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Children at the NIH Clinical Center

Welcome to the NIH Clinical Center

This information is prepared specifically for patients taking part in clinical research at the NIH Clinical Center at the National Institutes of Health. It may not apply to individuals who are patients elsewhere. If you have questions about the information presented here, talk to a member of your health care team.

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
NIHCC Treasure Tour
Photo Tour of Your Pediatric Visit
NIH 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