Washington is full of history, and you do not have to go downtown to find it. Every ward has a place where kids can see, touch and walk through a piece of the story. Pick one ward per weekend and you have a year of easy family outings.
Always check each official page for current hours before you go. Wear comfortable shoes, and bring water and a snack.
Ward 1: Civil War Heroes and a Garden on a Hill
African American Civil War Memorial and Museum. This is in the U Street neighborhood. The National Park Service describes it as the only national memorial honoring the United States Colored Troops. The museum is at 1925 Vermont Ave NW, across the street from the memorial.
Meridian Hill Park. John Porter built a mansion on this hill in 1819, and in 1829 it became the home of departing President John Quincy Adams. Union troops camped here during the Civil War. Today it is a park with an Italian-style garden and fountains, and a National Historic Landmark. Find it on 16th Street NW between Euclid and W Streets. See the National Park Service page.
Ward 2: The Canal in Georgetown
The C&O Canal runs 184.5 miles along the Potomac River, from Georgetown to Cumberland, Maryland. Kids can walk the towpath and watch the canal and locks. Start at the Georgetown Visitor Center page for current information and the canal boat. The towpath conditions page lists any closures.
Ward 3: The Highest Spot in the City
Fort Reno Park in Tenleytown is the highest point in the District of Columbia, and it was once a Civil War fort. It is a good open space for a picnic and a “we climbed the top of DC” photo.
Ward 4: Where the Capital Came Under Fire
Fort Stevens came under fire on July 11 and 12, 1864. The National Park Service says the Civilian Conservation Corps rebuilt it in 1936 to look as it did in 1864 (NPS FAQ). In 1864, 68 forts encircled the city (NPS). Walk the earthworks and let the kids imagine what it was like.
Ward 5: Gardens, Bonsai and a Presidential Signature
The U.S. National Arboretum was created by an act that President Calvin Coolidge signed on March 4, 1927. The National Bonsai & Penjing Museum, opened in 1976, is the first museum dedicated to the art of bonsai. Admission is free and no tickets are needed. The grounds are open 8am to 5pm every day except Christmas Day, and the bonsai museum is open 10am to 4pm daily except federal holidays from November through February (official site).
Ward 6: Capitol Hill’s Hidden Corners
Capitol Hill is our home turf. Start with The Secret Alleys of Capitol Hill, then visit the 4 Historic Capitol Hill Parks to Visit with Kids.
Ward 7: A Fort in the Woods
Fort Dupont Park was once home to an earthen fort. It is open every day from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (hours page). The park hosts ranger-led programs and summer concerts. Check the park info page for what is happening.
Ward 8: Cedar Hill, Frederick Douglass’s Home
Frederick Douglass was born into slavery in 1818, escaped as a young man and became a leading voice in the abolitionist movement. He lived the last 17 years of his life at Cedar Hill, which is now the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site. Visitors can tour the house, see exhibits, explore the grounds and watch the film. The address is 1411 W Street SE. Check the plan your visit page for hours and tours.
Keep Exploring
- Civil War Forts of DC: A Family Walk Through History
- The Complete DC Ward Guide
- Where DC Moms Go to Breathe: DC’s Best Parks
Sources are linked above. Details checked October 17, 2026. Hours and programs can change, so check each official page before you go.
Elizabeth Redd, the Publisher of this website, grew up in a small town called Newhall, West Virginia, before moving to Washington, DC, in 1964. She worked in Prince George's County Public School System in Maryland for 40 years, opened a wig shop, made clothes, and participated in fashion shows during the '70s and '80s. She worked part-time as a caterer for a couple of years. Hand dancing has been one of her passions. She has also worked in Internet marketing for the last ten years. She also has a passion for learning new things.
She has learned that success is measured not so much by the position one has reached in life but by the obstacles one has overcome while trying to succeed. One thing is for sure: she is living her best life.
