Children at the NIH Clinical Center

Welcome to the NIH Clinical Center

Many parents are still understandably nervous about the effects of coronavirus in children — especially those with underlying health conditions. Most children and teens infected with COVID-19 appear to have had mild to moderate symptoms. But the COVID-19 pandemic may have other effects on children, including stress, fear, anxiety and frustration.

Because we know this can be a stressful time for children and families, we offer a wide range of resources and services for young patients and their families. Facilities such as The Children's Inn at NIH and the NIH Children's School, along with special recreational activities and highly-trained staff, all help make the NIH Clinical Center a caring place for families. This information will help you understand more about the hospital.

Please contact your child’s team to learn more about your child’s upcoming appointment, whether it is virtual or in person.

Planning Your Visit to the Clinical Center

Preparing Your Child for a Visit to the Clinical Center

Social Stories
at the NIH Clinical Center
NIHCC Treasure Tour
NIHCC Treasure Tour - interactive online game introduces your child to the Clinical CenterNIHCC Treasure Tour
Photo Tour of Your Pediatric VisitNIH Clinical Center Pediatric Playroom
Tour the Clinical Center with Travis

Arriving at the NIH

Lodging

  • The Children's Inn at NIH

    The Children's Inn at NIH is a nonprofit that provides free lodging and a wide range of recreational, educational and therapeutic support services to families of children and young adults up to age 30 who are participating in clinical trials at NIH. Please check with your medical team regarding lodging details. Conveniently located across the street from the NIH Clinical Center, The Inn serves as "a place like home" with private bedrooms with baths, common living rooms, kitchens and laundry facilities as well as an indoor play space, a large outdoor playground, a game room, a teen lounge, an art room, a gym and sports court, and more. Take a virtual tour of The Inn. Most days, The Inn provides free breakfast, lunch and dinner catered by volunteer groups. Free activities for children, families, teens and young adults are provided most afternoons and evenings throughout the week and include arts and crafts, theatre group visits, outings to local attractions, concerts, horseback riding and more. View The Inn's activities calendar. The Inn's education coordinator helps students complete school work and stays in touch with the teachers of patients and their siblings when needed. Free tutoring and English classes are available. Free transportation to grocery stores is provided on a weekly basis.

    The first reservation to stay at the Children's Inn must come to the Inn through the patient's medical team. Thereafter, returning patients may call the Inn directly for reservations at 301-496-5672.

  • Hotels in the Surrounding Area

Pediatric Services at the Clinical Center

  • Pediatric Inpatient Service

  • Pediatric Day Hospital

  • Pediatric Consult Service

  • Pediatric Hospitalist Medicine

Meet Your Child's Care Team

  • Clinical nurse

  • Meet Your Patient Care Technician

  • Meet Your Social Worker

  • Meet Your Clinical Pharmacist

  • Meet Your Clinical Dietician

Preparation for Procedures Your Child May Have

Supportive Services

Activities for Children

  • Recreational Therapy

  • At The Children’s Inn

Special Topics

More About Clinical Trial at NIH

NOTE: PDF documents require the free Adobe Reader.

This page last updated on 04/11/2023

You are now leaving the NIH Clinical Center website.

This external link is provided for your convenience to offer additional information. The NIH Clinical Center is not responsible for the availability, content or accuracy of this external site.

The NIH Clinical Center does not endorse, authorize or guarantee the sponsors, information, products or services described or offered at this external site. You will be subject to the destination site’s privacy policy if you follow this link.

More information about the NIH Clinical Center Privacy and Disclaimer policy is available at https://www.cc.nih.gov/disclaimers.html