Old Town Alexandria is one of the Washington, DC area's most historic neighborhoods. Founded in 1749 by Scottish merchants, the city of Alexandria, Virginia is best known for being the adopted hometown of George Washington. He owned a townhouse in Old Town Alexandria, and his famous Mount Vernon estate is nearby.

Indeed, walking through the cobblestone streets of Old Town Alexandria feels like stepping back into colonial times. You can dine where George Washington and other presidents did (Gadsby's Tavern), sit in his pew (number 60) at Christ Church, go on historic walking tours, and visit museums that showcase the city's history. But there are also many great modern-day things to do with kids in Old Town Alexandria, including fun festivals, shopping, and the bustling Old Town Alexandria waterfront.

Here are 21 things to do in Old Town Alexandria with kids, from the famous King Street Mile to kid-friendly Old Town Alexandria restaurants. For more great neighborhoods to explore near DC, check out our guides to visiting National Harbor; Fairfax, Virginia; and Kensington, Maryland with kids.

Since its 2016 opening on DC's National Mall, Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture has been a hot ticket—and for good reason. Housing more than 40,000 artifacts (with over 3,000 of them on display), it's the only national museum dedicated exclusively to documenting African American life, history, and culture. The massive museum features exhibits on the civil rights movement, slavery and freedom, famous African Americans including athletes and musicians, and so much more. And with its unique and breathtaking design, it wows visitors even before they enter.

The best part? Like all of the Smithsonian institutions and other museums in DC, entry to the National Museum of African American History and Culture is absolutely free. But is it appropriate for kids? My family and I visited several months ago when my twin boys were 10 and my daughter was 7, and I will say that the answer is a resounding YES! My kids were interested and engaged throughout our entire four-hour visit, and they can't wait to go back.

Read on for all of my tips on visiting Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture with kids. Then check out our Museum Guide for Kids and Families in Washington, DC for more great museums to check out.

Looking for a fun indoor activity with kids that won't break the bank? Bring your family to one of the many free museums near DC that are engaging, fun, and provide a much-needed dose of culture. While many of these free museums in DC and Northern Virginia are Smithsonian institutions, there are also several other great ones relating to language, the US Army, the Holocaust, and more.

Here are 15 free museums near DC that will excite kids of all ages and interests, from art enthusiasts to history buffs to airplane and dinosaur fanatics. While they're listed in no particular order, one of my family's favorite museums—the incredible National Air and Space Museum—is at the very top. Read reviews of some of these museums in our Museum Guide for Kids and Families in Washington, DC, and check out our guide to free things to do in DC with kids for more fun ideas that won't cost you a penny.