Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Washington, DC

Traveling with little ones can be hard but it doesn't have to be especially if you know of where to find the best grub and where to go so your child can run like the wind and burn off some steam before having to be cooped up in an airplane. With 3 DC area airports equidistant from our abode, we are well versed in the amenities at Dulles, BWI, and Reagan National. In order to start your trip off right, here are some recommendations for child-friendly food choices where you can grab a quick bite and places to get the wiggles out at each of the local airports:


Dulles International Airport

Good grub:

• California Tortilla- Our pick for airport food at Dulles because of tasty California style burritos for the grownups, child friendly fare like rice, beans, quesadillas, and our favorite, steak tacos (C22)
• Cosi- Ready made or made to order sandwiches and salads along with delicious baked goods (A2)
• Five Guys Burgers and Fries- A delicious alternative to the usual fast food burgers and fries(A3, B71)
• Fuddruckers (B22)
• Potbelly Sandwich Works- Tasty sandwiches and salads (C2, B47)
• Subway (D14, Post Security Z Gates)
• Villa Pizza (B23, D23)
• Wendy's (C14)

Be prepared! Click here for the Dulles Airport shopping and dining map.

Be entertained by: The tram-like buses, officially called Mobile Lounges, that shuttle travelers between the check in area and the terminals are a huge hit in our family. The Mobile Lounges drive right on the airport tarmac and provide some of the best views of planes parked at gates and taxiing to and from runways from the windows. The windows in the terminals provide pretty cool views too but there's nothing like seeing an airplane pull right into a gate as you drive by in the Mobile Lounge. And unlike the name suggests, you can't actually grab a cool drink on the Mobile Lounges nor is there free wireless. But I suppose you could lounge and take a couple rides if time permits.


Baltimore Washington International (BWI)

Good grub:

• Arby's (Terminal A/B food court)
• Au Bon Pain- ready made or made to order sandwiches and salads along with delicious baked goods (Gate A8)
• California Tortilla- Our pick at BWI for tasty California style burritos for the grownups, child friendly fare like rice, beans, quesadillas, and their favorite- steak tacos! (Terminal A/B food court)
• McDonald's (Terminal A/B food court, Concourse D)
• Pizza- mamma ilardo's pizzaria (Terminal A/B food court), Villa Pizza (Gate A8)
• Potbelly Sandwich Works- tasty sandwiches and salads (Concourse C food court)
• Quizno's (Terminal A/B food court, Concourse D food court)
• Wendy's (Concourse C food court)

Be prepared! Click here for the Shop and Dine Guides for Terminals A&B and C. Click here for the Shop and Dine Guides for Terminals D&E.

Be entertained by: Get the wiggles out in the Children's Play Area adjacent to the Observation Gallery in Concourse B. There your kids can run wild, pilot a child size plane while watching planes take off through the huge glass windows. You can also practice your museum gallery skills at the Youth Art Gallery were 24 works of art by students in grades 6-8 are on display. The Youth Art Gallery is located in the Children's Play Area adjacent to the Observation Gallery.


Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (Reagan National)

Good grub:

• Cosi (Presecurity)
• Einstein Brother's Bagels (Postsecurity, Gates 15-22)
• Five Guys Burgers and Fries (Postsecurity, Gates 35-45)
• Fuddruckers (Postsecurity, Gates 23-34)
• Jerry's Subs and Pizza (Terminal A)
• McDonald's (Postsecurity, Gates 15-22)
• Potbelly Sandwich Works- tasty sandwiches and salads (Postsecurity, Gates 23-34)
• TGI Fridays (Presecurity)

Be prepared! Click here for the link to the shopping and dining map.

Be entertained by:

• If you have time to leave the airport, head over to Gravelly Point to run like crazy, wave to the boats on the Potomac, and watch as airplanes zoom overhead.
• If you don't have time to leave the airport but need some fresh air, step outside the terminal to watch for Metro trains. This never fails to delight our 2 year old!
• If you only have time to exit security and venture out into main concourse, browse the Smithsonian Museum store to satisfy the craving of another bag of astronaut ice cream, pick up a gift for your house sitter at Crabtree and Evelyn, or check out the latest sunglass fashions at Sunglass Hut.

Happy and safe travels!