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Things to do in Washington, DC with kids

Family activities in Washington, DC right now: kid-friendly events the whole family will like, restaurants that can handle a toddler, and weekend ideas that work around nap windows.

12 hand-picked things to do in Washington, DC right now · 6 with confirmed dates

Updated: Tue, Sep 1, 2026
Plan a trip for familiesAll picks in Washington, DC

Photo: Andy He / Unsplash

How we pick family-friendly spots

  • Stroller- and toddler-friendly venues with room to move
  • Weekend and daytime timing that works around nap windows
  • Kids-eat-here restaurants over date-night-only rooms

🌟 This Weekend in Washington, DC

Standout events, concerts, and happenings for the days ahead

Big Tony & Trouble Funk: Celebrating 50 Years of Go-Go

Thu, Sep 3, 2026 · 20:00 · 9:30 CLUB · $$ · Best for Music lovers

A milestone anniversary celebration honoring half a century of DC's iconic homegrown go-go sound.

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go-golive-musicanniversary

ALOK: Eat Pray Leave Tour

Thu, Sep 3, 2026 · 19:00 · Lincoln Theatre · $$ · Best for Electronic music fans

An energetic electronic music performance filling the historic Lincoln Theatre stage.

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electronicconcertnightlife

DC Power FC vs. Sporting Club Jacksonville

Fri, Sep 4, 2026 · 19:00 · Audi Field · $$ · Best for Soccer fans

Professional women's soccer action under the lights at Audi Field.

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soccersportsoutdoors

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🎟️ Happening Today

Events and things to do tonight in Washington, DC

Patti Smith Quartet

Tue, Sep 1, 2026 · 6:30 PM · The Atlantis · $$$ · Best for Music enthusiasts

An intimate evening with the legendary poet and musician performing live in the U Street corridor.

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musicconcertlive-performance

Washington Nationals vs. Atlanta Braves

Tue, Sep 1, 2026 · 6:45 PM · Nationals Park · $$ · Best for Sports fans

Catch evening baseball by the river as the Nationals take on the Braves at home.

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sportsbaseballoutdoors

MIKE D 5D

Tue, Sep 1, 2026 · 7:00 PM · 9:30 CLUB · $$ · Best for Nightlife seekers

A dynamic evening set downing beats and sonic exploration at the historic 9:30 Club.

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musicdjnightlife

✨ New & Notable

Fresh exhibits, seasonal shifts, and limited-time happenings

Early Fall Canopy Walks in Rock Creek Park

Rock Creek Park, Washington, DC · $ · Best for Nature lovers

Witness the very first hints of autumn color transitions along the winding wooded trails just minutes from the city core.

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naturehikingoutdoors

September Regional Gallery Openings

Dupont Circle, Washington, DC · $ · Best for Art enthusiasts

Local contemporary art spaces kick off the fall exhibition season with new solo and group showcases across the district.

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artgalleriesculture

🚗 Quick Escape

Mini-trips within a 2-3 hour drive of Washington, DC

Historic Annapolis & Waterfront Dining

Annapolis, Maryland (1 hour from DC) · $$$ · Best for Couples and history buffs

Head an hour east to wander brick-paved colonial streets, watch sailboats on Ego Alley, and feast on local blue crabs by the dock.

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waterfronthistoricseafood

Shenandoah National Park & Skyline Drive

Shenandoah National Park, Virginia (1.5 hours from DC) · $$ · Best for Outdoor adventurers

Drive west into the Blue Ridge Mountains for sweeping valley overlooks, crisp early-September mountain air, and easy ridge hikes.

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mountainsscenic-drivehiking

🍽️ Eat & Drink

New menus, local flavors, and neighborhood dining highlights

Hank's Oyster Bar

The Wharf, Washington, DC · $$ · Best for Seafood lovers

Enjoy late-summer waterfront views paired with fresh Chesapeake oysters, lobster rolls, and local seasonal catches.

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seafoodwaterfrontoutdoor-seating

Red Sea Restaurant

Adams Morgan, Washington, DC · $$ · Best for Groups and couples

A long-standing neighborhood staple serving spiced stews atop spongy injera, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.

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ethiopiancomfort-foodvegetarian-friendly

Ready-made Washington, DC itineraries

Day-by-day plans for Washington, DC, written out in full and built from real local spots — start from one instead of a blank page.

A 5-day Washington, DC plan for families (kids ~6 & 9)Family tripA fall weekend in Washington, DC with kidsFamily tripAll Washington, DC itinerariesEvery ready-made plan we publish for Washington, DC.

Frequently asked

What are the best things to do in Washington, DC with kids?

Family-friendly highlights right now include Patti Smith Quartet, Washington Nationals vs. Atlanta Braves, and MIKE D 5D. WonderKit refreshes this Washington, DC guide daily so the picks stay current.

Where can families eat in Washington, DC?

The "Eat & Drink" section above lists restaurants that work for families in Washington, DC, including spots that handle toddlers and offer kid-friendly menus.

What's happening in Washington, DC this weekend with kids?

Check the "This Weekend in Washington, DC" section above for current family-friendly events and weekend activities in Washington, DC. Updated daily.

Ready when you are

Plan a family trip to Washington, DC

Tell us who's going and WonderKit drafts three Washington, DC trip ideas in about a minute — free, and you see them before creating an account.

See my trip options

More Washington, DC picks

For friend groupsSee the friend groups-first picks in Washington, DC.For couplesSee the couples-first picks in Washington, DC.All picks in Washington, DCThe full city guide — events, food, weekends, escapes.
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