Washington, D.C. is most recognized as the political center of the U.S., however this bustling city offers a wide variety of activities sure to keep the whole family entertained! National landmarks and over twenty Smithsonian museums provide rich learning experiences, while charming neighborhoods in and around the city are perfect for a leisurely stroll, eating, and shopping. Many points of interest are within steps of each other, making this destination a great choice to explore multiple areas in a small amount of time. We visited during a long Fall weekend and thoroughly enjoyed our little taste of the capital city!
Things to Do
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
The Smithsonian is a world-renowned museum complex that consists of several museums, galleries, and a zoo. Each museum is dedicated to a different topic with countless artifacts pertaining to a particular subject. To add to the excitement, it is totally free to visit these Smithsonian locations! So you can pick and choose any or all of these sites of knowledge to visit!
One of the museums we chose to explore was the National Museum of Natural History. The displays here cover nearly every topic imaginable regarding the natural world. One of the most impressive exhibits is the 31,000 square foot Deep Time area. Here you travel back billions of years to observe how the earth and its life forms has changed through each time period. The fossil hall is also awe-inspiring and contains over 700 specimens! Our favorites included the triceratops, and brachiosaurus.
Another highlight is the Ancient Egypt area! Who doesn’t love looking at real mummies? This exhibition includes 3 humans and 16 animals. The kids were fascinated! Along with reading about Egyptian life, being able to view ancient pottery, tools, and jewelry from so long ago was simply amazing.
George Washington’s Mt. Vernon
Washington’s historic home, known as Mt. Vernon, is located fifteen miles outside of the city on 8,000 acres nestled up next to the Potomac River. He lived and worked on the plantation here before he took control of the Continental Army. After his presidency, Washington returned and lived out his days farming until his death. While visiting we learned that our first president had a great passion for planting and growing all sorts of crops. He was truly a visionary farmer, constantly experimenting with new techniques such as crop rotation and pasturing livestock to return nutrients to the soil.
Visiting Mt. Vernon is truly an immersive adventure. Walking around the sprawling estate, you feel as if you have been transported back to 18th century life! To add to the experience, in several areas staff members perform various demonstrations about life on the farm, all dressed in clothing from the time period. The kids loved it! There is much to see and do at Mt. Vernon. I have listed a breakdown of activities below!
- The Mansion: Washington lived in his Mt. Vernon home for 45 years and it is decorated to look as it did in 1799, the year he died. You are able to take a walking tour through the house where staff members explain the history of the home and various items in the rooms.
- Pioneer Farm: When Washington lived at Mt. Vernon he had a total of 5 farms spread throughout the property. You can now visit a 4-acre demonstration farm that shows different farming techniques used at the time. I was most impressed by the 16-sided treading barn, invented by Washington, where he had his horses tread on the harvested wheat to separate the wheat berry from the stalk. So interesting! Petting the sheep and visiting the hogs was a highlight for the kids!
- Washington’s Tomb: George Washington and his wife Martha are buried in the tomb at Mt. Vernon. You are able to view the tomb in addition to another tomb where other family members are buried nearby.
- Gardens: Four gardens provided food for the Washington family in addition to all who worked on the plantation at Mt. Vernon. I found it most interesting to see his small garden where Washington would experiment with different species of plants and try new farming strategies on a micro scale before putting them to use on his farm.
- Outbuildings: Several buildings surround the main house at Mt. Vernon. Essential tasks were performed in each of them. It was neat to stroll by and learn their function in 18th century life. Some of our favorites were the spinning house, stable, smokehouse, and kitchen. Yes, the kitchen was separate from the main house!
- Donald W. Reynolds Museum & Education Center: While visiting Mt. Vernon you might be tempted to skip the education center located at the entrance. Do not miss it, this is a must do! This museum is so well done, with interactive displays and so many objects from the 18th century time period. You can even see Washington’s dentures! The highlight of the museum is the immersive film that covers Washington’s life. During the movie snow falls down from the top of the theater during a cold, winter scene. Later on wind blows, making you feel as though you are on the battlefield with Washington and his troops!
Tips: General admission tickets give you access to the grounds, the audio tour, and museum. You need an additional ticket (only $2) for a tour of the mansion. They can sell out so plan ahead and order beforehand on the website.
Mt. Vernon Website: https://www.mountvernon.org/
Old Town Alexandria
Alexandria, Virginia is located 8 miles from Washington, D.C. and is on the route back from Mt. Vernon. We stopped by this charming historic area for an afternoon stroll after visiting Mt. Vernon in the morning. Old Town is the cute downtown part of Alexandria with numerous shops and eateries right by the Potomac River. We loved walking the streets and seeing all the fall decorations on display outside houses and businesses! While wandering on Queen Street, we stumbled upon the tiny blue Spite House, which is the skinniest historic home in America! King Street is a great place to explore adorable shops and enjoy patio dining.
Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum – Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
If you have ever dreamed of shooting off into space or walking on the moon, a visit to this museum is a must! There are so many displays that the National Air & Space Museum has not one, but two locations. One is located on the Mall in Washington, D.C. and the other, the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, is a short drive away in Chantilly, Virginia. During our trip, the museum on the Mall was under renovation, so we made the trek over to explore the much bigger Udvar-Hazy Center.
It really is hard to describe the massiveness of this building. They have an entire space shuttle on display! Yes, you can walk up right next to the Discovery shuttle and observe every detail up close. Amazing! The entire space travel area is truly unforgettable. There are satellites dangling from the ceiling and all sorts of astronaut equipment around ever corner. The flight simulator was a big hit with the kids. I was happy to stand to the side and watch, ha!
In addition to the space display, there are numerous exhibits showcasing all sorts of aircraft from every era. It was amusing to see the rickety early 1920’s airplanes and follow the progression of flight technology through the aisles up to present day. There is even a commercial plane to view!
If you need a break from the airplanes, there are several IMAX films at the museum. We grabbed our popcorn and drinks before settling in to watch To Fly, a film that begins by taking the viewer on an 1800s hot air balloon ride high in the sky. Through amazing scenery and educational commentary the movie documents the history of flight. Being both informative and entertaining, this museum checks all the boxes!
Walk (or Scooter) around the National Mall
While in Washington, D.C. you must visit the national monuments! Many are conveniently located along the grassy promenade known as the National Mall. Although I should clarify that the distance between monuments can be somewhat far, which can be a bit much for young travelers. In an attempt to maximize the stamina of our own short-legged companions, we decided to allow them to scooter around the National Mall. After convincing me they would not sustain a head injury, the kids happily hopped on the nearest Lyft scooters. They told me more than once, it was the “most fun ever.” In one afternoon we were able to walk to the Lincoln Memorial, World War II Memorial, Washington Monument, the Capitol Building, and the Vietnam Memorial. So as you can see, you can cover a lot of territory in just a few hours!
Smithsonian National Museum of American History
This museum is also located right on the National Mall making it an easy stop to add to your plans. There are a wide variety of topics pertaining to American life and history that are showcased in the exhibits throughout the museum. The most significant display contains the nearly 200-year-old 30-by 34-foot flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to write the Star-Spangled Banner. It was fascinating to see how the flag has been preserved and restored over so many years.
Another informative exhibition found in the museum is titled The Price of Freedom: Americans at War. This area covers American military history from the French and Indian Wars all the way up to the present day conflict in Iraq. A few historical items that caught our eye were George Washington’s uniform and Clara Barton’s ambulance, straight from the battlefield!
The Wharf & Fish Market
If you have a free afternoon, a walk down to the Wharf District is a great activity for kids to burn off some energy! There are many restaurants with patios overlooking the water making this a nice kid-friendly dinner area too. A recreation pier with big wooden swings juts out over the water, next to bobbing boats. The kids were happy to pass the time waiting for our table before dinner by pointing to all the different sea vessels while swinging back and forth!
While walking one night, we discovered the fish market in the Wharf District. It was quite entertaining! This is the oldest continuously-operating open-air fish market in the US, dating back to 1805. There are all sorts of sea creatures on display here, from live crabs and lobsters, to octopus and even sharks!
International Spy Museum
Located near the Wharf, the Spy Museum reveals the hidden world of spies and undercover intelligence. Lots of interactive and digital displays are seen throughout this collection of real-life stories and assembly of spy items. I would say this museum is most appropriate for kids late-elementary age and older. Most of the exhibits require quite a bit of reading which could cause younger kids to lose interest rather quickly.
Let’s dive into what to expect during this undercover experience! When you first arrive, staff members guide you and your party to the “debriefing center.” Here each person is given a new secret spy identity. As you make your way through the exhibits, there are interactive kiosks along the way. By logging into these digital touchscreens, you are able to complete tasks by using your spy skills to solve a secret mission. The kids thought this was a blast, however they did usually have to wait in a short line for most of these activities. I most enjoyed the true accounts of influential spies who have played major roles in bringing down some of the most dangerous terrorists. It definitely gave me an appreciation for people willing to place their own lives in danger for the greater good.
A few tips: This museum currently requires timed-entry tickets. You can buy them at the door, however they do sell out. I would highly recommend reserving your tickets at least a few days in advance.
Where to Eat
The Grill
Once we landed in DC we hopped off the plane and took a leisurely walk to check out the Wharf District. After noticing an open corner table on their patio overlooking the water, we decided to give The Grill restaurant a try. It was so good, we ate there twice during our trip! With an expansive drink menu, patio seating, and an impressive kids menu (the ribs were a hit), this eatery deserves a shout out!
Kirwan’s on the Wharf
Another kid-friendly and parent-pleasing joint is Kirwan’s on the Wharf. The Irish fare here is made with locally grown, fresh ingredients. I might suggest to pace yourself since the portions are big, and the desert is to die for! We ordered the fish & chips, jumbo lump crab risotto, southern egg rolls, and the corned beef sandwich. High-end beers and premium cocktails paired well with our spread! Another benefit is the excellent view for people watching and boats cruising by. Definitely check them out for a casual atmosphere with great food!
Mia’s Italian Kitchen
Located on the riverside end of King Street in Old Town Alexandria, Mia’s Italian Kitchen is a great casual spot if you are visiting this charming area! Outdoor seating located right on the street provides constant entertainment, and in our case we were able to watch a magic act put on by a friendly street performer. We all enjoyed taking in the sights of this busy little street while chowing down on our pizza and pasta. I loved all of the subtle seasonal touches, the feeling of autumn was definitely in the air!
Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant
While visiting George Washington’s estate you are sure to work up an appetite! There are a few dining options to know about on the plantation. A fast food court is available if you are short on time. However, if you are up for a more leisurely lunch or dinner you must explore the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant! This darling eatery has several different dining rooms, each decorated in early American decor, including detailed murals and wallpaper reflecting the colonial time period. It almost feels as if Martha and George might round the corner at any moment. Ha! After spending our morning walking through the mansion and around the scenic grounds, we were able to grab a table for a perfectly lazy, late lunch.
Now let’s discuss the menu! All of the rich and savory dishes at the inn are based on early colonial cooking with a modern flair. The options are numerous, and the flavors are simply scrumptious. I enjoyed the fried green tomato benedict, while the kids noshed on roasted turkey pot pie and mouthwatering grilled cheese. Jon reported his bacon cheddar omelet also hit the spot.
The Inn Restaurant is open seven days a week with brunch served on weekends!
Old Ebbitt Grill
Founded in 1856, Old Ebbitt Grill is the oldest saloon in Washington. Interestingly, it began as a boarding house that was purchased by an innkeeper named William E. Ebbitt. It is said that numerous historical figures including presidents Ulysses S. Grant, Andrew Johnson, Grover Cleveland and Theodore Roosevelt enjoyed drinks at the Ebbitt bar.
The surroundings at Old Ebbitt are worth mentioning. The rich mahogany bar, antique gas chandeliers, and colorful watercolor paintings certainly elevate the dining atmosphere! Children are welcome, although I did stress proper behavior with a few stern looks towards the kids, ha!
The menu options (as well as the prices) vary from fancy to delightfully uncomplicated. Caviar, squid and even octopus are just some of the available seafood options. In our typical style, we chose a few delicious and less extravagant dishes. The kids both split the rack of ribs, while I chose the seasonally appropriate pumpkin french toast. Jon finished off our order with the chicken and waffles.
Old Ebbitt Grill is located on 15th Street, right by the White House. They are open everyday until 2:00 am!
Food Trucks on the National Mall
If you need to grab a quick bite between visits to museums or gazing at monuments, an array of food trucks are conveniently parked along the National Mall. After selecting some sandwiches, tacos, chips, and guacamole, we stretched out on the grassy lawn with a spectacular view of the Capital Building. It was an easy and much welcomed pit stop before resuming our activities for the day!
Where to Stay
Hyatt Place Washington DC/ National Mall
During our family getaway we chose to stay at the Hyatt Place near the National Mall, which is centrally located and within walking distance to several points of interest. I loved our evening walks past the brownstone homes on our way to dinner in the Wharf District! The National Mall landmarks and numerous Smithsonian museums can also be reached by foot from the hotel.
Before setting out for our daily activities, it was so easy to grab a quick breakfast at the hotel. They have a full hot breakfast that is free every morning! With kids in tow, this definitely made it easier and faster to get out the door everyday. Additionally, the hotel does have a full bar and restaurant which we took advantage of one night when we were looking for an easy dinner option.
Savings Strategy
How to Stay at Hyatt Place Washington DC/National Mall for FREE
Currently, the best option to stay for free at Hyatt Place is to sign up for a Chase premium credit card (Chase Sapphire Preferred, Chase Sapphire Reserved) and for business owners (Chase Ink Preferred). One of the benefits of having a premium card is that you are able to transfer Chase points to Chase travel partners, which includes Hyatt. Historically, the sign-on bonus for any one of these cards ranges from 60,000 – 100,000 Chase points. Currently the Chase Sapphire Preferred minimum spend requirement is $4,000 over the first three months of opening the card. After this amount is met, 60,000 Chase points are awarded to you for use. The “cost” of staying at Hyatt Place Washington DC/National Mall is 12,000 points per night. Therefore, you would have enough points to stay five nights for free!
How to Fly To Washington DC for FREE
We live in Texas near a major airport with numerous Southwest flights. If you also live near an airport that services Southwest, read on! The best option to acquire Southwest points is to open a Southwest credit card. They have numerous cards that are both personal and business cards. However, each person is only allowed to have one personal and one business card. Currently, the best card to open is the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority credit card. At this time, with this card you earn 50,000 points after you spend $2,000 on purchases in the first 3 months of opening the card. Typically this ranges from 40,000 to 100,000 points. We purchased our four tickets during a Southwest flash sale for 50,000 points total.
Washington D.C. is a great destination for a quick trip away whether you are traveling solo, as a couple, or for a family vacation. With so many activities, and many of them free, you are sure to find plenty to do! Happy Travels!
