What you can do as a family in Washington
One of the great reasons to visit DC with kids is the number of activities that are either affordable or completely free. Most are easily accessible, especially if you plan ahead. Here are some edutainment activities that are guaranteed to leave a lasting impression on you and your child. And if you want to have even more fun but also want to have sometime for yourself you can try out www.betchan.com/en-CA to have a break.
Tours with transportation
The District also offers many bus, trolley, Segway and boat tours. Big Bus ToursThe double-decker, British-style open-air bus is popular with families and allows guests to hop on and off at various locations and hop back on later. Big Bus offers tours in multiple foreign languages and live commentary (book with voucher code VISITDC for the best deal available).
Other sightseeing options include Sights of DC and Gray Line DC. Both companies operate buses or motorcoaches through continuous routes around DC, with regular stops at each landmark.
Old Town Trolley Tours has several vehicles and different routes to choose from, including moonlight tours when the monuments and landmarks are at their most beautiful.
Families who love the outdoors will love taking a pedicab tour with Adventure DC Tricycle Tours. Options include a trip to traditional landmarks and an adventure tour for kids. Pedicabs are also pet-friendly – your guide will even watch your dog while you explore DC’s incredible monuments.
Seeing the city’s sights on a Segway is also an option. Segway Tours in the Capital conducts tours on customized scooters. After an introduction and lesson in the art of riding a Segway, a tour guide leads you around the National Mall. With stops for photography and history lessons via headset. Limited to ages 16 and up, this is an unforgettable way for your older teens to experience the nation’s capital.
If your family enjoys biking, Unlimited Cycling offers shortened, manageable bike tours. Ask about tandem bikes, trailers, baby carriers and children’s bikes. The best days to ride are in the summer and on weekends, when the route is less crowded; both allow time for stops at historic sites. Be sure to check out DC Cycling Concierge for a completely personalized biking experience in the District. Where the motto is “your ride, your pace.”
Families will love taking a pedicab tour with Adventure DC Tricycle Tours. Adventure DC Tricycle Tours offers private, customized tours for families and pets to the traditional sights (and, upon request, the secret, fun things kids love). Private tours can be by pedicab (for all ages), golf cart (for all ages) or electric scooters (for children five and older). Public tours on Saturdays are by scooter, for which promo codes are available.
Tours by boat
Stretching along the Potomac River, DC is a fun place for a boat ride, especially if you catch a glimpse of a monument from the water. While you’re on board, you may pass some paddle boarders or college crew teams. Many companies offer tours and waterfront activities in the district, including family-friendly boat tours from city cruises.
