Planning a family trip to the nation’s capitol is overwhelming. Between having to make reservations at some sites but not others, planning for getting around in a big city, and preparing to efficiently do as much as possible in a limited amount of time, I was exhausted before I event boarded our flight. I did not, though, mind the prices (ie: free) nor the ability of my kids to learn so many lessons in one spot.
Yes, our trip to D.C. was epic.
My wife did the heavy lifting on our itinerary, armed with information from a free travel guide we requested several months before. Our week-long trip was AMAZING.
Here are my quick highlights, reviews, and impressions if you are considering a similar trek with your crew.
Planning for Getting Around
First things first, we drove a rental vehicle and paid for parking during our stay. With a smaller family, I would suggest purchasing a Metro pass and riding around town – stations seemed to be everywhere and a user-friendly app makes navigating easier (note: for little ones without a phone this can be complicated because all passes are virtual). One thing I would suggest is that absolutely confirming your transportation method well in advance. With the winding roads, dense traffic, and swarm of visitors, having transportation laid out and in-sync with a daily list of sites your family plans to visit.
Mount Vernon
The historic home of George Washington was as majestic as informative. The property was, though, a significant (not walkable) distance from the National Mall area.
Entrants pay for a timed admission and tour comprised of staff members ushering you through the story of Washington, his family, his visitors, and the property’s use of hundreds of slaves. I greatly respected that Mount Vernon did not hide the darker side of its housing of numerous slaves through the late 1800’s.
Mount Vernon requires mobility to explore the massive grounds and is “hands off” for visitors – no real interactive exhibits for kids. There is a scavenger hunt that holds the attention of the littles ones, however.
Go or Skip? GO
Arlington National Cemetery
We swung by Arlington National after leaving Mount Vernon – another location that lies a (marginally) far distance from other monuments on the Mall.
After paying for parking, the walk to JFK’s resting place as well as the Tomb of the Unknown Solider is significant and uphill. If you have little ones, bring the stroller! We were not able to see the changing of the guard at the Tomb, but have been told that we missed an opportunity there. All the same, the magnitude of the sacrifice signified by the endless headstones, is something my kids were blown away by. It is important for young people to see this.
Go or Skip? GO
Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Another attraction positioned a long distance from the Mall, the Zoo was free (other than parking). If there was one “ho-hum” voyage for me, this was the one. Sure, the panda habitat was impressive, but the rest of the zoo is just, well, a zoo.
Go or skip? Skip
United States Holocaust Museum
I could devote multiple blogs to our stop at the Holocaust Museum. Wow – just WOW!
While our school-aged kids may understand the basics of this black period of history, seeing, hearing, and interacting with stories hit differently than a textbook with my kids. The three hours we spent at the Holocaust Museum were heavy and so, so necessary.
Make sure to take the family through “Daniel’s Story” – an interactive exhibit told from the point of view of a child – in the lobby while you await your timed entry (~20 minutes or so) Of all the sites we visited, this museum was the most poignant.
Go or Skip: GO
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
The entry line for this museum was HUGE, but moved quickly. We also moved quickly when the kids become bored with fossils, taxidermies, and other features you might see in any local museum. Unless you have children that are over-the-moon interested in dinosaurs, I’d pass this attraction up in favor of another on the Mall.
Go or Skip: Skip
The White House
If your family would like to ACTUALLY visit the White House, much has to line up – mostly notably the President’s location and an approval of a State Senator. My family’s trip included walking by the White House and nothing more. Tickets and approvals take MONTHS to reel in so, if you plan to enter the White House, plan ahead!
Go or Skip: Go (if you’re allowed), Skip (if not)
The National Archives
This museum visit was met with mixed reviews by my troop. My older kids enjoyed seeing the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and Declaration of Independence. The little ones (ages 7 and 9), though, did not much care. We have since watched “National Treasure” which did stoke my 9 year-old’s interest a bit (maybe watch that movie beforehand?).
Go or Skip: Go (ish)
The National African American Museum of History and Culture
We spent nearly four hours traversing through African American history and loved every minute. Hot tip: you should start on the lower floors and work your way up.
Our kids enjoyed the combination of immersive, interactive, and traditional history that did not sugar-coat the oppression of black people throughout American history. There was an appropriate mix of heavy topics (ie: slavery and civil rights) with fun (ie: features on sports and entertainment stars). The museum’s gift shop was one of the best on the Mall.
Go or Skip: Go
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
At the time of our tour, the Air and Space Museum was in the midst of a remodel, but most exhibits were open. I did not care for the time spent here, but my kids really enjoyed it.
The exhibits could easily hold their collective attention – with a full-sized airline cockpit, several video-game like exhibits, and space equipment mock-ups. The three-hour time allotment was more than adequate (we spent about 90 minutes here).
Go or Skip: Go
The US Capitol
I wanted to see where the laws of the land are made, where our elected officials decide on legislation that will impact our lives. All I saw, though, on our tour of the U.S. Capitol was a crowded rotunda.
The tour guide was lively, but after a quick (great) movie and walk to the breathtaking rotunda, I was disappointed to learn that was it. Tour over. Additionally, there was absolutely no discussion about the attempted insurrection in January 6, 2021 – even if the guide was asked directly (I get it, but, really?).
Go or Skip: Skip
All the Monuments on the Mall
If I had to re-plan visiting D.C., I would have better planned a self-guided walking tour of monuments on the National Mall. The ticket process for the Washington Monument, though, makes that job very difficult during peak seasons. In making a better plan, I would have far more efficient in creating a trail that had me seamlessly visit the Washington Monument, various war memorials, the Lincoln Monument, and the MLK Monument.
The only note to make in additional to planning a walking route would be that Washington Monument tickets open at a designated time online each day. PLEASE NOTE: even if you are waiting online at the daily time, tickets will sell out in seconds (especially for busy times of year or weekends). We tried to get Washington Monument tickets EVERY DAY and were unsuccessful. An alternative is to show up at the monument by 9 am at the Parks Department office where tickets are awarded first-come, first-serve. We did not try to do this, but were told that arriving by 8 am (for a 9 am opening) would be adequate for admission later in the day.
Part I Wrap Up
During our time in Washington D.C., we tried to see it all and came away with confirmation that was an impossibility. There is so much – including tons of non-museum/monument family fun that I’ll fill you in on during Part II next week.
***times, restrictions, and availability of attractions is listed as of January 2023, please check for updates prior to your trip***
