It can be daunting to plan a trip to Washington D.C. – between the traffic and the crowds it’s almost enough to make some say, “Nah, I’m good. I’ll go when the kids are older.” I completely understand that perspective, I used to be the same way! And with that in mind, I’ve designed a guide for Richmond families traveling to D.C. so you can enjoy your visit with a bit less apprehension and more knowledge.
My guide is for families who want to enjoy D.C. while keeping budget in mind. This is not an expansive list all activities for families, but rather a guide for enjoying your experience in a reasonable way for kids and parents alike.
Where to Stay: Family-Friendly Lodging
My lodging recommendation is the Hyatt Place National Mall. It’s only a 10-minute walk to the National Mall, The Wharf, The Spy Museum, and Artechouse. Hyatt Place National Mall also features a breakfast buffet, included with your stay, that has lots of kid-friendly options. It is important to note that there is a parking fee, so include that in your trip budget.
Pro-tip: Pack a towel and swimsuits to enjoy the pool after a long day of walking around the nation’s capital.
Plan Your Drive
To start your trip, I suggest stopping at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, about 30 minutes from the hotel.
At the Discovery Station, you can learn all the details behind the space suits that astronauts wear.
With thousands of space and aviation artifacts, you can easily spend 2 or more hours exploring. Make sure to experience the Observation Tower, which offers a bird’s eye view of planes taking off and landing at Dulles International Airport.
While the museum is free, there is a $15 parking fee.
Pro-tip: Pack a picnic to enjoy in the large picnic area outside the museum.
After the museum, drive about 5 minutes to Fairfax County’s Frying Pan Park. There is no admission fee to enjoy the park’s playground and visit the animals. This is a great way to get the wiggles out before heading into D.C.
Must-See Museums
My family has traveled to D.C. several times and there are still dozens of museums we’ve yet to visit, so bear in mind that there are plenty of options! These are the museums my entire family loves. The museums below would be suitable for ages 4+.
Pro-tip: Smithsonian museums have no admission fee.
National Portrait Gallery
Located in close proximity to Hyatt Place National Mall, National Portrait Gallery is fantastic for children who love history, read biographies, and those who would be inspired by role models like Pocahontas and Frida Kahlo.
Pro-tip: For kids who need a break at this museum, there is a McDonald’s just down the road.
National Museum of the American Indian
ImaginNATIONS Activity Center is a hands-on area for children to play and learn about American Indians. I also recommend spending time on the 3rd floor, as you can see how resourceful American Indians were in creating products that we now use, like lacrosse sticks.
International Spy Museum
Upon entry, you will be enthralled as you receive spy badges, official spy names and missions. It is so fun learning to crack codes, play games, discover Mirror Imaging and create undercover disguises.
Artechouse
Located about 2 blocks from the International Spy Museum, this immersive art experience offers patrons an interactive experience through art. My children loved the open space and the opportunity to explore art exhibits in a new and unique way.
Pro-tip: Although the experience is interactive, all is touchless. Help your children by stressing this before arrival.
Discover The National Zoo
The animals are so interactive, the zookeepers’ enthusiasm is palpable and there are so many ways for children to learn while having fun!
I prefer to start at The Elephant Trails exhibit, where you can learn differences between Asian and African elephants and about the daily life of an elephant. From here, head to Asia Trail, where you can see Giant Pandas!
Cool off on the carousel, where the director asks animal trivia questions, and check out snakes at The Reptile Discovery Center. There is a lot of walking involved, so be sure to pack comfortable shoes and take breaks at the picnic areas throughout.
Pro-Tip: If you do not park at the zoo, you will need to secure passes for each person in your party. Alternatively, pay for parking at the zoo and that covers passes for everyone in your vehicle.
Where to Eat
There are a variety of family-friendly dining options around D.C. Here are a few that please my entire family without breaking the bank.
The Wharf
This waterfront area is home to several restaurants, with varying price points and cuisine, as well as swings for kids, ice cream, a large fire pit for roasting marshmallows.
We often enjoy Mexican dinner from Surfside and finish our trip with ice cream from Ben & Jerry’s.
Pro-tip: The Wharf is very crowded on weekends and parking is limited. Walking or a taxi is a better option.
L’Enfant Plaza
Located beside the Spy Museum, L’Enfant Plaza offers a food court with indoor and outdoor seating.
National Mall
You’ll find food trucks of all kinds, or you could pack a picnic to enjoy surrounded by beautiful monuments at The National Mall.
Monument Walking Tour
To experience the monuments, I suggest beginning your day very early, and heading to The National Mall as early as possible. This will cut down on crowds, and perhaps make parking easier (if driving). There is a lot of walking involved in seeing the monuments, so pack water, wear walking shoes, and bring a stroller if necessary.
I suggest starting at the Washington Monument before making your way to the World War II Memorial, but of course, this is dependent on your starting point. You can reserve tickets to enter The Washington Monument for $1.
From here you can see and walk to The Lincoln Memorial, which is my personal favorite, ever since a 5th grade field trip.
Then, you can make your way up from the Reflecting Pool. Of course, this doesn’t allow you to see every monument, but this worked for my family starting when my youngest was 4.
Pro-tip: Pack scooters as the paths are paved.
As you plan your spring and summer break trips, consider D.C. for a long weekend, and keep this guide handy!
