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Activities & Programs

A collage of four photos of inn residents

 

Activities at The Inn

There’s always something fun to do at The Children's Inn!

Our activities are designed to help children (of all ages) and families relax, connect, and enjoy time together. From games and crafts to special events and group activities, there are options for all ages.

Activities include:

  • Arts & Crafts
  • Bingo 
  • Cooking
  • Exercise & Sports Activities
  • Field Trips in the Washington, DC area

Join when you can—everything is free of charge and optional—we’re here to help you feel at home. 

Activities Calendar

Spotlight

Educational Services

The goal of The Children’s Inn at NIH’s education program is to provide a caring, welcoming, and supportive environment for your entire family to learn. Our education program offers support for children, teens and young adults to keep up with their studies, complements the educational services provided by the NIH School, and provides other opportunities to learn.

Educational Programs

The Inn offers one-on-one tutoring sessions, which can be scheduled prior to your visit or upon arrival by completing a Tutoring Request Form, included below. Tutoring services include, but are not limited to: homework support, reading instruction, English instruction, Spanish instruction, SAT preparation, assistance with the college application process, and much more.

Each week, we provide various educational activities. These programs are a chance to learn new skills, make new friends, and motivate one another to learn. View our Activities Calendar to see what educational programs are coming up.

INNrichment Fund

The INNrichment Fund provides financial assistance to children, teens, and young adults, allowing them to participate in an experience or activity of their choosing. These experiences include, but are not limited to, music, art, tuition, exercise, and therapeutic classes.

These experiences should be a supplementary and enriching experience for current and former residents. In addition, the fund may be used to provide financial support to young adult students who are currently enrolled in college to help with their educational expenses, such as books and fees.

INNrichment Fund Application Update (April 2, 2026)

Due to a significant increase in applications, we are temporarily pausing new submissions for the INNrichment Fund.

We are grateful for the strong interest in this program and are currently focusing on reviewing the applications we have received. At this time, we are no longer accepting new applications.

The INNrichment Fund application will reopen at the beginning of July 2026.

Zilly the Therapy Dog

A fluffy white poodle with a happy expression sits on a patterned couch, with a blurred background suggesting an indoor setting.

Zilly, a multigenerational Australian Labradoodle (a mix between a Labrador retriever and a poodle) and certified therapy dog, joined The Inn’s team in 2015. She’s been The Inn’s star team member ever since.

Thanks to her friendly nature and perpetually wagging tail, Zilly has charmed her way into the hearts of children and parents alike. She even has her own Instagram account!

Zilly visits the NIH Clinical Center, where her presence delights children in the playroom. She also visits Inn residents who need to stay overnight in the hospital, even snuggling up to them in their beds, providing a sense of normalcy and fun during what can be a stressful time.

The Inn is grateful for Zilly and the caring people who have made The Inn’s therapy dog program possible.