Baby-Friendly Weekday Outings in DC
- dcstayathomeparent
- Dec 1, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 6, 2024
Some of our favorite spots in DC to go with an infant/newborn!
Gardens/Outdoor Walks
C&O Canal Towpath (Georgetown/Palisades)
Information here
Why we love it: Shady outdoor walk that can take you from Georgetown to Bethesda. Note: lots of unpaved paths with gravel so would recommend baby wearing or using a stroller with large wheels
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Cost: FREE
Fransciscian Monastery (Brookland)
Information here
Why we love it: Sprawling gardens and beautiful architecture
Hours: 9am - 4:45pm daily
Cost: FREE, no ticket needed
Hillwood Estate (Van Ness/Forest Hills)
Information here
Why we love it: Set on twenty-five acres adjacent to Rock Creek Park, Hillwood's gardens offer beauty and interest in every season
Hours: 10am - 5pm daily
Cost: Adults $15, children under 6 are free
Advance reservations are not required to visit, but they encourage visitors to book tickets online to ensure a smooth check-in
Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens (Kenilworth)
Information here
Why we love it: Short trails including a boardwalk through a marsh and pond. Plenty of picnic tables and a visitors center
The Anacostia River trail (stretches from Navy Yard to Bladensburg, MD) takes you through this area and is a gorgeous paved trail!
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Cost: FREE
National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden (National Mall)
Information here
Why we love it: A small and contained area, it doesn't take all day to see the art (but you can spend your entire day there!). There is also a great cafe on-site
Hours: 10am - 5pm daily
Cost: FREE
Smithsonian Castle Enid A. Haupt Garden and Moongate Garden (National Mall)
Information here.
Why we love it: Visit during the magnolia bloom in early spring. They usually bloom a couple weeks earlier than the cherry blossoms!
Hours: Dawn to dusk daily, closed Christmas Day
Cost: FREE
U.S. Botanic Gardens (National Mall)
Information here
Why we love it: A warm place on cold days when you still want to be surrounded by plants and nature
Entrances and hours:
Conservatory: 100 Maryland Ave SW
10am - 5pm daily
Gated Outdoor Gardens: 100 Maryland Ave SW,
7:30am - 5:00pm daily (closed Dec. 25)
Bartholdi Fountain and Gardens: 245 First St SW
Dawn to dusk
Cost: FREE, no ticket needed
U.S. National Arboretum (Ivy City)
Information here
Why we love it: Paved and protected walking paths that are great for stroller walks, photo ops at the iconic National Capitol Columns
Hours: 8am - 5pm every day except Christmas Day
Cost: FREE, no ticket needed
Libraries
DC's public library system (DCPL) hosts fun and educational activities specifically for babies. Here's a guide to weekly library events in the city.
Museums
Hirshhorn
Information here
Why we love it: Modern art (lots of high contrast images) and great cafe inside. Sculptures and nice paved pathways for your stroller outside. Note: you’ll need to park your stroller in the lobby or lower level
Hours: Mondays: 12pm - 5:30pm Tuesdays-Fridays: 10am - 5:30pm
Cost: FREE
National Gallery of Art (National Mall)
Information here
Why we love it:
East Building: Modern and contemporary works of art that you and your baby can enjoy
West Building: The Mercury Fountain in the Rotunda is a great spot for a stroller nap!
Cost: FREE
Phillips Collection (Dupont Circle)
Information here
Why we love it: Free entry from 4pm to close, a great time to visit when you're desperate to get to bedtime
Cost: $20 for adults, members are free
Tickets are pay-what-you-wish daily from 4pm to close. Advance reservation recommended
On Third Thursdays, the museum has extended hours until 8pm, with free admission from 4pm to close. Explore the galleries and enjoy Spotlight Talks from Phillips Educators. Stop by Third Thursday partners IA&A at Hillyer, Studio Gallery, and ADA Art Gallery, all within one block of the Phillips! No advance reservation required
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