7 day itinerary
Washington, Dc
Personalized with:Kid friendlyRoad tripBudget considerations
Itinerary
A week in Washington, D.C. can be a fantastic adventure, especially with kids. There’s so much to see and do, and I’ll make sure to keep it budget-friendly while ensuring it’s fun for the whole family. Let’s dive into your 7-day itinerary!
Day 1: Arrival and National Mall Exploration
Morning:
- Arrive in D.C. and check into your hotel or accommodation. If you’re driving, consider staying somewhere with easy access to public transport.
Afternoon:
- Head to the National Mall. Start at the . Kids will love the open space to run around.
- Walk over to the and let them splash around in the fountains (weather permitting).
Evening:
- Grab a budget-friendly dinner at Old Ebbitt Grill (they have a kids' menu) or a food truck nearby.
- If the kids aren’t too tired, take a stroll to see the lit up at night. It’s a beautiful sight!
Day 2: Smithsonian Museums
Morning:
- Start your day at the . Kids are usually fascinated by planes and space exhibits. Admission is free!
Afternoon:
- Head to the . The dinosaur exhibits and the Hope Diamond are always a hit with kids.
- Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy on the Mall or grab something from the museum café.
Evening:
- Explore the (the Sculpture Garden is great for kids).
- Dinner at Shake Shack or a similar casual spot nearby.
Day 3: Zoo Day
Morning:
- Visit the . It’s free and has tons of animals to see, including the famous giant pandas!
Afternoon:
- Have lunch at the zoo (there are budget-friendly options) and continue exploring.
- After the zoo, take a stroll through for some nature time.
Evening:
- Head back to your accommodation to relax. For dinner, consider a family-friendly pizza place like Pizzeria Paradiso.
Day 4: Historical Sites
Morning:
- Visit the (book a free tour in advance). The kids will love learning about how laws are made!
Afternoon:
- Walk to the . The architecture is stunning, and there are often kid-friendly exhibits.
- Have lunch at a nearby café.
Evening:
- Explore . Walk along the waterfront and grab dinner at a casual spot like Duke’s Grocery.
Day 5: Day Trip to Mount Vernon
Morning:
- Take a short drive to (about 30 minutes). Admission is reasonable, and the estate is beautiful.
Afternoon:
- Explore the estate, museum, and gardens. There’s a lot of interactive exhibits for kids.
- Have lunch at the Mount Vernon café.
Evening:
- Return to D.C. and have a relaxed dinner at Founding Farmers (make a reservation if you can).
Day 6: Arlington and Memorials
Morning:
- Head to . The changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a must-see.
Afternoon:
- Visit the (Iwo Jima) nearby. It’s a great photo op!
- Have a picnic lunch at (a short drive or metro ride away).
Evening:
- Return to D.C. and enjoy dinner at The Capital Grille (they have a kids' menu and it’s a nice treat).
Day 7: Fun and Departure
Morning:
- Visit the (tickets are not free, but it’s a fun experience for kids who love spies and gadgets).
Afternoon:
- Have lunch at a nearby café and do some last-minute souvenir shopping.
- If time allows, take a quick visit to the .
Evening:
- Head back home! If you have time, stop for dinner on the road or pack some snacks for the journey.
Tips for Budgeting:
- Use public transportation (Metro) to save on parking and gas.
- Many museums and attractions are free, so take advantage of those.
- Look for family meal deals or kids-eat-free nights at restaurants.
- Pack snacks and drinks to avoid high prices at tourist spots.
I hope this itinerary helps you have a fantastic week in Washington, D.C.! Enjoy your road trip and all the memories you’ll make with your family! 🚗✨