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Best Historical and Cultural Sites To Visit With Kids in DC

August 17, 2022

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Washinton, D.C. -- home to some of the most famous historical sites in the world -- is also a great place for kids to explore. As the nation's capital, there are many places to see and explore. From the White House to the Jefferson Memorial, there are plenty of places to take your children for a fun day out.

No matter what age your child is, there are sure to be some amazing attractions in Washington, D.C. that you and your kids can visit. Here are a few of our favorites:

The White House

The seat of American power, the White House is a must-see for any child visiting Washington, D.C. The White House has a fascinating history, from its construction in 1792 to the present day. While visitors are not allowed to wander inside the White House, you can still see it from Pennsylvania Avenue.

The White House is where the president of the United States lives and works. If you want your kids to feel like they're in the Oval Office, take them to see this magnificent building.

United States Capitol

The United States Capitol is one of the most iconic buildings in the country. Completed in 1793, it is home to the United States Congress and is a stunning example of American architecture.

This beautiful building is a must-see for everyone who visits Washington DC. Unlike the White House, you can go inside the Capitol from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Saturday, unless it's a holiday. It can get very packed though, so we recommend that you start your day early to beat the crowd. 

Library of Congress

The Library of Congress is one of the largest and most famous libraries in the world. It is also one of the most popular tourist destinations in Washington, D.C.

Words can't describe how gorgeous this place is inside and out. Every single detail is carefully thought out, from the architecture to the art. Also, try and get a library card if you can -- it’s totally free and a fun souvenir to keep. 

The Library of Congress is the largest library in the world, with more than 173 million books, and manuscripts, as well as significant collections of art, architecture, music, and film. It is a great place to explore on your own or with your kids.

Smithsonian Institution

With 21 museums and the National Zoo, the Smithsonian Institution is composed of museums, education, and research complex. The Smithsonian Institution has something for everyone. Some of the most popular museums include the National Museum of American History, the National Air and Space Museum, and the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

The Smithsonian Institution has free admission for all visitors on weekdays from 9 am to 5 pm in all of its facilities. If you're visiting on the weekend, be sure to check their website for special events and hours.

Lincoln Memorial

The Lincoln Memorial is a beautiful tribute to the 16th president of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. Completed in 1922, this statue is made of marble and is sure to impress.

The Lincoln Memorial is a great place to take your kids on a beautiful day. The statue is surrounded by gardens and you can see the Washington Monument in the distance.

Going to Lincoln Memorial is quite a challenge for your feet. Make sure you have a good pair of sneakers or rent a scooter or bicycle. When renting, you just need to present your phone and credit card. The memorial is open 24 hours a day, including holidays, so you can definitely plan a day out here.

National Gallery of Art

The National Gallery of Art is a great stop for any history or art lover. Boasting many different paintings from the biggest artists, the gallery is expansive and well-curated.

For history lovers, check out the presidential portraits by Gilbert Stuart and the famous painting of Marie Antoinette. We also recommend touring the galleries on the lower floor, where there are beautiful Degas and Rodin sculptures and early Colonial furniture.

The National Gallery of Art is definitely an iconic Smithsonian and worth seeing. But again -- this place is massive! Schedule a big chunk of your day if you want to see a lot of it, or else prioritize the works you want to see and grab a building map to help you stay on track (there’s a good chance you’ll still get a little lost). All in all, this place is a must-visit if you love art -- and it's free!

Washington Monument

The Washington Monument is hands down one of the most iconic monuments in DC. This monument is way bigger in actual than expected. Standing at 555-ft tall, the Washington Monument is a sight to behold.

We recommend you reserve tickets 30 days in advance at recreation.gov to ride up to the top of the monument and see the view from the observation deck.

Hirshhorn Museum

If you want your kids to see super interesting contemporary art exhibits, you need to check out the Hirshhorn Museum. Founded in 1965, the Hirshhorn Museum features cutting-edge contemporary art from around the world.

This museum focuses on art made during the last 50 years or so. The building itself is a piece of modern art. Nonetheless, all of their exhibits are incredible and thought-provoking. 

Saturday and Sunday get pretty packed, so make sure to arrive early if you want to avoid crowds. Also, tickets for special exhibits sometimes ran out, so if you’re looking to see one of those, book the tickets in advance.

Don't worry, the tickets are still free, they just use them to manage the amount of people in the exhibit. 

Conclusion

These are just a few of the amazing places you can visit in Washington, D.C. with your kids this summer. There's something for everyone, so make sure to check out all of these attractions when you come to DC!

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