Washington DC Trip Tips (1 Viewer)

[Deepster]

Going to DC for a long weekend in May with my 11 yr old daughter. So far, I have the memorials on the list (Lincoln, Washington Monument, Vietnam Wall). I submitted a request for a White House tour but may not get it due to timing/availability. And I have a day set for the Smithsonian.

Any good tips or things you've done or can recommend that would interest a kid her age?

Also, I'm toying between driving and a train. It looks like everything is within walking distance and there's a good subway system. Any advice is also appreciated.

Thanks, FFA'ers.

 

[RUSF18]

There was a good thread last year on this (think started by Sheik) if you have any luck with the search.

If you would only choose to drive because of not wanting to walk/take the subway under normal conditions, definitely just take the train and go with public transportation. It's one of the best and easiest subway systems around and you won't use your car for those plans already on your itinerary.

 

[Hov34]

Couple good threads floating around that helped me:

https://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index.php?/topic/594913-the-official-washington-dc-thread/?hl=%2Bwashington

Search function still sucks but that is one.

Oh, and two words: Super Pollo

 

[TobiasFunke]

The generic Washington DC thread is your best bet for this stuff. A couple other folks have asked similar questions and you can read our many recommendations. But if you don't want to wade through pages of complaints about local sports talk radio or snow removal to find those discussions, just repost your inquiry and you'll get some good feedback. Maybe add a little more detail to help people tailor their recommendations: whether you/your daughter have been here before, where you're planning to stay, and maybe what kind of stuff your daughter is into (food-wise, museum-wise, maybe shopping-wise, etc).

 

[dgreen]

But if you don't want to wade through pages of complaints about local sports talk radio or snow removal to find those discussions, just repost your inquiry and you'll get some good feedback.

Whoever started that thread should really update the first post with the typical DC FBG recs.

 

[TheIronSheik]

There was a good thread last year on this (think started by Sheik) if you have any luck with the search.

If you would only choose to drive because of not wanting to walk/take the subway under normal conditions, definitely just take the train and go with public transportation. It's one of the best and easiest subway systems around and you won't use your car for those plans already on your itinerary.

Yup.

LINK

I never made it due to my broken ankle, but I'm hoping this spring we get to go.

 

[TheIronSheik]

There was a good thread last year on this (think started by Sheik) if you have any luck with the search.

If you would only choose to drive because of not wanting to walk/take the subway under normal conditions, definitely just take the train and go with public transportation. It's one of the best and easiest subway systems around and you won't use your car for those plans already on your itinerary.

Yup.

LINK

I never made it due to my broken ankle, but I'm hoping this spring we get to go.

Reading over the link, I missed the BBHOF because of my leg. We didn't get to do this trip because I had a death in the family. Still, hoping that we can get down there in the next couple of months.

 

[chet]

The Newseum was the best museum we went to last April--at the time, daugher was 12 and son was 8.

Be careful in the Pultizer winning photo exhibit though. It was too much for my son but ok for my daughter.

 

[Jaysus]

When are the cherry trees going to blossom?

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

When are the cherry trees going to blossom?

April 11-14 is supposed to be the peak. Well before May in any case.

 

[Swing 51]

The National Park Service forecasts peak bloom to occur between April 11 and 14 and the Capital Weather Gang forecasts peak bloom to occur between April 9 and 13. The forsythias, however, have already started to bloom in a few areas along the Tidal Basin near the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial.

 

[Mr. Ected]

Going to DC for a long weekend in May with my 11 yr old daughter. So far, I have the memorials on the list (Lincoln, Washington Monument, Vietnam Wall). I submitted a request for a White House tour but may not get it due to timing/availability. And I have a day set for the Smithsonian.

Any good tips or things you've done or can recommend that would interest a kid her age?

Also, I'm toying between driving and a train. It looks like everything is within walking distance and there's a good subway system. Any advice is also appreciated.

Thanks, FFA'ers.

How long are you going to be here? If you are just going to be here for a couple days and staying downtown just doing downtown sightseeing, then there is no need for a car. You can do metro and if you need it cab for a bunch less than the parking fees alone at a hotel.

If you stay outside of town, a car may help some for evening, and the parking should be less (if any).

You may want to do more than one day for Smithsonian, it's 4 or 5 big museums and the zoo.

 

[Jack White]

Sit in Lincoln's lap. I hear he's hung like a boulder.

 

[TheIronSheik]

Looks like we're heading down for the 11th. I'm excited. Would have loved to do the White House tour, but I guess that'll have to wait since it's such short notice.

 

[James Daulton]

Looks like we're heading down for the 11th. I'm excited. Would have loved to do the White House tour, but I guess that'll have to wait since it's such short notice.

On the bright side, they'd probably detain you anyway.

 

[Blind Tiger]

My boys (11 and 9 at the time) enjoyed the Spy Museum and the Spy in the City tour they offer.

 

[dgreen]

Looks like we're heading down for the 11th. I'm excited. Would have loved to do the White House tour, but I guess that'll have to wait since it's such short notice.

11th of April? As mentioned above, that could be peak Cherry Blossom time. That's both bad and good.

 

[Jack White]

Looks like we're heading down for the 11th. I'm excited. Would have loved to do the White House tour, but I guess that'll have to wait since it's such short notice.

11th of April? As mentioned above, that could be peak Cherry Blossom time. That's both bad and good.

The one time I went, it was during peak cherry blossom.

And you have to get right up close to those trees to avoid smelling the stench of DC.

 

[TheIronSheik]

Looks like we're heading down for the 11th. I'm excited. Would have loved to do the White House tour, but I guess that'll have to wait since it's such short notice.

11th of April? As mentioned above, that could be peak Cherry Blossom time. That's both bad and good.

That's why we're going. Why is that a bad thing? Serious question.

 

[dgreen]

Looks like we're heading down for the 11th. I'm excited. Would have loved to do the White House tour, but I guess that'll have to wait since it's such short notice.

11th of April? As mentioned above, that could be peak Cherry Blossom time. That's both bad and good.

That's why we're going. Why is that a bad thing? Serious question.

Possibly the busiest weekend of the year in DC. The areas around the blossoms are super crowded. If that bothers you, then it's bad. If you're good with crowds, then it's an awesome time to be there.

 

[TheIronSheik]

Looks like we're heading down for the 11th. I'm excited. Would have loved to do the White House tour, but I guess that'll have to wait since it's such short notice.

11th of April? As mentioned above, that could be peak Cherry Blossom time. That's both bad and good.

That's why we're going. Why is that a bad thing? Serious question.

Possibly the busiest weekend of the year in DC. The areas around the blossoms are super crowded. If that bothers you, then it's bad. If you're good with crowds, then it's an awesome time to be there.

Like, how crowded? I mean, I'm not huge on crowds, but we go to NYC. I've just always wanted to see the cherry blossoms. I guess the good news is that we're close enough so if it's stupid crowded, we can always make a return trip.

 

[BroncoFreak_2K3]

Going to be in DC with the family April 5th-8th. Glad to see this thread resurrected.

Have read a lot about the Newseum being a great attraction and was wondering if it would hold the interest of a 12 year old?

 

[dgreen]

Looks like we're heading down for the 11th. I'm excited. Would have loved to do the White House tour, but I guess that'll have to wait since it's such short notice.

11th of April? As mentioned above, that could be peak Cherry Blossom time. That's both bad and good.

That's why we're going. Why is that a bad thing? Serious question.

Possibly the busiest weekend of the year in DC. The areas around the blossoms are super crowded. If that bothers you, then it's bad. If you're good with crowds, then it's an awesome time to be there.

Like, how crowded? I mean, I'm not huge on crowds, but we go to NYC. I've just always wanted to see the cherry blossoms. I guess the good news is that we're close enough so if it's stupid crowded, we can always make a return trip.

If the weather's nice, I'd say the Tidal Basin area around the Jefferson Memorial will be more crowded than your typical nice Saturday in Midtown NYC. The sidewalks around the Tidal Basin are narrow, but surrounded by some decent size grassy areas and monuments/memorials to be able to spread out a little. The 11th is also the day of the parade, so there will be crowds along Constitution Avenue in the morning. You won't have to go too far to escape the crowds if it starts to bother you, though. You aren't far from The Mall, which is huge and easy to get some elbow room. My guess is the museums will be packed that day.

 

[TheIronSheik]

Looks like we're heading down for the 11th. I'm excited. Would have loved to do the White House tour, but I guess that'll have to wait since it's such short notice.

11th of April? As mentioned above, that could be peak Cherry Blossom time. That's both bad and good.

That's why we're going. Why is that a bad thing? Serious question.

Possibly the busiest weekend of the year in DC. The areas around the blossoms are super crowded. If that bothers you, then it's bad. If you're good with crowds, then it's an awesome time to be there.

Like, how crowded? I mean, I'm not huge on crowds, but we go to NYC. I've just always wanted to see the cherry blossoms. I guess the good news is that we're close enough so if it's stupid crowded, we can always make a return trip.

If the weather's nice, I'd say the Tidal Basin area around the Jefferson Memorial will be more crowded than your typical nice Saturday in Midtown NYC. The sidewalks around the Tidal Basin are narrow, but surrounded by some decent size grassy areas and monuments/memorials to be able to spread out a little. The 11th is also the day of the parade, so there will be crowds along Constitution Avenue in the morning. You won't have to go too far to escape the crowds if it starts to bother you, though. You aren't far from The Mall, which is huge and easy to get some elbow room. My guess is the museums will be packed that day.

If we were to wait until the next weekend, would we miss out on much? Will going the following weekend be the better bet?

 

[dgreen]

Looks like we're heading down for the 11th. I'm excited. Would have loved to do the White House tour, but I guess that'll have to wait since it's such short notice.

11th of April? As mentioned above, that could be peak Cherry Blossom time. That's both bad and good.

That's why we're going. Why is that a bad thing? Serious question.

Possibly the busiest weekend of the year in DC. The areas around the blossoms are super crowded. If that bothers you, then it's bad. If you're good with crowds, then it's an awesome time to be there.

Like, how crowded? I mean, I'm not huge on crowds, but we go to NYC. I've just always wanted to see the cherry blossoms. I guess the good news is that we're close enough so if it's stupid crowded, we can always make a return trip.

If the weather's nice, I'd say the Tidal Basin area around the Jefferson Memorial will be more crowded than your typical nice Saturday in Midtown NYC. The sidewalks around the Tidal Basin are narrow, but surrounded by some decent size grassy areas and monuments/memorials to be able to spread out a little. The 11th is also the day of the parade, so there will be crowds along Constitution Avenue in the morning. You won't have to go too far to escape the crowds if it starts to bother you, though. You aren't far from The Mall, which is huge and easy to get some elbow room. My guess is the museums will be packed that day.

If we were to wait until the next weekend, would we miss out on much? Will going the following weekend be the better bet?

You could risk missing out on the blossoms. This site seems to have good info, which I assume is correct.

If you want to avoid the crowds, I'd suggest altering the day/time rather than waiting a whole weekend. Early Saturday morning or late afternoon/evening will be less crowded. I'd guess Sunday will be less crowded than Saturday. Friday could also be good if you can take the day off.

 

[TheIronSheik]

Looks like we're heading down for the 11th. I'm excited. Would have loved to do the White House tour, but I guess that'll have to wait since it's such short notice.

11th of April? As mentioned above, that could be peak Cherry Blossom time. That's both bad and good.

That's why we're going. Why is that a bad thing? Serious question.

Possibly the busiest weekend of the year in DC. The areas around the blossoms are super crowded. If that bothers you, then it's bad. If you're good with crowds, then it's an awesome time to be there.

Like, how crowded? I mean, I'm not huge on crowds, but we go to NYC. I've just always wanted to see the cherry blossoms. I guess the good news is that we're close enough so if it's stupid crowded, we can always make a return trip.

If the weather's nice, I'd say the Tidal Basin area around the Jefferson Memorial will be more crowded than your typical nice Saturday in Midtown NYC. The sidewalks around the Tidal Basin are narrow, but surrounded by some decent size grassy areas and monuments/memorials to be able to spread out a little. The 11th is also the day of the parade, so there will be crowds along Constitution Avenue in the morning. You won't have to go too far to escape the crowds if it starts to bother you, though. You aren't far from The Mall, which is huge and easy to get some elbow room. My guess is the museums will be packed that day.

If we were to wait until the next weekend, would we miss out on much? Will going the following weekend be the better bet?

You could risk missing out on the blossoms. This site seems to have good info, which I assume is correct.

If you want to avoid the crowds, I'd suggest altering the day/time rather than waiting a whole weekend. Early Saturday morning or late afternoon/evening will be less crowded. I'd guess Sunday will be less crowded than Saturday. Friday could also be good if you can take the day off.

Appreciate the advice, GB!

 

[Chaos Commish]

Flying in on the 2nd of April and out on the 11th. I've done most of the touristy stuff on prior visits, but I'm sure I'll take in a little more. A White House tour would be great. How' that work?

n/m looked it up, need my congressman to do something, not happening.

 

[BroncoFreak_2K3]

Flying in on the 2nd of April and out on the 11th. I've done most of the touristy stuff on prior visits, but I'm sure I'll take in a little more. A White House tour would be great. How' that work?

n/m looked it up, need my congressman to do something, not happening.

I put in 2 months ago for WH tickets through my congressman. As of last week, they informed me that there are no tickets to be had. They are denying requests left and right...They suggested just visiting the WH Visitors Center...

 

[The_Man]

Stand to the right, walk to the left

 

[dgreen]

Looks like we're heading down for the 11th. I'm excited. Would have loved to do the White House tour, but I guess that'll have to wait since it's such short notice.

11th of April? As mentioned above, that could be peak Cherry Blossom time. That's both bad and good.

That's why we're going. Why is that a bad thing? Serious question.

Possibly the busiest weekend of the year in DC. The areas around the blossoms are super crowded. If that bothers you, then it's bad. If you're good with crowds, then it's an awesome time to be there.

Like, how crowded? I mean, I'm not huge on crowds, but we go to NYC. I've just always wanted to see the cherry blossoms. I guess the good news is that we're close enough so if it's stupid crowded, we can always make a return trip.

If the weather's nice, I'd say the Tidal Basin area around the Jefferson Memorial will be more crowded than your typical nice Saturday in Midtown NYC. The sidewalks around the Tidal Basin are narrow, but surrounded by some decent size grassy areas and monuments/memorials to be able to spread out a little. The 11th is also the day of the parade, so there will be crowds along Constitution Avenue in the morning. You won't have to go too far to escape the crowds if it starts to bother you, though. You aren't far from The Mall, which is huge and easy to get some elbow room. My guess is the museums will be packed that day.

If we were to wait until the next weekend, would we miss out on much? Will going the following weekend be the better bet?

You could risk missing out on the blossoms. This site seems to have good info, which I assume is correct.

If you want to avoid the crowds, I'd suggest altering the day/time rather than waiting a whole weekend. Early Saturday morning or late afternoon/evening will be less crowded. I'd guess Sunday will be less crowded than Saturday. Friday could also be good if you can take the day off.

Appreciate the advice, GB!

Sure thing. Oh, and under no circumstances should you attempt to park at one of the terminal Metro stations to ride in that Saturday morning. That's just based on what I've seen on the stations in Virginia that have tourist who stay out in the burbs and stand in crazy lines to buy their Metro card to go downtown.

 

[skol asylum]

 

[El Floppo]

We're going on april 4thish.

We go to N Va all the time (fairfax county) to see the inlaws, have never run into the city with kids.

7yo boy and 3yo girl... ideas for a day in the city?

 

[Galileo]

As far as museums go, my kids enjoyed Air and Space, Natural History and American History in that order. We have done the Spy museum, and it is OK but way over priced for what it offers in my eyes. I also recommend finding some time at night to visit the memorials...very cool seeing them all lit up. Arlington cemetery with the tomb of the unknown soldier is worth the experience as well.

Oh yeah...and go here... http://www.granvillemoores.com/

 

[njherdfan]

Going to be in DC with the family April 5th-8th. Glad to see this thread resurrected.

Have read a lot about the Newseum being a great attraction and was wondering if it would hold the interest of a 12 year old?

I'd say it depends on the 12 year old. I know a 12 year old version of me would have been fascinated by it. Does your 12 year old like history and reading? If so, I think it will be great. Here's a list of their current exhibits, so knowing your kid, do you think s/he would like any of these?

 

[njherdfan]

Another cool event for those so inclined is Embassy Week when a bunch of their embassies open their doors and give you free food and info about their countries.

 

[skol asylum]

Going the last week of June for the first time...for me anyways. Tagging along with wife who is going for a conference. She went when she was younger with the closeup program.

 

[BroncoFreak_2K3]

Going to be in DC with the family April 5th-8th. Glad to see this thread resurrected.

Have read a lot about the Newseum being a great attraction and was wondering if it would hold the interest of a 12 year old?

I'd say it depends on the 12 year old. I know a 12 year old version of me would have been fascinated by it. Does your 12 year old like history and reading? If so, I think it will be great. Here's a list of their current exhibits, so knowing your kid, do you think s/he would like any of these?

Yes, she is a voracious reader. We may check it out. Thanks!

 

[dgreen]

We're going on april 4thish.

We go to N Va all the time (fairfax county) to see the inlaws, have never run into the city with kids.

7yo boy and 3yo girl... ideas for a day in the city?

Apparently that's International Pillow Fight Day.

Kids generally like to just run around The Mall and hop in and out of museums. That can easily last a day. Cherry blossoms might be starting to bloom around then. The Botanic Garden near the Capitol has been one of my kids' favorites. Gravely Point is an open field on the Potomac where you can watch planes take off or land at Reagan Airport. Might scare the kids, but it's fun to scare kids sometimes. If you go in the National Gallery of Art, don't let your kid jump up and hit one of the picture frames. The guards frown upon that.

 

[TobiasFunke]

We're going on april 4thish.

We go to N Va all the time (fairfax county) to see the inlaws, have never run into the city with kids.

7yo boy and 3yo girl... ideas for a day in the city?

Apparently that's International Pillow Fight Day.

Kids generally like to just run around The Mall and hop in and out of museums. That can easily last a day. Cherry blossoms might be starting to bloom around then. The Botanic Garden near the Capitol has been one of my kids' favorites. Gravely Point is an open field on the Potomac where you can watch planes take off or land at Reagan Airport. Might scare the kids, but it's fun to scare kids sometimes. If you go in the National Gallery of Art, don't let your kid jump up and hit one of the picture frames. The guards frown upon that.

I took my two year old girl to the museums a few weeks ago and she loved it. We went to the Native American Museum, which supposedly has an amazing kids' area, but it was closed on Mondays. She couldn't have cared less, she just ran around pointing out all the things she recognized (boats, stars, dresses, etc). More than anything I think they just like exploring big buildings with cool layouts and lots of open space. Then we went to Air and Space, which had a kids' area as well. She was in heaven. I had to drag her out of there.

Those are the only two Smithsonian museums I've been to with my kids, but I think many of them have similar set-aside areas for young children. We've also taken her to the National Building Museum, which isn't part of the Smithsonian but has a great kids' area.

 

[Don Quixote]

For those coming in April, there's lots of good Lincoln stuff going on for the 150th of his assassination. Worth checking out Ford's Theatre, National Portrait Gallery, Lincoln's Summer Cottage, and the National Museum of Health and Medicine. I'm sure there are lots of other exhibits I'm missing.

ETA: For example, my wife and I were just discussing trying to find a weekend to see this: http://www.fords.org/event/silent-witnesses

 

[dgreen]

We're going on april 4thish.

We go to N Va all the time (fairfax county) to see the inlaws, have never run into the city with kids.

7yo boy and 3yo girl... ideas for a day in the city?

Apparently that's International Pillow Fight Day.

Kids generally like to just run around The Mall and hop in and out of museums. That can easily last a day. Cherry blossoms might be starting to bloom around then. The Botanic Garden near the Capitol has been one of my kids' favorites. Gravely Point is an open field on the Potomac where you can watch planes take off or land at Reagan Airport. Might scare the kids, but it's fun to scare kids sometimes. If you go in the National Gallery of Art, don't let your kid jump up and hit one of the picture frames. The guards frown upon that.

I took my two year old girl to the museums a few weeks ago and she loved it. We went to the Native American Museum, which supposedly has an amazing kids' area, but it was closed on Mondays. She couldn't have cared less, she just ran around pointing out all the things she recognized (boats, stars, dresses, etc). More than anything I think they just like exploring big buildings with cool layouts and lots of open space. Then we went to Air and Space, which had a kids' area as well. She was in heaven. I had to drag her out of there.

Those are the only two Smithsonian museums I've been to with my kids, but I think many of them have similar set-aside areas for young children. We've also taken her to the National Building Museum, which isn't part of the Smithsonian but has a great kids' area.

I'm sure she'd also love the animal exhibits at the Natural History Museum. The gems are cool, too.

 

[Swing 51]

If you want to avoid the crowds but still check out the cherry blossoms I hear sunrise is a good time to go. Could be tough getting your kids up that early but I hear that is a good time to go. Lots of photographers around that time but less tourists too.

 

[Mr. Ected]

I know it's been mentioned in the WDC thread, but...

For those coming in May, there is The Arsenal of Democracy World War II Victory Capitol Flyover on May 8th.

To honor the heroes who fought in the War and those on the home front who produced the tanks, ships, and aircraft that enabled the United States and its Allies to achieve victory, one of the most diverse arrays of World War II aircraft ever assembled will fly above the skies of Washington, D.C. on Friday, May 8, 2015, the 70th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, as part of the Arsenal of Democracy World War II Victory Capitol Flyover. The flyover will include dozens of World War II aircraft flying in 15 historically sequenced warbird formations overhead. The formations will represent the War’s major battles, from Pearl Harbor through the final air assault on Japan, and concluding with a missing man formation to “Taps.” Never before has such a collection of WWII aircraft been assembled at one location, to honor the large assemblage of veterans gathered at the WWII Memorial for a ceremony.

On Saturday, May 9, 2015, a selection of the planes will be featured at the National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center at Washington Dulles International Airport for a one day exhibition. The display will be open to the public 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. No advance tickets are required. Click HERE for details.

Plan on pulling my kids out of school to go. Should be an awesome sight.

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

I know it's been mentioned in the WDC thread, but...

For those coming in May, there is The Arsenal of Democracy World War II Victory Capitol Flyover on May 8th.

To honor the heroes who fought in the War and those on the home front who produced the tanks, ships, and aircraft that enabled the United States and its Allies to achieve victory, one of the most diverse arrays of World War II aircraft ever assembled will fly above the skies of Washington, D.C. on Friday, May 8, 2015, the 70th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, as part of the Arsenal of Democracy World War II Victory Capitol Flyover. The flyover will include dozens of World War II aircraft flying in 15 historically sequenced warbird formations overhead. The formations will represent the Wars major battles, from Pearl Harbor through the final air assault on Japan, and concluding with a missing man formation to Taps. Never before has such a collection of WWII aircraft been assembled at one location, to honor the large assemblage of veterans gathered at the WWII Memorial for a ceremony.

On Saturday, May 9, 2015, a selection of the planes will be featured at the National Air and Space Museums Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center at Washington Dulles International Airport for a one day exhibition. The display will be open to the public 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. No advance tickets are required. Click HERE for details.

Plan on pulling my kids out of school to go. Should be an awesome sight.

Thank you SO MUCH for posting. I'm not sure I can drag my girls (8 & 10) but I'm going!

 

[El Floppo]

We're going on april 4thish.

We go to N Va all the time (fairfax county) to see the inlaws, have never run into the city with kids.

7yo boy and 3yo girl... ideas for a day in the city?

Apparently that's International Pillow Fight Day.

Kids generally like to just run around The Mall and hop in and out of museums. That can easily last a day. Cherry blossoms might be starting to bloom around then. The Botanic Garden near the Capitol has been one of my kids' favorites. Gravely Point is an open field on the Potomac where you can watch planes take off or land at Reagan Airport. Might scare the kids, but it's fun to scare kids sometimes. If you go in the National Gallery of Art, don't let your kid jump up and hit one of the picture frames. The guards frown upon that.

I took my two year old girl to the museums a few weeks ago and she loved it. We went to the Native American Museum, which supposedly has an amazing kids' area, but it was closed on Mondays. She couldn't have cared less, she just ran around pointing out all the things she recognized (boats, stars, dresses, etc). More than anything I think they just like exploring big buildings with cool layouts and lots of open space. Then we went to Air and Space, which had a kids' area as well. She was in heaven. I had to drag her out of there.

Those are the only two Smithsonian museums I've been to with my kids, but I think many of them have similar set-aside areas for young children. We've also taken her to the National Building Museum, which isn't part of the Smithsonian but has a great kids' area.

thanks guys.

we're in nyc, so museums aren't a real need for us- but I've been thinking about the Smithsonian. older one went to air and space one of the last times we were down there and enjoyed it.

I've always wanted to go to the National Building Museum... maybe.

probably we'll just hit the mall and walk around a bit.

the wife grew up in N Va, and I've spent a lot of time down there (my ex worked for Nat Geographic for a bit and had a roommate that worked in the white house- got to cruise around in there one time), so I don't feel a need to see anything for us adults.

 

[TobiasFunke]

We're going on april 4thish.

We go to N Va all the time (fairfax county) to see the inlaws, have never run into the city with kids.

7yo boy and 3yo girl... ideas for a day in the city?

Apparently that's International Pillow Fight Day.

Kids generally like to just run around The Mall and hop in and out of museums. That can easily last a day. Cherry blossoms might be starting to bloom around then. The Botanic Garden near the Capitol has been one of my kids' favorites. Gravely Point is an open field on the Potomac where you can watch planes take off or land at Reagan Airport. Might scare the kids, but it's fun to scare kids sometimes. If you go in the National Gallery of Art, don't let your kid jump up and hit one of the picture frames. The guards frown upon that.

I took my two year old girl to the museums a few weeks ago and she loved it. We went to the Native American Museum, which supposedly has an amazing kids' area, but it was closed on Mondays. She couldn't have cared less, she just ran around pointing out all the things she recognized (boats, stars, dresses, etc). More than anything I think they just like exploring big buildings with cool layouts and lots of open space. Then we went to Air and Space, which had a kids' area as well. She was in heaven. I had to drag her out of there.

Those are the only two Smithsonian museums I've been to with my kids, but I think many of them have similar set-aside areas for young children. We've also taken her to the National Building Museum, which isn't part of the Smithsonian but has a great kids' area.

thanks guys.

we're in nyc, so museums aren't a real need for us- but I've been thinking about the Smithsonian. older one went to air and space one of the last times we were down there and enjoyed it.

I've always wanted to go to the National Building Museum... maybe.

probably we'll just hit the mall and walk around a bit.

the wife grew up in N Va, and I've spent a lot of time down there (my ex worked for Nat Geographic for a bit and had a roommate that worked in the white house- got to cruise around in there one time), so I don't feel a need to see anything for us adults.

You can do the mall walk and just duck in to the museums for variety and a place for the kids to play, rather than as destinations to go look at rare/important stuff. I don't remember what they have at that Natural History museum and art museums in the city, but here there are designated kids' areas in at least some of them. Good chance to take a break, go to the bathroom, and maybe sit down and check your twitter feed or whatever while the kids run around in a contained, safe area for a bit.

Usually I'd also recommend doing the three minute sit-in at the Supreme Court, which is really cool and a short enough amount of time that even a 3 year old can probably endure it. But it doesn't look like there's an argument day scheduled during your visit- would have to be a day marked in red here.

 

[dgreen]

We're going on april 4thish.

We go to N Va all the time (fairfax county) to see the inlaws, have never run into the city with kids.

7yo boy and 3yo girl... ideas for a day in the city?

Apparently that's International Pillow Fight Day.

Kids generally like to just run around The Mall and hop in and out of museums. That can easily last a day. Cherry blossoms might be starting to bloom around then. The Botanic Garden near the Capitol has been one of my kids' favorites. Gravely Point is an open field on the Potomac where you can watch planes take off or land at Reagan Airport. Might scare the kids, but it's fun to scare kids sometimes. If you go in the National Gallery of Art, don't let your kid jump up and hit one of the picture frames. The guards frown upon that.

I took my two year old girl to the museums a few weeks ago and she loved it. We went to the Native American Museum, which supposedly has an amazing kids' area, but it was closed on Mondays. She couldn't have cared less, she just ran around pointing out all the things she recognized (boats, stars, dresses, etc). More than anything I think they just like exploring big buildings with cool layouts and lots of open space. Then we went to Air and Space, which had a kids' area as well. She was in heaven. I had to drag her out of there.

Those are the only two Smithsonian museums I've been to with my kids, but I think many of them have similar set-aside areas for young children. We've also taken her to the National Building Museum, which isn't part of the Smithsonian but has a great kids' area.

thanks guys.

we're in nyc, so museums aren't a real need for us- but I've been thinking about the Smithsonian.

But (most of) ours are free! I tell people when they come here that they should really take advantage of that by just hopping in and out of them as they walk The Mall. If you go in and are quickly bored, you just leave without feeling like you wasted some money. Sometimes I take my kids downtown and spend maybe 10 minutes in museum, 30 in another, and then 20 in another. And then they just run around the Washington Monument for an hour.

 

[El Floppo]

Free?

well in that case.... MUSEUMS, HERE WE COME!

(we've only got Nat History and Met that are "free"... or pay what you want).

 

[El Floppo]

But it doesn't look like there's an argument day scheduled during your visit- would have to be a day marked in red here.

especially since that's for 2016

 

[TobiasFunke]

But it doesn't look like there's an argument day scheduled during your visit- would have to be a day marked in red here.

especially since that's for 2016

Let's try that again