Washington DC for Kids: Places to Go

The DC Public Library is the place for books in our city. The library offers booklists by grade, video story books, audio books, music, videos, ebooks, story times, and special events. And a friendly children's librarian is there to help kids discover books that they will love. Check the calendar for a schedule of special events at your library. The main branch — the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library — is located on G Street near the Metro Center and Gallery Place Metro stations. Find the library in your neighborhood (location and hours).

Located in the heart of Adams Morgan, this bookstore has three floors of quality second-hand books for sale, as well as greeting cards, newspapers, records, and CDs. Children are welcome and comfortable chairs are provided to while away some time while browsing.

Take a free walking tour of this magnificent building and learn about its history, art and architecture, and a typical day at the library — the largest library in the world. Pick up the "Passport to Knowledge" and use the interactive kiosks to "collect" items that interest you.

Take a trip back in time to the 1870's! Ride along the historic C&O Canal in a boat pulled by mules. Experience rising 8 feet in a lock. Hear park rangers in period clothing describe what life was like for the families that lived and worked on the canal. (April–October)

Learn more about Washington's Greater U Street neighborhood, which inspired and sustained the rich social, civic, and cultural life of Washington's African American community. During the years of segregation, U Street was Washington's "Black Broadway" and the heart of African American business and culture. (Self-guided walking tour)

The Victorian house, furnished much as it was when the famed abolitionist and orator lived there, is filled with photographs, documents, and gifts from friends like Harriet Beecher Stowe and Abraham Lincoln. Check the website for information about the Junior Ranger program and to make tour reservations.

The Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail is a 560-mile land and water route that tells the story of the War of 1812 in the Chesapeake Bay region. It connects historic sites in Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia and commemorates the events leading up to the Battle for Baltimore, the aftermath of which inspired Francis Scott Key to write our National Anthem. The trail traces American and British troop movements, introduces visitors to communities affected by the war, and highlights the Chesapeake region’s distinctive landscapes and waterways.

The White House — where the President lives and works — offers tours to the public, but visitors must make reservations through their members of Congress. See the website for details. Here are a few of the areas you'll see on the tour: the East Garden Room, Vermeil Room, Library, China Room, Green Room, Blue Room, Red Room, State Dining Room, and the main entrance hall.

"In this temple, as in the hearts of the people for whom he saved the Union, the memory of Abraham Lincoln is enshrined forever." This memorial honors the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. The north and south side chambers contain carved inscriptions of Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address and his Gettysburg Address. The central hall contains the solitary figure of Lincoln sitting in contemplation.

The Thomas Jefferson Memorial, modeled after the Pantheon of Rome, is America's foremost memorial to our third president. Thomas Jefferson was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence document, first Secretary of State for the United States of America, and a complex, 19th century man with a wide ranging impact on America itself.

First in War, First in Peace, First in the Hearts of his Countrymen. Built to honor George Washington, once commander-in-chief of the Continental Army and the first President of the United States, the 555-foot marble obelisk towers over Washington, D.C.

Learn all about U.S. paper currency, and watch millions of dollars being printed as you walk along the gallery overlooking the production floor! (Open Monday–Friday)

Explore paintings, prints, sculpture, jade, bronze, ceramics, calligraphy, and more from Asia, the Middle East, Egypt, India, the Himalayas, and other Asian countries. Kids might especially enjoy the Peacock Room, jade and bronze daggers from China, animal amulets from Egypt, and gold-leaved illuminated manuscripts.

Explore hundreds of planes, spaceships, missiles, and rockets. Here's where you can see the 1903 Wright Brothers Flyer, the Spirit of St. Louis, the Apollo 11 command module, and the Hubble Space Telescope test vehicle. Don't miss the How Things Fly exhibit!

Learn about the history of the built environment through exhibits about architecture, engineering, and design. Explore the Building Zone, a hands-on introduction to the building arts designed especially for kids ages two to six. Check out the LEGO exhibit, through September 3, 2012.

Discover wonderful exhibits and photography on archaeology, inventions, expeditions, explorers, cultures from around the world, wildlife, and more.

Traditional and contemporary art from the entire continent of Africa. Check out the summer workshops and performing arts programs featuring local and African artists, writers, dancers, musicians, and spoken word poets.

Inspire curiosity, discovery, and learning about the natural world. There's so much for kids to explore here: dinosaurs and fossils of course, but also mammals, the ocean, Egyptian mummies, an insect zoo, live butterflies and plants, gems and minerals, and the Earth, Moon, and meteorites.

Learn the stories of America through the individuals who have shaped our nation, including poets, presidents, visionaries, villains, sports heroes, actors, and activists. Kids will enjoy the complete collection of presidential portraits and the unique water feature in the courtyard. Also check out Open Studio Fridays, Portrait Story Kits, and Portrait Story Days (June 2012)

This beautiful garden is actually a set of three rooftop gardens, each reflecting the culture of the museums that sit below — African art, Asian art, and the International gallery.

Varieties of exotic water lilies bloom from late May through early September. Morning is the best time to see them; the flowers close when the temperature rises above 89 degrees. Explore this beautiful wetland habitat where you can see birds, dragonflies, beavers, and muskrats.

Explore the outdoors! Discover parks, trails, and other nature sites near you with this searchable site and interactive map.

A Discovery Room encourages hands-on activities including an observation hive where kids can watch bees at work. Daily guided nature walks. Check the website to find the schedule for the kid-friendly planetarium shows.

Here's the perfect oasis for families looking for a quieter experience on the Mall. Wander through the outdoor butterfly garden, water garden, and rose garden. In the Conservatory you'll discover the cool and relaxing Garden Court with pools and fountains; jungle, desert, and tropical plants; a children's garden; and special exhibits on orchids and medicinal plants. Kids will find the current exhibit on carnivorous plants fascinating and enjoy the multi-sebnsory exhibit in the West Gallery!