Itinerary for 5 day trip to Washington Dc

Washington, D.C. is a fantastic city for families, and there’s so much to see and do. With your constraints in mind, I’ve crafted a fun and affordable 5-day itinerary that’s family-friendly and easily accessible via the Metro. Let’s dive in!

Day 1: & Museums

Morning:

Start at the : Begin your adventure at the iconic . It’s a great place for a family photo with the Washington Monument in the background!
Visit the : This museum is free and has tons of interactive exhibits that kids will love, including the original Star-Spangled Banner.

Lunch:

Picnic at the Mall: Grab some sandwiches from a nearby deli (like the famous “Old Ebbitt Grill” for takeout) and enjoy a picnic on the grass.

Afternoon:

Explore the : Another free museum! Kids will be fascinated by the planes and space exhibits. Don’t miss the IMAX theater if you want to catch a show!

Evening:

Dinner in Penn Quarter: Head to this vibrant neighborhood for family-friendly dining options. Try “Shake Shack” for a casual meal or “Jaleo” for some delicious tapas.

Day 2: Monuments & Memorials

Morning:

Visit the : Start your day with a walk to the . It’s a short stroll from the and a must-see!
Reflect at the : Just a short walk away, this poignant memorial is a great place to teach kids about history.

Lunch:

Food Trucks: There are often food trucks near the . Grab some affordable eats like tacos or BBQ.

Afternoon:

Explore the : Walk around the and check out the . If the cherry blossoms are still around, it’s a beautiful sight!

Evening:

Dinner in Georgetown: Take the Metro to Foggy Bottom and walk to Georgetown. Enjoy dinner at “Pizzeria Paradiso” for some delicious pizza.

Day 3: Capitol Hill &

Morning:

Tour the : Book a free tour in advance. It’s educational and gives a great overview of American government.
Visit the : Just a short walk away, this stunning building is worth a visit. The exhibits are fascinating!

Lunch:

: Head to this historic market for lunch. You’ll find a variety of affordable food options, from fresh produce to local delicacies.

Afternoon:

Explore the : The West Building has classic art, while the East Building features modern art. Both are free!

Evening:

Dinner in Capitol Hill: Try “We, The Pizza” for a casual and fun dining experience. The kids will love the variety of pizza options!

Day 4: Zoo Day

Morning:

Visit the : Take the Metro to Woodley Park and spend the morning at the . It’s free and has a fantastic collection of animals, including the famous giant pandas!

Lunch:

Zoo Café: Grab a bite at one of the zoo’s cafes or pack a lunch to enjoy in the park.

Afternoon:

Explore : After the zoo, take a stroll in . It’s a beautiful area for a family hike and has plenty of trails.

Evening:

Dinner in Adams Morgan: Head to this vibrant neighborhood for dinner. “Amsterdam Falafelshop” is a fun and affordable option for a casual meal.

Day 5: Arlington & Departure

Morning:

Visit : Take the Metro to Arlington Cemetery. Witness the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and explore the grounds.

Lunch:

Lunch at a nearby café: There are several affordable options near the cemetery.

Afternoon:

Explore the : A short walk from the cemetery, this memorial is a beautiful tribute to the lives lost on 9/11.

Evening:

Final Dinner in : Before you head out, enjoy a farewell dinner at “Jaleo” or “Clyde’s” in , both of which are family-friendly and offer a variety of options.

Tips:

Metro Pass: Consider getting a Metro pass for easy travel around the city.
Safety: D.C. is generally safe, especially in tourist areas, but always stay aware of your surroundings.
Weather: October can be lovely in D.C., but be prepared for varying temperatures. Layering is key!

I hope this itinerary helps you have a fantastic family trip to Washington, D.C.! Enjoy your adventure! 🌟