Monday-Friday, with the last tour staring at 2 p.m. Adults will need a valid photo ID to obtain a tour ticket, which is required during peak season, March-August.
\nMetro:<\/strong> Smithsonian<\/p>\n

5. National Air and Space Museum <\/strong>| airandspace.si.edu<\/a>
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6. National Museum of the American Indian | <\/strong>nmai.si.edu
\nA visit here encourages a look beyond the classic stereotypes of those indigenous to the Americas. Many of the 3,500 objects on display are kid-friendly, including a spectacular collection of dolls, but best of all is the colorful and spacious \u201cImaginiNations Activity Center.\u201d Kids have their own space to explore Native peoples innovations and inventions by engaging in hands-on activities. Weave a basket, sit in a life-sized tipi or create music using Native percussion instruments. When hunger pangs kick in, the Mitsitam Cafe offers treats such as traditional fry bread, sweet potatoes, and buffalo burgers, further enhancing the museum experience through your palate.
\nMetro:<\/strong> L\u2019Enfant Plaza<\/p>\n

7. National Museum of American History <\/strong>| mnh.si.edu
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8. National Museum of Natural History<\/strong> | mnh.si.edu
\nTake a great natural history museum and supersize it, and you have the National Museum of American History. A giant dinosaur hall, an insect zoo and a please-touch discovery room are just the warm-up for the gems and minerals.\u00a0 This sparkling collection is anchored by the 45\u00bd- carat Hope Diamond. Even if diamonds are not your child\u2019s best friend, they should be impressed by the display of moon rocks and massive meteorites. If you’re planning a trip for after Inauguration, Orchids of Latin America will be on display January 26-April 21, 2013.
\nMetro:<\/strong> Smithsonian<\/p>\n

9. Free Tours by Foot<\/strong>\u00a0 | freetoursbyfoot.com
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10. Sunday Drum Circle<\/strong>
\nMalcolm X Park (aka Meridian Hill Park) is a luxuriously landscaped park with a dramatic, 13-basin cascading fountain as its centerpiece. Each Sunday starting at 3 p.m. until well after sunset, the soothing sound of running water blend with the rhythmic beat of congas, bongos and tambourines when the weekly drumming circle gets going. Music, dance and merriment under the tall oak trees are open to all ages, and kids are often the star of the show, so don\u2019t be surprised if your shy wallflower cuts loose with an uninhibited groove.
\nMetro:<\/strong> Columbia Heights<\/p>\n

Where to stay <\/strong>
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Where to eat<\/strong>
\n\"Eastern

Capitol Hill\u2019s historic Eastern Market has been in operation since 1873.\u00a0 On weekends, farmers, food trucks and craftspeople sell their wares outside. The indoor merchants are open for business every day except Monday. Locals and tourists line up for a casual breakfast at the Market Lunch counter, where the famously fluffy blueberry buckwheat pancakes will satiate all sizes of hunger pangs.
\nMetro: <\/strong>Eastern Market<\/p>\n

Pitango Gelato<\/a> is located one block from the market. Organic, fresh ingredients combine with traditional Italian techniques to produce a bevvy of luscious artisanal flavors. In winter, the steaming hot chocolate is a treat.
\nMetro:<\/strong> Eastern Market<\/p>\n

Getting around<\/strong>
\n\"biking


\nGetting here<\/strong>
\nMegabus<\/a> takes four-five hours and doesn\u2019t offer special rates for kids, but with fares so low for all ages, you won\u2019t miss the discount. Both Amtrak and Megabus arrive at Union Station. If you choose to ride the rails, Amtrak will get you to D.C. from Penn Station in three hours, and kids 2-15 travel at 50% off the adult fare.<\/p>\n