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 Washington Monument. Kids will love the open space to run around.
• Walk over to the World War II Memorial 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 Lincoln Memorial lit up at night. It’s a beautiful sight!

## Day 2: Smithsonian Museums

Morning:

• Start your day at the National Air and Space Museum. Kids are usually fascinated by planes and space exhibits. Admission is free!

Afternoon:

• Head to the National Museum of Natural History. 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 National Gallery of Art (the Sculpture Garden is great for kids).
• Dinner at Shake Shack or a similar casual spot nearby.

## Day 3: Zoo Day

Morning:

• Visit the Smithsonian National Zoo. 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 Rock Creek Park 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 U.S. Capitol (book a free tour in advance). The kids will love learning about how laws are made!

Afternoon:

• Walk to the Library of Congress. The architecture is stunning, and there are often kid-friendly exhibits.
• Have lunch at a nearby café.

Evening:

• Explore Georgetown. 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 George Washington’s Mount Vernon (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 Arlington National Cemetery. The changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a must-see.

Afternoon:

• Visit the Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima) nearby. It’s a great photo op!
• Have a picnic lunch at Roosevelt Island (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 International Spy Museum (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 National Portrait Gallery.

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! 🚗✨