The same city where politicians conduct serious business can also be also be serious fun for parents and their wee ones. While the city has some attractions geared specifically for very little ones, Washington, D.C.’s best stuff for infants and toddlers includes some attractions destined to delight grown-ups as well!

National Building Museum

401 F St. N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20001
(201) 272-2448
www.nbm.org

This gorgeous building that houses presidential balls is also a favorite for families. The National Building Museum’s Great Hall is a wide open space – 15 stories tall and as wide as a football field – making it a perfect place to keep track of new walkers. The Building Zone’s soft Lego blocks, trucks and dress-up hard hats give budding architects and construction workers a chance to build skills at an early age. And just think, the toddler struggling to put one foot in front of the other may one day come back here and dance at a ball!

Carousel on the National Mall

Outside the Smithsonian Castle Building
1000 Jefferson Dr. SW
Washington, D.C. 20560
(202) 633-1000
www.si.edu

High on the list of Washington, D.C.’s best stuff for infants and toddlers is the carousel on the National Mall, a fixture amid the monuments and museums since 1981. Take a whirl around the carousel, but discriminating riders take note: There’s only one dragon; all the other mounts are horses.

The Puppet Co.

7300 MacArthur Blvd.
Glen Echo, Md. 20812
(301) 634-5380
www.thepuppetco.org

Even babes in arms can enjoy some of the best puppetry in the country at this nationally renowned puppet theater, located just minutes outside of Washington, D.C. At the Puppet Company’s tiny tot shows, geared toward those age four and younger, the performances are abbreviated, the lights stay on, and the entire show is set up at kid level, right on the floor. “The Nutcracker” is a holiday favorite, but look for other toddler-pleasing shows throughout the year. Just keep in mind that one of Washington’s best shows for infants and toddlers requires $5 tickets for everyone.

National Zoo

3001 Connecticut Ave. N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20008
(202) 673-4800
www.nationalzoo.si.edu

Of course, the National Zoo has some of Washington, D.C.’s best stuff for infants and toddlers! Stroller rentals at all information kiosks and restaurants with highchairs help you know that your baby is welcome. The National Zoo has plenty of endangered and exotic animals, but it also has a Kids Farm to please fans of Old McDonald’s E-I-E-I-O. The National Zoo is too big to cover in a day and big enough to warrant returning to again and again!