DC is one of the best cities for kids
Washington, DC, is an often overlooked but amazing place to bring children. Many of the biggest attractions are free, the museums are built for curious minds and there's a lot of green space for running off energy. The trick is a good home base: somewhere comfortable, calm and close enough to everything.
That's where Lyle comes in.
What are the best things to do in DC with kids?
Smithsonian's National Zoo. Our neighbors at the Zoo have a new arrival. Linh Mai, the first Asian elephant born at the Zoo in nearly 25 years started meeting visitors in 2026. The Zoo is home to more than 2,700 animals across 390 species, and it's a short metro ride from Dupont Circle, or you could walk. Entry is free, but you'll need entry passes, so reserve ahead. Demand to meet Linh Mai is high.
National Museum of Natural History. Dinosaurs, giant ocean creatures and sparkling gems. It holds young attention well.
National Air and Space Museum. Real aircraft and spacecraft overhead. Book its free timed-entry passes before you travel.
Parks and playgrounds. Rock Creek Park and the green space at Dupont Circle itself are good for a break between museums. Our team can point you to the nearest playgrounds.
Tips for a calmer family trip
- Plan one big thing per half-day.
- Book timed passes early for the Zoo and the busiest museums
- Pack snacks and refillable bottles. Bags are screened at museum entrances, so keep it light.
- Build in downtime back at the hotel. A quiet hour for parents a Lyle’s gives everyone time to rest and relax.
Family Adventure at Lyle
Our Family Adventure at Lyle offer is built for exactly this kind of trip. It includes:
- Breakfast each morning at Lyle's, to fuel the family for a full day of exploring
- A children's book and their very own Lyle the crocodile to take home, a soft reminder of where they stayed
- An in-room tent, ready and waiting, because every good adventure needs a base camp