Washington DC Attractions for Children

(Washington, District of Columbia - DC, USA)

If you are visiting Washington as a family and looking for attractions suitable for children, then the Smithsonian National Zoological Park should certainly feature at the very top of your list. Not only is this zoo one of the oldest and best that North America has to offer, it also features free admission and so is perfect for a cheap day out. The National Zoo is called home by more than 2,000 different creatures, spanning around 400 animal species, many of which are endangered.

The Washington National Aquarium was another hugely popular children's attraction in the city, with its rock pools, sharks and realistic recreations of coral reefs. Unfortunately, due to renovations of the Herbert C. Hoover Building, in whose basement the aquarium resided, the National Aquarium had to close on 30th September 2013 and its creatures were relocated. In order to enjoy marine life, families will now have to visit the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland, approximately one hour northeast of this capital city.

Head southwards, to the city of Richmond, and both the Science Museum of Virginia and the Children's Museum of Richmond are more than worth the journey.

Smithsonian National Zoological Park

Address: 3001 Connecticut Avenue Northwest, Washington, District of Columbia D.C., 20008, USA
Tel: +1 202 633 2614
The National Zoological Park is also known at the 'Smithsonian Zoo' and was actually designed in 1889 by Frederick Law Olmsted, who also designed New York's world-famous Central Park. Following the natural contours of its woodland canyon setting, the park covers more than 160 acres / 65 hectares.

This is one of the major attractions for both children and adults alike, and there are an enormous number of animals to see, including lions, tigers, bears, gorillas, monkeys, elephants, giraffes, tropical birds, sea lions and reptiles. The main highlights are without doubt Mei Xiang and Tian Tian, two giant pandas that arrived from China in 2001. There are a number of buildings at the zoo and great care is taken to provide the animals with natural habitats, and many are housed in large outdoor enclosures.
Open hours: daily, April to October - 06:00 to 20:00, November to March - 06:00 to 18:00
Admission: free, charge for parking

Science Museum of Virginia

Address: 2500 West Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia VA, 23220, USA
Tel: +1 804 864 1400
The Science Museum of Virginia is situated directly south of Washington DC, in the old Richmond railway station. The building itself is easy to spot, since it is topped by an enormous dome. Established in 1970, there are now over 250 permanent hands-on exhibits, with themed attractions concentrating on subject matters such as aerospace, astronomy, chemistry, computers, electricity, illusions and physics. The Ethyl Universe Theater provides the biggest draw, with digital movies of a planetarium star show, projected on the large OmniMax screen. This Science Museum is particularly popular with children visiting the area, who also enjoy the Crystal World and the Grand Kugel Ball water feature.
Open hours: Tuesday to Saturday - 09:30 to 17:00, Sunday 11:30 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for seniors and children between four and 12 years old, children three years old and under are free

Children's Museum of Richmond

Address: 2626 West Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia VA, 23220, USA
Tel +1 804 474 7000
The Children's Museum of Richmond is located next to the Science Museum, where it ranks amongst the best children's attractions in America. This educational playhouse began its life in 1977 and features lots of things to do, including interactive displays and numerous hands-on activities. Look out for the Living Tree House, the Little Farm, the Town Square play area and the Art Studio, where everyone can have fun being creative. There is also a covered safari train, a pirate's ship and a play castle.
Open hours: daily - 09:30 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for seniors, children one years old and under are free