If you have been reading Family Road Trip Guru blog for years you know, that I do not favor half a day trips. What can you really learn and experience in half a day? So why are we exploring Washington D.C. in half a day? Sometimes life deals you cards and you have to play the hand you were dealt just as best as you can…
May be you are driving through Washington D.C. on your way somewhere else. Or may be you are in town on business and you have a few free hours. Or may be your flight got delayed until next day and you want to get out of the airport and see the capital of United States…
So if you only have half a day in Washington D.C. where do you even start? It is a huge city with lots of attractions. Just the planning of that half a day seems to take way more than half a day, and with kids – almost impossible … But not anymore!
NOW you have a shot with our “Washington D.C. in Half a Day with Kids” guide!
So where do you start?
Washington D.C. in Half a Day with Kids: Stop 1 – Washington Monument
Start with Washington Monument because it is one of the symbols of Washington D.C. and the United States as a whole but also because it sits in the center of the city with lots of attractions walking distance from it in all directions.
I suggest just enjoying Washington Monument from the ground. Getting inside takes advance reservations (and money!) On top of that, I just recently read a story that Washington Monument is one of the worst tourist traps in America because if you think you will see Washington’s major attractions from up top, you will be disappointed: major attractions in the city a small in size and they are better visible from the ground!
Washington D.C. in Half a Day with Kids: Stop 2 – National Museum of American History
There are several great FREE museums easy walking distance from Washington Monument – which one to choose? National Air and Space Museum is great but it requires advanced reservation. National Museum of Natural History is fine but you can see a natural history museum in many other places.
I suggest visiting the one museum that is unique to Washington D.C. – National Museum of American History No reservation is required and it has so many different galleries that you will definitely find something interesting for all members of your group.
Here is one important tip for visiting this Museum. If you have VERY diverse interests in your group I suggest not dragging everyone along, together. Split in smaller groups and agree to meet back in a couple of hours. I totally regretted dragging my family of 3 guys to the First Ladies gallery. I wanted to study every dress, every shoe and my boys were moaning the whole time, asking to go somewhere else…
You will have to make peace with the fact that you might not be able to see the entire museum in the short amount of time you have, so choose galleries strategically.
My personal favorite exhibits were:
- The First Ladies gallery (duh!)
- Julia Child’s kitchen in FOOD: Transforming the American Table gallery
- California wine making exhibit in FOOD: Transforming the American Table
But my boys got stuck in The Price of Freedom gallery which was really noisy and crowded for me…
Please, note that the food in the Jazz Cafe at the Museum is not great, so I would not plan to eat there, unless you absolutely have to.
Washington D.C. in Half a Day with Kids: Stop 3 – The White House
From the National Museum of American History walk back to the Washington Monument and start walking in the opposite direction toward Lincoln Memorial. Now look right – you can see the White House!
If you only have half a day in Washington D.C. there is no need to walk any closer, you won’t be able to see much and you will just waste time walking back and forth.
Washington D.C. in Half a Day with Kids: Stop 4 – The Lincoln Memorial
Continue walking to Lincoln Memorial. It is typically a GOREGEOUS walk. Unfortunately when we were visiting the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was drained and closed for maintenance but it should be re-open for America’s 250 anniversary celebrations.
On your way you will also see World War II memorial with a nice fountain (which is also currently closed for maintenance)
The Lincoln Memorial is a cool spot just to sit down, relax and enjoy the view and do some people watching as well. It is FREE to visit.
If you look back to the Washington Memorial a little bit from the side, not straight on, you will be able to see the Capitol building too too!
Conclusion
This Washington D.C. in Half a Day itinerary is great any season, unless it is poring down with rain (I personally wouldn’t even mind walking it in the snow – it will look majestic, just don’t sit on the Lincoln Memorial steps – you will freeze your butt off!)
The cost of this trip -ZERO dollars!! It fits nicely into my collection of Adventures under $10 itineraries – I have more than 30 of such itineraries!
It also fits perfectly into my collection of Time Travel itineraries that let you and your kids learn history in a fun and engaging way.
So what have we learnt in this half a day in Washington D.C.? We definitely want to come back! Our top 3 attractions yet to explore: Georgetown, National Air and Space Museum and the Potomac River (I would love to take a river cruise).
Stay tuned – we will be definitely brining you more fun and educational itineraries that won’t break your budget!
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