Tips and Ideas for Visiting Washington DC – FAMILYTRAVELSUSA

With all the free activities, it’s easy to become overwhelmed when planning a weekend getaway or family vacation to Washington DC. In this guide you will find ideas and general advice for some of the best things to do in DC along with insight from the perspective of a local. As a family, we have explored many of DC’s attractions over the years, so be sure to check out all the related blog posts with more fun things to do throughout the city and nearby suburbs. Explore a Washington DC bucket list, read After the Smithsonian – 6 More DC Museums Worth a Visit, and take a walk through some of DC’s fabulous art museums. We hope this guide with tips, things to do, and a few Washington DC family-friendly hotels will help you to plan a great visit to the Nation’s Capital! Keep in mind that some attractions may be requiring timed-entry passes; we have done our best to keep things updated but it’s always a good practice to check out the attraction website for the latest.  

*The information on this page was updated July, 2025
Please note: *This post contains affiliate links; if you purchase something familyTravelsUSA may receive a small commission. As always, opinions are my own. 

• Before You Visit
• Smithsonian Museum Information
• Walking Tours of the National Mall
• Other Cool Attractions for All Ages
• Attractions Better Suited for Kids 10 and Up
• Food Around the City
• Accommodations

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​1. The most popular museums (also the most crowded) include the National Air and Space Museum and the National Museum of Natural History.  Remember that many of the museums have entrances on two sides, and one may be less crowded than the other. In July, 2025, more new exhibitions opened at the Air and Space Museum, with the final half dozen scheduled to reopen in mid-2026.  Free-timed entry passes are required, and should be reserved in advance. Limited same-day passes are released each day starting at 8:30 am.  If you are coming through Dulles Airport on your way to DC, consider a visit to the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, an amazing companion museum to the National Air and Space Museum. Note the museum admission is free but there is a $15 fee to park. 
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2. It’s not just the museum exhibits that attract attention. Visitors can try regional food at several of the museum restaurants. The menu at the Mitsitam Native Foods Cafe at the National Museum of the American Indian offers authentic items including a fry bread taco and a Chicken mole verde tostada. Consider splitting one or two items to cut down on costs. The Sweet Home Café at the National Museum of African American History and Culture offers visitors a dining experience focused on African American culture and traditions (see below for entrance pass tips). The museum now offers a Dine and Shop pass option if you just want to try the restaurant or visit the museum store. For coffee and gelato, check out Dolcezza at the Hirshhorn before or after your visit. There are also several dining options at the National Gallery of Art. While none of these places are necessarily inexpensive, you can’t beat the convenience if you are visiting one of the museums. ​

4. Both kids and adults won’t want to miss the exhibit hall at the National Museum of Natural History – Deep Time. This highly engaging exhibit on the 1st floor is filled with fossils in all sizes,  plus lots of fun, learning experiences throughout. Then head upstairs to explore the Eternal Life in Ancient Egypt exhibit. The Butterfly Pavilion is temporarily closed as of late July, 2025, so check the website for the latest information. 
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5. Off the National Mall, head to the National Portrait Gallery. Explore family-friendly resources and events here.  The highlight of the museum is the America’s Presidents exhibit. The building also is home to the Smithsonian American Art Museum, another gem to visit, with the newly expanded Galleries for Modern and Contemporary Art. ​The enclosed Kogod Courtyard between the two museums is a perfect spot to sit and relax for a few minutes. 

7. DC is home to world-class art museums, including the wonderful National Gallery of Art. Other favorites include the Renwick Gallery, and the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden (home to a winter ice rink). Note that the outdoor Sculpture Garden at the Hirshhorn is currently closed for renovations. Find more details as you take a walk through some of DC’s fabulous art museums.

​​8. Be sure to check in at the museum information desk, as each museum can offer helpful tips and/or guides for enhancing your visit.

Another option to keep everyone entertained while walking is DC by Foot. In addition to the National Mall and Memorials tours, they offer specialty tours where you can visit sites related to Lincoln’s assassination or you can learn about the spirits and ghosts that haunt the streets of Georgetown.  The guides are often humorous while sharing historical tidbits and stories. Reservations are required, and you can make them online. Don’t have time for a guided tour? Purchase one of the self-guided audio tours to take at your leisure.

• Take a Stroll by the White House. Head to Lafayette Square for a view of the White House. Public tours must be requested through a Member of Congress following specific guidelines and at least 21 days in advance. Find out more by reading  How Can I Tour the White House in Washington, DC?
• Visit Planet Word Museum. It’s hard to describe this recent addition to the DC museum scene, but after visiting I have to say it was very engaging with a variety of interactive and voice activated exhibits. Don’t miss the cool Library exhibit! Currently open every day except Tuesdays, with a suggested donation admission policy. Reserve tickets on-line. 
• Hop on the metro from the National Mall and head to the National Zoo. The giant pandas have returned, so take a walk on the Asia Trail to catch a glimpse of Bao Li and Qing Bao, and look for the red pandas while you are there. Admission to the zoo is free but they do charge a parking fee if you choose to drive. As of July 2025, entry passes were still required and can be obtained online;  walk-in passes are free, car passes cost $30. 
• From the National Zoo, take a 20 minute walk to the beautiful Washington National Cathedral. Bring binoculars to get a closer look as you stroll the grounds; you will need them to spot the carved Darth Vader on the northwest tower. Families can check out an Explorer Pack on a first-come, first-served basis that can be used as part of a general sightseeing tour.
• Plan to wait in line if you want to see historic documents like the original Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights at the National Archives.  Arrive as early as possible. Reservations are not required, but timed entry tickets may be reserved up to 90 days in advance.
• Walk along the Tidal Basin and see the iconic cherry blossoms in the spring. While it’s harder and harder to predict the spring weather and blossom period, seeing the cherry blossoms in full bloom should be on your DC bucket list. If you are lucky enough to be in town when they are blooming, head out in the early morning before the big crowds. Read more and find our tips for visiting during DC’s Cherry Blossom festival.

• Tour Arlington National Cemetery. Hop on the Metro or walk across the Memorial Bridge after visiting the Lincoln Memorial. Visit the Welcome Center to pick up maps and other information. If you can, try to view the Changing of the Guard, which happens at least every hour (more in the warmer months). You can also visit the grave site of John F. Kennedy, one of two US presidents buried at Arlington. We finally took a tram tour, and really enjoyed seeing other parts of the cemetery and hearing more information about the cemetery.  The tram offers the option to hop on and off in several locations.    
• Visit the site of President Lincoln’s assassination, Ford’s Theatre. The museum takes about 30-45 minutes and includes real artifacts such as the clothing Lincoln was wearing the night he was shot. You can also listen to a National Park Ranger talk while sitting in the Ford’s Theatre, or visit the Petersen House across the street, where Lincoln was taken after he was shot. There are some free same-day tickets available, but they are first-come, first-served.  You can reserve tickets online for a small fee.  
• ​​Take a free tour of the U.S. Capitol Building, including the 580,000 square foot underground Visitor’s Center. Passes are required and tours should be scheduled in advance, either on your own or through a Representatives or Senator from your state. It is free to enter the Capitol Visitor Center.  When you are done, head over to the Library of Congress, where you can tour the Jefferson Building. You will be surprised at the beauty found inside the building. Reserve time-entry tickets in advance, or you can risk trying the morning of your visit. The Library of  Congress is currently closed on Sundays and Mondays.

• ​For those who love the water, visit the Key Bridge Boathouse, where you can rent kayaks and paddleboards and view the city from the Potomac River.  They also offer classes and guided kayak tours. 
• Sports enthusiasts can take in a baseball game at Nationals Park, or just enjoy a guided tour of the stadium.  The stadium can be reached via metro. The nearby DC Wharf offers a variety of restaurants and outdoor space along the waterfront.   
• If you have kids who love to build or are fascinated with architecture, the National Building Museum is a good place to visit.  It is a private institution that charges an entrance fee, but always has fun hands-on activities for young builders and future architects.  

• Visit the larger than life Einstein Memorial, on the grounds of the National Academy of Sciences, which is just off the Mall between 21st and 22nd and Constitution Avenue. It’s a great spot for some unique family photos!
• Another favorite museum is the National Geographic Museum. Over the years we’ve seen a Terra Cotta Warrior exhibition, along with an exhibit focusing on archaeology and Indiana Jones. It’s always worth checking their web site to see what’s happening. The museum is currently closed for renovations, and we can’t wait to visit once it reopens to the public in 2026. 
• Stroll Through a Garden. If you need a break from the city streets, pop into one of DC’s amazing gardens. The Enid A. A. Haupt Garden next to the Smithsonian Castle complex is a perfect place to visit while exploring the National Mall. The U.S. Botanic Garden has special exhibits throughout the year, including their popular holiday Season’s Greenings. It’s a good stop if you are visiting the U.S. Capitol. The U.S. National Arboretum is a hidden gem about a 15 minute drive from the Capitol (with plenty of free parking). Besides the colorful garden collections and lots of open space, don’t miss the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum located near the Visitor Center. Read more about why we think the U.S. National Arboretum is worth a visit. 

• The International Spy Museum: A fun place to visit with teens, the Spy Museum reopened its doors in a larger state of the art building in L’Enfant Plaza. We recently visited and really enjoyed some of the new immersive activities and special exhibits. The museum store by itself is worth a visit.  The new location is easy to reach from the L’Enfant Plaza metro station.  ​
• The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum: As expected, this museum is best for older kids with some knowledge and understanding of the Holocaust. The main exhibition consists of three floors of artifacts and photographs, which span the years 1933 through 1945. Free timed-entry tickets are still required to see the permanent exhibition. 

• ​A short walk up 7th Street near Constitution Avenue:  Carmine’s Italian Restaurant is known for large portions and family-style dining. 
• On the National Mall near the Air and Space Museum, Bar Americano recently opened a kiosk serving limited breakfast items, coffee, pizza, and wine. Hours vary, not open every day. There are also typically a number of food trucks near the National Mall but I would suggest checking the latest reviews of the restaurant on an app like Yelp, and make sure the prices are available before ordering. Trucks like DC Food Wagon and District Taco are popular among visitors. 
• ​Other spots in Northwest DC:  There are a number of restaurants close to the National Portrait Gallery. We recently had a festive breakfast at Urban Roast, known for their shared plates and Instagram-worthy decorations throughout the year (best to make a reservation). Locals and visitors alike love the breakfast or dinner at Ted’s Bulletin on 14th Street, and the history behind the half-smoke at Ben’s Chili Bowl on U Street (the restaurant is currently closed but there is a pop-up).  Other choices include the Capital Burger, &Pizza, or Pret a Manger for something quick. DC Vegan, closer to the Dupont Circle Metro, is a popular spot we have enjoyed for lunch. Near the White House, GCDC Grilled Cheese Bar offers a variety of gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, while Astro Doughnuts and Fried Chicken serves breakfast and their popular doughnuts until 11:30 a.m., when they start serving their famous fried chicken.  
• Capitol Hill:  Check out the Good Stuff Eatery close to the U.S. Capitol for burgers or We, The Pizza.
• Near the National Zoo: Duke’s Counter, just across the street from the National Zoo, offers burgers, sandwiches, and a kids menu. For pizza, 2 Amys is another popular spot closer to the National Cathedral. 
• Historic Food Markets: For a different perspective, visit one of the historic markets in DC.  Head to Eastern Market on any weekend, when street vendors fill the area surrounding the market. Inside be sure to stop at Bowers Fancy Dairy Products to pick up some cheese!  Across town, we’ve eaten at Union Market on several occasions, and were overwhelmed (in a good way) by so many food choices. I was also pleasantly surprised by the parking lot just outside the market. Western Market, named for the historic market built in 1802, is a modern food hall with popular DC favorites like Andy’s Pizza, Roaming Rooster, and Dukes. It’s close to the Foggy Bottom metro. ​

• Georgetown: Take a quick cab ride over to Georgetown, where you will find over 100 restaurants, with everything from Pizzaria Paradiso  to the famous Georgetown Cupcake. Baked and Wired is another popular dessert spot, with a huge selection of treats. Call Your Mother Deli is great for bagels (call ahead if you can), and Farmers Fishers Bakers offers a large menu with dining on the Georgetown waterfront. 

• Want to be close to the Metro? Consider the Hilton Washington DC National Mall The Wharf, which offers easy access to the L’Enfant Plaza Metro and has a pool. Nearby at The Wharf are several other hotels and restaurants along the Potomac River. 
• Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill: Find the Hyatt Regency close to the US Capitol and an easy walk to the National Mall. 
• Residence Inn Washington, DC/National Mall: This pet-friendly hotel offers free breakfast and a pool, with family-friendly hotel suites. 
• Washington Plaza Hotel: This quieter hotel on Thomas Circle had some great reviews for value, along with a clean, street-level pool. 

• Royal Sonesta Washington DC Dupont Circle: Located near the Dupont Circle metro, with an outdoor heated pool, and lots of nearby food choices, including Pizzeria Paradiso.
• Motto by Hilton: If you are looking for a basic room mostly for sleeping, then consider Motto by Hilton. Rooms are compact and no-frills. We’ve had pleasant stays twice at the Motto in Philadelphia. Hotel Hive is another popular micro-hotel that offers compact rooms and a rooftop bar, not far from the Foggy Bottom metro. One thing we have noticed when staying in micro-hotels is that the bathroom doors might not offer as much privacy as traditional bathrooms (think frosted doors). 
• ​​Hampton Inn Washington DC White House: Great location near Metro station, offers complimentary breakfast and has an indoor pool.  
• Homewood Suites by Hilton, Arlington Rosslyn Key Bridge is located just across the Potomac River, a short trip from Georgetown and DC via car or Metro. This hotel offers pet friendly rooms and fully equipped kitchens. ​
  

We would love to hear how your trip went, so feel free to post any comments or reviews on our blog page. Enjoy your visit!

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