Itineraries for Your Trip to Washington DC
3 Days in Washington DC for Families
When I was in middle school, we went on a long weekend field trip to Washington, DC. It was my first time experiencing the city without my parents, and even though I was still very young, I felt like I was seeing the city through older eyes. I remember how inspired I felt seeing the Jefferson and Lincoln Memorials at night, and how every museum seemed to be an entire history lesson just waiting to be learned.
As an adult, I’ve returned to DC many times, and every trip I try to set aside some time to stop by the Lincoln Memorial and feel the magic of experiencing DC as a kid again. Here’s how to enjoy the city as a family in three days.
Summers in DC are hot and swampy, while winters can be cold and snowy, and spring sees the blooming of cherry blossoms all over the city.
If you only have time for one thing, make it the Lincoln Memorial.
Spend your first day in DC exploring the National Mall. If you have older kids, take advantage of the flat roads and explore by bicycle or Segway. Otherwise, an eco-friendly electric cart will be kind on little legs. A tour will give you a nice overview of the National Mall, the Capitol Building, and the monuments.
After getting the lay of the land, spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the inside of some of the iconic monuments, including the Lincoln Memorial.
After a day on the mall, spend your second day at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. Kids and parents alike with love exploring the dinosaurs, mummies, gems, and more in the museum’s collection.
Continue your museum day with a stop at the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum. While there are many Smithsonian Museums for all interests, this is the ultimate museum for children and adults who are interested in aviation and space travel.
Take a trip outside the city on your third day to visit Mount Vernon, the historical home of George Washington. Explore the vast grounds and mansion and learn about American history in a hands-on way that children will appreciate.
In the evening, head back to DC and take a boat out on the Potomac at sunset. Relax and take in views of the city from the water as you float leisurely down the river.
