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Family Holidays: Washington, DC family holidays and breaks
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Why
As the capital of the U.S., visitors to Washington can learn much about American history. The major attraction is the Smithsonian museums such as the National Air and Space Museum, the National Museum of American History, the National Museum of Natural History, and the National Zoological Park, but children will also enjoy seeing money printed, viewing the Charters of Freedom, riding to the top of the Washington Monument, and taking a whirl on the carousel on the National Mall. All Smithsonian museums and most other attractions are free.
- Top left: Washington Monument
- Top middle: The Capitol
- Top right: Declaration of Independence
- Bottom left: Washington Zoo
- Bottom right: The Wright Brother's plane
When
The nicest times are spring and fall. Summer is hot, although all buildings are air-conditioned. If you come in the summer, wear loose clothing, hats, and sunscreen, as you wander from one a/c building to the next, and carry plenty of water. American public schools have spring breaks at different times, but many families visit in the weeks around Easter. Winter is generally mild but the occasional cold spell can make walking outdoors a chilly proposition.
How
take the plane
The closest international airport is Dulles. BA, Virgin Atlantic and United Airlines have regular non-stop flights between Heathrow and Dulles. Click here for great deals on flights through our partners at lastminute.com and search for flight deals with Expedia.
from the airport
There are several options for getting from the airport to downtown. Cabs are very expensive, probably around $30.00. The Washington Flyer has a bus to the West Falls Church Metro station, where you can catch an orange line train to many downtown or suburban locations. A round trip is $14.00 per person, one-way $8.00. A third alternative is an express Metro bus, which costs $2.50 one way and takes you to the Rosslyn Metro station where you can board a blue or orange line train. Remaining on the bus will take you to the L'Enfant Plaza area, close to many of the Smithsonian museums. Most tour operator packages from the UK will include transfers between airport and hotel.
getting around
If you have rented a car, leave it at the hotel and travel by Metro. Day passes can be purchased from a fare card machine at all Metro stations. The Metro is clean, fast, inexpensive, and runs on time. To see the tourist sights from an open bus, choose the Tourmobile. You can get on and off at various points and see the Mall attractions.
Stay
Most international hotel chains have one or more properties in Washington. Rooms are normally generously sized and rates are generally somewhat lower than, say, New York hotels.
Do
take it all in
Most children enjoy the National Air and Space Museum, Independence Avenue at Fourth Street, S.W. close to the mall, open every day except Christmas from 10:00 to 5:30, which showcases the history of aviation and space exploration including the Wright Brothers 1903 Flyer and Lindbergh’s Spirit of St. Louis, the Friendship 7 and Apollo 11 command modules, and large-format movies in the IMAX theater. The air and space museum has a new facility which opened December 2003, the Udvar-Hazy Center, at Dulles International Airport. One hanger is devoted to exhibits of aviation, the other to space, including the shuttle Enterprise. A tower allows visitors to see real-time traffic at Dulles and experience a modern air traffic control facility. NASM on the mall has a shuttle bus to this facility or you can park there for $12.00. Web: nasm.si.edu. Metro: L'Enfant Plaza. (202) 357 2700.
The Bureau of Engraving and Printing gives tours showing paper currency being printed. The tours are from 10:00 to 2:00; same-day timed admission tickets are required and can be picked up at a kiosk near the bureau starting at 8:00 a.m. Metro: Smithsonian, Independence Avenue exit.
To view the surrounding area, take an elevator to the top of the Washington Monument. At 550 feet plus this is the tallest structure in Washington. Open every day except Christmas 9:00 to 5:00. Metro: Federal Triangle or Smithsonian. (202) 426 6841.
The National Archives, on Constitution Avenue near Ninth Street, near the Mall, houses the Charters of Freedom: the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, and the Constitution. Hours 10:00 to 7.00 daily but check Web site for seasonal hours. Metro: Archives/Navy Memorial or Federal Triangle. 1.866.272.6272.
The National Museum of American History, on the Mall at 14th Street and Constitution Avenue, highlights the nations’ cultural, political, scientific, and technological development. A popular destination is the display of first ladies’ gowns. The museum also has hands-on science and history rooms. Open every day 10:00 to 5:30 except Christmas. Metro: Federal Triangle, Smithsonian. (202) 633 1000.
While on the Mall you may want to ride the Carousel, a 50-year old machine. There is a small fee. Located near the Smithsonian Castle. Metro: Smithsonian, Mall exit.
The National Museum of Natural History, on the Mall at Tenth Street and Constitution, has a stuffed African bush elephant, the 45.5 carat Hope Diamond, dinosaur skeletons, and the Discovery Room where children can touch animal, vegetable, and mineral materials. Large-format films are shown in the IMAX theater. Open every day except Christmas from 10:00 to 5:30, but confirm hours for the Discovery Room upon arrival. Metro: Federal Triangle or Smithsonian. (202) 357 2700.
National Zoological Park: Main entrance: 3000 block of Connecticut Avenue. Most popular residents, North America’s only pair of pandas, loaned from the government of China. Parking fee. Metro: Woodley Park/Zoo. Open every day except Christmas. Check Web site for seasonal hours.
While you're in the neighborhood of the zoo, Washington Cathedral’s child-size Children’s Chapel is worth a visit. The Scientists and Technicians Window was presented by the Apollo astronauts and has a piece of moon rock embedded in it. From the Observation Gallery, in the distance one can see the Potomac Valley and the Blue Ridge Mountains, and close-up the gargoyles and grotesques. (202) 537 6200.
Capital Children’s Museum, at 800 Third Street, N.E. gives children a chance to experience exhibits by taking part in them. Entrance fee. Web site: ccm.org. Metro: Union Station. Open 10:00 to 5:00 daily except holidays. (202) 675 4120.
International Spy Museum. 800 F Street, N.W. Visitors can see a WW II Enigma cipher machine, disguises, and gadgets that would make James Bond envious. Entrance fee. Open daily 10:00 to 6:00. Metro: Gallery Place/Chinatown on the red, green, and yellow lines. (202) 393 7798, 866.spymuseum
For current events, consult the Weekend section of Friday’s Washington Post, which has a special feature for families called “Carousel.”
annual events
January: Ice-skating at the National Sculpture Garden ice rink, Ninth Street and Constitution Avenue, N.W.
February: Chinese New Year’s Festival. Chinatown, H Street, N.W. between 5th and 8th Streets. Ushers in the Chinese New Year with dragon dancers and firecrackers. Restaurants offer special meals.
March: Last Saturday, Smithsonian Kite Festival, West side of the Washington Monument grounds, 17th and Constitution.
March-April: Cherry blossom festival.
April: one week, mid-month, Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus at the D.C. Armory.
May: First Friday and Saturday, Washington Cathedral Flower Mart. Each year salutes a different country. Flowers, herbs, and food for sale, decorating demonstrations. Proceeds benefit the church.
June: Last Saturday, Children’s Day at the Carter Barron Amphitheater at Rock Creek Park. A day-long festival featuring performing arts, live music, and hands-on activities. (202) 895 6070.
July. Beginning around the fourth of July, the Folklife Festival on the National Mall promotes the understanding of contemporary grassroots cultures in the U. S. and abroad. Fourth of July 9:15, fireworks on the Mall.
August. National Frisbee Festival. Last Saturday, noon to 5:00, National Mall. Sponsored by the Smithsonian, largest Frisbee event in the world, attracting 12,000 people. Demonstrations by word-class champs, including dogs.
September. Rock Creek Park Day. One day in late September from noon to dusk, celebrations of Washington’s largest park, over 100 years old. International and national music, food, arts and crafts. Recreational and environmental activities, exhibits, and demonstrations.
October: Waterford Festival, Waterford, VA. For three days early in the month, this historic town is open to the public. Parking fee but all events are free.
November: Veteran’s Day ceremonies. At 11:00 a.m. on November 11, the president lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns, honoring the nation’s war dead.
December. Pageant of Peace on the Ellipse, mid-December to January 1 begins with the lighting of the national Christmas tree by the president, at 5:30 usually on a Thursday two weeks before Christmas.
Click here for an up to date family friendly events guide to Washington DC.
Eat
While on the Mall your best option is the museum cafeterias, but you can always resort to street vendors. If possible, bring your own food. There are many benches inside and outside the museums where one can sit and eat. If you care to walk to L'Enfant Plaza, a complex of office buildings off Independence, there is an enclosed promenade with fast food restaurants and a variety of ethnic and American food, but most restaurants are open only for breakfast and lunch and all are closed on the weekend.
Cost
Once you have paid around £200 to £400 per person for flights and budgeted for accommodation and food (both cheaper than London) you can enjoy most of Washington's sights are free.
Travel reading
Around Washington DC with Kids
by Fodor's
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Packed with kid-friendly things to do in Washington DC.
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