By DullesMoms, July 2026
Washington, DC, is a treasure trove of activity boasting museums, monuments, landmarks, and more! What better way to enrich your children’s minds and spark their interest in history than to explore the epicenter of our nation’s capital?
Most of these amazing places require a bit of planning, but they’re well worth the effort!
The White House
Washington, DC
You must book White House tours through your member of Congress. Visit the US House of Representatives website to find your representative and email them to start the request process. Tours are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis, and we recommend submitting your request as early as possible—don’t be surprised if your representative takes several weeks or months to respond. You can submit requests up to 90 days in advance and no less than 21 days in advance.
Individuals and families of any size can request tickets — there’s no group minimum. Self-guided tours are available at select times on weekdays and weekends. Note: You must provide a government-issued ID or passport to enter the White House on the day of your tour.
US Capitol Building
Washington, DC
The home of Congress offers free tours at select times on weekdays and weekends. Reservations are strongly recommended and can be made through the online booking tool. Tours fill up quickly, so we recommend booking in advance, though a limited number of same-day tour tickets may also be available at the Capitol Visitor Center.
The Senate and House galleries are open to visitors whenever either legislative body is in session; however, the galleries are not included in the US Capitol tour. When the House of Representatives is not in session (see their schedule here) or when the Senate is in scheduled recess (see their schedule here), the gallery is open to those with passes—visitors may obtain gallery passes from the offices of their senators or representatives. International visitors can get gallery passes at the House and Senate Appointment Desks on the upper level.
Library of Congress
Washington, DC
Visitors to the impressive Library of Congress have a few options to explore — self-guided tours, as well as exhibits and installations on display. During your tour, roaming volunteers are available throughout the Thomas Jefferson Building to answer questions, give directions, and share stories about the library’s collections and building. Check out the library’s handy brochure for a map and instructions.
Popular exhibits include a replica of Thomas Jefferson’s library and the Exploring the Early Americas gallery, home to the 1507 Waldseemuller map — the first known map to use the word “America” to identify North America. The library’s website has a full calendar and exhibit listings.
State Department Diplomatic Reception Rooms
Washington, DC
The Department of State’s Diplomatic Reception Rooms are used for official functions hosted by the Secretary of State and other high-level government officials. They offer free, pre-arranged tours and feature an impressive collection of 18th-century American furniture, paintings, and decorative arts. Guided tours take place during select times on weekdays, and reservations are required. Make your reservation 90 days in advance due to the high volume of tour requests.
The Supreme Court
Washington, DC
The highest federal Court of the United States is open to the public both when the Court is in session and when it is not sitting. Although guided walking tours are not offered, visitors are encouraged to tour the building on their own and take advantage of a variety of educational programs. The Court’s term runs from October through late June, with arguments typically heard October-April, and visitors may view Courtroom sessions during select times on weekdays. Court sessions are open on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive well in advance—seating begins at 9:30 am for those who wish to attend an entire argument. Shortly thereafter, a “three-minute line” will be available for those who wish to observe the session for a brief period.
Other activities available include courtroom lectures, a visitors’ film, and other Court-related exhibitions. Lectures in the Courtroom generally take place every hour on the half-hour on days that the Court is not in session. (A modified lecture schedule is offered in December and January.) Trained docents lead these 30-minute programs, designed to introduce visitors of all ages to the judicial functions of the Supreme Court, the building’s history, and the architecture of the Courtroom. Throughout the day, the ground-floor theater continuously shows The Supreme Court, a 24-minute film that examines the building’s history and features interviews with the Chief Justice and both sitting and retired Justices. The Supreme Court website lists current events and exhibits.
Changing of the Guard at Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington, VA
Located across the Potomac River from Washington, DC, Arlington National Cemetery is the final resting place of hundreds of thousands of military veterans and their immediate families, beginning with the Civil War, as well as reinterred individuals from earlier wars. The 600-plus-acre cemetery, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, has a long, complicated history dating back to 1802, when George Washington Parke Custis, George Washington’s step-grandson, acquired the land.
While visiting, don’t miss the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Created after World War I, the tomb houses three unidentified fallen members of the armed forces, representing all those who remain unknown. It has been guarded continuously ever since. Normally, the guards relieve each other from duty every hour, but from April 1-September 30, there are also half-hour changes, making the chance to witness the ritual even greater. From the immaculately uniformed soldiers to the weapons inspection, this is a must-see event.
Pentagon Tours
Arlington, VA
The Pentagon, the Headquarters of the Department of Defense, offers a free walking tour that explores the missions of the Joint Staff, Armed Services, and the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Explore the world’s largest office building by scheduling a tour. You can reserve tours 14-90 days in advance; book early, as they fill up quickly.
White House Garden Tours
Washington, DC
In 1972, First Lady Pat Nixon decided to open up the White House gardens for tours twice a year, and that tradition continues today. The tours feature the South Lawn of the White House as well as the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden, the Rose Garden, and the White House Kitchen Garden. The White House Kitchen Garden is the first lady’s personal vegetable garden and was the first vegetable patch planted at the White House since Eleanor Roosevelt tended to the Victory Garden in the 1940s.
For dates, visit the White House website and enter “White House Garden Tours” in the search box. Typically, the National Park Service distributes free tickets on a first-come, first-served basis near the entry point each day of the tours, beginning at 8:30 am. This entry point is located near the intersection of 15th St and Constitution Ave NW. All guests, including children, need tickets.
Washington Monument
Washington, DC
The Washington Monument offers a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of Washington, DC. The monument is open daily, with extended summer hours (Memorial Day-Labor Day).
Same-day tickets are available at the Washington Monument Lodge, located along 15th St., on a first-come, first-served basis. One person may obtain up to six tickets and request their preferred ticket time. Duringg peak season (April-September), tickets run out quickly, and many visitors form a line to wait for the ticket window to open well before 9 am. To schedule in advance, reserve tickets online through Recreation.gov.
Disclaimer: Event details are curated from public sources and subject to change. Verify all information via the provided links before attending.
Updated July 22, 2026
