One of Washington DC’s coolest attractions for kids – locals and visitors alike – is the two-for-one Museum of American Art and National Portrait Gallery housed at the old patent office (Thanks to the Library of Congress for the admittedly somewhat-out-of-date picture):
This building now sports a beautiful courtyard complete with a glass canopy, giving it that surreal feeling of being inside and outside at the same time. Which is not the only surreal feature of the courtyard.
My kids love the fountains, and I love watching them play in the fountains. Several large, flat surfaces have a thin layer of water trickling over them, and the kids can run through the water without even getting (very) wet. It’s cool.
On top of that, there’s a totally reasonable cafe in the courtyard, with abundant tables and chairs, or you can take the food out into the park-like setting of the courtyard itself and have a picnic next to an absurdly shallow stream. Fun!
The museum is too much to take in on a single visit, but it’s definitely worth seeing highlights like the Hampton Throne, which our kids also love, and there are also portraits galore for education and enjoyment (everyone from George Washington to Jerry Seinfeld). Plus, when the south balcony is open (pictured above), you can head up there for a lime rickey and look out all the way down to the National Archives.
Check it out here and here, and find it on Google Maps here. The north entrance has ramps for strollers, and it’s steps from the Gallery Place/Chinatown Metro. Parking is either impossible or very expensive, depending upon what sports are happening. Other options for dining include Gordon Biersch (very kid friendly), the Spy Museum Cafe (also kid friendly), and a Teaism if you walk straight toward the Archives for two blocks, and look for it on your right.
There’s a lot to see in DC if you’re here for a visit, but I’d definitely put this on the list, and if it’s not a huge hit, you can have your money back (did I mention it’s free?). If you’re locals like us, you may even find yourself coming back for a repeat.
