Planning to visit Washington, D.C., and need field trip ideas? This city is packed with world-class museums, historic landmarks, and iconic government buildings, and many of them are within walking distance of one another.
Why Teachers Love Washington, D.C.
“Washington, D.C., is an unparalleled destination for field trips, offering a range of opportunities to explore everything from African American history and culture to the nation’s political scene,” shares local elementary school teacher Assunta Clary. “The city really enhances students’ imagination and curiosity. Exposure is the key to making memorable classroom experiences translate to real life, and Washington, D.C., does just that!”
Here are must-see stops in Washington, D.C., that are worth adding to your itinerary.
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Civics and Government Field Trips in Washington, D.C.
These iconic Washington, D.C., field trip ideas make civics and government engaging, memorable, and relevant for students.
U.S. Capitol
- Admission cost: Free. Tours can be requested via your U.S. representative or U.S. senator.
- Best for grades: 6–12
- Curriculum connection: U.S. History, Civics, Government
This landmark is also a working government building. Students can explore the building’s history, architecture, and the legislation process that shapes life for everyone in the United States.
Teacher tip: For a personal tour with extra access (and fewer lines), contact one of your U.S. senators or member of Congress and request a staff-led tour.
Activity idea: Have students track a real bill before your trip, then discuss where it would move through Congress as they explore the building. Afterward, ask them to reflect by answering questions like “Who has the most power in shaping laws: the people, Congress, or the president?”
Learn more: U.S. Capital Visitor Center
U.S. Supreme Court
- Admission cost: Free
- Best for grades: 6–12
- Curriculum connection: U.S. History, Civics, Government
Get an up-close look at the first two floors of the building that houses the country’s highest federal court. Trained docents lead 30-minute programs that introduce the judicial functions of the court, the history of the building, and the architecture of the courtroom.
Teacher tip: When the court is in session, tours are available only after court adjourns for the day, so be sure to check the court calendar.
Activity idea: Hold a Supreme Court–style classroom debate. Choose one of our middle school debate topics or high school debate topics, and have students put together their arguments using graphic organizers before presenting their cases and voting on a final court decision.
Learn more: U.S. Supreme Court
Debate Graphic Organizers (Free Printable)
Our debate graphic organizers work at any grade level. They’re a perfect tool to help students practice their argumentative writing or debate skills.
The White House
- Admission cost: Free. Tours can be requested via your U.S. representative or senator.
- Best for grades: 6–12
- Curriculum connection: U.S. History, Civics, Government
Sure, you can view the iconic People’s House through the black iron gates. But you and your students can also walk right inside and tour the president’s office and residence (well, at least the public rooms).
Teacher tip: When you call your senator’s or congressperson’s office for a Capitol tour, be sure to request a White House tour for your class. You can request a tour up to 90 days in advance.
Activity idea: Encourage your students to analyze historical inaugural addresses and images, follow the events of Inauguration Day, and even design their own Inauguration Day announcement or invitation.
Learn more: The White House
Inauguration Worksheet Bundle (Free Printables)
Engage your students before or after their trip to the White House with this activity bundle featuring four printable inauguration activities.
Lincoln Memorial
- Admission cost: Free
- Best for grades: 6–12
- Curriculum connection: U.S. History
Take in the scale and symbolism of one of Washington’s most recognizable presidential monuments. It features the iconic large seated sculpture of President Lincoln, inscriptions of two of his speeches, and a beautiful view of the Reflecting Pool, Washington Monument, and National Mall. It was also the site of Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream Speech” and other important moments in history.
Teacher tip: Beginning in summer 2026, you can also tour the Lincoln Memorial Undercroft for the first time. You can learn more about how the memorial was built through interactive exhibits and multimedia presentations.
Learn more: Lincoln Memorial
Science and Innovation Field Trips in Washington, D.C.
Looking for Washington, D.C., field trip ideas that will inspire future scientists, engineers, and innovators? These destinations bring STEM learning to life.
The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum
- Admission cost: Free
- Best for grades: K–12
- Curriculum connection: Science, Physics
This museum will provide students with a comprehensive history of human flight. It’s the world’s largest collection of aviation and space artifacts, including the space suit from the first walk on the moon and the first successfully powered airplane.
Teacher tip: Local elementary school teacher Assunta Clary recommends springing for an IMAX planetarium show for even more fun!
Activity idea: Split students into groups to complete a mission-based scavenger hunt. Mission categories can range from historical aircraft fact-finding to the space race and planetary exploration. Bring the group back together and ask questions like “What surprised you most about the history of flight and space travel?”
Learn more: Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
Smithsonian National Zoological Park
- Admission cost: Free
- Best for grades: K–5
- Curriculum connection: Science, Geography
The giant pandas might get the most attention of all the residents of the national zoo, but it’s home to over 2,000 animals from almost 400 species! There are daily demonstrations where you can meet an animal and their keeper or see a feeding.
Activity idea: Play I-Spy with your students. Look for animals with different colors or patterns or physical features. Have students use a Venn diagram to compare and contrast what they saw in each category.
Learn more: Smithsonian National Zoological Park
Venn Diagram Template Bundle (Free Printable)
Grab all eight of our Venn diagram templates for students to compare animals during your trip to the Smithsonian National Zoological Park.
United States Botanic Garden
- Admission cost: Free
- Best for grades: 4–8
- Curriculum connection: Science, Art
Feel the heat of the greenhouse all year long at the oldest continuously operating public garden in the United States. It houses plants from a variety of environments, ranging from lush tropics to arid deserts. Rotating exhibits and living plants mean you have the chance to see something a little different in bloom or on display depending on what time of year you visit.
Activity idea: Sign up ahead of time for an instructor-led lesson tailored to your grade level, or have your students complete a nature scavenger hunt during your trip.
Learn more: United States Botanic Garden
Scavenger Hunts (Free Printable)
Take our free printable nature scavenger hunt along for your trip to the United States Botanic Garden.
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
- Admission cost: Free
- Best for grades: K–8
- Curriculum connection: Science, History
You’ll be greeted in the lobby by Henry, the 13-foot-tall, 11-ton African elephant, to start your tour. Many students are then quickly captivated by the dinosaur fossils, but the Museum of Natural History lets you explore everything from birds and butterflies to bison and whales.
Teacher tip: Virtual tours are also available if there’s an exhibit you missed or want to revisit with your class.
Learn more: Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
National Geographic Museum of Exploration
- Admission cost: $22.99 to $29.99 depending on age (discounts for groups of 20+)
- Best for grades: K–12
- Curriculum connection: Science, Social Studies, Geography, Art
You can be one of the first to visit this new addition in Washington, D.C., which reopened in June 2026. The National Geographic Museum of Exploration uses storytelling to bring visitors through interactive exhibits dedicated to wildlife, landscapes, and global cultures. There are even rooms created specifically for school groups to explore.
Teacher tip: Group tickets not only come with a discount, they provide you a special orientation and separate entrance to skip the line.
Learn more: National Geographic Museum of Exploration
History Field Trips in Washington, D.C.
Looking for Washington, D.C., field trip ideas that help students experience history beyond the textbook? These destinations offer unforgettable opportunities to learn from the past.
National Museum of African American History and Culture
- Admission cost: Free
- Best for grades: 4–12
- Curriculum connection: History
Inside you’ll find over 45,000 artifacts that bring stories of African American culture, creativity, and resilience to life. The museum’s lower levels focus on the legacy of slavery, segregation, and the early civil rights movement, while the upper floors celebrate contributions to visual arts, military service, music, sports, and contemporary culture.
Teacher tip: Since there is so much to see, you can help guide your students to specific artifacts with NMAAHC-created journals.
Learn more: National Museum of African American History and Culture
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
- Admission cost: Free
- Best for grades: 6–12
- Curriculum connection: History
This museum strives to serve as a living memorial to the Holocaust and inspire “citizens and leaders worldwide to confront hatred, prevent genocide, and promote human dignity.” Due to the sensitive nature of the subject matter, the Permanent Exhibition is recommended for ages 11 and up. School groups should use the museum’s online group reservation system.
Learn more: United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
National Museum of the American Indian
- Admission cost: Free
- Best for grades: K–12
- Curriculum connection: History, Social Studies
The curved exterior and east-facing entrance help you get a sense for the museum before you even step foot inside. Once inside, there are over 800,000 objects and photographs representing more than 1,200 Indigenous cultures that will help bring the history, languages, art, and cultural traditions of American Indians to life.
Teacher tip: The imagiNATIONS Activity Center is an interactive space within the museum created specifically for grades pre-K through 4.
Learn more: National Museum of the American Indian
Frederick Douglass National Historic Site
- Admission cost: School groups pay a flat fee of $10 as of this writing.
- Best for grades: 6–12
- Curriculum connection: History, Social Studies
When abolitionist and social reformer Frederick Douglass bought the 9-acre estate of Cedar Hill, he became the first African American to buy a home in the Old Anacostia neighborhood. The 21-room Victorian mansion tour and programs teach visitors about Douglass’ efforts to abolish slavery. Set high in the hills, the house and its grounds also open up onto one of the most breathtaking views of Washington.
Teacher tip: Hours change slightly seasonally so check their site as you plan your visit.
Learn more: Frederick Douglass National Historic Site
Art and Culture Field Trips in Washington, D.C.
Explore these Washington, D.C., field trip ideas for art and culture, where students can discover world-class collections, creative expression, and the diverse stories that shape our nation.
Ford’s Theatre
- Admission cost: Free
- Best for grades: 6–12
- Curriculum connection: History, Social Studies, English, Performing Arts
The site of Abraham Lincoln’s 1865 assassination is still an active performing arts center today. You can catch a performance or tour the museum and theater to learn more about Lincoln’s presidency and American life at that time.
Activity idea: Pair a weekday matinee with a theater-provided lesson plan to keep the conversation going.
Learn more: Ford’s Theatre
Abraham Lincoln Facts (Free Google Slides)
Grab your full set of ready-to-go Abraham Lincoln Google Slides, including kid-friendly explanations, a timeline, and more.
Folger Shakespeare Library
- Admission cost: $10 per person
- Best for grades: 6–12
- Curriculum connection: English
Head to the world’s largest Shakespeare collection to find out how the bard’s plays came to life. Tour the galleries, and participate in hands-on experiences like the print shop and paper-folding for books.
Teacher tip: You can also plan a workshop experience for your students using the Folger Method to bring Shakespeare alive for all types of students.
Activity idea: Before your trip, read popular Shakespearean poems and teach your students how to write a Shakespearean sonnet.
Learn more: Folger Shakespeare Library
Shakespearean Sonnet Worksheets (Free Printables)
This sonnet worksheet bundle walks students through choosing a theme, following proper rhyme scheme and meter, and more.
Popular Shakespearean Poems (Free Printables)
This printable Shakespearean poetry bundle includes the full text of 25 popular poems as a free printable to use with your students.
Washington National Cathedral
- Admission cost: Free
- Best for grades: 6–12
- Curriculum connection: History
Explore the third-tallest building in Washington (fourth-tallest structure overall, including the Washington Monument). Tours, led by a cathedral docent, provide an overview of the cathedral’s art, architecture, history, and mission, including the gargoyles and stained-glass windows.
Teacher tip: Contact the Washington National Cathedral to plan your visit. Group reservations are required.
Learn more: Washington National Cathedral
Don’t forget to grab your free printable Field Trip Reflection sheets!
