Attractions
in Washington, DC

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The city is full of hidden gems and treasures. If you’re tired of always hitting the same spots, take a look at all the options below. We showcase businesses near you where you could spend countless hours of endless fun with your entire family.

Say goodbye to the boring weekends and routine birthday parties. Think outside the box and dare to try something new. Take a look at what your city has to offer – all within driving distance of your location. You might be surprised!
Discovery Theater
Discovery Theater

(202) 633-8700

1100 Jefferson Dr SW
Washington, DC 20024   Directions Website

In a world where your kids are enthralled by video games and computers, take them back to a time and place where a well-produced theatrical show meant something special. That place is the Discovery Theater. Part of the Smithsonian, this venue was founded in 1964 as the Smithsonian Puppet Theater. The ways that the stories are presented may have changed, but the original spirit is still very much alive. The kids will see fun and educational presentations and attractions that include everything from Polynesian dancing to live snake shows and dazzling magicians. The Discovery Theater is truly a great choice for family friendly fun.

International Spy Museum
International Spy Museum

(202) 393-7798

800 F St NW
Washington, DC 20004   Directions Website

The kids will love the International Spy Museum that chronicles the history of international espionage through a highly captivating combination of attractions and interactive exhibits. The popular School for Spies gives you a chance to play with some truly enthralling spy gadgets that include everything from buttonhole cameras to lipstick pistols. The various galleries trace the spy game through the centuries that will surely spark the interest of the junior James Bond in your family.

Lincoln Memorial
Lincoln Memorial

(202) 426-6841

2 Lincoln Memorial Cir NW
Washington, DC 20037   Directions Website

Our 16th President is remembered at one of the city's most popular attractions, the Lincoln Memorial. This iconic landmark overlooks the Reflecting Pool that creates a stunning photo opportunity as both the Washington Monument and the Capitol Building are in the vicinity as well. Make sure to have plenty of time when you visit, as you will want to walk along this magnificent pool and climb up the marble staircase that leads to the 19-foot-high statue of Abraham Lincoln.

Madame Tussauds Washington, D.C.'s Presidents Gallery
Madame Tussauds Washington, D.C.'s Presidents Gallery

(202) 942-7310

1001 F St NW
Washington, DC 20004   Directions Website

Meet all 44 presidents in Madame Tussauds Washington, D.C.'s Presidents Gallery. Become a part of history when you visit our Civil Rights room. Don?t forget about the Hollywood A-list celebrities, such as Beyonce, Johnny Depp, Brad Pitt and a lot more!

National Air and Space Museum
National Air and Space Museum

(202) 633-2214

600 Independence Ave SW
Washington, DC 20560   Directions Website

For a high-flying afternoon with the whole family, head out to the National Air and Space Museum. Part of the Smithsonian group of museums, this venue presents several life-size exhibits and attractions that only make them all the more dramatic. This is the Smithsonian's most visited museum largely due to the dozens of aircraft that are on display that include Lindbergh's aircraft to the Wright Brothers' Flyer and lots more.

National Gallery Sculpture Garden
National Gallery Sculpture Garden

(202) 737-4215

6th & Constitution Ave NW
Washington, DC 20565   Directions Website

When you're in Washington, DC, there's nothing average about anything you do. Even taking a little break from your day at the National Gallery Sculpture Garden is nothing you'd expect from an ordinary park anywhere else in the country. The garden attraction features several amazing sculptures created by such well-known artists as Joan Miro and Roy Lichtenstein. The fountain is another focal point, and you can take in the fresh air as you enjoy a snack from the nearby Pavilion Cafe.

Smithsonian Institution
Smithsonian Institution

(202) 633-1000

600 Maryland Ave SW
Washington, DC 20002   Directions Website

Deciding that you will take a day to see the Smithsonian Institution is allowing too little time, as the Institution is much wider in scope than you may have originally thought. It actually encapsulates 19 museums as well as the National Zoo, all home to must-see exhibits and attractions. Some of the more popular stops within the Smithsonian include the National Air and Space Museum, the national Museum of American History and the National Museum of the American Indian. The depth and breadth of everything here justifies the time and space that it takes to see it all.

Smithsonian's National Zoological Park
Smithsonian's National Zoological Park

(202) 633-4888

3001 Connecticut Ave NW
Washington, DC 20008   Directions Website

Take the family on an incredible safari the next time you're in Washington, DC. How? By visiting the National Zoological Park that's part of the Smithsonian Institution. The kids will marvel at more than 5,000 animals that are presented in their natural habitats. The zoo sprawls out over 163 acres and includes informative displays and attractions placed throughout the grounds. Don't forget to see two of the zoo's most popular residents, Mei Xang and Tian Tian, the two giant pandas that are on loan from the China Wildlife Conservation Association. The kids will absolutely love it!

Supreme Court of the United States
Supreme Court of the United States

(202) 479-3000

1 1st St NE
Washington, DC 20002   Directions Website

Seize the opportunity to see our government in action with a visit to the Supreme Court of the United States. The Neoclassical architecture of the building is stunning, and the outer spectacle of the Court is just the beginning. While the court term runs from October through June, you can actually sit in on an actual Court session. Seating is limited, however, so plan to arrive early at the Front Plaza if you want a seat. When the Court is not sitting, you can still take in a lecture or presentation every hour on the half hour.

The National Gallery of Art
The National Gallery of Art

(202) 737-4215

Washington, DC
Website

The National Gallery of Art offers everything you ever wanted to know about art and presents an incredible amount of it all in one place. The Gallery's numerous exhibits and attractions stretch from the Middle Ages all the way to today. Works by da Vinci, Rembrandt, Raphael and Titian, among others, are all here. The facility proudly exhibits over 3,000 paintings, 2,000 pieces of sculpture and over 100,000 prints, drawings and other interesting pieces. Also, don't forget to spend a little time in the Sculpture Garden that can be found at the corner of 7th and Madison.

United States Capitol
United States Capitol

(202) 266-8000

1st St
Washington, DC 20004   Directions Website

Aside from the White House, the United States Capitol building is the most visited building in Washington. This incredible building with its regal dome and classic architecture symbolizes democracy to everyone who sees it. The view from the front steps is like nothing else, so make sure you have your camera with you. Tours are available at the kiosk on the southwest side of the Capitol, and are free of charge, on a first-come, first-served basis. Plan to get there early, as there are always plenty of people in line for this extremely popular attraction.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Vietnam Veterans Memorial

(202) 426-6841

5 Henry Bacon Dr NW
Washington, DC 20002   Directions Website

One of the most emotionally-charged sites in Washington, DC is the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The dark, black granite walls are inscribed with the 58,209 names of Americans missing or killed in the Vietnam conflict. This V-shaped memorial design draws you in and allows you to not only take in the monument's magnitude, but it also allows you to have a private, intimate moment within the monument's breadth. While you're visiting this monumental attraction, make sure you see Frederick Hart's "Three Soldiers" life-sized sculpture made of bronze that portrays three young servicemen.

Washington Monument
Washington Monument

(202) 426-6841

2 15th St NW
Washington, DC 20024   Directions Website

When you think of the skyline in our nation's capital city, immediately the Washington Monument comes to mind. This 555-foot obelisk juts out into the sky to stand as a tribute to our first President. The monument, along with the Capitol Building and the Lincoln Memorial, is part of the areas trio of must-see landmark attractions. It is located at the western end of the Mall and the free elevator ride will take you to the top floor for a truly breathtaking view. The admission is free, but you need a ticket to enter. The ticket kiosk is located at the base of the monument on 15th Street and opens at 8:30am. Tickets are given out on a first-come, first-served basis.

Washington National Cathedral
Washington National Cathedral

(202) 537-6200

3101 Wisconsin Ave NW
Washington, DC 20016   Directions Website

One of the city's most stunning attractions is the Washington National Cathedral that began construction in 1907 and was not completed until 1990. Theodore Roosevelt was just one of the Presidents who oversaw the cathedral's construction, and every US President has attended services there. The structure is approximately one-tenth of a mile long and it contains more than 200 stained-glass windows that create a mesmerizing effect when the sun shines through. The observation gallery within the cathedral offers still more unbelievable vantage points, and there are regular tours that explain the architecture, history and the church's mission in further detail.

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