Washington DC Weekend Activities & Things to Do
Weekend in Washington DC
This itinerary balances free Smithsonian museums and outdoor exploration with engaging, interactive ticketed attractions. Family meals are planned at kid-friendly restaurants. Transportation notes emphasize public transit and stroller information where available.
Friday Evening - Family Fun
Friday, February 20Spy Mission Adventure
Immerse yourselves in the world of espionage with interactive exhibitions, installations, and first-person accounts from intelligence officers.
Experience an 'Undercover Mission' with RFID-enabled challenges that test spy skills.
Best suited for ages 9 and up, but younger children (6 and under are free) can enjoy with support. Allow 2-3 hours. Stroller storage available, but strollers are not allowed in galleries.
Located a short walk from the National Mall and The Wharf. Metro accessible via L'Enfant Plaza station. Parking garages nearby are available for a fee.
Dinner & Bowling
Enjoy a family-friendly dinner with American cuisine and fun activities like bowling or bocce.
The atmosphere is casual and engaging for all ages.
Offers bowling and bocce. Kids menus available. Great for energetic kids to burn off steam. Dining can take 1-1.5 hours, plus activity time.
Street parking can be limited; several parking garages are available in Georgetown. Public transit via bus or a longer walk/ride from Foggy Bottom-GWU Metro.
Saturday - Adventure Day
Saturday, February 21Air & Space Wonders
Explore the wonders of flight and space exploration.
The museum features iconic aircraft and spacecraft, plus interactive exhibits. Catch 'The Sky Tonight: Live Planetarium Show' at 10:30 AM for a captivating celestial journey.
Excellent for all ages, with interactive exhibits to engage children (ages 3-12). Free timed-entry passes are required. Plan for 2-3 hours. Stroller friendly with elevators.
Located on the National Mall, easily accessible by Metro (L'Enfant Plaza or Federal Center SW). Limited street parking; public garages are available nearby.
Lunar New Year Fun
Celebrate the Year of the Horse with cultural performances, lion dances, makers markets, and family activities. Enjoy traditional crafts, music, storytelling, and seasonal food amid festive decor.
This free family day offers hands-on activities and performances suitable for all ages. Runs from 11 AM - 3 PM, so the 2:30 PM slot allows for participation in afternoon events.
Located on the National Mall, accessible via Metro (Federal Center SW or Smithsonian). Limited street parking; public garages are available.
Wildlife Exploration
Visit thousands of exotic animals from around the world, including giant pandas on the Asia Trail.
Explore indoor and outdoor exhibits at this renowned conservation institution.
Great for all ages. Grounds are open until 4 PM, indoor exhibits until 3:30 PM during winter season (Sept 15 - March 14). Plan to arrive before 3 PM for full access. Free entry, but timed passes are required for all visitors.
Accessible by Metro (Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan or Cleveland Park). Parking is available for $30 in advance, $40 day-of. Strollers are welcome.
Family Italian Dinner
Enjoy a delicious family-style Italian dinner, known for its generous portions.
It's an excellent choice for large families and offers a lively atmosphere.
Offers family-style menus, so one dish often serves six. Great for sharing and trying multiple items. Kid-friendly atmosphere. Reservations recommended.
Centrally located, walkable from many downtown attractions. Metro accessible via Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter station. Parking garages available nearby.
Sunday - Relaxed Day
Sunday, February 22Children's Museum Play
Discover the wonder of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) through hands-on play with interactive exhibits.
Features 'The Pigeon Comes to Washington, DC! A Mo Willems Exhibit' and the multi-story 'Dream Machine' climbing structure.
Ideal for children ages 0-12. The Dream Machine climbing structure is recommended for ages 5 and up. Stroller parking and Mother's Room available. Plan for 2-3 hours of play.
Centrally located in downtown DC, steps away from Federal Triangle Metro station. Limited street parking; paid parking garages available in the Ronald Reagan Building.
Dinosaur & History Exploration
Explore the natural world from dinosaurs to diverse cultures and human origins.
Features the popular T-Rex and elephant exhibits, plus the Hall of Human Origins. This museum offers engaging displays for all ages.
Excellent for all ages, especially children aged 3-12 who love dinosaurs and animals. Plan for 1.5-2 hours. Free admission. Stroller friendly. Snack bars and cafes available for a quick bite.
Located on the National Mall, accessible via Metro (Federal Triangle or Smithsonian). Limited street parking; paid public garages nearby.
National Mall Stroll
Take a leisurely walk along the National Mall to visit iconic monuments and memorials, such as the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and WWII Memorial.
Enjoy the open space and historic significance.
A relaxed activity suitable for all ages. Children can run around the expansive greens. Choose a few monuments to focus on to avoid over-tiring little ones. Duration is flexible.
Easily accessible from Smithsonian museums on the Mall. Several Metro stations (Smithsonian, Federal Triangle, L'Enfant Plaza) are nearby. Walking is the primary mode of transport within the Mall area. Stroller friendly sidewalks.
This weekend itinerary for Washington DC can be customized using our AI travel planner. Chat with our AI assistant to modify activities, adjust timings, add personal preferences, and get recommendations for restaurants, hotels, and transportation.