Washington DC for Preschoolers

Traveling with preschoolers can be tough; their little bodies and minds can only take so much stimulation, and when you add in the unfamiliarity of being away from home in a strange place, meltdowns can be the result. But that doesn't mean you have to wait until kids are older to take them on vacation, and a great place to start traveling with preschoolers is in Washington DC. Our nation's capitol has so much to offer that it can get overwhelming, but the following Washington DC attractions are perfect for preschoolers. It can be tempting to want to show kids all of the history Washington DC has to offer, but these Washington DC museums and attractions are great for preschoolers because they have activities on their level, and you can do as much or as little as your child can handle. So pack some snacks, put on your walking shoes, and have a great time in Washington DC with your preschooler.

The National Zoo
Even if you've been to many zoos in the past with your child, The National Zoo in Washington DC is a must-see attraction for preschoolers. This beautifully-kept park is home to over 2,000 animals, and about one fifth of the species at the zoo are endangered, making the trip and educational experience as well. Kids will see all of their favorite zoo animals like elephants, tigers, and pandas, as well as some exotic types they might not even be aware of, such as poison frogs, colorful parrots, and all sorts of fish and invertebrates that live under the sea. Admission is free, and you can even pack a picnic to keep costs down, or dine at one of the restaurants or food stands located throughout the park. Kids will have a great time visiting all of the animals, and you can feel free to leave when your preschooler has had enough.

Smithsonain National Air and Space Museum
While all of the Smithsonian museums are special, not all are appropriate for preschoolers. But at the National Air and Space Museum, preschooler's imaginations and little bodies can run wild. This unique space houses some of the world's most historical modes of flight, from early balloons and planes to space shuttles. There are engines and propellers to marvel at, airplanes and spaceships to tour, and no matter which way you turn, there's something else to see (looking up here can yield hours of entertainment alone). Because everything is spread out, preschoolers at this favorite Washington DC museum can be comfortable both being wheeled around in a stroller or walking from exhibit to exhibit with you. The museum also houses a large food court with fast food for a meal or snack, but you can also bring food from home and eat it here. Admission to the museum is free, making this another affordable option for families of young children; if they tire quickly, you can leave and not feel like you didn't get your "money's worth." Overall, this museum was a highlight for my young children, and one we'll visit again and again over the years.

The National Building Museum
This museum is an oasis for both preschoolers and adults, especially on a hot day. The Great Hall itself is like an indoor park with large columns and a fountain in the middle. Preschoolers can burn off steam as they run around this Washington DC museum, and you can sit on a bench by the fountain and watch. Giant Legos, foam blocks, and family building kits (you rent these for a small fee) can be constructed in the atrium, and the museum has a special Building Zone just for children ages 2 to 6. Kids can build, play, and have a great time. Some of the other exhibits may be over their heads, depending on when you go, but each one usually has a "please touch me" section so preschoolers can feel a part of the action. A small café selling mostly coffee, snacks, and desserts has tables in the Great Hall, perfect for taking a break. The museum is by donation only, and you can enjoy packed snacks or lunch at one of the tables. When we visited, the heat index was over 100 degrees, so just sitting in the air conditioned hall while our young children played was like a mini vacation all in itself. The whole museum can be done in a matter of hours, and each exhibit is separate, so you can pick and choose what you'd like to see. Overall, this is a great space for preschoolers in Washington DC to explore and have fun.

Washington DC Metro
The Metro isn't technically an attraction, but rather a series of trains and buses used to get around the city; however, preschoolers will be thrilled with the novelty of riding on public transportation (assuming you don't already live in an area where this is the norm). My kids love riding the subway whenever we visit NYC, so they were thrilled to board the Metrobus and then Metrorail which took us from our hotel to the heart of downtown. The public transportation in Washington DC is clean and easy to navigate, just watch out for the hustle and bustle of rush hour. Preschoolers will have fun looking out the window as they travel through tunnels on the subway, and can even help you count out the stops to your next destination. If you're planning a day of sightseeing, then this has the extra bonus of getting your family around the city quickly and efficiently. This may not be the cheapest option (we actually found that driving into the city and parking in a garage for the day saved our family money), but it's a lot of fun and more relaxing for those who aren't familiar with Washington DC's layout or those who don't like city driving.