Family-Friendly 2-Day Itinerary in Washington DC

  • Day 1: Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
    10 minutes (1.1 miles) from the National Mall

    The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History offers fascinating exhibits on prehistoric creatures, ocean life, and many other wonders of the natural world. Perfect for a family-friendly day, you can explore dinosaur fossils, see live insects, and even touch real meteorites.

  • Day 2: National Air and Space Museum
    10 minutes (1.1 miles) from the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

    The National Air and Space Museum is a must-see for families interested in aviation and space travel. It features extensive displays on the history of aviation, including the Wright Brothers' plane, as well as space exploration artifacts like the Apollo 11 command module.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History (2 hours, free admission)
  • National Air and Space Museum (2 hours, free admission)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $0

Transportation

Washington DC has an extensive public transportation system, including buses and a subway system known as the Metro. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft are also available for those who prefer more flexibility, but can be more expensive than public transportation. A day pass for the Metro costs $12, and a taxi ride between attractions may cost around $15-$25.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you may consider visiting another Smithsonian museum, such as the National Museum of American History or the National Gallery of Art. For those with less time, focus on visiting one or two attractions each day to avoid feeling rushed. It’s also important to note that some attractions may have long lines, so arriving early in the day can help ensure you have enough time to see everything.

Airports

The primary airport serving Washington DC is Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), located just 4 miles from downtown Washington DC. Other airports in the area include Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), which are approximately 30 miles from downtown Washington DC.

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