# Playgrounds and things to do with kids in Washington DC

Playgrounds, parks, museums and other things to do with kids in Washington DC. See which ones have a changing table, room for a stroller and what ages they suit before you go. 21 listed.

Last updated 2026-10-01, from the newest confirmation among these places.

## The list

1. [Rosedale Playground](https://ourplayday.com/places/rosedale-playground-washington-dc) (playground, Washington DC). The play structures are modelled on city landmarks, so kids get to climb the sights they have been looking at all day.
2. [Anacostia Park Pirate Ship Playground](https://ourplayday.com/places/anacostia-park-pirate-ship-playground-washington-dc) (playground, Washington DC). A pirate-ship climber by the river at the Nicholson Street end. Another play structure in the park is closed, so head for this one.
3. [Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History](https://ourplayday.com/places/smithsonian-national-museum-of-natural-history-washington-dc) (museum, Washington DC). Dinosaur skeletons, animal halls, minerals and ocean displays under one roof, so each kid finds a room they want to stay in.
4. [Friendship Turtle Park Playground](https://ourplayday.com/places/friendship-turtle-park-playground-washington-dc) (playground, Washington DC). The climbing equipment is turtle-themed, so small kids get something to pretend with while they climb.
5. [Georgetown Waterfront Park](https://ourplayday.com/places/georgetown-waterfront-park-washington-dc) (park, Washington DC). A labyrinth set into the ground and wide paths along the river, so kids can trace the maze and then run.
6. [Swampoodle Park Playground](https://ourplayday.com/places/swampoodle-park-playground-washington-dc) (playground, Washington DC). A tall Wallholla climbing tower packed into a small city park. The tower is what school-age kids head for.
7. [Turkey Thicket Playground](https://ourplayday.com/places/turkey-thicket-playground-washington-dc) (playground, Washington DC). A big climbing area plus a train-themed play section beside the park paths, so train fans know where to start.
8. [United States National Arboretum](https://ourplayday.com/places/united-states-national-arboretum-washington-dc) (garden, Washington DC). Wide green grounds, garden paths and a bonsai collection, so kids can run around and then look at the tiny trees up close.
9. [Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens](https://ourplayday.com/places/kenilworth-aquatic-gardens-washington-dc) (garden, Washington DC). Boardwalks run out over the ponds, so kids can look straight down into the water. The lotus blooms are a summer thing.
10. [Lincoln Memorial - Main Chamber](https://ourplayday.com/places/lincoln-memorial-main-chamber-washington-dc) (attraction, Washington DC). A huge seated Lincoln with his famous words carved on the walls beside him. Kids can read along while you look up.
11. [National Archives Museum](https://ourplayday.com/places/national-archives-museum-washington-dc) (museum, Washington DC). The founding documents themselves, with interactive displays that explain them. The line can run long, so go early.
12. [National Gallery of Art](https://ourplayday.com/places/national-gallery-of-art-washington-dc) (museum, Washington DC). Galleries inside and a sculpture garden outside, so when kids are done with paintings there is room to walk among the big pieces.
13. [National Portrait Gallery](https://ourplayday.com/places/national-portrait-gallery-washington-dc) (museum, Washington DC). Portraits and a courtyard, plus Explore, a hands-on space for 18 months to 8, so the youngest have their own room.
14. [Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian](https://ourplayday.com/places/smithsonian-national-museum-of-the-american-indian-washington-dc) (museum, Washington DC). Artifacts and stories from Indigenous cultures, plus the imagiNATIONS activity center where kids get to try things with their hands.
15. [Smithsonian National Postal Museum](https://ourplayday.com/places/smithsonian-national-postal-museum-washington-dc) (museum, Washington DC). Mail trucks, stamps and interactive delivery stories, so kids see how a letter actually gets to the door.
16. [United States Botanic Garden Conservatory](https://ourplayday.com/places/united-states-botanic-garden-conservatory-washington-dc) (garden, Washington DC). A glasshouse of tropical plants and desert displays, so kids can go from jungle to cactus in a few steps.
17. [United States Holocaust Memorial Museum - Daniel's Story](https://ourplayday.com/places/united-states-holocaust-memorial-museum-daniel-s-story-washington-dc) (museum, Washington DC). Holocaust history told through one boy's life, made for kids eight and up. Plan to talk it through with them afterwards.
18. [Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum](https://ourplayday.com/places/smithsonian-national-air-and-space-museum-washington-dc) (museum, Washington DC). Landmark planes and spacecraft overhead, and a gallery on how flight works with a plane kids can sit in. Book the timed passes first.
19. [Smithsonian National Carousel](https://ourplayday.com/places/smithsonian-national-carousel-washington-dc) (theme park, Washington DC). Carved horses and an accessible chariot for riders who can't climb on, right between the museums.
20. [Smithsonian National Museum of American History](https://ourplayday.com/places/smithsonian-national-museum-of-american-history-washington-dc) (museum, Washington DC). Wonderplace for small kids and Spark Lab for young inventors. Check the play areas are open before you go.
21. [Smithsonian's National Zoo](https://ourplayday.com/places/smithsonians-national-zoo-washington-dc) (zoo, Washington DC). Giant pandas, a kids' farm of cows, goats and alpacas, and a carousel. The paths are hilly, so bring a stroller with good wheels.

## Other lists for Washington DC

- [Restaurants](https://ourplayday.com/places/in/washington-dc/restaurants) (4)
- [Hotels](https://ourplayday.com/places/in/washington-dc/hotels) (3)

## About this list

Every place here is a listing on Play Day, and a place is listed only when something positive is known about it for kids. Each listing carries the kid facts (high chairs, changing tables, kids' menus, wheelchair access) with the source and month of each. A list needs at least three places to exist.

Page: https://ourplayday.com/places/in/washington-dc/playgrounds. All of Washington DC: https://ourplayday.com/places/in/washington-dc