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10-Day Family-Friendly Adventure in Washington D.C.

Viewed by 59 travelers

Day 1: Exploring the National Mall

Washington D.C., USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Founding Farmers

Start your day with a hearty breakfast of farm-fresh pancakes and their famous breakfast pot pie, located just a short walk from the National Mall.
Walk or take the Metro to Foggy Bottom-GWU station.
USD20, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Visit the National Air and Space Museum

Explore the marvels of aviation and space with hands-on exhibits the kids will love.
Walk from Founding Farmers (0.5 miles).
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at the Museum Cafe

Enjoy a quick lunch with sandwiches, salads, and the child's favorite: peanut butter and jelly.
Located within the museum.
USD30, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

Stroll through exhibits of dinosaurs, gems, and the Hope Diamond while learning about the natural world.
Walk (0.5 miles) to the Natural History Museum.
Free, 2.5 hours

4:00PM

Walk the National Mall

Enjoy a scenic walk visiting the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial as you take family photos.
Walk for 1 mile.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Old Ebbitt Grill

Indulge in classic American cuisine with family-friendly options like burgers and crab cakes.
Take a taxi or ride-share from the Lincoln Memorial.
USD70, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Washington D.C.

Day 2: Museums and Parks

Washington D.C., USA

8:30AM

Breakfast at Penn Commons

Savor a delicious breakfast of omelets and French toast to fuel your day ahead.
Walk or take the Metro to Chinatown station.
USD25, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit the National Gallery of Art

Explore the impressive art collections with interactive family guides designed for children.
Walk to the Gallery (0.5 miles).
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at the National Gallery Cafeteria

Enjoy a buffet-style lunch perfect for picky eaters with plenty of options.
On-site.
USD35, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore the U.S. Botanic Garden

Wander through beautiful gardens and learn about diverse plant species, a delight for all ages.
Walk to the Botanic Garden (0.5 miles).
Free, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit the National Zoo

Get up close with giant pandas and other amazing animals, fun for the whole family!
Take Metro Red Line to Woodley Park-Zoo Station.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Jaleo

Enjoy Spanish tapas served in a vibrant restaurant atmosphere, kid-friendly options abound.
Ride-share from the zoo.
USD65, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Day Trip to Alexandria

Alexandria, Virginia, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Morning Times

Head over to this charming café for delicious coffee and pastries, perfect for a quick start.
Take the Metro Yellow Line to King Street station.
USD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Old Town Alexandria

Stroll along the waterfront and cobblestone streets filled with fun shops and unique art galleries.
Walk around Old Town (0.5 miles).
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit the Torpedo Factory Art Center

Explore the artist studios and participate in fun workshops tailored for kids.
Walk to the art center (0.3 miles).
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Fish Market

Savor fresh seafood right on the waterfront with delightful views.
Walk to Fish Market (0.1 miles).
USD45, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate

Tour the historic estate and enjoy beautiful gardens and the interactive museum exhibits.
Take a short local bus from Old Town.
USD20, 2.5 hours

5:00PM

Return to Washington D.C.

Travel back to D.C. for dinner.
Take local bus back to King Street, then Metro.
USD10, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Duke's Grocery

Have a relaxed evening with burgers and British-inspired cuisine, loved by families.
Metro to Dupont Circle.
USD50, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Alexandria

Day 4: Historic Exploration

Mount Vernon, Virginia, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant

Enjoy a hearty breakfast with a view of the Potomac River at this historic restaurant.
Onsite at Mount Vernon.
USD25, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Mount Vernon Estate

Join a guided tour of George Washington's home, complete with engaging stories for kids.
Onsite at the estate.
USD20 (adults), USD10 (children), 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at the Mount Vernon Café

Try wholesome meals using ingredients sourced from the estate's gardens in a family-friendly setting.
Onsite at Mount Vernon.
USD40, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the Museum and Education Center

Dive into interactive exhibits that illuminate America's founding history, fun for the children!
Onsite.
Included in estate ticket., 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore the gardens and estate grounds

Take a leisurely walk through gardens, where kids can expel some energy while enjoying nature.
Onsite.
Free, 1 hour

4:30PM

Return to Washington D.C.

Head back to D.C. for dinner.
Local bus to King Street, then Metro.
USD10, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Cava Mezze

Indulge in Mediterranean small plates and shareable family meals in a lively setting.
Metro to U Street.
USD60, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Mount Vernon

Day 5: Fun and Learning

Washington D.C., USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Blue Duck Tavern

Enjoy a refined breakfast made with seasonal ingredients in a modern setting.
Walking distance from The White House.
USD30, 1 hour

9:30AM

Tour of the White House

Discover the iconic residence of the President of the United States with a guided tour.
Walk to the White House (0.5 miles).
Free (Pre-booking required), 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit the Newseum

Explore the world of news with interactive exhibits that capture the attention of young minds.
Take a short Metro ride from McPherson Square.
USD25 (adults), USD15 (children), 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at the Shake Shack

Grab tasty burgers and fries—the children will love the fun and casual vibe.
Walk over (0.5 miles).
USD40, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture

Engage with powerful exhibits that explore pivotal moments in African American history.
Walk (0.5 miles).
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Walk through the Tidal Basin

Take an afternoon stroll around the beautiful Tidal Basin, especially enchanting in springtime.
Walk (0.5 miles).
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at The Wharf

Wrap up the day at The Wharf with multiple dining options, enjoy seafood with a waterside view.
Metro to Waterfront station.
USD70, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Washington D.C.

Day 6: Adventure and Recreation

Washington D.C., USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Capital Grille

Start your day with a delicious breakfast in a refined atmosphere, perfect for families.
Near the National Mall.
USD35, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden

Let the kids run around the beautiful outdoor space while enjoying unique sculptures.
Walk to the Sculpture Garden (0.5 miles).
Free, 1 hour

10:30AM

Tour the International Spy Museum

Explore the world of espionage and enjoy interactive exhibits that entertain kids of all ages.
Metro to Gallery Place
USD25 (adults), USD18 (children), 2.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at A Baked Joint

Savor delicious sandwiches and fresh baked goods in a cozy environment.
Walk from the Spy Museum (0.5 miles).
USD25, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore the National Children's Museum

A place where children can explore, learn and play through interactive exhibits designed just for them.
Metro back to L'Enfant Plaza.
USD20 (children), USD15 (adults), 2 hours

4:30PM

Enjoy the National Mall

Head back to the National Mall for some downtime, enjoying the view and letting the kids play.
Walk back (0.5 miles).
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at The Capital Burger

Treat yourself to gourmet burgers and fries in a family-friendly environment.
Walk (0.5 miles).
USD60, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Washington D.C.

Day 7: Cultural Immersion

Washington D.C., USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Breakfast Club

Enjoy a delightful buffet-style breakfast with something for everyone to enjoy.
Located near the National Mall.
USD30, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the National Museum of American History

Explore exhibits showcasing America's history through engaging stories and artifacts.
Walk to the museum (1 mile).
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at the American History Museum Cafe

Tasty bites in a fun atmosphere, perfect for refueling before more adventures.
Inside the Museum.
USD30, 1 hour

1:00PM

Explore the National Archives

See the Declaration of Independence and other important documents in an exciting setting.
Walk to the National Archives (0.5 miles).
Free, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit the Library of Congress

A stunning architectural wonder, learn about history and literature through engaging guided tours.
Walk to the Library (0.5 miles).
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at The Hamilton

Relax at a casual restaurant with a broad menu, sure to have options to please the whole family.
Walk to The Hamilton (0.5 miles).
USD65, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Washington D.C.

Day 8: Outdoor Fun

Washington D.C., USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab

Enjoy a more leisurely breakfast experience-before heading to the great outdoors.
Located in the D.C. vicinity.
USD40, 1 hour

9:30AM

Bicycle ride in Rock Creek Park

Rent bicycles and explore the beautiful trails through one of D.C.'s largest parks.
Ride-share to Rock Creek Park.
USD15 (biking fees)., 2 hours

12:00PM

Picnic Lunch in the Park

Pack a delicious picnic with your favorite sandwiches and enjoy them amidst nature.
Onsite.
USD40 (groceries)., 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore the park's nature trails

Continue enjoying the great outdoors with family-friendly paths to explore.
Onsite.
Free, 2 hours

3:30PM

Visit the National Arboretum

A beautiful garden with lots of spaces for the kids to run around and unique plants to admire.
Ride-share from Rock Creek Park.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Melting Pot

Enjoy a fun and interactive dining experience with fondue, perfect for families.
Ride-share to The Melting Pot.
USD80, 2 hours
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Day 9: Family Fun Day

Anacostia, Washington D.C., USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Anacostia Neighborhood Eats

Start your day with a classic breakfast from local favorites in the area.
Short ride or walk from your accommodation.
USD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Anacostia Community Museum

Learn about the cultural heritage of the African American experience in the D.C. area through engaging exhibits.
Walk or ride-share (0.5 miles).
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore the Anacostia Park

Spend time outdoors in a beautiful park with playgrounds and picnic areas, great for kids.
Walk from the museum (0.3 miles).
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Big Cheese

Enjoy delicious grilled cheese sandwiches that are a hit with kids of all ages.
Ride-share to the restaurant.
USD30, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit the National Harbor (Optional)

Explore the vibrant waterfront area with options for shopping and rides for all ages.
Ride-share to National Harbor.
Variable (check rides)., 3 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Rice Eatery

Conclude your day with delicious Asian cuisine, a crowd-pleaser for the whole family.
Ride-share from National Harbor.
USD50, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Anacostia

Day 10: Wrap-Up and Leisure

Washington D.C., USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café 8

Enjoy a final breakfast with fresh pastries and coffee in a cozy setting, reflecting on your trip.
Walking distance from your accommodation.
USD25, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the National Monument and the Reflecting Pool

Spend some time taking last family photos by the iconic landmark before you leave.
Short walk from breakfast (0.5 miles).
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore the Jefferson Memorial

Discover this elegant monument amidst cherry blossoms and scenic views over the Tidal Basin.
Walk from the National Monument (0.5 miles).
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at We, The Pizza

Grab some artisanal pizza and enjoy your last meal before hitting the road.
Walk (0.5 miles).
USD40, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit the Hirshhorn Museum

Take in some modern art and have another engaging family discussion before ending your trip.
Walk (0.5 miles).
Free, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Final explorations at Union Station

Stroll through this historic train station filled with shops and eateries for any last-minute souvenirs.
Metro or walk (0.5 miles).
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Caucus Room

Enjoy a farewell dinner offering American cuisine in a warm environment to reflect on your trip.
Head to The Caucus Room by taxi.
USD70, 2 hours
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