Family-Friendly Adventures in Washington D.C.!

The White House

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary for Visiting The White House

Morning: Tour of The White House

- How to Visit: Begin your adventure with a tour of The White House! Request a tour through your Member of Congress 3 months in advance. Tours are free and are given on a first-come, first-served basis, so plan early.

- Interesting Fact: Did you know that The White House has 132 rooms and 35 bathrooms? Keep an eye out for the famous Vermeil Room with its collection of gilded silver!

Transport: After your tour, walk to your next destination. The White House is centrally located, making it easy to get around on foot.

Lunch: Picnic at President’s Park (The Ellipse)

- Enjoy a Relaxing Break: Post-tour, enjoy a family picnic at President"s Park South, commonly known as The Ellipse. It offers great views and a chance for kids to play.

- Interesting Fact: The Ellipse is where the National Christmas Tree is lit every year, a tradition that dates back to President Calvin Coolidge in 1923.

Afternoon: Visit the White House Visitor Center

- How to Get There: Just a short walk from The White House, located at 1450 Pennsylvania Ave NW.

- Explore and Learn: Dive deeper into the history with interactive exhibits. Kids can take part in the Junior Ranger program and earn a badge.

- Interesting Fact: The Visitor Center houses over 90 artifacts from the White House collection, providing a detailed insight into its history without stepping inside.

End of Day: Stroll Along Pennsylvania Avenue

- Wrap Up Your Day: Walk along America’s most famous street. Check out the shops and perhaps grab an ice cream to enjoy as you stroll.

- Interesting Fact: Pennsylvania Avenue is known as "America"s Main Street" and has hosted inaugural parades and historic marches.

This itinerary offers a blend of education and relaxation, perfect for a family day out exploring one of America’s most iconic landmarks!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

U.S. Capitol

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary for Visiting the U.S. Capitol

Morning: Tour of the U.S. Capitol

Start your day with a guided tour of the iconic U.S. Capitol. You can reserve free tour passes through the Capitol Visitor Center website or through your local Representative or Senator. Arrive early to explore the Visitor Center, which opens at 8:30 AM, and offers an array of exhibits and films on the history and function of the U.S. Capitol.

Getting there: The Capitol is easily accessible via the Metro. Take the Red, Orange, Silver, or Blue line to Capitol South or Union Station. From there, it’s a short walk to the Visitor Center.

Interesting Fact: The Statue of Freedom atop the Capitol dome was installed in 1863, and weighs approximately 15,000 pounds!

Midday: Library of Congress

Next, walk across the street to visit the Library of Congress, the largest library in the world, with millions of books, recordings, photographs, maps, and manuscripts in its collections.

Getting there: The Library is just a short walk east from the Capitol.

Interesting Fact: The Library of Congress holds the original drafts of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.

Afternoon: U.S. Botanic Garden

Wrap up your visit at the U.S. Botanic Garden, located at the southwest corner of the Capitol grounds. This living plant museum offers a fascinating look at the importance of plants to the well-being of humans and the earth.

Getting there: It’s a leisurely 10-minute walk from the Library of Congress.

Interesting Fact: The U.S. Botanic Garden was established by Congress in 1820, making it one of the oldest botanic gardens in North America.

Enjoy your family day out at the U.S. Capitol, filled with educational experiences and beautiful sights!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Lincoln Memorial

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary to Lincoln Memorial

Morning Arrival: Start your day early by heading to the Lincoln Memorial, located at the western end of the National Mall in Washington D.C. The nearest Metro station is Foggy Bottom on the Orange, Blue, and Silver lines, just a short 0.8-mile walk away, or you can take the DC Circulator bus direct to the Mall.

Exploring the Memorial: As you approach, you"ll see the iconic 19-foot tall statue of Abraham Lincoln. The memorial, designed by architect Henry Bacon, resembles a Greek Doric temple and contains 36 columns, each representing a state in the U.S. at the time of Lincoln"s death. Share with the kids how important Lincoln was in working towards equality and how his ideas continue to impact us.

Interactive Learning: Visit the small museum located underneath the memorial where kids can engage with exhibits about Lincoln"s presidency, the Civil War, and hear his famous speeches, like the Gettysburg Address. It"s a fantastic opportunity for a mini-history lesson!

Picnic Lunch: Pack a lunch and enjoy eating on the steps of the memorial, which offer a panoramic view of the Reflecting Pool and the Washington Monument. It"s a perfect spot for family photos!

Afternoon Activities: Post-lunch, take a leisurely stroll around the Reflecting Pool to the World War II Memorial and then to the Washington Monument. These are about a 15-minute walk each from the Lincoln Memorial and offer more teachable moments about American history and the sacrifices made for democracy.

Evening Wind Down: Wrap up your day with a treat from one of the food trucks along the National Mall, offering everything from ice cream to local specialties. Enjoy your snack as you watch the sunset over the Lincoln Memorial, a fitting end to a day full of learning and family fun.

This family-friendly itinerary ensures a memorable visit to the Lincoln Memorial, filled with education, awe, and relaxation!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Washington Monument

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary: A Day at the Washington Monument and Surrounding Attractions

Morning: Arrival at the Washington Monument

Start your day early by visiting the iconic Washington Monument. Located on the National Mall, it"s easily accessible via the Smithsonian Metro station (Blue, Orange, and Silver Lines). From there, it"s a short walk amidst refreshing greenery. Begin at the monument"s base, where you can soak in stunning views of the Capitol and Lincoln Memorial from ground level.

Tip: Free timed entry tickets are available at the Washington Monument Lodge, located on 15th Street, from 8:30 AM. It"s best to arrive early as tickets are first-come, first-served.

Interesting Fact: The Washington Monument is the world"s tallest stone structure and obelisk, standing at an impressive 555 feet!

Mid-Morning: Ascend the Washington Monument

Take an elevator ride up to the observation deck of the Washington Monument. This exciting ascent lets your family see unique inscriptions gifted by various states and countries inside the monument. At the top, enjoy panoramic views of the city — perfect for a family photo!

Lunchtime: Picnic at the National Mall

After descending the monument, grab a pre-packed lunch and enjoy a family picnic on the spacious grounds of the National Mall. This area is not just a hub of monuments and museums but also a great spot for kids to run and play.

Afternoon: Visit the Smithsonian National Museum of American History

Post lunch, head to the nearby Smithsonian National Museum of American History, just a 15-minute walk away. Engage with fascinating exhibits like the original Star-Spangled Banner and a collection of First Ladies" gowns.

Interesting Fact: The museum houses an old-school Woolworth’s lunch counter, symbolizing the 1960s civil rights sit-ins.

Late Afternoon: Carousel Ride

Wrap up your day with a fun ride on the historic carousel located at the National Mall. It"s a delightful way to end your family-friendly tour of Washington D.C., ensuring smiles all around!

This itinerary combines educational experiences with pure family fun, making for an unforgettable day at the Washington Monument and its surrounding attractions.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Visit to the National Museum of African American History and Culture

Morning Arrival: Start your day early at the National Museum of African American History and Culture, located at 1400 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, D.C. The museum opens at 10 AM, but getting there by 9:30 AM is ideal to beat the crowds. The closest Metro stop is Smithsonian, on the Orange, Blue, and Silver lines, making it easily accessible.

Exploring the Museum

1. Main Exhibits: Begin at the lower level where the history galleries are located. Start with the powerful "Slavery and Freedom" exhibit, which provides a profound foundation for understanding African American history and culture. The journey continues through the Civil Rights era and into contemporary times.

2. Family and Interactive Zones: Don"t miss the "Cultural Expressions" exhibit, a vibrant display that delves into the visual arts, music, and crafts that define the African American experience. Kids will enjoy interactive elements like storytelling sessions and musical performances.

3. Lunch Break: Grab a bite at the Sweet Home Café within the museum, where you can enjoy dishes that reflect the rich regional flavors of African American cuisine.

Afternoon Activities

1. Sports: Be sure to visit the "Leveling the Playing Field" exhibit, where children can learn about African American athletes who broke barriers and excelled in their sports. This area is inspirational and engaging for young sports enthusiasts.

2. Musical Crossroads: Head to the 4th floor to explore the "Musical Crossroads" exhibit, which showcases the story of African American music from classical to hip-hop, highlighting how music can tell powerful stories of the African American experience.

Planning Tips

- Timed Entry Passes: Although entry is free, timed entry passes are required for certain peak times and seasons. Book your passes in advance through the museum"s website.

- Accessibility: The museum is well-equipped for families, with stroller access and amenities to ensure a comfortable visit for everyone.

Departure: Conclude your visit by stopping at the museum shop for educational books and unique souvenirs, capturing the essence of the visit and providing lasting memories for the whole family.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.