Elmira was an exceptional tour guide, and really made an effort to connect with my two young daughters to make the history of Washington DC come alive for them. She was even kind enough to bring some workbooks to help them learn, and some kites to fly on the National Mall. I’d 100% recommend her to anyone seeking a fun and informative tour of DC.
National Mall Tour for Kids
Help kids connect monuments to stories of freedom and courage
The Finer Details
Please note: Due to ongoing construction, visitors touring the National Mall between now and the Fourth of July may experience limited access to certain areas and attractions.
Additionally, guests visiting on or near the Fourth of July should expect heightened security measures and possible pedestrian closures throughout the Mall.
From the Capitol building to the Potomac River, the National Mall stretches over two miles in length, covers over 300 acres, and serves as the nation's front yard. On your Washington, DC tour for kids, you'll learn how a canal originally ran along the Mall to help transport building materials into the city. We'll discover how the grass changed from a pasture for sheep, to a wooded park, and now a field for concerts, demonstrations, and frisbee tournaments. We'll talk about why there are so many important buildings and what role they play in the city and the country as a whole, painting a picture of how Washington, DC has changed and evolved over hundreds of years.
Who, What, When.... and Why
Using the Mall and its natural and built environment as our visual textbook, we'll delve into the planning and building of the Capitol, from its unique street plan to the lawmaking bodies and cultural institutions that dominate this central strip of land. We'll also learn about the major monuments and memorials along the Mall—what they stand for, why they were built, and what historical figures or events are associated with them. By the end of our time together, we'll come away with a good foundation on which to explore the rest of the nation's capital.
Our expert will make sure that the whole family feels involved and entertained during the tour.
Meet the Experts
Where You’ll Go
From iconic landmarks to tucked-away local favorites, these are the places you’ll explore and experience firsthand with your Expert.
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Smithsonian Castle
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Washington Monument
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Lincoln Memorial
What’s Included As Standard
Here’s a look at what your tour covers, plus anything you’ll want to consider arranging separately, so you can plan with confidence.
Included
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English-speaking expert guideTours led in English, offering you unbroken understanding throughout.
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Intentionally sized groupsA smaller group means more time for conversations and questions.
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Tickets and entrance feesAll entry tickets included (unless clearly stated otherwise).
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HeadsetsHeadsets are included on tours that need them, so every word can be heard.
Not Included
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Food and drinkUnless booking a Food & Drink tour or tasting experience, refreshments are not included.
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Transportation to and from the meeting pointUnless noted, pre- and post-tour transport isn’t included - this service can be added by request.
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GratuitiesTips aren’t included, but we encourage tipping as a way to thank your guide after your experience.
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Hotel pickup or drop-offUnless noted, travel to or from accommodation isn’t included - this service can be added by request.
Where You'll Explore
Make the Most of Your Tour
Some helpful advice for getting the most from your experience, from practical prep to small on-the-day tips.
Dos:
- Wear comfortable footwear
- Check the weather and dress appropriately
- Bring a bottle of water (no glass)
- Feel free to ask your Expert anything
Don'ts:
- Bring firearms or weapons
- Bring sharp objects (e.g. knives, swiss army knives, switchblades, hiking sticks)
- Dress inappropriately to enter religious sites or sacred monuments
Any questions? You can always
contact us.
Don’t just take our word for it
Kate is amazing. She kept us all engaged and is very knowledgeable and personable. Highly recommend!
We loved our tour with Mary Jo. She was a wealth of knowledge about the history of the Mall and Monuments, and she did a great job of engaging our kids (6 and 9).
Book a Tour
Let Your Curiosity Shape Your Journey
Join passionate experts on intimate walking tours that reveal a city’s unique stories, spark conversations, and leave you seeing the world—and yourself—a little differently.
Structured, never scripted
Your interests guide your Expert, leading to stories and perspectives that matter to you.
Crafted for conversation
With 12 or fewer guests, ask questions, engage with your Expert, and fully immerse yourself.
Experts, not guides
Explore with 1,200+ Experts—from historians and architects to archaeologists and chefs.
