A successful outing with young children requires a bit of preparation and planning. There are nap times to consider, meal times to account for, and your child’s energy levels throughout the day to keep in mind. The most enjoyable day trips are those that can loosely mimic your child’s weekday routine, which usually includes morning learning time, lunch, rest, and active play.
Fortunately, Washington, D.C. has many options for young families seeking hands-on outings. So, get the car packed with all the essentials—we know there are many when you have small children—and hit the town to create your own adventure in Washington, D.C.! The best part? There’s something educational to experience every step of the way!
Morning (8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.)
Morning is usually the best time for activities that require more calm and focused energy. Smithsonian’s National Zoo and library time are great options for experiential learning combined with movement and creative thinking. Plus, with all attractions opening between 8:00 and 10:00 a.m., you may be able to squeeze in another activity before an afternoon nap!
- Smithsonian’s National Zoo
No matter how often your family goes to the zoo, there is always something new to discover – and the always-free admission at Smithsonian’s National Zoo makes it easy to explore again and again. The zoo is home to more than 1,500 animals, one for nearly every letter of the alphabet. While your child makes new animal friends, use it as an opportunity to talk about letters and numbers, too. Maybe you’ll spot three lions or talk about elephants that start with the letter “E”! - West End Neighborhood Library
Settle in for family story time at one of the District of Columbia’s public library locations. Babies, toddlers, and preschoolers can practice letter recognition and literacy skills through books, music, and fun activities. With different branches offering different dates and times, you can find one that works for your family. Filter events by age group on the library’s events page for details.
Lunch Time (11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)
After a busy morning, your family will be ready for a filling lunch. Depending on your schedule, you can opt for a sit-down meal or a quick bite to go. With many restaurants to choose from in Washington, D.C., venues like Ted’s Bulletin and Shake Shake are two choices with menu items for the most discerning young taste buds.
- Ted’s Bulletin
The kids’ menu at Ted’s Bulletin offers several options for young palates—think PB&J, pasta, grilled cheese, and chicken. But Ted’s homemade Pop-Tarts, called Ted Tarts, are popular with all ages! Choose a favorite flavor for dessert and conduct a mini science experiment with your senses. Ask your child how it looks, feels, and tastes compared to other brands of toaster pastries they may have tried. - Shake Shack
For a quick bite, head over to Shake Shake near the National Mall for burgers, chicken, hotdogs, fries, frozen custard, and milkshakes. You can even order ahead on the Shake Shake app to reduce your wait time with hungry children.
Afternoon (1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.)
Some children thrive with an afternoon nap, while others may have some energy to burn off before settling down. Wegmans Wonderplace, the U.S. Botanic Garden, and the National Mall can accommodate relaxing stroller rides or running, playing, and exploring.
- Wegmans Wonderplace
Tucked inside the National Museum of American History, Wegmans Wonderplace is designed for young historians ages 0-6. It’s 1,700 square feet of hands-on, age-appropriate activities and experiences. There are even museum collections and touchable objects woven through the Wonderplace to provide a gateway to history for curious young minds. - U.S. Botanic Garden
Explore the Children’s Garden within the U.S. Botanic Garden Conservatory. Preschoolers can get their hands dirty—quite literally—in an outdoor space designed with them in mind. Here, they can see what’s in bloom, touch, smell, and the plants, and dig with child-sized tools. Before you go, print out a plant passport to help you learn more about plant biology, including the parts we can eat! Admission is always free. (This blog’s featured photo is courtesy of U.S. Botanic Garden) - The National Mall
Affectionately called “America’s front yard,” The National Mall is two miles of green space stretching from the United States Capitol to the Potomac River. Explore the many monuments and memorials, toss a ball in the green space, or enjoy free play among some of our nation’s most historic icons.
Keep the Adventure Going at The Gardner School
The Gardner School encourages hands-on, experiential learning for all ages, from infants to preschoolers. Our program nurtures each student’s emerging sense of self through a balanced curriculum, qualified and caring teachers, creative play with friends, and a supportive environment designed for exploration. Contact us today to learn more!