Activities for Kids

5 Things to do with Kids on Inauguration Weekend

Whether you decide to brave the cold and the crowds by going to one of the many official Inaugural events or you opt to lay low, we’ve got a number of options for you.

By writerredtri December 17, 2016

Regardless of where you stand politically, it’s always exciting to be in D.C. during the Inauguration (Jan. 20). Whether you decide to brave the cold and the crowds by going to one of the many official Inaugural events or you opt for a more low key indoor activity, we’ve got a number of options for you.

Photo: Adam Fagen via Flickr

Swearing-In Ceremony and Inaugural Parade
Join thousands for the Swearing-In Ceremony at the West front of the U.S. Capitol Building on Friday, January 20th. Musical performances are scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m, and guest speakers are scheduled to begin at 11:30 a.m. Tickets are required for sections near the event but you don’t need tickets to view from the National Mall area. Following the Swearing-In, the Inaugural Parade will make its way down Pennsylvania Avenue from the Capitol to the White House. The parade will include high school and college bands; motorcycle and cavalry units; veterans and active members of the military; and even the Boy Scouts of America. Ticket required for special viewing areas but not for general public viewing areas.

Online: 58pic2017.org

Inauguration Weekend at Mount Vernon
Skip the Mall and go to Mount Vernon over Inauguration weekend as they honor our first president, George Washington, with a scavenger hunt, exhibits, and other unique activities. Learn more about Washington’s presidency by listening for clues and solving puzzles throughout Mt. Vernon. You can even test your photographic skills in the Education Center lobby and #PoseLikeThePrez.

Online: mountvernon.org

Photo: Anny Photography

Visit President Lincoln’s Cottage
Want to do something Presidential but not quite up for Inaugural events? Take this opportunity to visit one of D.C.’s must-see landmarks, President Abraham Lincoln’s Cottage. Tucked away in Petworth, this is where the Great Emancipator drafted the Emancipation Proclamation as well as where he spent lots of his time during the Civil War. Tour this significant marvel near Rock Creek Park.

Online: lincolncottage.org

Out of Many Festival: A Winter Multicultural Presentation of Music and Dance
Head over to the National Museum of the American Indian and enjoy their multi-cultural Out of Many Festival. The two-day celebration highlights Native performers from across the U.S. as well as local DMV musical groups in every genre. Event Details

Online: nmai.si.edu/calendar

Photo: Hillwood Estate Museum and Gardens

Four Seasons
Pay a visit to the beautiful Hillwood Estate Museum and Gardens and view Philip Haas’s magnificent Four Seasons art in the garden installation. Haas’s fifteen-foot high sculptures are inspired by the series, The Seasons, by Italian Renaissance painter Giuseppe Arcimboldo and represents each season in botanical materials such as flowers, fruits, vegetables, and branches. Your kids will love running through the Hillwood gardens and seeing these gargantuan figures.

Online: hillwoodmuseum.org

Tea With Mrs. B Day Camp
Want to check out some Inaugural events but prefer to leave the littles behind? Take them to Tea With Mrs. B Day Camp! Open to kids ages 4-12, Mrs. B will keep them entertained all day love with fun activities like crafts and games, dress-up and of course, high tea! Camp runs from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. with extended care before and after.