
Things to Do in Washington DC With Teens: A Comprehensive Guide Helpful Tables
Washington DC is a vibrant and historic city that offers a wide range of attractions for teens of all ages. From exploring world-renowned museums to catching a Nationals game to experiencing the thrill of an escape room, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

To help you plan the perfect itinerary for your teenage travelers, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to the best things to do in Washington DC with teens.
Must-Visit Museums
National Museum of Natural History: With over 126 million specimens, the National Museum of Natural History is the largest natural history museum in the world. Teens will love exploring the Hall of Human Origins, which features interactive exhibits on human evolution, and the Hall of Mammals, which houses a vast collection of taxidermied animals from around the globe.
National Air and Space Museum: The National Air and Space Museum is a must-visit for any teen interested in science, technology, and aviation. The museum houses a vast collection of aircraft and spacecraft, including the Wright Flyer, the Spirit of St. Louis, and the Apollo 11 command module.
International Spy Museum: The International Spy Museum is a unique and fascinating museum that explores the world of espionage. Teens will love learning about the history of spying and seeing real-life spy gadgets and artifacts.
Iconic Landmarks
Lincoln Memorial: The Lincoln Memorial is a towering monument to the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. The memorial features a massive statue of Lincoln and inscriptions of his famous speeches.
Washington Monument: The Washington Monument is a towering obelisk that commemorates the first President of the United States, George Washington. Teens can take an elevator to the top of the monument for panoramic views of the city.
White House: The White House is the official residence and workplace of the President of the United States. Teens can take a tour of the White House and learn about its history and architecture.
Sports and Entertainment
Nationals Park: Nationals Park is the home of the Washington Nationals baseball team. Teens will love catching a game and cheering on the Nats.
Capital One Arena: Capital One Arena is a multi-purpose sports and entertainment complex that hosts concerts, sporting events, and other events. Teens might be interested in catching a game by the Washington Capitals hockey team or the Washington Wizards basketball team.
Escape Room Live: Escape Room Live is a popular escape room company with multiple locations in Washington DC. Teens will love working together to solve puzzles and escape from a themed room.
Parks and Gardens
National Mall: The National Mall is a large park that stretches from the Lincoln Memorial to the Capitol Building. The mall is a great place for teens to relax, play games, or go for a walk.
Smithsonian National Zoo: The Smithsonian National Zoo is home to over 2,700 animals from around the world. Teens will love seeing animals up close and learning about their habitats.
Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens: Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens is a beautiful park that features a variety of aquatic plants and flowers. Teens can take a walk through the gardens or go for a boat ride on the lake.
Other Fun Activities
Shop at Union Market: Union Market is a trendy food market that features a wide variety of food vendors and shops. Teens will love exploring the market and trying new foods.
Visit the Georgetown Waterfront: The Georgetown Waterfront is a charming area that features shops, restaurants, and bars. Teens can take a walk along the waterfront or go for a boat ride.
Explore the Smithsonian Institution: The Smithsonian Institution is a group of museums and research centers that are dedicated to the public understanding of the world and its many cultures. Teens can visit any of the Smithsonian museums for free.
Planning Your Trip
To make your trip to Washington DC with teens as enjoyable as possible, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
- Book your hotel in advance. Washington DC is a popular tourist destination, so it’s important to book your hotel well in advance, especially if you’re traveling during peak season.
- Consider purchasing a sightseeing pass. A sightseeing pass can save you money on admission to multiple attractions.
- Make sure to wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be doing a lot of walking in Washington DC, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
- Be prepared for crowds. Washington DC is a busy city, so be prepared for crowds, especially during peak season.
- Allow plenty of time for your visit. There’s so much to see and do in Washington DC, so make sure to allow plenty of time for your visit.
Conclusion
Washington DC is a great place to visit with teens. With its world-renowned museums, iconic landmarks, and fun activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. By following the tips in this guide, you can plan the perfect itinerary for your teenage travelers.
Table 1: Must-Visit Museums for Teens in Washington DC
Museum | Highlights |
---|---|
National Museum of Natural History | Hall of Human Origins, Hall of Mammals |
National Air and Space Museum | Wright Flyer, Spirit of St. Louis, Apollo 11 command module |
International Spy Museum | History of spying, real-life spy gadgets and artifacts |
Table 2: Iconic Landmarks in Washington DC
Landmark | Significance |
---|---|
Lincoln Memorial | Monument to Abraham Lincoln |
Washington Monument | Monument to George Washington |
White House | Official residence of the President of the United States |
Table 3: Sports and Entertainment Venues for Teens in Washington DC
Venue | Event Type |
---|---|
Nationals Park | Baseball (Washington Nationals) |
Capital One Arena | Concerts, sporting events (Washington Capitals, Washington Wizards) |
Escape Room Live | Escape room games |
Table 4: Parks and Gardens for Teens in Washington DC
Park | Highlights |
---|---|
National Mall | Green space, monuments |
Smithsonian National Zoo | Animals from around the world |
Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens | Aquatic plants and flowers |