Author, journalist, and lifelong traveler Austin K. Graff bridges the gap between curiosity and connection in “11 Places for Kids in Washington That You Must Not Miss”
InkandescentKids welcomes Austin Graff, a journalist and author of 111 Places for Kids in Washington That You Must Not Miss.
The book will be available for sale at the Inkandescent Kids Book Fair on August 8, 2026.
Reserve your tickets to win our grand prize.
About Austin: There’s profession, and there’s passion. Sometimes they collide. Curiosity & Connection is the collision of 14 years leading social media, digital, and influencer marketing for top brands professionally while exploring Washington, D.C. and the world personally. Growing social platforms into the millions and launching award-winning campaigns while publishing travel guides for The Washington Post, Curiosity & Connection is the accumulation of both worlds. It’s the vehicle in which Austin K. Graff harnesses curiosity to build connections for people and brands through social media consulting, writing, and publishing travel guides. Learn more: austinkgraff.com
About his co-author: Austin’s daughter Addy is a native Washingtonian and rising fourth grader who loves adventures, soccer, rock climbing, and slime.
111 Places for Kids
About 111 Places for Kids in Washington That You Must Not Miss:Washington, D.C. is more than politics – it’s a vibrant, kid-friendly city where families can explore, learn, play, and make lasting memories together at every turn.
There’s more to Washington, D.C. than politics. Beyond the suits and monuments, the nation’s capital is a playground for kids of all ages. Where else can you find a hidden slide inside a public library or rent paddle boats surrounded by iconic memorials and monuments? Fairy gardens, dinosaur parks, swings, and themed playgrounds pop up everywhere, offering adventures at every turn. Kids can also taste the world without leaving town – empanadas from Latin America, Asian-inspired ice cream, and bustling food halls.
Museums aren’t just for grown-ups either: create at the Hirshhorn’s art carts or join a scavenger hunt at the National Portrait Gallery. Families can hike Civil War-era trails, cheer at Nationals Park, or step inside a mansion with 80 secret doors once visited by Rosa Parks. Washington, D.C., is a place where kids can discover history, science, art, and more – all while having a blast and making lasting memories. Explore these 111 kid-friendly spots and uncover a city that’s fun, surprising, and unforgettable.
Scroll down for our Q&A with Austin: Don’t miss this!
Inkandescent Kids: What advice do you have for kids who want to become writers?
Austin Graff: Read, read, read. As you read other people’s writing, spend time reflecting on what makes it great. It’s a gift that we can learn from the millions of writers who have gone before us.
Inkandescent Kids: How old were you when you knew you wanted to be a writer?
Austin: When I was a child, I loved writing stories in school. That passion carried with me from elementary school to university. When I got older, I told myself I’d never write a book because of the work it takes. When my publisher offered me a contract to write this book, my wife encouraged me to do it simply so we could have a tangible memory of my daughter and me exploring all of D.C.
Inkandescent Kids: What is the most important thing you’ve learned about writing?
Austin: Just start writing. Every month, I had 10-12 chapters due to my editor. Some months, I felt uninspired, but if I just started writing, the words would eventually flow.
Tell Inkandescent Kids about 111 Places for Kids in Washington
That You Must Not Miss.
Austin: My publisher has a series of books in most major cities around the world built around visiting 111 places. Washington, D.C. has a few versions, including one for Black history and women’s history. My book is the kids’ version. My now nine-year-old daughter and I walked every street and alley in all 136+ D.C. neighborhoods and kept a running list of our favorite kid-friendly spots from playgrounds to museums to restaurants. This book is essentially my daughter’s favorite places in her hometown of Washington, D.C.
Inkandescent Kids: How did you get the idea for your book?
Austin: I’m friends with Andrea Seiger, the author of 111 Places in Washington, DC That You Must Not Miss. She had heard our publisher was looking for someone to write a kids’ version for D.C. She put my name forward and the rest is history.
Inkandescent Kids: What do you hope readers will take away from your story?
Austin: I wrote the book not just for tourists, but also for locals. All 111 places are in every part of the city of D.C. My hope is that it sparks curiosity to explore D.C. as a whole and see the human side of the nation’s capital.
Inkandescent Kids: What was it like to see your work published?
Austin: My daughter is the most proud! Since she’s a big part of the book, she’s so proud. Every time we see it in a bookstore, she squeals and runs over to see it. It’s so fun to see!
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