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- National Museum of Natural History. The National Museum of Natural History is an outstanding family destination. Kids of all ages will be fascinated by daily tarantula feedings or a stroll among live butterflies in the Butterfly Pavilion.
- International Spy Museum. Formerly a fixture in DC’s Downtown neighborhood, the International Spy Museum has moved to a new, purpose-built facility in L’Enfant Plaza, located in the Southwest Waterfront.
- U.S. Botanic Garden. Visit the U.S. Botanic Garden for a scavenger hunt that sends kids off to identify plants and get their passports stamped. Stop in the Children’s Garden so kids can play in the playhouse, pump water, dig with shovels, water plants and on occasion, help the staff plant flowers.
- National Museum of American History. The American Presidency, America on the Move and The Price of Freedom are all interactive exhibits in the National Museum of American History.
National Building Museum. The Wharf Area and Swings. Kingman and Heritage Islands. Rock Creek Park. National Botanic Garden. Lincoln Park. The best 30 things to do in Washington D.C. with kids from a local mom! From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, I share top activities and experiences in 2024 with a Google Map.
Apr 19, 2023 · The museums are all located on the portion of the National Mall between the Capitol and the Washington Monument, so it’s fairly easy to walk in between the different ones (all have entrances on both the Mall and street side).
Nov 22, 2019 · Georgetown Waterfront Park. The Georgetown Waterfront Park provides a gorgeous view at dusk when the lights from the Kennedy Center are glowing across the Potomac River. During the day, kiddos ...
- Transportation
- Time of Day to Visit
- Eating
- Monuments
- Museums
- Great Paid Tours
- Things to Know
- Washington DC Route Map
- Where to Stay
Both times we went into Washington, DC, we took public transportation to get into the heart of the city. Once from a couple of hours away and the other time from the Cherry Hill RV park. Both times it worked out well and is definitely what we recommend when visiting DC. The public transit in DC is straightforward to use. Getting around with your fa...
We are not early risers, so we just go when we get up and get moving. Typically sometime after 11 am. This has never been a problem for us. But it can be if you want to hit a lot of museums since they can close around 4 or 5. If that is what you want to do, be sure to check their schedules.
Also, note there are few places to eat right within where all the monuments are. So either plan to bring your own food or stop somewhere around the White House before heading further into the monuments. The other option is the food trucks that are by the museums. There is typically a great assortment of different types and styles of foods offered a...
Below I am going to share the route we took to explore the monuments around DC with our kids. We had breakfast before we got there and went knowing we would be eating lunch soon.
Day 2 was all about the museums. One of the best things about the museums in Washington, DC is most offer free admission. We checked out the following museums:
Hop-On and Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tour See the sites and history of DC from a double-decker bus. This easy bus tour visits the White House, Arlington National Cemetery, Lincoln Memorial, National Capitol, the National Cathedral, and more. Mount Vernon River CruiseOn this full-day tour, you will cruise up the Potomac River and visit George Washingt...
Bring Cash! You can use cash at the Metro to buy set dollar amount tickets. You also need cash to purchase anything from the street vendors.Metro: Do your research before you get there so you know which stop you should park by and which Metro line you want to get on. Remember you determine that by seeing where the Metro Line will END –...Pentagon Mall – The parking garage worked out great. We were far enough outside of the city that traffic wasn’t crazy and we were parked in a parking garage. At the time it was $18 for the day. Bri...Stroller: You could bring a stroller. All the monuments have elevators. So if you are ok with dealing with that and navigating your way through crowds with your stroller and up and down the sidewal...Here is the map of the route we took when our kids were 7, 5, 5, and 3. We followed a very similar route the last time we went but went through the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial this time. Here is a great post on apps you should download for your Washington DC trip! There is so much to do in Washington DC. If you only have 1 day you can do mos...
Hotels
Washington Plaza Hotel This hotel is located close to the White House and Dupont Circle. The hotel offers a wide variety of rooms and suite choices. Courtyard by Marriott Washington Downtown/Convention CenterStay in the heart of our nation’s capital. This hotel has a restaurant, private parking, free bikes, and a beautiful garden on site. Embassy Suites by Hilton GeorgetownThis hotel is located near Dupont Circle and just minutes away from the Dupont Metro Station and Foggy Bottom Metro Stati...
Vacation Rentals
Private Apartment in a Historic HomeLocated in the center of Northwest DC, this home is located within walking distance of the Metro and monuments and museums. This private apartment sleeps 4. Historic Victorian TownhomeThis beautiful three-bedroom townhome is located in one of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods. Walking distance to restaurants, bars, and the National Mall.
RV Park
We stayed at Cherry Hill RV Park. This is the perfect RV park to stay at for exploring Washington DC. You can even take a bus to the metro station (we opted to just drive and park at the station so we didn’t have to manage as many schedules) and that was super easy too! The park itself is amazing and we were there around Halloween so it was even more amazing!! If you have the time plan to spend a day just in the RV park too. Note: They have a HUGE laundry room at the RV park. There really are...
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Below you’ll find the best 10 maps of Washington DC that you can print out or save on your smartphone so you can check them at any time. Washington DC tourist map. Interactive map of Washington DC. Washington DC National Mall Map. Washington DC street map. Washington DC neighborhood map. Washington DC public transport map. Washington DC road map.
Mar 15, 2024 · 5. Go-Go Museum & Café. Hire a bike to cross the Anacostia River and seek out one of the city’s newest museums. As its name suggests, the Go-Go Museum and Café celebrates go-go music, the ...
