Washington D.C. Trip Tips
How to Have an Economical Family Trip to Our Nation's Capitol
Aug 31, 2009
For an exciting family vacation on a budget, now is a good time to consider Washington D.C.
Smithsonian Museums and Other Free Attractions
Most of the big tourist draws in Washington D.C. are completely free, including all of the Smithsonian Museums. Kids tend to enjoy the National Museum of American History, which features an original Kermit the Frog puppet, exhibits about the life of Abraham Lincoln, full-sized locomotives, and Dorothy's ruby slippers from the Wizard of Oz. Children also like the National Museum of Natural History, which features several dinosaur skeletons including a T-Rex, as well as the Hope Diamond. Kids are naturally drawn to the National Air and Space Museum, which features several rockets and airplanes, including the Wright Brothers’ original Wright Flyer, not a replica.
Then there’s the National Zoo, which, like all the other Smithsonian institutions, doesn't charge an admission fee and, in addition to all the great dry-land exhibits, features water exhibits and a pollinarium of plants and butterflies.
Don’t forget that all the memorials and statues in Washington D.C. are free, including the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials, the Vietnam War and WWII memorials and the Washington Monument.
It is possible to tour the White House for free, but arrangements must be made months in advance for groups of 10 or more. It’s also free to tour the U.S. Capitol, but again, it’s recommended that tours book ahead of time. However, there are a limited number of passes available each day to tour the Capitol building.
The National Children’s Museum is also free.
The International Spy Museum and other Low Cost Attractions
There are several other Washington D.C. attractions that do charge a small admission fee. These include the International Spy Museum and the National Aquarium. For just $2, your kids can take a ride on the Carousel on the National Mall.
McDonalds at the Air and Space Museum for a Fun, Low-Cost Lunch
Washington D.C. is home to hot dog stands located all over the downtown area where a family can pick up lunch on the go for just a few dollars. Most of the hot dog carts feature hot dogs, of course, but also carry things like juices, water, pretzels, chips, candy, ice cream and sometimes, fruit. The National Air and Space Museum is home to one of the busiest McDonald’s restaurants in the world with seating for 1,000, and for more variety, also features food from Boston Market and Donatos Pizza.
Washington D.C.: a City of Art and Culture
Visiting all those museums, the zoo, and sites integral to U.S. history, kids can’t help but take away some lasting information, and kids’ teachers will be impressed when the kids relate what they did over the summer. A visit to Washington D.C. is a chance for the whole family to brush up on U.S. history, art, science and the natural world.
Be Sure to Use the Metro
One last tip: the Metro is a clean, fast, convenient way to get around Washington D.C., but more importantly, it's an entertaining ride for the kids.
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