National Museum of Natural History

Explore the incredible exhibits at the National Museum of Natural History, part of the Smithsonian Institution.

Kids will love the 'Ocean Hall' with its massive whale and marine life, the dinosaur exhibits, and the interactive 'Q?rius' exhibit which offers hands-on science experiences. It's a fantastic free learning opportunity to kick off the weekend.

Excellent for all ages, especially 3-12. The museum is stroller-friendly with elevators and accessible restrooms on every floor. Allow 1.5-2 hours. There's a cafe for snacks, but consider bringing water bottles. The dinosaur hall and mammology hall are particular favorites for energetic kids. Free entry, so no booking required.

Family Dinner & Play

Enjoy an early, casual family dinner at a restaurant in the Penn Quarter area, which has several kid-friendly options.

Afterwards, if time and energy permit, a quick visit to a nearby park or square for some fresh air and last-minute play before heading home for bed. Consider heading to National Place Food Hall for a variety of affordable options for different tastes, then a stroll near Freedom Plaza.

Plenty of diverse, affordable food options for kids and adults. High chairs available. Restrooms on-site. Offers a relaxed atmosphere after museum exploration. Freedom Plaza is a short walk away, good for a brief run-around. Aim for an early dinner to maintain bedtime routines.

National Zoo Visit

Spend the morning at the Smithsonian's National Zoo, home to giant pandas, elephants, lions, and countless other fascinating animals.

The Zoo offers various habitats and often has keeper talks or demonstrations. It's an expansive outdoor attraction perfect for active kids and animal lovers.

Ideal for all ages, especially 3-12. Paths are stroller-friendly, but there are hills. Multiple restrooms and water fountains throughout. Allow 3-4 hours to see a good portion. Pack snacks and water. Check the daily schedule for feeding times or special events closer to the date. FREE entry.

Zoo Area Picnic & Play

After a morning at the zoo, enjoy a picnic lunch on the zoo grounds or at a nearby park.

The National Zoo has picnic areas, or you can find benches around. Alternatively, there are several casual eateries in the Woodley Park neighborhood just outside the zoo entrance if you prefer to buy lunch. This allows kids to recharge and perhaps get some extra energy out before the afternoon.

Bringing your own picnic saves money and allows for dietary preferences. There are concession stands at the zoo if you prefer to purchase food. Many casual restaurants in Woodley Park cater to families. Restrooms are available within the zoo and in the surrounding neighborhood. A relaxed break is key for little ones.

International Spy Museum

Dive into the world of espionage at the International Spy Museum!

This exciting ticketed attraction offers interactive exhibits that engage kids with spy gadgets, secret missions, and code-breaking challenges. Kids can take on a spy identity and complete missions as they explore, making it a truly immersive experience.

Best for ages 6-12, but younger children (3-5) can still enjoy the visual aspects and some interactive elements. Stroller-friendly with elevators. Restrooms available. Allow 2-3 hours for a full experience. Buying tickets online in advance is highly recommended, especially for weekend visits, as it often saves time and guarantees entry.

Waterfront Dinner & Views

Enjoy an early dinner at The Wharf, a vibrant waterfront area with numerous family-friendly dining options ranging from casual seafood shacks to sit-down restaurants.

After dinner, take a leisurely stroll along the pier, enjoy the Potomac River views, and perhaps grab an ice cream cone or a warm drink as the sun sets.

The Wharf offers diverse food choices, including quick-service options that are great for families. Many restaurants have outdoor seating. Public restrooms are available. The open space is great for kids to walk around after dinner. Early timing helps avoid large crowds and aligns with kid's bedtimes.

National Building Museum

Start your Sunday at the National Building Museum, a unique museum that celebrates architecture, design, engineering, construction, and urban planning.

Its 'PLAY WORK BUILD' exhibition is an interactive space where children can build, stack, and create with large-scale blocks and other materials, perfect for ages 2-12. The museum also features a giant columned Great Hall that's impressive for all ages.

The 'PLAY WORK BUILD' exhibit is fantastic for active, creative kids. The museum is stroller-friendly with accessible restrooms. Allow 1.5-2 hours. There's a museum shop and cafe. While the museum charges admission, it offers a distinct experience. Check for special Sunday family workshops or story times closer to the date.

Lunch & Library Story Time

Enjoy a casual lunch at a nearby eatery, perhaps a sandwich shop or pizzeria.

Afterwards, head to a local branch of the D.C. Public Library system for a free story time or family activity. Many branches offer weekend programming for young children, providing a quiet and engaging break. The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library (main branch) often has robust children's programming.

Lunch options are plentiful around the National Building Museum. The MLK Library is a short walk away. Library story times are wonderful for winding down and fostering a love of reading in kids 3-8. Check the library's official website for their specific November 2025 weekend schedule closer to the date. Restrooms and stroller access are excellent.

Playground Wind-Down

Before heading home, let the kids burn off any last bits of energy at a well-loved local playground.

Shaw Skate Park & Playground, or Stead Park are good options in relatively central locations. This allows for unstructured play and a chance for parents to relax while kids enjoy themselves, wrapping up the weekend on a fun, active note.

This playground offers equipment suitable for a range of ages. It's a great opportunity for kids to socialize and play freely. Restrooms may be available in nearby community centers or cafes. Always check playground conditions upon arrival. An easy wind-down before preparing for the school week ahead.