Free Things To Do In Washington DC With Toddlers
Are you the proud parent of a future U.S. President? Perhaps it's a little too early to know the fate of your child, but you can start them off right with a trip to the nation's capital. Washington DC offers plenty of free activities for families traveling with tiny ones. Parks, museums, a world-class zoo, it's all here and doesn't cost much at all (be prepared to pay for parking if you're not traveling by foot). Here are a few of our favorite free things to do in DC with toddlers.
Check out the National Zoo. This is one of the most toddler-friendly attractions in the nation's capital. You and your kids can come face-to-face with more than 400 different species of animals, including giant pandas, lions, monkeys, tigers and more! The Zoo spans over 163 acres of land within the Rock Creek National Park and is part of the Smithsonian Institution. Open daily (except Christmas) at 6 a.m. Best of all, admission is completely free, parking rates will apply. Located at 3002 Connecticut Avenue NW. For more information, call 202-633-4800.
Are you a family of pet lovers, especially dogs? Visit the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial with your toddlers and take pictures with Fala, the famous Presidential pooch (yes, he's a statue). This 7.5 acre historical site feels more like a park with the surrounding waterfalls and serene pools. The memorial features four outdoor gallery rooms depicting the 12 years of FDR's presidency. Open daily (except for Christmas) from 8 a.m.-midnight. Located at Ohio Drive. For more information, call 202-426-6841.
Plan a family outing to Friendship Park (a.k.a. Turtle Park), a popular playground situated in DC's Van Ness neighborhood. The park is a great place for families with little ones to congregate. With plenty of events scheduled throughout the year, including the annual Easter Egg Hunt, the May Fair and story time, there's always something exciting to see. Children especially love to play in the park's gigantic sandbox full of toys. Check the schedule for upcoming events. Located at 45th and Van Ness NW. For more information, 202-282-2198.
Catch a live theatrical performance at the Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage, featuring free shows starting at 6 p.m. everything night of the week. Concerts are held on the river side of the Kennedy Center and are accessible by shuttle bus from the Foggy Bottom Metro Station. Shows are appropriate for school age kids, but the setup up of the performance space is conducive to bringing babies and toddlers as well.
Take your little ones to see the beautiful butterflies as they roam freely through the National Museum of Natural History's Butterfly Pavilion. Normally priced at $6 for adults and $5 for children, the pavilion offers free admission on Tuesdays! The space provides a tropical oasis where families can come face to face with several species of butterflies and exotic plants. Get your timed-entry ticket at the Butterfly Pavilion Box Office starting at 10 a.m. For more information, contact the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History at 202-633-1000.