Free Things to Do with Kids in Washington DC
26 free kid-friendly activities in Washington DC. No admission fees: parks, playgrounds, trails, and more, with age-fit and planning notes.
Highest rated: Beauvoir Playground, Small Mammal House, Chessie's Big Backyard. 3 listings are indoor. 17 listings are outdoor. Qualified listings include age ratings, stroller access, and practical planning tips.
Free for kids in Washington DC, any open day
These are free for kids on any day they are open, not just on free days. Age limits are from each official site.
Details checked on each official site.
Smithsonian's National Zoo
Free for everyone, but every guest needs a free entry pass, infants included. Winter grounds hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. with last entry at 3 p.m. Open every day except Dec. 25.
Free admission for all ages every open day.
National Air and Space Museum
Always free, with a free timed-entry pass for every visitor regardless of age. Open daily 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Free admission at every age, every day it is open.
U.S. Botanic Garden
Free with no tickets. The Conservatory is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, and you may bring food and drink.
Free for everyone with no reservation.
Library of Congress, Thomas Jefferson Building
Free timed-entry tickets are required. Open Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with Thursdays until 8 p.m. Closed Sundays, Mondays and some federal holidays. The Young Readers Center closed Aug. 30 while a new youth gallery is built.
Free for everyone, with posted weekly hours.
The Phillips Collection
Ages 18 and under are free; adults are $20. Open Tuesday to Sunday, with members only from 10 to 11 a.m. on Sundays.
Free for kids 18 and under on every open day.
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How to use this free activities list
Use this list when you need a low-cost anchor stop or a quick add-on between meals. KidPaths is currently tracking 26 indexable picks for this page in Washington DC, with details for cost, age fit, stroller access, weather backup, and parent logistics.
Quick fit
13 for infants, 26 for toddlers, 26 for little kids, 25 for big kids.
Weather and access
9 indoor or mixed-weather picks. 23 outdoor or partly outdoor picks. 23 stroller-friendly stops. 8 rainy-day backups.
Cost scan
26 free picks. Each listing links to the venue for current tickets and hours.
Top Picks
Beauvoir Playground
4.9 starsBeauvoir Playground is a beautifully designed DC neighborhood park beloved for its thoughtful play structures and excellent natural shade from mature trees.
Small Mammal House
4.8 starsA fox with oversized ears, mole-rat tunnels and animals that climb, dig or rest give children different details to look for.
Chessie's Big Backyard
4.8 starsChessie's Big Backyard is a massive Fairfax County nature playground where kids can climb a nature tower, splash through a stream, and dig in sand.
Reservoir Park Playground
4.8 starsKids enjoy the varied play structures set in a park with a distinctive historic reservoir backdrop.
National Museum of African American History and Culture
4.8 starsChildren encounter music, sports, clothing, vehicles, art, famous objects, and stories of real people.
Parks & PlaygroundsFreeBeauvoir Playground
Ages: Infants to Big Kids
ShoppingFreeSmall Mammal House
Ages: Toddlers to Tweens
Tours & ExperiencesChessie's Big Backyard
Ages: Toddlers to Tweens
Parks & PlaygroundsFreeReservoir Park Playground
Ages: Infants to Big Kids
MuseumsNational Museum of African American History and Culture
Ages: Toddlers to Teens
Parks & PlaygroundsFreeJerome "Buddie" Ford Nature Center
Ages: Toddlers to Tweens
Parks & PlaygroundsFreeWoodland Wonderland Playground
Ages: Toddlers to Tweens
Outdoor AdventuresFreeElephant Trails
Ages: Toddlers to Teens
Tours & ExperiencesUnited States National Arboretum
Ages: Infants to Tweens
Parks & PlaygroundsFreePlayground at 9th & Penn
Ages: Toddlers to Big Kids
Tours & ExperiencesUnited States Botanic Garden
Ages: Infants to Tweens
Parks & PlaygroundsFreeGeorgetown Waterfront Park
Ages: All Ages
Common Questions
- What are the best free things to do with kids in Washington DC?
- Washington DC has 26 free family-friendly activities. Top-rated picks include Beauvoir Playground, Small Mammal House, Chessie's Big Backyard, Reservoir Park Playground, National Museum of African American History and Culture. All are free admission; no tickets needed.
- Are there free outdoor activities for kids in Washington DC?
- Yes. 17 of the 26 free activities in Washington DC are outdoors, including parks, playgrounds, and trails.
- What free activities in Washington DC are good for toddlers?
- 26 free activities in Washington DC are rated for toddlers (ages 1 to 3). Parent favorites: Beauvoir Playground, Small Mammal House, Chessie's Big Backyard.
- How many free activities in Washington DC are stroller-friendly?
- 23 of the 26 free activities in Washington DC are fully stroller-friendly.
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