New York City vs Washington DC for Families
A side-by-side comparison to help you pick the right destination for your next family trip.
K
By Kit, KidPaths editor
Covers 71 cities. Reads a lot of parent reviews.
| New York City, NY | Washington DC, DC | |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 59 | 38 |
| Free Activities | 8 | 19 |
| Avg Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Indoor Activities | 28 | 15 |
| Outdoor Activities | 13 | 17 |
| Stroller-Friendly | 33 | 28 |
| Rainy Day Options | 32 | 21 |
Age Suitability
| Age Group | New York City | Washington DC |
|---|---|---|
| Infants (0-1) | 10 | 11 |
| Toddlers (2-4) | 38 | 32 |
| Little Kids (5-7) | 48 | 36 |
| Big Kids (8-10) | 48 | 38 |
| Tweens (11-12) | 24 | 24 |
| Teens (13+) | 19 | 10 |
Activities by Category
| Category | New York City | Washington DC |
|---|---|---|
| Museums | 3 | 0 |
| Zoos & Aquariums | 2 | 1 |
| Parks & Playgrounds | 11 | 17 |
| Entertainment | 11 | 4 |
| Tours & Experiences | 32 | 15 |
| Shopping | 0 | 1 |
Top Attractions
New York City
Frequently Asked Questions
Is New York City or Washington DC better for families with kids?
Both are great! New York City has 59 kid-friendly activities (8 free) while Washington DC has 38 (19 free). Washington DC has a slightly higher average rating.
Which city has more free things to do with kids?
Washington DC has more free family activities (19 vs 8).
Which city is better for toddlers?
New York City has 38 toddler-friendly activities and Washington DC has 32. New York City edges ahead for the littlest travelers.