The White House isn't just where the President lives; it's also the People's House! This means it's open to the public and it's a must-do when visiting DC. You won't be able to visit all areas of the White House but you can visit the East Wing and the residence with some advance preparation. Contact your Congressional representative at least 21 days in advance of your visit to schedule a tour.

Visit the Smithsonian's Air & Space Museum to get an up-close look at rockets, space science, and hands-on exhibits about how things fly. Open 364 days a year, admission is always free.

The National Museum of Natural History is the most visited museum in DC. Home to an impressive collection of dinosaurs and the famous Hope diamond, admission is free.

At the United States Botanic Garden you can experience the jungle, the desert and see rare and endangered plants under one roof. Be sure to check out the outdoor Children's Garden and the canopy walk that give you a bird's eye view of the plants.

The National Arboretum is a huge oasis in the city. The highlight for many visitors is seeing the old columns from the Capitol Columns dating from the 1800s now sitting in a grassy knoll. Don't miss the extensive bonsai exhibit and state trees. 

Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens is an expansive garden featuring lotus blooms and lilies. Don't miss the boardwalk trail that is stroller-friendly at this National Park.

No trip to Washington, DC is complete without a visit to the National Mall to see the monuments. See the monuments for free by foot or book a tour by Segway, bike, or trolley. The monuments are magical at night so consider visiting after sundown if your kids can stay up past dark.

The U St. corridor was once known as the Black Broadway District. Flanked by Howard Theatre on the east end and 14th St. on the west, this neighborhood was DC's cultural epicenter from the early 1900s to the mid '60s. Explore this cultural stomping ground by starting at Howard Theatre, the iconic stage where legends like Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holliday and Nat King Cole got their start.

Support this legendary landmark and you'll be treating yourself to a piece of history on a bun! Sink your teeth into the half-smoke at Ben’s Chili Bowl and you will be savoring perhaps the only food native to DC. It’s half pork-half beef and topped with a heaping of chili sauce. A longtime local favorite, the U Street location has been around since the 1950s, and even counts celebrities as fans, including Barack Obama.

Home to the nation's longest continually operating open-air fish market, The Wharf has transformed into one of D.C.'s most exciting waterfront destinations. The accessible riverfront, including four different themed piers, makes for a ton of family fun. The Wharf is conveniently located only four blocks from the National Mall.

DC is one of the few places in the United States you can see pandas IRL. Check out DC's cutest residents at the National Zoo. While there, be sure to play in the Pollinator Playground and seek out your favorite creatures from tigers to bald eagles. Admission is free!

It's easy to spend a day or two exploring National Harbor. Take a ride on the Capitol Wheel to catch great views of the city, shop and dine and spend time diffing on the beach. National Harbor frequently hosts special events like a Lantern Festival, outdoor movie, jazz festivals and more.

The Lincoln Memorial is the largest monument dedicated to one person in the world. Climb the 87 steps from the Reflecting Pool to the monument and feel the sheer magnitude of its size.

The Jefferson Memorial is the majestic backdrop to many of DC’s most notable events, like the Cherry Blossom Festival. It was built to resemble the Parthenon of Rome and may be one of DC’s most iconic landmarks. It memorializes our third president, Thomas Jefferson, who is best known as the author of the Declaration of Independence.

The stunning building, inspired by Yoruba art and filigree ironwork, is filled with presentations and artifacts that give visitors a glimpse at all aspects—the good and the gut-wrenching—of the African American experience.

Roosevelt Island is a fantastic natural place to explore with kids just minutes from the National Mall. This 91-acre wilderness preserve serves as a memorial to President Roosevelt, honoring his contributions to conservation of nature. The island has over two miles of foot trails where you can observe a variety of flora and fauna. Explore on your own or join a ranger-led program.

Enjoy wide paths with beautiful views of the Potomac River and DC skyline. Stroll along the riverfront promenade or walk along the paved paths that crisscross the park. From labyrinths to rain gardens to beautiful trees and flowers, there is something for everyone at the Georgetown Waterfront Park.

Home to one of the three branches of the US government, The Capitol building is majestic in its own right. While the buildling remains closed to visitors, once it's open, reservations are recommended to visit the Capitol Visitor's Center. For an even more in-depth look, contact your Congressperson or Senator in advance of your visit for a tour of the Capitol itself.

During non-COVID times, the Court is usually open to the public on weekdays with no reservations required. But even if you can't get inside at the moment, it's worth a stop to take a photo on the Court's iconic stairs.