Spring break in the D.C. area is quickly approaching! And if you’ve found yourself wondering how you’re going to keep the kids engaged this year, we’ve got you covered.
Whether you are traveling into the city for a getaway or plan on having a staycation, there are plenty of things to do with kids in D.C. during spring break. Below, we’ve shared 15 exciting activities to fill your time while school is out of session.
1. The Dr. Seuss Experience
This immersive Dr. Seuss Experience has opened just in time to offer a spectacular kid-friendly spring break activity. Relive your favorite childhood stories as you and the kids explore a dazzling Stars Upon Thars Sneetches Mirror Maze, wander through massive clovers from Horton Hears a Who!, swing from The Lorax’s Truffula Trees and more! This one-of-a-kind experience is only a short drive from the city at Tysons Corner Center, and is not one to miss this spring.
2. Dinos Alive: An Immersive Experience
This impressive Dinos Alive exhibit is surely one to add to your spring break plans, leaving both you and the kids in awe. Prepare to travel back to prehistoric times and meet massive life-like dinosaur species, including T-rex, Stegosaurus, Velociraptors and more. Along with these incredible moving dinosaur replicas, the exhibit includes an interactive paleontologist area, a unique virtual aquarium and a captivating VR experience.
3. Museum of Illusions Washington
The whole family will be mesmerized by the endless entertainment that this new Museum of Illusions has to offer. From holograms to full illusion rooms, you’re bound to find yourself laughing the day away as you make your way throughout the many exhibits within the museum. D.C.’s Museum of Illusions is the perfect place where fun and learning intersect as kids discover the mechanics behind each illusion they encounter.
4. Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience
Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience is a wonderful way to fill an afternoon in D.C. this spring break. Learn about Van Gogh’s life and step into famous paintings including Sunflowers and Starry Night through cutting-edge immersive technology. You’ll love getting lost in these dazzling projections of Van Gogh’s masterpieces just as much as the kids will!
5. Tidal Basin Paddle Boats
Take in the sights at your own pace through a leisurely 1-hour boat rental in the Tidal Basin. The reservoir is open for boat rentals once again as of mid-March, making it a perfect activity for kids to enjoy during spring break in D.C.. Rentals are currently $40 on weekends and holidays, and $38 on weekdays.
6. Smithsonian’s National Zoo
From giant pandas to Asian elephants, the National Zoo will certainly amaze and entertain the kids this spring break. The 163-acre park provides an incredible educational experience for all visitors, hosting more than 1,800 animals, including some of earth’s most critically endangered species. While the zoo is free of charge, free entry passes are required in advance, so be sure to snag yours before heading over!
7. National Air and Space Museum
You’ve got to love the district’s free Smithsonian attractions! The National Air and Space Museum is another great pitstop for your D.C. spring break plans. The kids will be able to examine a range of air and space artifacts, uncovering the history and mystery behind early aviation, the moon landing, the solar system and more. Like the zoo, timed entry passes are required ahead of time.
8. The International Spy Museum
D.C.’s International Spy Museum tends to be a huge hit with kids ages 7 and up, though those 6 and under are also welcome and get in for free. This spring break, you can learn about covert mission tactics, determine your top spy skills, uncover secret spy gadgets and more. Kids will love embracing their inner spy at this interactive, action packed experience!
9. Planet Word
This immersive language experience will be a highlight of your D.C. spring break activities. Ideal for children of all ages, Planet Word is the world’s first voice-activated museum. Kids will discover the power (and fun) of language by exploring a magical library, painting with words, singing karaoke-style and engaging in various other interactive exhibits. Adults are bound to enjoy watching language come to life at Planet Word as well!
10. Big Bus Tours Washington D.C.
Want to enjoy sightseeing in D.C. without tiring the little ones out? These hop on, hop off bus tours might be the perfect solution for the whole family this spring break. Get ready to see all the top D.C. landmarks from a new perspective, day or night.
11. National Children’s Museum
If you’re looking for another educational spring break activity to do with kids, D.C.’s National Children’s Museum offers several interactive exhibitions exploring science, technology, engineering, art and math. Dance Party Pods, a three-story climber, a digital weather experience and more await, with additional pop-up experiences available as well! For smaller children, the museum includes two spaces that encourage movement and motor skill development.
12. Georgetown Waterfront
Georgetown’s Waterfront Park is a great place to visit if you’re looking to spend some time outdoors without traveling too far. Completed in 2011, the park offers plenty of open space for kids to explore — from rain gardens to a labyrinth pathway.
Georgetown itself has lots of places to grab a bite to go, making the waterfront the perfect picnic spot if the week of spring break brings good weather. For more things to do in Georgetown, click here!
13. All Fired Up Pottery Painting
Are you in search of a hands-on creative experience for the kids? Look no further than All Fired Up in Cleveland Park. Kids can select their pottery piece and paint their item of choice with a variety of paints and underglazes. Once decorated, the studio will glaze and fire the piece. Of course, parents can get in on the fun as well! Keep in mind that it takes 7-10 days for these creations to be ready, so this activity is best for those who are staying local during spring break.
14. U.S. National Arboretum
Located in Northeast D.C. about 10 minutes from the Capitol building, the National Arboretum is a great space for the kids to explore away from the hustle and bustle of downtown D.C.. Major garden features include the Friendship Garden, the iconic National Capitol Columns, the Flowering Tree Collection and much more. The outside grounds are open from 8am to 5pm, giving you plenty of time to fit it into your spring break agenda.
15. National Monuments
Last but certainly not least, the National monuments are must-see for any out-of-towners coming to the D.C. area for spring break. Take the kids on a self-guided tour of the National Mall and prepare to be amazed by these iconic landmarks!
