Enjoy autumn and a fun activity playing disc golf
[Note: This post was originally published during the January 2018 government shutdown, but has been updated to reflect the status of local attractions during the October 2025 shutdown.]
The government is still shut down, which means many go-to spots to hang with kiddos in the DC area are, too. Specifically, Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo, the National Gallery of Art, the National Archives , Ford’s Theatre (tours, not performances), Library of Congress, Capitol Visitors Center, U.S. National Arboretum, and U.S. Botanic Garden are closed. Locales within the National Park Service system are not necessarily closed, but they are not staffed and many are difficult to access. But not to worry! There are plenty of fantastic alternatives to enjoy in the meantime, however long that may be. You might even discover a new favorite once you step off the beaten path. Here are some of them to keep in mind — click on links for details.
* * * Museums
National Building Museum – This is already a go-to for many, but it will be especially appreciated now. And federal employees can receive free admission during the shutdown by showing their federal badges!
Planet Word – The museum all about language has three levels of exhibits, most of them interactive, all of them engaging, interesting, and fun.
Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream – This new cultural hub and exhibition space is full of installations designed to engage, educate, and inspire with elements that appeal to all ages. As they say, it’s “a place of possibility, where hope is made tangible, and solutions are forged together.”
National Children’s Museum – Located within the Ronald Reagan Building, the museum features an array of STEAM-inspired, hands-on exhibits with lessons in science, math, and more at their cores — all presented in fun, kid-relatable ways.
International Spy Museum – A visit here takes you on an “undercover mission” to explore the intriguing world of espionage.
Folger Shakespeare Library – The attraction on Capitol Hill contains the world’s largest collection of materials relating to Shakespeare, including many interactive exhibits and elements especially for kids.
College Park Aviation Museum – Learn about the history of flight at the museum located on the grounds of the world’s oldest continuously operating airport.
Phillips Collection – The Gallery in Dupont Circle always has interesting special exhibits as well as a great collection of permanent works, plus a Family Gallery with specially-selected artworks displayed at children’s eye-level with conversation prompts. They are also offering free admission to federal employees!
Calvert Marine Museum – A wonderful museum about an hour’s drive from DC, full of exhibits and hands-on activities that appeal to kids.
Kreeger Museum – The small art museum in DC’s Foxhall-Palisades neighborhood is perfect for an art fix with kids that’s gratifying without being overwhelming.
Textile Museum – Also the George Washington University Museum, the gallery in Foggy Bottom houses a beautiful collection of textiles from around the world. Be aware that this museum might appeal to adults and older kids more than young children, but there are works that all ages can appreciate.
Museum of Illusions – The many installations and exhibits throughout the museum in CityCenterDC trick and test the mind in ways that are fun and illuminating.
National Museum for Women in the Arts – Highlighting women artists all over the world, works span the centuries, from the 16th to the present in a variety of mediums. And the next monthly Community Day will be on November 2, offering free admission for all!
Charm City – Baltimore’s museums are not government funded, so Maryland Science Center, American Visionary Arts Museum, Baltimore Museum of Industry, and the National Aquarium are all open. See a whole KFDC Guide to exploing Baltimore with kids here.
Parks… & other places for some fresh air
DC Playgrounds – The DC government has not shut down, so facilities operated by DCDPR are still open, including numerous playgrounds throughout the city.
Hiking Trails – Some spots are listed below, but you can find even moe in this round-up that includes local National Parks, which are still accessible.
Disc Golf Courses – A fun, easy outdoor activity. Ou favorite course is in College Park, but you can also play at Patapsco Valley State Park in MD; Pohick Bay Regional Park in Lorton, VA; Seneca Creek State Park in Gaithersburg, MD; and Burke Lake Park in Burke, VA.
Dumbarton Oaks Gardens – The grounds of the historic house in Georgetown have a magical feel and are lovely to explore. Even better, admission to them is free during winter. Note the days/hours are Wednesday – Sunday, 2-6pm.
Franciscan Monastery – A DC “secret” to many, visitors are welcome explore the lovely gardens (and the church, too) in Brookland.
Congressional Cemetery –Full of history, graves of notable people, lovely grounds to stroll, and even geocaching opportunities, it’s a pretty cool place to go.
Mount Vernon – George Washington’s estate is like a living history museum with his mansion and many original structures appearing just as they did over two hundred years ago. Plus, a four-acre working farm, complete with heritage-breed animals, offers demonstrations of Washington’s innovative farming practices.
Huntley Meadows Park – Explore woods and wetlands at this Alexandria gem.
Green Spring Gardens – Wander around the grounds of this pretty spot in Northern Virginia.
River Farm – Explore the grounds of the American Horticultural Society headquarters. Kids will love playing in the Children’s Gardens and taking in sweeping views of the Potomac. Admission is free, but donations are welcome.
Watkins Regional Park – County parks are still open, so go play on the Wizard of Oz-themed playground, visit animals at Old Maryland Farm, hike the trails, and stop in the Nature Center.
Clemyjonti – The sprawling, vibrantly colored playground in McLean is a great place to let kids burn some energy under the sky.
Yards Park – The beautiful recreational space in the Capitol Riverfront neighborhood is open to the public and has nice grassy spaces for running around, a boardwalk along the river to stroll, and lots of nearby eateries to get lunch.
Walk the Mall – You can still walk among the monuments and memorials along the National Mall and Tidal Basin — less crowds may actually make it more pleasant — but there won’t be Park Rangers on duty or access to Visitors Centers and bathrooms, so plan accordingly.
Brookside Gardens – Wander around the beautiful grounds, play in the Children’s Garden, look for turtles swimming in the pond, and see if there are any special programs going on in the Visitor Center or nearby Nature Center.
