Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!
Free Places to Visit with Kids in the Washington DC area
14
items Washington DC is an expensive place to live or visit. But entertaining kids in the DC area doesn't have to break the bank. Here are places to go with kids around DC that don't charge admission.
Map
Kids can sort mail, "drive” a mail truck, get free stamps for their collection, and much more. The postal museum is usually not crowded since it's not located on the National Mall.
Smithsonian National Postal Museum
Don't miss the Youth Garden or the koi pond next to the Administration Building.
United States National Arboretum
Just. Plain. Beautiful.
Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens
An operational water-powered mill. It's great fun for kids to see how cornmeal and flour were made in the 19th century. Open seasonally. Check online for special events and dates the miller will be operating the mill.
Peirce Mill (in Rock Creek Park)
Great to visit year round, but has a train exhibit at Christmastime.
United States Botanic Garden
All-aboard! One of the playgrounds looks like a ship.
Anacostia Park
The best time to go is for the free kids art activities on the first Saturday of the month, but any day is a good day to visit.
National Gallery of Art
Most kids probably want to go here to play in the fountains, but my kids enjoyed watching ducks from the bridge. Lots of places to sit to enjoy the beautiful waterfront views.
The Yards Park
Great place to see wildlife, including bald eagles and turtles. Picnic tables allow for a waterfront picnic. There's a playground too. Free admission and free parking. Boat tours for a nominal fee.
Bladensburg Waterfront Park
Smokey the rabbit is the main attraction, but turtles, a ball bython, and the koi in the courtyard pond are just a few of the other animals to meet here. Don't miss the playground behind the building. Free admission and free parking.
Mount Rainier Nature Center
Right next to the train tracks. Your little train lover can see real engines going down the line.
Bowie Railroad Museum
Opens once a month. Usually has a free activity while open. Past activities have included a train-themed concert, a documentary viewing, and train-themed crafts. Free admission and activities are usually free. Limited free parking due to construction...
Silver Spring B&O Railroad Station
Great for an easy hike or bird watching. Kids will enjoy looking for fish and turtles from the bridge. Has a 1.2 mile loop trail and a 1.4 mile loop trail.
Lake Artemesia Park - Prince Georges County MD
At 270-feet high, this tower is one of the best places to for views of DC. Admission is free as the tower operated separately from the hotel it's connected to.
Old Post Office Tower (U.S. National Park Service)