# Travel >> Travel Advice >> Tourist Attractions

Kids' Weekend Activities in Washington, DC

So you want to take your kids to Washington DC? The capitol of the United States of America is rich with historical monuments and tours and shows to entertain and educate tourists and citizens, but what do you do with your kids on the weekend to keep them entertained and excited? Here is a list of activities both you and your kids, grandkids or schoolchildren can enjoy.

The National Zoo
- Part of the Smithsonian museums network, the National Zoo of Washington DC is a great place to take your kids for a weekend adventure. Admission is free. Children will be delighted to see strange and exotic animals from all over the world, including special Chinese Panda visitors Mei Xiang and Tian Tian, and you can even register for a special “Snore & Roar” sleepover hosted by the Zoo!
  
  The National Zoo
  
  3001 Connecticut Avenue NW
  
  Washington, DC 20008
  
  202-633-4800
  
  nationalzoo.si.edu
The National Theatre
- “Saturday Morning at the National” is a free event that you can bring your whole family to at the National Theatre. According to the Washington.Org tourism site the “shows range from puppet and magic shows to showcases of music and ballet.” Be sure to arrive at least 30 minutes before the performance, as no tickets can be reserved.
  
  National Theatre
  
  1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
  
  Washington,DC 20004
  
  202-628-6161
  
  nationaltheatre.org
The National Mall
- DC by Foot is a tourism company operating in Washington DC that claims to offer “free, kid-friendly tours (gratuity recommended) infused with games, fun facts, and trivia,” according to Washington.Org. The free tour takes you from the Washington Mall, past the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Constitution Gardens, West Potomac Park and Washington Monument, among others.
  
  DC by Foot
  
  1740 18th St. NW
  
  Washington,DC 20009
  
  202-370-1830
  
  dcbyfoot.com
Planet Fun
- After a long day of exploring the city, let your kids unwind in this “indoor amusement park” that grandparents.com claims is much more than a simple arcade, but a place where children can participate in “skill-builder” games. Admission costs $13 for complete access to every part of the indoor park.
  
  Planet Fun
  
  6000 Greenbelt Road
  
  Greenbelt, MD 20770
  
  301-982-2444
  
  http://www.planetfun.net/
Gifford's Ice Cream and Candy Co.
- Celebrate your trip to the nation's capitol by finishing the day at Gifford's Ice Cream and Candy Co., a location that simply screams delight for your kids. They offer Ice Cream & Sorbets, Ice Cream Cakes, Candy, Hot Drinks, Milkshakes, and special “Giffords Gear.”
  
  11th Street, NW
  
  Washington, D.C.
  
  (202) 347-7755
  
  http://www.giffords.com/