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April 1, 2018 by routeonefunlady

Exploring DC’s National Arboretum with Kids!

3/4/21 Update from National Arboretum website: “Effective immediately, the outside grounds of the U.S. National Arboretum (USNA) will be open daily to the public from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The National Bonsai & Penjing Museum and Administration Building will continue to be closed to the public.”

National Arboretum with Kids

Every season is a good season to explore the National Arboretum in Washington, DC – though springtime does kinda rule! Everything’s in bloom! Colors as far as the eye can see with bees happily buzzing and temps perfect for strolling through the beautiful park. At only 15 or so minutes from the Route 1 corridor, it’s a great destination when you just want to go and enjoy the great outdoors. Check out below for suggestions when visiting the National Arboretum with kids!

Visiting the National Arboretum with Kids

At 446 acres, the National Arboretum is huge and full of enough gardens and collections to make any/everyone happy. My three-year-old loves to explore the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum to see the “tiny trees,” as she fittingly calls them.

I took this as an opp to chat with my lady about Japan (basically that it’s another country, starts with the letter “J” so not exactly rocket science but just trying to think of ways to broaden horizons).

We next checked out the Herb Garden. Which is HUGE! Over 800 herbs from around the world growing in 10 theme gardens. I appreciated this organization as it was so cool to, for instance, take a look at the “Beverage Garden” and then see (and recognize) the various plants used for making teas, liquors, beer, etc.

Due to my companion’s legs only being in year three and our trip inching towards nap time, this was the closest I got to the National Capitol Columns. Sigh. Next time, I’m bringing a stroller.

If you’re searching for a low-key, local, free & beautifully curated place to explore the outdoors, then put a trip to the National Arboretum on your list!

Travel Tips for Visiting the Arboretum with Kids

  1. If you have stroller-aged children, do yourself a solid and bring the stroller. When s/he tires, you’ll then have the option of continuing to explore these glorious grounds while your young’n rests;
  2. Try to park by R Street entrance. It’s closest to the bathrooms AND the gift shop (which has a ton of snacks, in the event you run out/forget); &
  3. Pack a picnic and eat it in one of the designated areas.

Information about the National Arboretum

The US National Arboretum is located at 3501 New York Avenue NE, Washington DC 20002 (for GPS and online directions, site suggests using 2400 R Street NE address).

Have you been to the Arboretum? Where’s your favorite place to enjoy the great outdoors in/around Route One? Share in comments below! 

Check out these posts for more fun ideas for the outdoors!

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  1. Kids Weekend Guide: Nov. 1st-3rd | Route One Fun says:
    October 31, 2019 at 3:36 pm

    […] Musem, the National Columns, frolick along the beautiful paths and more. Travel tips and more on our visit to the National Arboretum here. When: 8am-5pm Where: 3501 New York Avenue NE, Washington DC 20002 Cost: […]

    Reply
  2. Route 1 Kids Weekend Guide: October 18th-20th | Route One Fun says:
    October 17, 2019 at 3:36 pm

    […] Musem, the National Columns, frolick along the beautiful paths and more. Travel tips and more on our visit to the National Arboretum here. When: 8am-5pm Where: 3501 New York Avenue NE, Washington DC 20002 Cost: […]

    Reply
  3. Route 1 Corridor Kids Weekend Guide: April 5th - 7th | Route One Fun says:
    April 4, 2019 at 4:01 pm

    […] Cherry Blossom AND Magnolia trees at the glorious aboretum! Check out our recent visit (and tips!) here. When: 8am-5pm Where: 3501 New York Avenue NE, Washington DC 20002 Cost: […]

    Reply
  4. Weekend Guide: March 29th-31st | Route One Fun says:
    March 28, 2019 at 1:35 am

    […] unwinding and going offline at the National Arboretum. Check out our recent visit (and tips!) here. When: 8am-5pm Where: 3501 New York Avenue NE, Washington DC 20002 Cost: […]

    Reply
  5. Route 1 Kids Weekend Guide: March 15th - 17th | Route One Fun says:
    March 14, 2019 at 6:02 pm

    […] not indulge in some of the lower temps and head outdoors! Check out our recent visit (and tips!) here. When: 8am-5pm Where: 3501 New York Avenue NE, Washington DC 20002 Cost: […]

    Reply
  6. Kids' Weekend Guide: Nov. 2nd-4th - Route One Fun says:
    February 17, 2019 at 10:43 am

    […] not indulge in some of the lower temps and head outdoors! Check out our recent visit (and tips!) here.When: 8am-5pmWhere: 3501 New York Avenue NE, Washington DC 20002 Cost: […]

    Reply

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