10 Fun Ways to Experience Washington DC
When you visit Washington, DC, you’ll find plenty of advice about what to see, where to eat and how to get around. Of course, there are all the wonderful monuments and memorials on the National Mall, along with the amazing (and free) Smithsonian museums. But after living in the DC suburbs for many years, we’ve found that there are also many other cool things to do around town. Check out this list of 10 fun ways to experience Washington, DC and be sure to read our guide to visiting Washington DC, which is packed with tips and resources, plus all of our detailed blogs in one place to plan your best visit.
(*Updated April 2026)
*This post contains affiliate links; if you purchase something familyTravelsUSA may receive a small commission. As always, opinions are my own.
Table of Contents
1. Pose for Photos with Einstein
Find the 12-foot-high memorial of Albert Einstein, situated in a grove of trees on the corner of Constitution Avenue and 22nd Street. It’s on the grounds of the National Academy of Science, and it’s a great place for a unique photo opportunity. The Einstein Memorial, unveiled in 1979, weighs almost 4 tons, and was created by sculptor Robert Berks. It’ not far from the Lincoln and Vietnam Veterans Memorials.
Check DC hotel rates! Read reviews & find the lowest prices at TripAdvisor!
2. Find Darth Vader at Washington National Cathedral
Bring your binoculars and visit the Washington National Cathedral. Take a guided tour or grab a map and walk the grounds, searching for Darth Vader and other unique architectural features (and you might learn the difference between a gargoyle and a grotesque!). Check out these fun facts before you go. Kids 6 and up can borrow an Explorer Pack to enhance their visit. Check out other fun ideas for visiting with kids.
3. Visit a Museum
You probably already know that DC is home to the fabulous Smithsonian museums. And you certainly can’t beat the free admission as well as the variety and quality of the content. But you should also consider visiting the International Spy Museum and the new National Geographic Museum of Exploration, opening in late June 2026, especially with older kids.
These two museums offer unique exhibits that you probably won’t find elsewhere. Read more about why these museums are worth the price of admission (along with other museums to consider when you visit DC).
4. Tour the Library of Congress
Washington, DC is filled with historic buildings, so you’ll see plenty of architecture as you wander the streets. If you have time, Tours by Foot offers a Capitol Hill & Library of Congress Tour, or you can take a one-hour docent led tour to learn more about the architecture and art of the historic Thomas Jefferson Building.
Take time to browse through the current exhibitions, including Thomas Jefferson’s Library and Exploring the Early Americas. Visitors are always surprised once they tour inside this hidden gem.
5. See the Memorials at Night
I hate to admit that I still have not done this but look forward to taking the Monuments by Moonlight tour when the weather gets warmer. This particular tour combines a unique nighttime perspective of several famous landmarks along with local history and tales from the past during a two hour and thirty-minute tour.
6. Stop and Smell the Flowers
Visiting during the spring when the cherry blossoms are blooming should definitely be on your DC bucket list. But did you know you can visit United States Botanic Garden any time of year? It’s one of several beautiful gardens in DC. Walking through the Conservatory will take you from a tropical rainforest to Hawaii and the Mediterranean. In warmer weather, kids can explore the Children’s Garden. Don’t miss seeing the beautiful Bartholdi Fountain and Gardens across the street.
7. Kayak on the Potomac River.
Need a break from the crowds on the mall? In warmer weather, head over to Thompson Boat Center and rent kayaks. It offers another unique vantage point to see DC and it’s fun for older kids. For more details on this and other ideas, read my earlier post: 5 Outdoor Activities to Try in Washington, DC. If a kayak is too much, try one of the water taxis that leave from The Wharf.
8. Bike Ride Along the Potomac River
Looking for a different vantage point of the monuments and memorials? One of our favorite scenic bike trails is the Mount Vernon Trail on the Virginia side of the Potomac River. It’s a wide, paved trail that provides excellent views of the Washington Monument and several memorials from the other side of the river. Stop at Gravelly Point Park (or park there if you want car access to the trail) and watch the planes taking off from the airport nearby. If you are feeling energetic, follow the trail into Old Town Alexandria.
9. Try Some New Food
Eat at the Mitsitam Cafe at the National Museum of the American Indian, where you can try traditional fry bread and other authentic foods. Or try the Sweet Home Café at the National Museum of African American History and Culture. The menu is focused on African American culture and traditions. For an early morning sugar rush, head to Astro Doughnuts and Fried Chicken. Better yet, consider taking the Underground Donut Tour!
10. Hike on Roosevelt Island
I love this hidden sanctuary, which is accessible by a walking/biking trail from the Rosslyn Metro or by crossing over the Key Bridge and following the path. There is also limited parking at the island. The longest hiking trail is roughly 1 ½ miles long, and dogs are allowed on the trails.
Since it’s part of the National Park Service, kids can earn a Junior Ranger Badge. Another option for kids is the TRACK Trail adventure, which combines hiking on the island with fun activities like a scavenger hunt. I think it’s one of the underrated fun things to do with young kids in DC and a great opportunity for some outdoor exploration in nature.
Related Post:
