Kid Friendly Washington: Family Fun in the Federal City
Description:
Washington offers everything a vacationing family could want: monuments, museums, parks, performances, and much more. You’d need a month to take advantage of all of the kid-friendly attractions and activities in DC; this guide provides a five-day itinerary of the must-sees and must-dos for a traveling family.
Author: Torie Castiello
Day 1 - Washington DC
If you’re traveling with children, the last thing you want to do is lug suitcases back and forth; better to stay in one central place and plan your daily itinerary from there. The Marriott Key Bridge is good for families in that it’s central without being too chaotically urban. If the weather is nice, you can cross the Key Bridge and wander into Georgetown; if not, the Rosslyn Metro is just a few blocks away. Familiarize yourself with the dozens of DC landmarks and monuments by hopping on the DC Tourmobile. The Tourmobile provides a great way for you and your family to check out all of DC’s best-known landmarks without exhausting yourselves by walking too much. Hop on and off at various points of interest as much as you want; your ticket lasts all day. The Lincoln Memorial allows you to soak up views of the Mall; if you’re feeling up to it, you can walk down the Memorial stairs and along the Reflecting Pool. Kids will get a kick out of the odd and wonderful creatures in the National Aquarium. Though it’s not as impressive as its Baltimore cousin, the National Aquarium in Washington still provides a great opportunity for kids to marvel at the myriad assortment of fish, reptiles and amphibians that it houses. And its central location makes it an itinerary item to plan. Finish off your day with Tex-Mex at Austin Grill; it's the perfect place for families – loud enough to allow for the inevitable temper tantrum or two, without being *too* chaotic. The food is plentiful, and there’s a kids’ menu as well.
2
Georgetown
Location:
view in google mapsM Street and Wisconsin Avenue
Washington DC, DC 20007
Phone:
+1 202 789 7000 (Tourist Information)3
Tourmobile Sightseeing
Location:
view in google maps1000 Ohio Drive Southwest
(Main Office)
Washington DC, DC 20024
Phone:
+1 202 554 51004
Lincoln Memorial
Location:
view in google maps900 Ohio Drive Southwest
National Mall & Memorial Park
Washington DC, DC 20024
Phone:
+1 202 426 68415
National Aquarium
Location:
view in google maps14th Street
(between Pennsylvania & Constitution avenues NW)
Washington DC, DC 20230
Phone:
+1 202 482 28256
Austin Grill
Location:
view in google maps2404 Wisconsin Avenue North West
(between Hall Place and Calvert Street North West)
Washington DC, DC 20007
Phone:
1 202 337 8080Day 2 - Washington DC
No trip to DC is complete without a museum visit or two, and there are many museums that will appeal to both kids and parents. DC Ducks will give you another hassle-free chance to see the city’s biggest attractions - is there anything cooler to kids than the idea of a bus that can travel on both land and water? It's a fun and quirky way to travel, using restored World War II-era vehicles that tour everywhere from Union Station to the Potomac River. Afterwards, you can check out both man-made and natural marvels at the National Air and Space Museum. This museum is comprised of two separate facilities in separate locations. If your kids are really interested in air and spacecraft, then it’s worth driving out to the Museum’s much larger facility in Dulles, the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. If not, then the Smithsonian facility on the Mall has some fascinating objects on display, including the Wright Flyer. At the Museum of Natural History, also on the Mall, you can explore the wonders of nature (including the famous Hope Diamond). Admission is free; you can save your money for tickets to the Museum’s IMAX Theater, which shows both commercial films and documentaries in 3-D. Try Cheesecake Factory for dinner. This popular restaurant chain doesn’t take reservations, so it’s best to get there a little on the early side in the evening to avoid waiting. Try to save room for one of the dozen of varieties of cheesecake – no mean feat, considering how large the portions are!
1
DC Ducks
Location:
view in google mapsUnion Station
Washington DC, DC 20018
Phone:
+1 800 213 24742
National Air and Space Museum
Location:
view in google maps6th Street and Independence Avenue Southwest
On Independence Ave. SW, between 4th and 7th sts., on the south side of the Mall, with entrances on Jefferson Dr. or Independence Ave
Washington DC, DC 20576
Phone:
+1 202 633 10003
National Museum of Natural History
Location:
view in google maps10th Street and Constutution Avenue, Northwest
Washington DC, DC 20560
Phone:
+1 202 633 1000 / +1 202 357 17294
Cheesecake Factory
Location:
view in google maps5345 Wisconsin Avenue NW
Washington DC, DC 20015
Phone:
1 202 364 0500Day 3 - Washington DC
Switch your focus and head for the great outdoors. The Billy Goat trail is one of the country’s best known hiking trails, with great views of the Potomac River. Depending on your children’s ages and your desired exertion level, you will love the gorgeous views that this rugged four-mile hike provides. Be advised that this is a somewhat strenuous hike – if your kids are very young or you’d rather not break a sweat, head to Georgetown and hit the Capital Crescent Trail instead, where the paths are completely flat. Also situated along the river is Glen Echo Park, a leafy suburban retreat that offers loads of fun activities and picnic spots. This little gem isn’t even well known among many Washingtonians, probably due to its location. It’s a bit out of the way, and you need a car to get there, but it’s worth the trip. The former amusement park only has one working ride (a carousel), but there are plenty of other diversions for kids and adults alike, including a puppet theater. Consider stopping by the pub at the Irish Inn at Glen Echo (http:// www.irishusa.com) for a bite to eat afterward.
1
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
Location:
view in google mapsP.O. Box 4
Washington DC, MD 21782
Phone:
804-462-50302
Capital Crescent Trail
Location:
view in google mapsWater Street Northwest
Washington DC, DC 20009
3
Glen Echo Park
Location:
view in google maps7300 MacArthur Boulevard
Washington DC, MD 20812
Phone:
+1 301 492 6229Day 4 - Washington DC
For a nice combination of wildlife and learning, start with a trip to the National Zoo. The Zoo is a must-see for families; it’s centrally located and beautifully landscaped – an idyllic retreat in the middle of the city. It’s also free, and home to lots of family-friendly events, especially during the summer months. Follow this up with a visit to the nearby National Geographic Museum at Founders Hall. You’re not too far from the White House, so wander past and wave hello to the President. The venerable building on 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue definitely merits a walk-by. Tours of the House itself are tricky to organize; you need to have at least 10 people in your group and submit a request months in advance through your State’s Congress member (phew!). Old Glory BBQ in Georgetown is a fun and laid back dining option – and you can grab ice cream at Ben & Jerry’s or Haagen Daz afterwards.
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National Zoological Park
Location:
view in google maps3001 Connecticut Ave. NW
Adjacent to Rock Creek Park
Washington DC, DC 20008
Phone:
202.633.48002
National Geographic Museum at Explorers Hall
Location:
view in google maps17th and M Street North West
Washington DC, DC 20036
Phone:
+1 202 857 75883
The White House
Location:
view in google maps1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Visitor entrance gate at E St. and E. Executive Ave
Washington DC, DC 20502
Phone:
+1 202 456 2121 / +1 202 456 11114
Old Glory Barbecue
Location:
view in google maps3139 M St. N.W.
(near the corner of Wisconsin and M Streets)
Washington DC, DC 20007
Phone:
1 202 337 3406Day 5 - Luray, Washington DC
The guide’s only truly “out of town” visit is to the natural wonder of Luray Caverns. It’s hard not to be awed by the Caverns’ unusual grandeur, no matter what your age. You’ll need a car to get to Luray, which is about 90 miles outside of Washington, but it’s worth the trip. The Caverns are fascinating and provide an up-close look at awe-inspiriring stalactites and glimmering pools. Afterwards, head out and lose yourselves (literally) in the labyrinthine Garden Maze. Pack a lunch, or eat in the Cavern’s café. If you’re not too tried after a day in Luray, consider attending a game or concert at Verizon Center. Even if you don’t attend a specific event in this multifaceted sports and entertainment complex, you and your family can check out the huge Discovery Channel Store or have dinner at the huge Velocity Grill.
1
Luray Caverns
Location:
view in google maps970 US Highway 211
Luray, VA 22835
Phone:
+1 540 743 65512
Verizon Center
Location:
view in google maps601 F Street Northwest
Washington DC, DC 20004
Phone:
+1 202 628 3200 / +1 202 661 5000