Visiting With Kids

Every third Saturday of the month, we’re featuring Cathedral-themed activities tailored just for families and kids! All ages are welcome; activity booths are geared towards kids age 4-12.

• Join hands-on activities and see demonstrations about Cathedral artforms like carved stone, stained glass, and needlepoint
• Explore favorite Cathedral features together on a themed scavenger hunt
• Take a break at the coloring station and pop-up library cart
• Stop by the incredible LEGO® exhibit to see progress and donate to add bricks to our LEGO® Cathedral model

Upcoming dates: 5/17, 6/21
Note: ticket admission applies to full sightseeing window, but Family Fun Day activities run from 10 am–2 pm

Grab a set of tools to explore the Cathedral on a self-guided tour! Use your magnifying glass to find the special pennies in the floor or look through your binoculars to find a piece of the moon! Our Explorer Packs include a free activity booklet and tool belt rental to explore six must-see spots for kids on our Sights and Senses pathway. Explorer Packs are free with admission and available during sightseeing hours on a first-come, first-served basis. All borrowed materials must be returned to the Welcome Desk 30 minutes before closing.

Challenge your family with finding surprising critters and creatures throughout the Cathedral! Our scavenger hunts feature picture clues and a map to find hidden animals like butterflies, dinosaurs, and panda cubs in the Cathedral’s artwork. Scavenger Hunts are free with admission and available during sightseeing hours.

Visit the construction zone and see our progress as we build a 1:40 scale replica of the Cathedral out of LEGO® bricks. When the model is finished, it will be more than 13 feet long, 8 feet tall, bigger than a minivan, and made of over 500,000 LEGO® bricks! View the LEGO® Cathedral model in the gift shop during sightseeing hours.

Bringing kids to the Cathedral can be a fun and engaging educational experience! We recommend these tips for making the most out of your family’s visit:

• Follow your kid’s lead. Let them explore what interests them! It’s okay to not see everything.
• Play I Spy. Challenge them to find 5 stone carvings of animals or 5 windows with red stained glass.
• Discuss together. Encourage them to ask questions about what they see.
• Be hands-on. Give them a map, camera, or something to do with their hands.
• Take breaks. Sit, go outside, or grab a bite at the cafe.
• Demonstrate kindness and respect. Treat the building and other people with kindness and respect.
• Stay together. Kids should be accompanied by an adult at all times.

good to know

Water bottle-filling stations, changing tables, and a lactation alcove are available. Strollers are permitted and can be used throughout most of the Cathedral. Need additional info to plan? Learn more below:

• Location & Parking
• Accessibility
• Cathedral Cafe

Save with a membership! Get an entire year of complimentary sightseeing plus access to Family Fun Days for families up to 4 by becoming a member of the National Cathedral Association (NCA). Learn about benefits and join today →

Ready to explore the Cathedral with your family? See upcoming sightseeing hours and get tickets below:

Want to attend an upcoming Family Fun Day? Tickets available now for 4/12, 5/17, 6/21: