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Family-Friendly 7-Day Itinerary in Washington

Friday, March 8: Arrival in Washington

Welcome to Washington! Start your trip by checking into your hotel and settling in. Take the afternoon to explore the National Mall, where you can visit iconic landmarks such as the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and the U.S. Capitol. In the evening, enjoy a delicious meal at one of the many family-friendly restaurants in the area.

  • National Mall: Free, 3-4 hours
Saturday, March 9: Smithsonian Museums

Spend your morning at the Smithsonian Institution, the world's largest museum, education, and research complex. Choose from a variety of museums to explore, including the National Air and Space Museum, National Museum of Natural History, and the National Museum of American History. In the afternoon, take a leisurely stroll along the Tidal Basin and admire the beautiful cherry blossoms in bloom.

  • Smithsonian Museums: Free, 4-6 hours
  • Tidal Basin: Free, 1-2 hours
Sunday, March 10: Zoo Day

Spend the morning at the Smithsonian's National Zoo, home to over 2,000 animals from around the world. Don't miss the popular giant pandas! Enjoy a picnic lunch at the zoo and let the kids burn off some energy at the playground. In the afternoon, head to Georgetown, a charming neighborhood known for its historic streets, waterfront park, and shopping.

  • National Zoo: Free, 3-4 hours
  • Georgetown: Cost varies, 2-3 hours
Monday, March 11: Mount Vernon

Take a day trip to Mount Vernon, the historic home of George Washington. Explore the beautifully preserved mansion, stroll through the gardens, and learn about the life of the first U.S. president. In the afternoon, visit Old Town Alexandria, a quaint waterfront town with charming shops, restaurants, and historic sites.

  • Mount Vernon: $20-25 per adult, $12-15 per child, 4-5 hours
  • Old Town Alexandria: Cost varies, 2-3 hours
Tuesday, March 12: National Aquarium

Spend the morning at the National Aquarium, an impressive facility showcasing a variety of marine life. Explore the different habitats, watch feeding sessions, and even touch stingrays in the interactive exhibits. In the afternoon, visit the United States Botanic Garden, where you can admire a wide variety of plants and flowers.

  • National Aquarium: $30-40 per adult, $20-30 per child, 3-4 hours
  • U.S. Botanic Garden: Free, 1-2 hours
Wednesday, March 13: Mount Vernon Trail and Waterfront Park

Start your day by renting bikes and cycling along the scenic Mount Vernon Trail, which stretches along the Potomac River. Enjoy the picturesque views and stop at waterfront parks along the way for a picnic lunch. In the afternoon, visit the International Spy Museum, where you can learn about the intriguing world of espionage.

  • Mount Vernon Trail: Bike rental cost, 3-4 hours
  • International Spy Museum: $25-30 per adult, $15-20 per child, 2-3 hours
Thursday, March 14: National Cathedral and Georgetown Cupcakes

Start your day by visiting the National Cathedral, a stunning architectural masterpiece. Take a guided tour to learn about its history and enjoy the panoramic views from the observation gallery. In the afternoon, satisfy your sweet tooth with a visit to Georgetown Cupcake, famous for its delicious and beautifully crafted cupcakes.

  • National Cathedral: $12-15 per adult, $8-10 per child, 2-3 hours
  • Georgetown Cupcake: Cost varies, 1-2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

If you have some extra time, consider visiting the National Building Museum, which offers interactive exhibits and a fun play area for kids. Another hidden gem is the National Postal Museum, where you can explore the fascinating history of the postal service. Locals also love visiting Rock Creek Park, a vast urban green space with hiking trails, picnic areas, and a planetarium.

For hotel and flight prices in Washington, check out Kayak.

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