family travel survival guide: washington, dc | away · 2017-02-26 · family travel guide united...

Family Travel Guide United States Washington, DC Family Travel Survival Guide: Washington, DC

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Family Travel Survival Guide: Washington, DCOur resident expert in the nation’s capital overviews the ins and outs of one of the best locales for a familialescape.

By Linda Samuel

IN BLOOM: The cherry blossoms, which line the Tidal Basin, and the WashingtonMonument (James P. Blair/Digital Vision/Getty)

For a big-city family vacation, Washington, DC, is perfect. Ithas all the art, culture, and fun of a large metropolitan areawithout the overwhelming architecture or overly freneticpace. Sure, some kids might think that traveling to thenation's capital sounds more like a school field trip than anexciting getaway, but parents shouldn't be deterred. Oncethe gang discovers there is more to the city than the stuffthey read in textbooks—and that most of that stuff isactually pretty cool—the whole family will be in for a fun andeducational holiday (with the educational partmasquerading under the guise of fun).

Lay of the Land/Getting AroundThe layout of the city itself proves to be one of Washington's most family-friendly aspects. Many of thebest attractions are concentrated in or around the National Mall, an area that's easily accessible byfoot or public transportation. And, for a big city, DC rates high on aesthetics. Towering buildings don'tdominate the skyline and green is a common color around town—tree-lined streets, grassy squaresand circles, the Mall itself, and the sprawling foliage of Rock Creek Park bring a welcome sense ofnature to an otherwise concrete jungle—hence DC's nick-name The City of Trees.

On first introduction, the streets themselves may seem like snarl of letters, numbers, traffic circles,and diagonal roads all randomly traversing the city. But once you understand how it all comestogether, getting around becomes an easy, even fun, venture.

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The city itself is divided into four cardinal quadrants—Northeast, Southeast, Northwest, andSouthwest—with the Capitol Building sitting at the core. The roads are laid out in a grid, withnumbered streets running north to south, and lettered streets east to west, ascending in order as youtravel away from the Capitol. Broad avenues named after U.S. states extend diagonally across town,Pennsylvania Avenue being the most famous of all. There is (of course) an exception to this system:Two main arteries Constitution and Independence Avenues—take the place of B Street, runningparallel to the other lettered streets. Because of this composition, the same street numbers and lettersare distinguished by the quadrant (as in E Street, NW and E Street, SW), so pay attention to thequadrant designations on the street signs.

The bulk of must-see family attractions are on the Mall and in the Northwest quadrant (NW), but thereare sights worth checking out all around the city. And just about everything you want to see can bereached by the DC subway system, known as the Metro. Often called one of the best publictransportation systems in the country, the Metro is clean, convenient, and (mostly) reliable. And for alot of kids, taking the steep escalators into the city's depths, then shuttling across town on anunderground train is like Washington's own version of Hogwarts Express.

Five color-coded Metro lines serve the entire Washington metro area. Armed with a map, you can getalmost anywhere (download a DC Metro map in advance of your trip). A single-ride runs $1.35 to$4.50, depending on the time of day and how far you go (unlike some cities, DC Metro determines thecost based on the distance traveled and whether or not you're traveling during rush hour—rate info isposted at each station). Fare cards can be purchased at vending machines in the Metro stations (eachperson has to have their own fare card—you cannot share fare cards). Children four and under ridefree with paying adults. A note to parents with babes in strollers: Look out for elevators at Metro stops,especially if you are switching lines, as they're not always conveniently located. And if you're ridingduring a busy time, you may want to consider folding up the stroller and walking with or carrying yourchild on the escalator, to avoid the possibility of long elevator lines—just be sure to stand to the right,as the left side is dedicated to people who walk on the escalators.

Though DC has an extensive network of busses, most routes are more convenient for locals ratherthan tourists, save for the DC Circulator. This relatively new bus line connects neighborhoods that areotherwise difficult to access via public transportation, with lines that run from the Mall to Chinatown,Union Station to Georgetown, and the Waterfront to the Convention Center.

Unless you're planning day trips 30 miles outside of the city, don't bother with a car. Parking can becostly—most hotels charge at least $25 per day, in-city lots run around $20, and feeding meters everytwo hours is not exactly convenient. If you do require a rental or have driven into town, be sure tocarefully read the street signs before leaving your car on city streets. Parking is prohibited at certaintimes, and officials don't hesitate to hand out tickets or tow. Also, consider parking at a Metro stop inVirginia or Maryland to save on parking fees, and then shuttle in via the Metro.

Linda Samuel is a freelance writer based in Washington, D.C.

Last Updated: 15 Sep 2010Published: 13 Jun 2008The details, dates, and prices mentioned in this article were accurate at the time of publication.

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Family Travel Survival Guide: Washington, DCActivities & Attractions

By Linda Samuel

WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE: The lobby of the Smithsonian’s National Museum ofNatural History (courtesy, the Smithsonian Institution)

Tours

Take a joy ride as you tour the town. Not only is a sightseeingtour a great way to get an overview of the city, the interestingmodes of transport available will thrill the whole family. Ridehigh on an open-top double-decker bus that lets you hop on

and off when you want to explore. Or, take to an amphibious vehicle on a boat tour with DC Ducks.These restored 1942 vessels cruise around the Mall then waddle into the Potomac for river ride. Ifyou'd rather roll on two wheels, hop on a bike or the latest tourist fad, the City Segway Tours. Whilechildren must be 16 or older to ride a Segway, kids of all ages can join a bike trip with Bike the Sites(those under four-feet-six-inches need to ride behind a parent or in a trailer). Of course, if you want tokeep both feet on the ground, you can opt for a walking tour. You'll cover a smaller area, but can lingerat the stops a little longer. DC also has tours that cater to its own unique character like the ScandalTour, which profiles places where dirty side politics went down, as well as self-guided heritage walksorganized by the Cultural Tourism Office that cover less touristy neighborhoods in DC. Good for kidsover the age of 13.

THE SMITHSONIANWithout kids, it would be ambitious to attempt to visit all 18 museums and the National Zoo, whichcomprise the Smithsonian, in one trip. With kids, it would be downright ridiculous. Luckily, somevenues cater more to the younger set, with interactive exhibits, Imax movies, and stuff that's justtotally cool for kids. Even better: Admission everywhere is free.


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they recently opened an annex out in Virginia. The site on the National Mall showcases aviation'sstars; the main hall is adorned, literally, from floor to ceiling with notable artifacts of flight, includingThe Spirit of St. Louis, the Apollo 11 command module, and lunar rocks that you're actuallyencouraged to touch. When your neck is sore from craning to look up at all of the air and space crafts,go airborne (virtually) on a simulated flight or get a 3D view as you take in an Imax film or planetariumshow. And if all that doesn't fill your family's aeronautical fix there's that massive Virginia annex, theSteve F. Udvar-Hazy Center, with literally hundreds of items on display. The site is about 45 minutesfrom DC in Chantilly, VA, just minutes from Dulles Airport. A car or careful planning with a variety ofpublic transport systems is necessary to get there. Refer to the National Air and Space Museumwebsite for additional information.

National Museum of Natural History: From the moment your kids spy the enormous African elephantin the spacious rotunda, they'll be captivated—and that's just a small introduction to the museum'scollections. Budding archaeologists will love the Dinosaur Hall, where reconstructed skeletons of thecolossal beasts steal the show. If your kids prefer living exhibits, head to the Insect Zoo, where scadsof bugs crawl behind glass cases and, sometimes, out in the open (handled by staff, of course). If youtime it right, you may catch a tarantula feeding. And if your creature comforts don't include actualcreatures, The Hall of Geology, Gems, and Minerals showcases some of the world's most preciousstones, including the famous Hope Diamond. For a hands-on experience, don't miss The DiscoveryRoom. Here, kids can view real fossils under a microscope, play dress-up in clothes from around theworld, and touch the skin of an alligator, among other interactive activities.

National Museum of American History: Here's a chance for the kids to glimpse a few relics from yourown childhood. Everything from iconic objects of the big and small screens (Dorothy's ruby redslippers, Archie and Edith Bunker's chairs, and Mister Rogers' sweater) to famous sportsparaphernalia (Mohammed Ali's gloves, Bob Cousy's jersey, and Arthur Ashe's tennis racket) arehoused here, along with plenty of other grand mementos from America's cultural past. Youngfashionistas will enjoy the display of First Ladies' gowns, while music fanatics will gain a newappreciation for their iPods when they check out old phonographs. NOTE: The museum is currentlyundergoing extensive renovations and is slated to reopen in the fall of 2008.

U.S. Botanical Gardens: This amazing collection of over 4,000 plants may not seem like an obviousattraction for the kids, but parents visiting with young tots during the summer shouldn't miss it. TheChildren's Garden, located in the courtyard, lets little ones to flex their green thumbs by providingsmall plants and gardening tools and encouraging their use. A playhouse and water pump are alsopart of the agri-fun.

The National Zoo: DC is well known as an international city, and that doesn't stop with the wildlife.Animals from all parts of the world can be seen here—giant pandas, elephants, monkeys, tigers, andeven aquatic mammals. The park covers a lot of ground, so be sure to bring a stroller for young tots.Special activities and events for kids are always taking place—check the National Zoo website foradditional information. The zoo also rests a bit beyond the typical tourist radar, in the upper-Northwestneighborhood of Woodley Park; it can make a nice break from the Mall.

International Spy MuseumYoung sleuths-in-training and anyone fascinated by history, conspiracy theories, and James Bond willthoroughly enjoy the International Spy Museum. This glimpse into the world of espionage includes acomprehensive history of famous spies and undercover operations, interactive games that test yourown observational abilities, and displays of actual spy gadgetry (think pigeon cameras, recordingbugs, and invisible ink). Fans of 007 will especially love the replica of James Bond's Aston Martin.Children 12 and older shouldn't miss the Operation Spy experience. This live-action adventurechallenges participating "secret agents" to locate a missing nuclear trigger by using their new spyskills. Note: This is one of the few DC-area museums that charge an entry fee.

National Building MuseumEven if your kids don't marvel at the magnificent Great Hall as you certainly will, they will still findplenty to enjoy at this museum dedicated to architecture and development. Toddlers can dress up inconstruction gear and get to work in The Building Zone. Toy tool benches and trucks, a play rockquarry, building blocks, and large, soft Legos wait for little builders. There's plenty for children beyondthe toddler stage, too—erect an arch out of big, soft blocks or pick up a $5 family tool kit for a varietyof activities to entertain the whole family.

Washington NationalsCheer on the newest member of DC's sports roster—the Washington Nationals. The opening of aneco-friendly Nationals Park in early 2008 has put baseball on the must-do line-up. The state-of-the-artstadium offers more than just a view of the game; the U.S. Capitol and other parts of the city are alsovisible from the upper-deck seating. When young kids get antsy, take them to the huge playground onthe north side of the stadium. Situate yourself just right, and you can watch your kids and the game atthe same time. If you happen to go on a Sunday, be sure ask about Kids Run the Bases—at selectgames, kids ages four to 12 are encouraged to loop the infield after the last out of the game.

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Family Travel Survival Guide: Washington, DCMonuments and Memorials, The White House and the Capitol

By Linda Samuel

A CAPITAL SIGHT: The U.S. Capitol building, which anchors the eastern edge of theNational Mall (Brand X Pictures)

Monuments and MemorialsDon't make the mistake of merely gazing at DC's grand,utterly iconic structures from your car window or tour bus.The monuments and memorials on the National Mall and itssurroundings lure visitors to get a good look. And the closeryou get, the more amazing detail you see.

The Washington Monument is the centerpiece of them all, looming large over the National Mall at justover 555 feet high. The monument is both the world's tallest obelisk and the city's loftiest building.Show your kids where the stone changes in color about a third of the way up, marking whereconstruction came to a halt due to lack of funds during the American Civil War then resumed 12 yearslater. For a different perspective, take a tour of the interior. An elevator whisks you to the top, wherewindows on all four sides offer some of the best views of the city.

At the west end of the Mall, just in front of the Reflecting Pool, the Lincoln Memorial honors the 16thpresident with a neoclassical structure and, inside, a 19-foot statue of Lincoln. Young history buffs willrecognize the famous Gettysburg Address etched into one of the walls. Park rangers are on sight toanswer any questions and talk about Abraham Lincoln and the memorial.

As you wander around the Mall, you'll likely come across the Vietnam War, Korean War, and WorldWar II memorials. Kids of all ages may be impressed by the designs, but older children likely will havea better appreciation for their significance.


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Located on the Tidal Basin of the Potomac River just off the Mall, the Jefferson Memorial is a rivetingsight—and that's from across the water. Close up, it's even more impressive. A 19-foot bronze statueof Thomas Jefferson stands under the center of the dome, while passages from his writings and theDeclaration of Independence are carved into the walls. For another view, take to the water.Paddleboat rentals are available just across the tidal basin from the memorial ($16 an hour for afour-passenger boat).

White House and Capitol BuildingThe home of the president and heart of the government are, without a doubt, two of the mostimportant structures in Washington, D.C. Anyone with an interest in American history and governmentshouldn't miss a chance to tour these venues and view the nation's policy-makers in action. Olderchildren will get the most out of their visits; youngsters might get antsy before the tours are done. Tovisit the White House, contact your state representative to reserve a tour time—and do so early,because spots are limited. Capitol tours are available on a first come-first serve basis. You can pick uptickets for scheduled times throughout the day at a kiosk outside of the Capitol starting at 9 a.m. daily,and you should plan to get there early during the tourist season.



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Check out our complete list of family-friendly hotels in Washington, DC,selected and rated by our own travelexperts.


Family Travel Survival Guide: Washington, DCHotels and Restaurants

By Linda Samuel

ICONIC DC: Ben’s Chili Bowl, a District staple of indulgent cuisine (Nathan Borchelt)

HotelsThere's no shortage of hotels in Washington, and they'reavailable at all quality levels and price points. Generally,location dictates what you'll pay—the closer you are to thebig attractions and tony neighborhoods the greater your bill.Your best bet is to stick with larger hotels, as manyboutiques tend to attract the party set, and you'll likely findmore cocktail-sipping singles than milk-chugging kids.

All of the big names have locations in Washington and theNorthern Virginia suburbs, and most have family-friendlyamenities. The Omni Shoreham, which is close to theNational Zoo, and Adams Morgan's Hilton Washington

present goodie bags to children upon check-in. If you want to spread out, the Embassy Suites inDuping Circle has separate living areas in all their rooms, and Georgetown Suites offers both livingareas and kitchens.

A family vacation doesn't mean you have to spend every moment all together. If you're hoping for alittle kid-free time, opt for a place with babysitting services. Most of the large hotels offer them, but besure to ask about it before you book.

If you opt to stay outside of the city limits, be sure that the hotel has walking access—or at leastshuttle service—to the Metro.


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RestaurantsThese days, just about all restaurants welcome kids. The question is whether or not you'll all enjoyyour meal. Here are a few places that are sure to satisfy every craving.

Two Amy's: Who doesn't love pizza? Located in Glover Park, just minutes from Georgetown, thisno-nonsense restaurant is always packed with families feasting on what many call the best pizza inthe city. To avoid a wait go during lunch or on the early side of the evening. Otherwise, it could take upto half an hour to get a table. (Two Amy's, 202.885.5700)

Old Glory: This Georgetown joint serves just about every style of barbeque fare. A great kids menu,crayons and lollipops, lots of fun stuff on the walls, and, of course, the tasty food, make it a favoriteamong families. (Old Glory, 202.337.3406)

Clyde's of Gallery Place: Conveniently located in the heart of Penn Quarter and Chinatown, you can'tgo wrong with a meal at Clyde's—one of DC's longest-running restaurant chains. The large menu ofAmerican classics has something for everyone. Kids get special attention with their own menu, pluscrayons and toys to keep them occupied throughout the meal. (Clyde's, 202.349.3700)

Ben's Chili Bowl: This Washington landmark on U Street serves up eats that will make everyone feellike a kid. Chili dogs, chili burgers, cheese fries, and half-smokes are just a few of their specialties.They even have some healthy choices, but you're missing out if you don't indulge in the "bad" stuff.(Ben's Chili Bowl; 202.667.0909)

Zaytinya: Don't be deterred by the "scene" here. The large bar attracts a happy hour crowd, but thespace is big enough that you don't feel caught up in it. The tapas-style Greek and Middle Eastern foodis what makes this a great place for kids. The small plates are the perfect size for little eaters and thefood is excellent, but not everything on the menu will please the most finicky palates. It's convenientlylocated in Chinatown, opposite the Smithsonian American Art Museum. (Zaytinya; 202.638.0800)

Museum Cafes and Food Courts: If you're at the Smithsonian, dining doesn't get much moreconvenient than the cafes and food courts in the museums. Just about every one of them has somekind of eatery, and the food is generally quite good. If you want to try something unique, the café atthe National Museum of the American Indian serves indigenous cuisines of the Americas, while theNational Gallery of Art offers a huge buffet of…just about everything. And if you're near the WhiteHouse, consider hitting the food court at the National Press Club at 14th and E Street NW, or insidethe massive Ronald Reagan Building (on 14th Street, NW, between Constitution Avenue and E Street)



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