Visiting Washington DC with Kids

A Family Guide from Riggs

Washington, DC is one of the easiest cities in the country to visit with kids. Many of its best attractions are free, most are within walking distance of each other and there's always a patch of grass nearby. The trick is pacing the days and picking a home base that gives everyone room to recharge.

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What are the best things to do in DC with kids?

National Children's Museum. Hands-on exhibits designed for kids up to about age 12, close to the National Mall.
National Museum of Natural History. Dinosaurs, the Hope Diamond and a live insect zoo. Free.
National Air and Space Museum. Real rocket ships and planes overhead. Free; but some exhibits require free timed passes
Smithsonian's National Zoo. Free admission, with timed passes recommended. Easy to reach by the red line on the Metro.
United States Botanic Garden. A jungle-like conservatory at the foot of the Capitol. Free and stroller friendly.
International Spy Museum. Best for older kids and teens. Ticketed, at L'Enfant Plaza, close to the Green line on the Metro.
The monuments at dusk. The Lincoln Memorial and Reflecting Pool feel bigger after dark, and the walk tires out little legs before bed.

Family Rooms and Suites at Riggs

Riggs sits in the heart of Penn Quarter, so the Mall, the museums and the Metro are all close by. Our family rooms and suites are designed to give everyone room to spread out.

Family Superior: Two plush beds and extra space, with design touches that feel grown-up without being fussy.
Family Deluxe: More room for longer stays or families who like to unpack properly.
Family Suite: Our most generous option, built around the Gallery Suite. It offers a king bedroom, a separate living area with a sofa bed and an adjoining Superior Double with two beds. Parents get a door to close; kids get their own space.

Every room comes with blackout curtains, which matter more than any parent will admit. Interconnecting layouts are available, so families can stay together without sharing one bathroom.

The Family Stay Package

Our Family Stay package takes care of the details:

Daily breakfast at Café Riggs for up to four guests
Up to two tickets to the National Children's Museum
A Riggs Adventure Passport and bespoke coloring pages
A Riggsy Bear to take home

Breakfast in a grand former banking hall is a memorable way to start the day, and the Adventure Passport gives kids a reason to explore the city with you.

And for the Grown-Ups

Once the kids are asleep, Riggs still has a little life in it. Café Riggs serves an all-day menu, and Silver Lyan, our bar in the original bank vault, is the reward for a day of keeping everyone on schedule.

Is Riggs DC family-friendly?

Yes. Riggs offers family rooms and suites with space for children, interconnecting options and a Family Stay package with breakfast and kids' gifts.

What is the best area to stay in DC with kids?

Penn Quarter is a strong choice. It's close to the National Mall, the Smithsonian museums and the National Children's Museum, with easy Metro access.

Are the museums in DC free for kids?

All Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo are free. A few attractions, like the National Children's Museum and the International Spy Museum, charge admission.