Washington · District Of Columbia County, DC
Family things to do in Washington
Scout analyzed 181 Washington places and surfaced the ones that actually fit family.
Places analyzed
181
Matches
26
Typical spend
$20
Typical visit
1.7 hr
Complete outings
Family Afternoon at National Children's Museum
Ignite young imaginations with hands-on science and engineering installations at the National Children's Museum. Follow it up with creative doughnuts and fried chicken nearby, then let everyone run around the open lawns of Lafayette Square.
Family Morning at Air and Space Museum
Start your day with an educational adventure at the National Air and Space Museum, where kids can marvel at iconic aircraft and spacecraft. Afterward, refuel with delicious donuts and coffee, making for a sweet start to the day. Finish with a visit to the nearby sculpture garden for some fresh air and art.
Best neighborhoods for family
Ranked by how many matching spots Scout found in each area.
Scout-verified spots
Outdoors
Bartholdi Fountain and Gardens at U.S. Botanic Garden
This garden is a free outdoor activity perfect for a relaxed hour-long stroll, ideal for a family outing or solo adventure. It pairs well with a visit to the nearby U.S. Botanic Garden or other Capitol Hill attractions.
Navy Yard
The Yards Park
The Yards Park is a good free destination for a relaxing outdoor stroll along the river, suitable for families or solo outings. Expect to spend 1-2 hours here, possibly pairing it with a meal nearby in the Navy Yard area.
Northwest Washington
Donut Run
Donut Run is a quick stop for a treat, ideal for a casual morning or afternoon pick-me-up. Expect to spend $5-$15 per person for donuts and coffee.
Bluemont
Good Company Doughnuts & Cafe - Ballston
This is a good spot for a quick breakfast or a casual coffee and donut stop, suitable for families or a solo treat. Expect to spend $10-20 per person for an outing lasting about 30 minutes.
Navy Yard
The Salt Line
The Salt Line is a waterfront seafood restaurant ideal for a nice meal with a view, often paired with a walk along the river before or after. Expect to spend 1.5 to 2 hours and $50-100 per person.
Pentagon City
Good Company Doughnuts & Cafe - National Landing
A stop for coffee and doughnuts, suitable for a quick breakfast or afternoon snack. Expect to spend 30 minutes and $5-15 per person.
Northwest Washington
Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken
Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken is ideal for a quick, casual meal or snack, perfect for families or a solo treat. Expect to spend 15-30 minutes and around $10-$25 per person for donuts and chicken.
Crystal City
Skydome Restaurant
Skydome Restaurant is a casual spot for American food, suitable for a meal before or after local activities. Expect a bill of $20-40 per person for an hour to an hour and a half visit.
Navy Yard
The Yards
The Yards is a great outdoor space for a relaxed family outing or solo stroll, especially in good weather. Expect to spend 1-2 hours enjoying the park, with minimal to moderate cost depending on whether you bring your own food or purchase from nearby vendors.
Northeast Washington
U.S. National Arboretum
The U.S. National Arboretum is a large, free outdoor space ideal for a multi-hour family outing or solo stroll. Expect to spend a few hours exploring the diverse plant collections and walking the grounds; parking is usually accessible.
Southwest Washington
Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum
The National Air and Space Museum is a free, indoor activity perfect for families or solo visitors, offering a few hours of historical and scientific exploration. It pairs well with other Smithsonian museums on the National Mall and is a good option regardless of weather.
Northwest Washington
Rock Creek Park
This large urban park offers a variety of activities from hiking to golf, making it suitable for a half-day or full-day outing with minimal to moderate cost. It pairs well with a picnic or a visit to nearby attractions.
Outdoors
Mason Neck State Park
Mason Neck State Park is ideal for a half-day outdoor exploration, offering hiking and wildlife viewing (especially eagles). It costs about $7-10 for parking per vehicle and can easily be combined with a picnic.
Outdoors
Prince William Forest Park
Prince William Forest Park is ideal for a half-day to full-day outdoor escape, offering extensive trails for hiking or biking. Expect to spend $0-$20 for park entry and potentially more for camping or specific activities.
Southwest Waterfront
Culture House DC
Culture House DC offers a unique art viewing experience in a former church, suitable for a relaxed solo or family outing. Expect to spend an hour, potentially with a small fee for special exhibitions, and parking can be a bit tricky in the area.
Shaw
Unconventional Diner
Unconventional Diner is a solid choice for an upscale comfort food meal, suitable for dates, group dinners, or a nice family brunch. Expect to spend 1.5 hours and around $35-75 per person for food and drinks.
Georgetown
Filomena Ristorante
This upscale Italian restaurant is suitable for a romantic date night or a family dinner, offering hearty classics and over-the-top decor. Expect to spend $50-100 per person for a 1.5-hour meal.
Outdoors
Great Falls Park
Great Falls Park offers an active outing with scenic views, perfect for a family day or solo hike. Expect to spend a few hours exploring trails and viewing the falls, costing around $20 for vehicle entry.
Kalorama
The Phillips Collection
The Phillips Collection is ideal for a 2-hour cultural outing, offering a quiet art experience often with free admission or a modest cost for special exhibitions. It can be paired with a nearby meal or a stroll through Dupont Circle.
Outdoors
Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary
Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary is ideal for a half-day outdoor exploration, offering walking trails and wildlife viewing for a low cost. It pairs well with a picnic or a visit to a nearby small town.
George Washington University
Founding Farmers DC
Founding Farmers is a reliable choice for a sit-down American meal, suitable for various groups from family to couples. Plan for a 1.5 to 2 hour visit, with typical costs ranging from $30-$70 per person, depending on drinks and courses.
Outdoors
Billy Goat Trail
Billy Goat Trail offers a strenuous hike along the Potomac, perfect for a solo adventure or an active family outing. Expect to spend 2-3 hours and encounter significant walking over uneven terrain, with no cost for entry.
Outdoors
Scott’s Run Nature Preserve
Scott's Run Nature Preserve is a good option for a free outdoor hike or nature walk, easily taking 2-3 hours. It pairs well with a picnic or a casual meal in McLean afterwards.
Northwest Washington
Roosevelt lsland Park
This park offers wooded trails and historical monuments, suitable for a 1.5-hour outdoor walk. It's a free activity that can pair well with a picnic or a visit to nearby DC attractions.
Worth the splurge
When the night needs to land.
Outdoors
Patio, trail, or open-air.
What Scout found
- 60 of the 181 analyzed Washington places fit family.
- 38% of matches are outdoor or partly outdoor.
- 18% have easy parking.
- Dominant moods: Relaxed, Scenic, Social, Playful, Educational, Adventurous.
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