Hi! I'm Jennifer and my family and I lived in the DC area for 12 wonderful years. I'm sharing all my local tips and itineraries to help make your Washington DC trip for family and friends easy and fun for everyone, not just the kids!
Table of Contents:
- 5 DC Spots You Need to Book in Advance
- Tips for the Top 10 DC Attractions
- Best Smithsonians by Age
- Top Events for Each Season
- Getting Around DC
- 3 Itineraries: 3, 4, 5 Days in DC with Kids
- FAQ DC with Kids (How many days? Good ages? etc.)
- More Guides:
- Kid-Friendly Restaurants
- 20 Best Museums for Kids in DC (17 are free!)
- Where to Stay in DC
- Best Playgrounds in DC
- Hidden Gems in DC
- Best Day Trips from DC
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5 Advanced Tickets You Need for Your Washington DC Family Trip
The most important thing to know when planning a trip to DC is that there are 5 locations that require advanced tickets. The availability of these may then dictate the dates for your trip. I highly recommend reserving these 3 first and then planning your trip around them. (Of course, if you don't want to visit these, then skip ahead!)
- The Washington Monument - Tickets go on sale for $1 plus an admin fee 30 days ahead of time. Check out my blog for how I have scored tickets the first time twice!
- Air and Space Museum - You must reserve your free-timed tickets ahead of time. They have a small number of same-day tickets available online at 8:30 AM. Check out my full blog post for our family review of the new update.
- The White House - Tours for the White House are exclusively managed through your member of Congress. My MoC in Virginia has a special form on his website to request a tour. You put in your preferred dates and they will get back to you in a couple of weeks. If you don't get a tour, it is still really fun to take your kids to the fence near McPherson Square metro and see the White House!
- U.S. Capitol - Reservations are highly recommended on their website. There may be free same-day tickets available but not always.
- National Museum of African American History and Culture - These tickets are no longer as hard to get as they have increased their availability. But still good to check it out and make sure they are available for the dates you want. They also have same-day tickets that release at 8:15 AM. I love going to this museum with my kids and have a whole blog post about how the exhibits I recommend for younger children.
Top 10 Attractions for a Washington DC Family Trip
For your family trip to Washington DC, I compiled the top 10 spots to visit with your kids. I have visited all of these with my 2 children and include local tips for each as well as a deeper dive blog post with my full review. 8 of the 10 are free!
1) The National Mall for your Washington DC Family Trip
The National Mall in Washington, D.C. stretches over 2 miles from the steps of the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial. It's a LOT for a family to try to see everything so my advice is to ask your kids what they are interested in seeing and build a walking tour around that! I put a full 2-hour walking tour and recommendations on where to park in the day 1 section of my 4 Day DC Itinerary here.
Below are the key monuments and memorials and my quick write-up for each.
- Lincoln Memorial - TIP: The Gifts and Cafe shop at Henry Bacon Drive NW has great views.
- Washington Monument - Check out my post for how to get those elusive $1 tickets!
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial - TIP: Great restrooms behind the Gift Shop
- Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial - TIP: Look for Roosevelt's dog!
- Korean War Veterans Memorial - TIP: Bring a paper and pencil for your child to copy a name to honor.
- Thomas Jefferson Memorial - TIP: When you enter the Rotunda, go to the left of the Statue for an incredible view of the Washington Monument over the Tidal Basin.
- Vietnam Veterans Memorial- TIP: Bring a paper and pencil for your child to copy a name to honor.
- National World War II Memorial - TIP: Great clean restrooms down the hill to the left of the memorial.
- Constitution Gardens - TIP: Bring a kite or ball to play with on a beautiful day!
And the National Parks Service has a wonderful website for kids with events and facts.
2) Smithsonian Air and Space Museum for Families in Washington DC
The Air and Space Museum in DC holds the title of the most visited museum worldwide, attracting enthusiasts and curious minds alike. Despite its popularity, navigating the museum doesn't have to be an overwhelming experience. Discover 3 insider tips and a local mom's guide to making the most of your visit in my latest blog post.
3) Washington Monument with Kids
I already wrote about the need to get these tickets above but definitely check out the blog post for my Washington Monument tip to snag those coveted $1 tickets ahead of time! It has worked for me 100% of the time!
4) Smithsonians Museum of Natural History - Such a fun DC museum for all ages!
The Smithsonian Museum of Natural History is a treasure trove of fascinating artifacts that can ignite the imagination of kids of all ages. From the Hope Diamond to the towering dinosaur skeletons, there are key exhibits that are sure to captivate young minds. They have a great kids section with dozens of interactive drawers and excellent volunteers. For a stress-free visit packed with family fun, check out my blog post where I share tips from a local mom's perspective.
5) The White House - Iconic place on your Washington DC Family Trip Itinerary
I shared above how hard it is to get tickets but if you can get them from your local member of Congress, it will be a memory your kids never forget! If you cannot get tickets, I highly recommend going to the McPherson Square Metro Station and Lafayette Park and seeing the White House as close as possible through the gate.
6) National Zoo - Must Visit Free Kids Attraction in Washington DC
The National Zoo is one of my kids' favorite places to go in Washington DC! We have biked there, metro-d there, and driven there. It's free and much more than just an average American zoo as it is actually a research station for the care and conservation of animal species.
Unfortunately, the giant pandas are no longer in DC, but the adorable Red Pandas and hundreds of other species are there! I had a 7-page PDF guide all about the Zoo which I have not put into a free blog post here including different restaurant options inside and outside the Zoo.
7) Library of Congress - My personal favorite place to take visitors during a family trip to Washington DC
I absolutely love visiting the Library of Congress with kids! It is probably the most beautiful building inside and is a monument to learning. With its stunning architecture and a treasure trove of knowledge, it offers a unique educational outing. Dive into my blog post to discover a local mom's tips on making the most of this cultural gem with your little ones. Note: They have a small kids library but it is FULL of fun interactive sections and I highly recommend it for up to age 12.
8) Smithsonian's National Museum of American History
I highly recommend the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History for a family trip to DC. It really has something for everyone and my favorite play areas of any of the Smithsonians! A recreation of Julia Child's Kitchen and a Wegman's shopping area for the littles and an Inventors space for Elementary age. You can also see the Star-Spangled Banner and Dorothy's ruby slippers plus tons more. Check out my blog post on 3 Kids Favorites here.
9) International Spy Museum - Great Museum for Ages 8 and Above
The International Spy Museum stands out as one of the most interactive museums in the world, offering an adventure that families won't forget. My daughter went with a friend for her birthday and still talks about it! When you arrive you receive a badge and get to create your secret identity. More info on parking and restaurants nearby here.
10) Capitol Hill Neighborhood with Eastern Market and Playground
And check out the Best 15 Playgrounds in DC here!
I really believe all visitors should get off the Mall and explore the neighborhoods of DC. There are so many wonderful ones but a top one I recommend is Capitol Hill neighborhood. With its historic charm and vibrant community life, is home to the Eastern Market, Washington D.C.'s oldest continually operated fresh food market, offering a rich array of local produce, crafts, and delicacies. Nearby, Eastern Market is a great Playground that provides a welcoming green space for families, offering a safe and enjoyable area for children to play and community events to unfold.
Best Smithsonians By Age Group For Your DC Family Trip
Best Smithsonian for Infants and Toddlers - The National Postal Museum
Our family LOVES the National Postal Museum! It's not just a museum about stamps but very interactive for kids to learn about all the transportation and logistics of the mail. Lots of trucks, trains, and even a stagecoach to climb on and you can start your stamp collecting right on the main level. Very quiet and easy access from Union Station for parking and lunch! My whole 7-page PDF Guide to the Postal Museum is condensed for free here.
Best Smithsonian for Elementary Age - The Natural History Museum
See my write-up of the Natural History Museum above and add a couple more examples to your list including:
- Live Butterfly Pavilion
- Live Tarantula Feedings
- Q?rius Laboratory
- Hope Diamond
- Dinosaur Exhibit
Best Smithsonian for Teens - The National Museum of African American History and Culture
The National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) stands out as an exceptional Smithsonian institution, particularly for teens, due to its immersive and enlightening exhibits that span the profound depth of African American history, culture, and community.
The museum's architectural design and exhibit layout are metaphorical and educational, beginning with galleries located underground. This initial journey starts with the history of slavery and the African diaspora, symbolically grounding visitors in the roots and struggles of African Americans. As visitors ascend through the museum, they rise through centuries of history, moving toward the upper levels that celebrate African American achievements in arts, culture, sports, and politics, culminating in a narrative of resilience, triumph, and influence. More details about our visit and how to get tickets.
Top Events for Families Visiting Washington DC in Each Season
Washington DC is blessed with 4 beautiful seasons (5 if you include those 2 "swampy weeks" in August!) Truly there is something fun to do in all 4 seasons. Below are the top events for each season.
Spring in Washington DC:
- Cherry Blossoms (March to April)
- Tulip Fields in Virginia (April)
- Full list of Things to Do in Spring in the DC area here.
I wrote about the Top 10 Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms here!
Summer in Washington DC:
- Smithsonian Folklife Festival (June and July)
- July 4th Independence Day
- Water Lily Festival at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens (July)
- Library of Congress National Book Festival (August)
- Full list of Things to Do in Summer in the DC area here.
Fall in Washington DC:
- Fall Festivals in neighboring Virginia and Maryland
- Apple Picking in Virginia at Great Country Farms and Maryland Farm at Homestead Farms.
- Full list of Things to Do in Fall in DC
Winter in Washington DC:
- Holiday Light Displays (many are free!)
- Sledding Hills in the DMV Area (including on Capitol Hill!)
- Full list of 40 Things to Do in Winter
Getting Around DC on Your Family Trip
I need to be honest in this section that since we live in Northern Virginia, we mostly drive into Washington DC. When I worked in DC, I would take the Metro every day but with multiple kids and potential delays, driving has been the better choice for us. I do want to share the pros and cons of each transportation choice below. The most important thing is to map out what you want to see in DC and then try to find a hotel nearby. The best tip is to check out the great Trip Planner on Metro's website to estimate the cost and length of your trip!
1. Bus
Pros:
- Cost-Effective: Buses offer a more affordable option than many other forms of transportation.
- Extensive Coverage: The bus network covers a wider area than the Metro, reaching neighborhoods not serviced by rail.
- Frequent Service: Many routes have frequent service, especially on main lines during peak hours.
Cons:
- Traffic Delays: Buses can be slower, especially during rush hour, due to traffic congestion.
- Less Predictable Schedules: While there is frequent service, buses can sometimes be less reliable than the Metro due to traffic and other delays.
2. Metro
Pros:
- Speed: The Metro is often the fastest way to get around, avoiding street-level traffic.
- Reliability: Metro trains tend to run on a more predictable schedule, with regular intervals during peak times.
- Comfort: Trains offer a more comfortable ride than buses, especially during off-peak hours when they are less crowded.
Cons:
- Limited Coverage: The Metro doesn't reach all parts of the city, limiting access to certain areas.
- Maintenance and Delays: The system sometimes undergoes maintenance, leading to closures or delays which can affect travel plans.
- Cost: While generally affordable, the Metro can be more expensive than buses, especially for longer distances.
3. Uber (and similar rideshare services)
Pros:
- Convenience: Uber provides door-to-door service, which is especially beneficial for travelers going to areas not well-served by public transportation.
- Speed: In many cases, taking an Uber can be faster than public transit, especially if there's no direct bus or Metro line to your destination.
- Comfort and Safety: Private rides offer a more comfortable and perceived safer environment, especially late at night.
Cons:
- Cost: Uber is typically more expensive than using public transportation, especially during peak times when surge pricing may apply.
- Traffic: While Uber drivers can sometimes use routes to avoid congestion, they are still subject to the same traffic delays as buses.
- Environmental Impact: Ridesharing can have a higher environmental impact per trip compared to using public transit.
Each of these transportation options offers a different balance of cost, convenience, and coverage, making it important to choose based on your specific needs, budget, and destination in Washington D.C.
3 Washington DC Trip for Family DC Itineraries
I created a very robust 3,000-word 4-day DC Itinerary here that I would highly recommend. It has all the parking, lunch, and dinner details. Below are the outlines for a 3 Day specifically for families and a bonus day for Day 5 in Old Town Alexandria and Mount Vernon. And you can get these all in a PDF format by signing up for my newsletter below.
3 Days In Washington DC With Kids
Day 1 - Washington Monument, 2 Smithsonians, Georgetown
- Washington Monument (see advanced tickets section above)
- Lunch at the American Indian Museum on the way to Air and Space
- Air and Space Museum
- Dinner in Georgetown (Pinstripes Bowling & Food, Georgetown Waterfront Park)
Day 2 - White House or Memorials Loop, DuPont Circle
- White House or Memorials Loop see the detailed 2 hour walking tour here.
- Lunch at NMAAHC (amazing Sweet Home Cafe) & Visit the Museum
- DuPont Circle Neighborhood for Dinner. 4 suggestions here including my favorite Bookstore in DC!
Day 3 - Eastern Market & Spy Museum & the Wharf
- Eastern Market & Playground
- L’Enfant Plaza for Lunch
- International Spy Museum and the Wharf and optional Water Taxi to National Harbor
4 Days In Washington DC With Kids
Download the PDFs by signing up below!
5 Day Itinerary in DC with Kids
Same as the 4-Day Itinerary but add a bonus day to see the National Zoo and the wonderful neighborhood of Cleaveland Park!
Day 1 - Washington Monument, 2 Smithsonians, Georgetown
- Washington Monument (see advanced tickets section above)
- Lunch at the American Indian Museum on the way to Air and Space
- Air and Space Museum
- Dinner in Georgetown (Pinstripes Bowling & Food, Georgetown Waterfront Park)
Day 2 - White House or Memorials Loop, DuPont Circle
- White House or Memorials Loop see the detailed 2-hour walking tour here.
- Lunch at NMAAHC (amazing Sweet Home Cafe) & Visit the Museum
- DuPont Circle Neighborhood for Dinner. 4 suggestions here including my favorite Bookstore in DC!
Day 3 - Virginia Day!
- Mount Vernon (located 16 miles south of DC)
- Arlington National Cemetery (I share 2 places to park or take the Metro)
- Old Town Alexandria (I share our favorite Vietnamese restaurant, parks, and best playgrounds here.)
- TIP: Make your transportation super easy with one of these tours from DC:
- 5-Hour DC to Mount Vernon & Old Town Alexandria Tour - Small Group of 15, free cancellation 24 hours in advance.
- 7-Hour DC to Mount Vernon & Alexandria PLUS Ferry Ride & Breakfast - free cancellation 24 hours in advance.
Day 4 - National Zoo and Cleveland Park
- Our National Zoo is amazing and more than just a Zoo, I share all my tips here!
- Cleveland Park surrounds the Zoo and has a lot of cute shops and restaurants.
Day 5 - Eastern Market & Spy Museum & the Wharf
- Eastern Market & Playground
- L’Enfant Plaza for Lunch
- International Spy Museum and the Wharf and optional Water Taxi to National Harbor
Frequently Asked Questions about DC Family Trips
1) How many days does a family need in Washington, DC?
As a local mom who's been navigating the ins and outs of Washington, D.C. for the past 12 years, I'd say the ideal number of days for a family to really see what the city has to offer would be around 4 to 5 days. This gives you enough time to explore the major sights without feeling rushed and to also enjoy some of the lesser-known gems.
2) Is Washington, DC a good trip for kids?
I probably should have answered this first! Yes! I believe Washington DC is one of the coolest places to visit with your kids in the US. Of course, the city has tons of history and the best museums in the country. But it also has so much culture, free performances, incredible food, and beautiful nature.
3) What is a good age to take kids to Washington, DC?
From my experience as a local mom, Washington, D.C., can be a wonderful destination for children of virtually any age, but the "ideal" age range for visiting might be from about 2 to 16 years old. This isn't to say that younger or older kids won't enjoy it, but this age range tends to get the most out of the city's educational and interactive experiences. (P.S. I have a whole blog post on Things to Do With Babies and Toddlers in DC)
I've written hundreds of blog posts about DC with Kids so below are some of my top-viewed Guides:
- 25 Kid-Friendly Restaurants (with Brunch, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert categories)
- 20 Best Museums for Kids in DC (17 are free!)
- Where to Stay in DC as a Family
- Best Playgrounds in DC (highly recommend the private school one when school is not in session!)
- Hidden Gems in DC (all free!)
- 18 Best Day Trips from DC
- DC with Kids Database with 500+ Kid-Friendly Locations you can search by Indoor/Outdoor, Free/Paid, DC/Maryland/Virginia etc!
