Family Friendly 5-Day Itinerary for Washington DC

• Day 1: National Mall and Smithsonian Museums - Start your trip with a visit to the National Mall, the heart of Washington DC. Here, you can explore the Smithsonian Museums, including the National Air and Space Museum and the National Museum of Natural History. Take a stroll along the Reflecting Pool and visit the Lincoln Memorial.
• Day 2: National Zoo and Georgetown - Spend the day at the National Zoo, where you can see over 2,000 animals, including giant pandas and elephants. Afterwards, head to the charming neighborhood of Georgetown for some shopping or a scenic boat ride on the Potomac River.
• Day 3: Capitol Hill and Library of Congress - Explore the iconic Capitol Hill and admire the neoclassical architecture of the Capitol Building and the Supreme Court. Take a tour of the Library of Congress, the world's largest library, and see the stunning Main Reading Room.
• Day 4: Arlington Cemetery and Mount Vernon - Visit Arlington National Cemetery, where you can witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Afterwards, head to Mount Vernon, the home of George Washington, to learn about the life of the first US president and take a stroll through the beautiful gardens.
• Day 5: White House and National Archives - Start your day with a visit to the White House Visitor Center and learn about the history and significance of the US presidential residence. Then, head to the National Archives to see the original copies of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.

Time and Costs Estimates

• National Mall and Smithsonian Museums (1 day, free)
• National Zoo and Georgetown (1 day, free admission to zoo, boat ride $24 per adult)
• Capitol Hill and Library of Congress (1 day, free)
• Arlington Cemetery and Mount Vernon (1 day, admission to Mount Vernon $28 per adult)
• White House and National Archives (1/2 day, free)
Total Estimated Costs: $52 per adult

Transportation

Washington DC is a highly walkable city, and many of the main attractions are within walking distance of each other. However, there is also an extensive public transportation system, including buses, trains, and subway lines. Visitors can purchase a SmarTrip card for easy access to public transportation, with fares typically ranging from $2 to $5 per trip.

Useful tips

If you have more time to spend in Washington DC, consider visiting some of the city's lesser-known attractions, such as the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum or the International Spy Museum. If you have less time, consider combining some of the attractions into a single day, such as the White House and the National Mall. Additionally, be sure to take advantage of the numerous food trucks throughout the city for a quick and delicious meal on the go.