History at every turn. Awesome parks. Interactive museums. Countless places to get outside and play. At the doorstep of Washington, D.C., Arlington delivers plenty of adventure for those of all ages. Here’s your guide to exploring Arlington, Virginia, with kids. 

Get Your History Fix

You don’t have to travel far from Arlington to see our nation’s most celebrated landmarks. Here are a few to put on your family’s list:

• White House

• Capitol Hill 

• Washington Monument

• Lincoln Memorial

• Arlington National Cemetery & The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

• National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial

• U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial

• National Mall

Get Outdoors

Outdoor adventures abound in Arlington and the surrounding area. Here are a few family-friendly ones to try.

Hike Theodore Roosevelt Island Park

This 91-acre wilderness preserve named for the adventure-loving former U.S. president features more than 2.5 miles of trails filled with woods, marsh, and wildlife. It’s all relatively flat, too, making it perfect for even the littlest adventurers.

Bike the Mount Vernon Trail

Grab your bikes and pedal the Mount Vernon Trail. This 18-mile paved route follows the Potomac River all the way from George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate to Theodore Roosevelt Island. It connects with a number of regional trails, allowing you to customize your journey.

Paddle the Potomac

The Potomac River is popular among paddlers and a fun way to explore the area with your kids. You’ll find launch spots strewn about the shoreline. Don’t have your own gear? No problem. Kayaks, rowboats, paddleboards, and more are available to rent at local boathouses.

Plan a Day at the Park

Arlington and the surrounding area is filled with fantastic parks. Here are a few your family will love.

Gravelly Point Park

This awesome riverfront spot managed by the National Park Service is a popular spot for watching planes land and take off at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. That makes it a must-visit for families. What kid doesn’t love planes?

Bluemont Park

With more than 70 acres of space to play, this scenic city park is an amazing place for a day spent outdoors.

Upton Hill Regional Park

There’s all sorts of adventure to be had at Upton Hills Park. Explore forested trails. Cool off at the waterpark. Tee up some epic competition on the mini golf course. You’ll find it all at Upton Hill.

Four Mile Run Park

This fun park is a great place for a leisurely stroll and serves up views of the Four Mile Run stream and ample green space to explore.

Make It a Museum Day

Here in Arlington, we’re lucky to have some epic museums right in our backyard. Though some have yet to open as we emerge from the pandemic, they’re definitely worth a visit once their doors open. Make sure to do your research before planning your visit.

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum

This is the ultimate museum to visit to learn about everything flight related – aircraft, spacecraft, missiles, rockets, and more.

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

Also housed at the Smithsonian Institution, this awesome museum offers a deep dive into the science and history of our planet.

National Geographic Museum

Becoming a National Geographic photographer is seemingly everyone’s dream at some point in life, right? Explore the rich imagery produced by this legendary magazine’s talented crew at this one-of-a-kind museum.

International Spy Museum

Chances are the adults will love this one as much as the kids. This unreal experience offers a glimpse into the world of espionage.

National Children’s Museum

Get your kids stoked on science with a visit to this amazing D.C. museum. Its interactive exhibits help bring science, technology, engineering, art, and math to life.

Amplify Your Journey

StorQuest Self Storage in Arlington, Virginia, is here to help you and your family explore more of our awesome area. We offer storage units in a variety of sizes, helping you make space for more of the things you love in life.