Taking the Kids: Free attractions in Washington, D.C. for the Spring
Gawk at the piles of money during the free, 40-minute tour of the Bureau of Engraving & Printing. (First come, first served same-day tickets. They're closed on weekends and federal holidays.)
Take your young historians to the new Wegmans Wonderplace, an interactive, educational exhibit, as well as Spark!Lab, where kids can experiment and invent at the National Museum of American History. Make sure to see the original Star-Spangled Banner flag, which inspired our national anthem.
Run, walk or bike on 1,754 acres of rustic woodlands showing the best of DC's green side. Stare up at the stars in Rock Creek Park at the parks nature center and planetarium, the only planetarium operated by the National Park Service. On Wednesdays, a special program is held for young astronomers (4 p.m.). Saturdays and Sundays feature a seasonal night sky (1 p.m.) and "Exploring the Universe" (4 p.m.). All programs are free.
Explore the African American Heritage Trail to learn about sites of significance to DC's black history.
Take an amazing sensory journey through the infinity mirror rooms at the exhibit Yayoi Kusama Infinity Mirrors at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden (a free timed pass is required, through May 14).
Remember the children of the Holocaust at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum with Daniel's Story, which presents the history of the Holocaust through the experience of one child. (This is recommended for kids aged eight and older. Show older kids how ordinary people were complicit.) Tickets are free, but you will need timed tickets, which you can get online in advance or the same day outside the museum.
Take older kids to the new "Amending America" exhibit at the National Archives to explore how the U.S. Constitution has been amended throughout our history. Get up close to The Declaration of Independence and The Bill of Rights.
Got your most comfortable shoes?
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