See 21 Monuments and Memorials in the Washington, DC area

The Monuments and Memorial Parks on and around the National Mall always a good idea to visit. These are FREE and one of the fun perks about living in and around our nations capital. We get to enjoy history in our own backyards. Most of these Memorials and Museums are outdoors and are gorgeous to see early in the morning or later at night to beat the crowds. Plus, if they are outdoors, they are typically open 24 hours a day (for a date-night activity). Also, during the summer, the monuments are cooler at night and in the morning.

Find the handy google map on the bottom of the article to navigate around the monuments. Also, parking is always a bit tricky in and around the city. Public transportation is recommenced, but finding a nearby parking spot and walking over is an option too.

Also, we understand that not all kids would love to visit these (yet!), but you can visit these while on maternity leave, to take a stroll with a toddler and mom friends, share this guide with visitors coming to town, etc. Let us know if there are other memorials or monuments that you love that you think we should add.

Here is a legend for a quick reference:

🚽 = Restrooms available 🏛 = Indoors ⭐️ = One of our favorites

21 Monuments and Memorials in and around DC to Visit with Kids

1. Albert Einstein Memorial ⭐️ 2101 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20418 Don’t miss this cute, quick photo opportunity right near the Lincoln Memorial. Stand in the center to see if you can find the secret echo!
2. Arlington Memorial Bridge 2912 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20418 The Arlington Memorial Bridge offers a gorgeous entrance to the back of the Lincoln Memorial and the National Mall. The bridge was built from 1926-31 and also represents unity between the North and South.
3. Eisenhower Memorial 540 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20202 This new memorial is across the street from the Air and Space Museum and is a large space to explore.
4. Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial 1850 West Basin Dr SW, Washington, DC 20242 Right off the Tidal Basin, visit this unique memorial that honoring the legacy of FDR who is the only president to serve 4 consecutive terms. The memorial is very accessible and even includes braille.
5. Jefferson Memorial ⭐️ 16 E Basin Dr SW, Washington, DC 20242 Walk the near the Potomac River to visit the Jefferson Memorial exterior and open air interior. It is grand and incredible to see.
6. Korean War Veterans Memorial 900 Ohio Dr SW, Washington, DC 20024 Located between the Lincoln Memorial and the National Park Stables on the National Mall, this memorial has statues of soldiers in a walking stance that show the sacrifice they made during this war.
7. LBJ Memorial Grove on the Potomac George Washington Memorial Pkwy, Washington, DC 20037 The gorgeous grove and memorial is actually on the Lady Bird Johnson Park and has a bridge that connects it to the Pentagon grounds. It’s a great place to have a picnic and explore the trails.
8. Lincoln Memorial ⭐️ 🚽 2 Lincoln Memorial Cir NW, Washington, DC 20002 This is hands down the very best, most majestic memorial in all of DC (in our humble opinion). It’s a must with kids. Walk the stairs, see the reflecting pool, read the speeches to the right and left of Lincoln, and admire all the good he did while in office.
9. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial ⭐️ 1964 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20004This newer monument in Washington, DC is a sight to see. Find tips to visit here. This is a great place to hang out and have a picnic and enjoy the views.
10. Marine Corps War Memorial Arlington, VA 22209 Visit this memorial from 6 am to midnight and take a snapshot near this iconic statue. Parking is onsite.
11. Military Women’s Memorial Memorial Ave, Schley Dr, Arlington, VA 22202 Located at National Arlington Cemetery near JFK’s burial, this memorial is dedicated to past, present, and future women in the military. Parking is $3 an hour or $10 a day.
12. National Archives Museum 🏛 701 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20408 See the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights. This isn’t technically a monument or memorial, but we think it fits with the general theme of history. The museum is open daily from 10 am – 5:30 pm and admission is free and tickets are not required. However, for a $1 fee, you can make a reservation to avoid long wait times.
13. National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial 450 F St NW, Washington, DC 20001 This Memorial is near 6th and E NW, no it is not located on the National Mall, but a great memorial to know about since it is dedicated to officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.
14. US Navy Memorial Plaza 701 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004 Located right off Pennsylvania Avenue, this memorial honors Soldiers of the Sea and has the “Lone Soldier Statue”. It is also very close to the National Archives and National Archives Metro station making it a great place to start a walk on the National Mall.
15. Netherlands Carillon Arlington, VA 22209 See gorgeous views of the city from this space and garden. It is near the Marine Corps War Memorial too so you can do two things at once.
16. The Supreme Court ⭐️ 1 First St NE, Washington, DC 20543 This is also not an official monument or memorial, but is sight to see. It is open Monday-Friday, 9 am – 3:00 pm when court is not in session.
17. Theodore Roosevelt Island ⭐️ Theodore Roosevelt Island, Washington, DC Get ready to have an epic hike with kids with free parking. Bring plenty of water, stay on the paths, and explore the monument in the very center. There are no restrooms.
18. Vietnam Veterans Memorial 5 Henry Bacon Dr NW, Washington, DC 20002 Visit the Vietnam Vet Memorial and see the Women’s Vietnam Memorial too that show women holding a solider.
19. Washington Monument ⭐️ 🚽 🏛 2 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20024 The Washington Monument is a sight to behold! Find full details here!  It is grand, and tickets to the top are free, but have a $1 ticket fee per ticket.
20. World War I Memorial 1449-1455 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004 One block from the White House, find the World War I Memorial dedicated to honoring the soldiers who fought in the war and also those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
21. World War II Memorial 1750 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024 Take a walk and find your home state’s statue along the oval memorial along the National Mall. It is stunning and offers great views of the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial.

 

We hope you enjoy these one-of-a-kind Memorials and Monuments in and around DC. Check out the most fun things to do with kids with our 101 Best Things to Do with Children in the Washington, DC, area! Please tag us in your photos and be sure to follow us on social media on Facebook and Instagram.