Washington DC for Kids: Places to Go

2011 Smithsonian Folklife Festival. Copyright Ellie Van Houtte.
Copyright 2011 by Ellie Van Houtte

DC is a great place for kids. So get out and explore the city and its museums, zoos, parks, festivals, and more. There are lots of opportunities for hands-on learning, and most stuff is free.

Bookstores and Libraries

826DC Writing Workshops

3233 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20010
Metro: Columbia Heights
Dedicated to supporting students ages 6-18 with their creative and expository writing skills, and to helping parents and teachers teachers inspire their students to write. 826DC provides tutoring, field trips, after-school and summer workshops, help for English language learners, and assistance with student publications.
Related summer themes: Family and Community, Poetry

Carpe Librum Bookstore

1030 17th St. NW, Washington, DC 20006
Metro: Farragut North, Farragut West

Browse thousands of gently used books, CDs, DVDs, and vinyl records. All items for sale at Carpe Librum (“seize the book“) are donated by the public and all proceeds go straight to Turning the Page, in support of their family literacy programs. NOTE: Carpe Librum will be moving in December 2017 — check the website for the new location.

DC Public Library

901 G St. N.W, Washington, DC 20001
Metro: Metro Center, Gallery Place-Chinatown
The DC Public Library is the place for books in our city. The library offers booklists by grade, video story books, audio books, music, videos, ebooks, story times, and special events. And a friendly children's librarian is there to help kids discover books that they will love. Check the calendar for a schedule of special events at your library. The main branch — the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library — is located on G Street near the Metro Center and Gallery Place Metro stations. Find the library in your neighborhood (location and hours).

Fairy Godmother Children's Books and Toys

19 7th St. SE, Washington, DC 20003
Metro: Eastern Market
Located near Eastern Market, this specialty store features books for children — from infants through teens — in English, Spanish, and French. It also sells puppets, toys, craft sets, and CDs.

Idle Time Books

2467 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
Metro: U Street, Dupont Circle
Located in the heart of Adams Morgan, this bookstore has three floors of quality second-hand books for sale, as well as greeting cards, newspapers, records, and CDs. Children are welcome and comfortable chairs are provided to while away some time while browsing.

Kramerbooks & Afterwords

1517 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20036
Metro: Dupont Circle
A cultural landmark and institution in DC since 1976, located in Dupont Circle. After browsing, you can grab a treat at the cafe. Small selection of quality children's books.

Library of Congress

101 Independence Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20540
Metro: Capitol South
Take a free walking tour of this magnificent building and learn about its history, art and architecture, and a typical day at the library — the largest library in the world. Pick up the "Passport to Knowledge" and use the interactive kiosks to "collect" items that interest you.

Library of Congress Young Readers Center

101 Independence Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20540
Metro: Capitol South
Young people are encouraged to explore the center’s library of current and classic books, which can be read onsite. Adults can also read aloud to their children from a selection of preschool-appropriate books by the nation’s best authors and illustrators. (Open Monday–Friday)
Related summer themes: Folktales, Fairy Tales and Myths, Poetry

Politics and Prose Bookstore

5015 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20008
Metro: Van Ness-UDC
This independent bookstore and coffeehouse, located north of the Van Ness Metro, hosts events, book groups, and talks by famous authors. Great children's book section!

Farms and Markets

Eastern Market

225 7th Street SE , Washington, DC 20003
Metro: Eastern Market
DC's oldest continually operated fresh food public market, located in the heart of Capitol Hill, is a perfect destination for fresh food, community events — and on weekends, local farm-fresh produce and handmade arts and crafts.

Farmers Markets (DC Metro area)

Visiting and shopping at farmers markets help kids understand where their food comes from and learn a bit about healthy eating. You might get the chance to have a conversation with a local farmer and pick up a few recipes for the week's meals.

Related summer themes: Cooking and Food, Nature: Our Green World

Old Maryland Farm

301 Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774
Metro: Largo Town Center
Visit bunnies, chickens, peacocks, ducks, llamas, cows, ponies, and sheep. Hayrides cost one dollar.

Historic Sites and Government Buildings

Adams Morgan Heritage Trail

16th Street NW & Florida Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009
Metro: U Street
Eighteen markers along the Adams Morgan Heritage Trail highlight the unique history of DC's Adams Morgan neighborhood and it's transition from a posh retreat area during the 19th century to an urban center for Washington's Hispanic community in more modern times. (Self-guided walking tour)
Related summer themes: Family and Community

African American Heritage Trail (Washington DC)

, Washington, DC
Learn about the people and places who help make DC the place it is today. From Benjamin Banneker’s essential role in the survey of the District, to the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech at the Lincoln Memorial and beyond, African Americans help shape the city. (Self-guided walking tour)

C&O Canal Boat Rides

$
Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center 11710 MacArthur Boulevard, Potomac, MD 20854
Metro: Foggy Bottom-GWU
Take a trip back in time to the 1870's! Ride along the historic C&O Canal in a boat pulled by mules. Experience rising 8 feet in a lock. Hear park rangers in period clothing describe what life was like for the families that lived and worked on the canal. (April–October)

Carter G. Woodson Home

1538 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
Metro: Mt Vernon Sq 7th St-Convention Center, Shaw-Howard U

Before Dr. Carter G. Woodson, there was very little accurate written history about the lives and experiences of Americans of African descent. Today a National Historic Site, Dr. Woodson’s home served as the headquarters for the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. Dr. Woodson established Negro History Week here in 1926, which we celebrate today as Black History Month.

City Within a City: Greater U Street Heritage Trail

13th Street & U Street NW , Washington, DC 20009
Metro: U Street/African-Amer Civil War Memorial/Cardozo
Learn more about Washington's Greater U Street neighborhood, which inspired and sustained the rich social, civic, and cultural life of Washington's African American community. During the years of segregation, U Street was Washington's "Black Broadway" and the heart of African American business and culture. (Self-guided walking tour)

Civil War to Civil Rights: Downtown Heritage Trail

Seventh Street & Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20003
Metro: Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter
Walk in the footsteps of Abraham Lincoln, Frederick Douglass, the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Walt Whitman, and other great Americans whose lives were intertwined with the history of the nation and its capital city. (Self-guided walking tour)

Frederick Douglass National Historic Site

$
1411 W ST SE, Washington, DC 20020
Metro: Anacostia

The Victorian house, furnished much as it was when the famed abolitionist and orator lived there, is filled with photographs, documents, and gifts from friends like Harriet Beecher Stowe and Abraham Lincoln. Check the website for information about the Junior Ranger program and to make tour reservations.

Mary McLeod Bethune Council House

1318 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005
Metro: U Street/African-Amer Civil War Memorial/Cardozo, McPherson Square
Located in the Logan Circle Historic District, this historic house museum honors the achievements of African American women. It features original furniture from the National Council of Negro Women, photographs, and facsimiles of historic documents.

Star Spangled Banner National Historic Trail (Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia)

, Washington, DC

The Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail is a 560-mile land and water route that tells the story of the War of 1812 in the Chesapeake Bay region. It connects historic sites in Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia and commemorates the events leading up to the Battle for Baltimore, the aftermath of which inspired Francis Scott Key to write our National Anthem. The trail traces American and British troop movements, introduces visitors to communities affected by the war, and highlights the Chesapeake region’s distinctive landscapes and waterways.

Supreme Court of the United States

1 First Street NE , Washington, DC 20543
Metro: Capitol South
Take a self-guided tour of the building and learn about the symbolism of the architectural features, watch a film about the Court, and view special exhibitions.

The White House

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20500
Metro: Farragut West, McPherson Square, Metro Center
The White House — where the President lives and works — offers tours to the public, but visitors must make reservations through their members of Congress. See the website for details. Here are a few of the areas you'll see on the tour: the East Garden Room, Vermeil Room, Library, China Room, Green Room, Blue Room, Red Room, State Dining Room, and the main entrance hall.

U.S. Capitol Visitor Center

East Capitol Street NE & First Street NE, Washington, DC 20004
Metro: Capitol South
Take a guided tour of the U.S. Capitol to learn about the symbolism and history of the art and architecture. Exhibition Hall features original documents and artifacts, videos, touchable models, computer interactives and two small theaters, providing visitors with an in-depth look at how Congress works, the history of the Capitol and Congress, as well as information on Representatives and Senators. (Open Monday–Saturday. Free, but passes are required)

Washington National Cathedral

3101 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016
Metro: Van Ness-UDC, Cleveland Park
Take a self-guided tour of the Cathedral with help from the “Explore the Cathedral with Children” brochure. A scavenger hunt helps families find images in stained glass windows, wrought iron animals, tiny carvings and gargoyles.

Monuments and Memorials

Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial

1850 West Basin Dr SW, Washington, DC 20242
Metro: Foggy Bottom-GWU, Smithsonian

Dedicated to the memory of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United States, and to the era he represents. "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself...." iconic words from an iconic president. Learn more about the man, his memorial and his lasting legacy to the Nation.

Korean War Veterans Memorial

900 Ohio Dr SW, Washington, DC 20024
Metro: Smithsonian, Federal Triangle

The Korean War Veterans Memorial, located just south of the Reflecting Pool on the National Mall, commemorates those who served in the Korean War. Our nation honors her sons and daughters who answered the call to defend a country they never knew and a people they never met.

Lincoln Memorial

900 Ohio Drive SW, Washington, DC 20024
Metro: Foggy Bottom-GWU, Smithsonian

"In this temple, as in the hearts of the people for whom he saved the Union, the memory of Abraham Lincoln is enshrined forever." This memorial honors the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. The north and south side chambers contain carved inscriptions of Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address and his Gettysburg Address. The central hall contains the solitary figure of Lincoln sitting in contemplation.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial

1850 West Basin Drive SW, Washington, DC 20024
Metro: Smithsonian
The memorial, located in a beautiful spot near the Tidal Basin surrounded by cherry trees, honors Dr. King’s national and international contributions and vision for all to enjoy a life of freedom, opportunity, and justice.

Thomas Jefferson Memorial

701 E Basin Dr SW, Washington, DC 20242
Metro: L'Enfant Plaza, Smithsonian

The Thomas Jefferson Memorial, modeled after the Pantheon of Rome, is America's foremost memorial to our third president. Thomas Jefferson was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence document, first Secretary of State for the United States of America, and a complex, 19th century man with a wide ranging impact on America itself.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial

5 Henry Bacon Dr NW, Washington, DC 20245
Metro: Smithsonian, Foggy Bottom-GWU, Federal Triangle

The memorial wall, designed by architect Maya Lin, includes the names of over 58,000 servicemen and women who gave their lives in service or are missing in action in the Vietnam Conflict. The memorial also includes "The Three Servicemen" statue and the Vietnam Women's Memorial.

Washington Monument

2 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20024
Metro: Smithsonian, Federal Triangle

First in War, First in Peace, First in the Hearts of his Countrymen. Built to honor George Washington, once commander-in-chief of the Continental Army and the first President of the United States, the 555-foot marble obelisk towers over Washington, D.C.

World War II Memorial

1750 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024
Metro: Federal Triangle, Farragut West, Smithsonian

Through stone architecture and bronze sculptures, the World War II Memorial recognizes the ways Americans served, honors those who fell, and recognizes the victory they achieved to restore freedom and end tyranny around the globe.

Museums and Galleries

American Art Museum

8th Street & F Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20004
Metro: Gallery Place-Chinatown
Paintings, sculpture, photographs, folk art, and decorative arts from the colonial period to today. Check out the conservation center to old paintings being restored. Kids will enjoy the courtyard with its unique water feature.
Related summer themes: Art and Artists

Anacostia Community Museum

1901 Fort Place, SE, Washington, DC 20020
Metro: Anacostia
Learn more about urban life and how it is shaped by the community and the wider world. Kid-friendly programs include family history, Kwanzaa activties, storytelling, and the annual Mardi Gras arts festival.

Bureau of Printing and Engraving

14th Street & C Street, S.W, Washington, DC 20228
Metro: Smithsonian
Learn all about U.S. paper currency, and watch millions of dollars being printed as you walk along the gallery overlooking the production floor! (Open Monday–Friday)
Related summer themes: Civics and Our Government, Money

Butterfly Pavilion at the National Museum of Natural History

$
10th Street & Constitution Ave., NW , Washington, DC 20560
Metro: Federal Triangle, Smithsonian
Take a stroll among live butterflies and exotic plants! This tropical oasis gives kids a chance to get close to a variety of living butterflies from all over the world.

Freer/Sackler Gallery of Art

1050 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20560
Metro: Smithsonian
Explore paintings, prints, sculpture, jade, bronze, ceramics, calligraphy, and more from Asia, the Middle East, Egypt, India, the Himalayas, and other Asian countries. Kids might especially enjoy the Peacock Room, jade and bronze daggers from China, animal amulets from Egypt, and gold-leaved illuminated manuscripts.

Insect Zoo at the National Museum of Natural History

12th Street & Madison Drive NW, Washington, DC 20560
Metro: Federal Triangle, Smithsonian
Kids can observe and hold live insects and their many-legged relatives. Volunteers demonstrate how to feed a tarantula (check the website for the schedule).
Related summer themes: Bugs, Birds and Animals

National Air and Space Museum

7th Street and Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
Metro: L'Enfant Plaza
Explore hundreds of planes, spaceships, missiles, and rockets. Here's where you can see the 1903 Wright Brothers Flyer, the Spirit of St. Louis, the Apollo 11 command module, and the Hubble Space Telescope test vehicle. Don't miss the How Things Fly exhibit!

National Archives

700 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20408
Metro: Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter
The nation's founding documents are on display here: the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights and the Constitution. Take time to explore the Public Vaults — chock-full of documents, photographs, maps, drawing, video, and audio from our country's history.

National Building Museum

$
401 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
Metro: Judiciary Square, Gallery Place-Chinatown
Learn about the history of the built environment through exhibits about architecture, engineering, and design. Explore the Building Zone, a hands-on introduction to the building arts designed especially for kids ages two to six. Check out the LEGO exhibit, through September 3, 2012.

National Gallery of Art

6th Street and Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20565
Metro: Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter
A world-class museum with collections and exhibits in two buildings and a sculpture garden. The West Building features more traditional art (daVinci, Degas, and Renoir, for example), while the East Building focuses on more modern and contemporary art — including Matisse, Calder, and Picasso. Don't miss the amazing moving "light sculpture" in the Concourse walkway between the East and West buildings.

National Geographic Museum

1145 17th St NW, Washington, DC 20036
Metro: Farragut North, Farragut West
Discover wonderful exhibits and photography on archaeology, inventions, expeditions, explorers, cultures from around the world, wildlife, and more.

National Museum of African American History and Culture

1400 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20560
Metro: Smithsonian, Federal Triangle

Learn about the richness and diversity of the African American experience and how it helped us shape this nation. The exhibitions and collections explore every aspect of the African American experience, covering the arts, slavery, the Civil Rights Movement, athletics, and much more.

National Museum of African Art

950 Independence Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560
Metro: Smithsonian
Traditional and contemporary art from the entire continent of Africa. Check out the summer workshops and performing arts programs featuring local and African artists, writers, dancers, musicians, and spoken word poets.

National Museum of American History

1400 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560
Metro: Federal Triangle
The Museum has more than 3 million objects in its collection! Learn about the science, culture, technology, history, and government of our country. Some of the most-loved exhibits include the Star-Spangled Banner, steam locomotives, a 5-story dollhouse, the First Ladies' gowns, George Washington’s uniform, and Dorothy’s ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz.

National Museum of Natural History

10th Street and Constutution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20013
Metro: Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter, Federal Triangle, Smithsonian
Inspire curiosity, discovery, and learning about the natural world. There's so much for kids to explore here: dinosaurs and fossils of course, but also mammals, the ocean, Egyptian mummies, an insect zoo, live butterflies and plants, gems and minerals, and the Earth, Moon, and meteorites.

National Museum of the American Indian

Fourth Street & Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20560
Metro: Federal Center SW
Explore events, films, and demonstrations designed for families, including the interactive, family-friendly imagiNATIONS Activity Center. Check out the unique Mitsitam Cafe where you can sample delicious Native foods.

National Portrait Gallery

Eighth Street NW & F Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
Metro: Gallery Place-Chinatown
Learn the stories of America through the individuals who have shaped our nation, including poets, presidents, visionaries, villains, sports heroes, actors, and activists. Kids will enjoy the complete collection of presidential portraits and the unique water feature in the courtyard. Also check out Open Studio Fridays, Portrait Story Kits, and Portrait Story Days (June 2012)

National Postal Museum

2 Massachusetts Avenue NE, Washington, DC 20002
Metro: Union Station
Discover the history of America’s mail service and the hobby of stamp collecting. You can see a vintage mail plane, an Alaskan dogsled mail carrier, rare stamps, and an exhibit on the Pony Express.

Sculpture Garden at the National Gallery of Art

7th Street and Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005
Metro: Federal Triangle
Explore the eclectic collection of sculpture, including the Pop Art house (Lichtenstein), the giant spider (Bougeois), and the Red Horse (Calder). Toss pennies into the fountain and make a wish. Free jazz concerts June through August.
Related summer themes: Art and Artists

Museums and Galleries, Planetariums

Einstein Planetarium

$
Independence Ave SW & 6th St SW, Washington, DC 20597
Metro: L'Enfant Plaza, Smithsonian
Feel the sensation of zooming through the cosmos, enveloped in color saturated moving images and spine-tingling sound. Located at the National Air and Space Museum. Check the website for special free show times.
Related summer themes: Flight, Stars, Planets and the Night Sky

Einstein Planetarium

$
Independence Ave SW & 6th St SW, Washington, DC 20597
Metro: L'Enfant Plaza, Smithsonian
Feel the sensation of zooming through the cosmos, enveloped in color saturated moving images and spine-tingling sound. Located at the National Air and Space Museum. Check the website for special free show times.
Related summer themes: Flight, Stars, Planets and the Night Sky

Parks, Nature Centers, and Gardens

Discover the Forest: Find Forests and Parks Near You (Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia)

, Washington, DC 20001

Find forests, parks, and outdoor activities close to home with this searchable site and interactive map.

East Potomac Park

Ohio Dr SW, Washington, DC 20024
Metro: L'Enfant Plaza, Smithsonian
This airy peninsula just south of the Jefferson Memorial drives a grassy wedge between the Potomac River and the Washington Channel. You’ll find one 18-hole and two 9-hole public golf courses, miniature golfing, and a seasonal public pool. You can watch planes takeoff and land at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, while children frolic on the sandy playground.
Related summer themes: Flight, Sports and the Olympics

Enid A. Haupt Garden (Smithsonian Institution)

1050 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
Metro: Smithsonian
This beautiful garden is actually a set of three rooftop gardens, each reflecting the culture of the museums that sit below — African art, Asian art, and the International gallery.
Related summer themes: Art and Artists, Nature: Our Green World

Gravelly Point

George Washington Parkway, Arlington, VA 22201
Metro: Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport
Enjoy a great view of the Washington skyline and a close-up look at planes landing and taking off from National Airport. The runway is just 400 feet away, so the park is loud! Best for kids who are fascinated by airplanes.
Related summer themes: Flight

Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens

1550 Anacostia Avenue, NE, Washington, DC 20019
Metro: Deanwood

Varieties of exotic water lilies bloom from late May through early September. Morning is the best time to see them; the flowers close when the temperature rises above 89 degrees. Explore this beautiful wetland habitat where you can see birds, dragonflies, beavers, and muskrats.

National Arboretum

3501 New York Avenue, NE, Washington, DC 20002
Metro: Stadium-Armory
450 acres of plants, trees, and flowers. Wander through gazebos and over footbridges, explore the Grove of State Trees, feed the fish in the koi pond, or spread out a blanket for a picnic lunch.

Nature Find: Find Parks, Trails, and Other Nature Sites Near You

, Washington, DC

Explore the outdoors! Discover parks, trails, and other nature sites near you with this searchable site and interactive map.

Pollinator Garden (Smithsonian Institution)

1000 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20013
Metro: Federal Triangle, Smithsonian
Learn more about the close relationship between plants and butterflies. Free tours throughout the summer. You might even get to see all the stages in the life of a butterfly — from egg to caterpillar to chrysalis to butterfly! Located on the east side of the Museum of Natural History.

Rock Creek Park Nature Center and Planetarium

5200 Glover Road NW, Washington, DC 20015
Metro: Fort Totten, Takoma
A Discovery Room encourages hands-on activities including an observation hive where kids can watch bees at work. Daily guided nature walks. Check the website to find the schedule for the kid-friendly planetarium shows.

Theodore Roosevelt Island

Theodore Roosevelt Island, Washington, DC 20037
Metro: Rosslyn
Gentle nature trails and a boardwalk allow families to view wildlife — turtles, hummingbirds, and great blue herons — in the forest and swamp. And, learn about the environmental legacy of Theodore Roosevelt at the Memorial Plaza located in the middle of the island.

U.S. Botanic Garden

100 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20024
Metro: Federal Center SW
Here's the perfect oasis for families looking for a quieter experience on the Mall. Wander through the outdoor butterfly garden, water garden, and rose garden. In the Conservatory you'll discover the cool and relaxing Garden Court with pools and fountains; jungle, desert, and tropical plants; a children's garden; and special exhibits on orchids and medicinal plants. Kids will find the current exhibit on carnivorous plants fascinating and enjoy the multi-sebnsory exhibit in the West Gallery!

Watkins Regional Park

301 Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774
Metro: Largo Town Center
Live animal displays include insects, amphibians, reptiles, and birds of prey. The nature center also features indoor and outdoor ponds, a songbird feeding area, a butterfly/hummingbird garden, composting area, an outdoor nest box exhibit, and a squirrel gym! Nature hikes, campfires, animal shows, puppet shows, crafts, summer day camps, and other programs.

Planetariums

David M. Brown Planetarium

$
426 N. Quincy St., Arlington, VA 22207
Metro: Ballston-MU

Adjacent to Washington-Lee High School, the David M. Brown Planetarium has been serving the community for over 40 years. Throughout the season, there are public multimedia programs including “Black Holes: The Other Side of Infinity,” “Magic Tree House Space Adventure,” “The Exploding Universe” and a new children’s show called “Perfect Little Planet.” Additionally, “Stars Tonight,” a live sky show that highlights the celestial sights of the coming month, is offered on the first Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m. The Friends of Arlington’s Planetarium also boasts a monthly schedule of full-dome programs with lectures on topics such as NASA, science fiction, robots and more. Admission is $3 for adults and $2 for both children under 12 and seniors.

Related summer themes: Stars, Planets and the Night Sky

Hylton Planetarium

$
14051 Spriggs Road, Woodbridge, VA 22193

Visit this state-of-the-art planetarium located in Hylton High School. Public programs include full-dome shows about astronauts, legends of the night sky, stars and other astronomical features. Music fans will love the wide variety of lyrical laser shows featuring genres such as pop and country and iconic artists like the Beatles and Pink Floyd. Check the calendar for full descriptions and schedules. Tickets for all programs are $10 each and must be purchased in cash with exact change only. Because seating at this intimate venue is limited to only 65 people, it’s highly suggested to purchase tickets early.

Related summer themes: Stars, Planets and the Night Sky

Zoos and Aquariums

Kids' Farm at the National Zoo

3001 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
Metro: Woodley Park-Zoo, Cleveland Park
The National Zoo's petting zoo: a bright red barn with cows, goats, donkeys, chickens and ducks. Visit the pizza garden and the giant pizza playground.
Related summer themes: Bugs, Birds and Animals, Cooking and Food

National Aquarium DC

$
The National Aquarium is a non-profit public aquarium located at 501 E Pratt Street in the Inner Harbor area of Baltimore, Maryland. The National Aquarium's mission is to inspire conservation of the world's aquatic treasures.

National Zoo

3001 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
Metro: Woodley Park-Zoo, Cleveland Park
About 2,000 animals from 400 different species live at the National Zoo. The best known residents are the giant pandas, but the Zoo is also home to great apes, big cats, Asian elephants, birds, amphibians, reptiles, insects, aquatic animals, small mammals, and many more!