Washington, D.C. is not only the capital of the United States. It’s also a great family vacation destination.  We’ll share with you our itinerary of how you could possibly spend a week in D.C.

We divided our time between indoor and outdoor activities. That way, the weather didn’t affect our vacation at all. The basic must-see things you’ll want to take the kids to see here can be noted as historic places, animals, and museums .

First, we’ll start with what is easily the most recognizable house on Earth – the White House. Ask your kids if they know the President’s address and I bet they do! (It’s 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.)

White House

Kids still dream of being the President, don’t they? Why not give your aspiring ruler of the free world a look at the place where history is made up close. Since John Adams, each President of the United States has lived here.

Each day, about 5,000 people visit the White House. Tours are available for groups of 10 or more, but as this is where the President actually lives, security is enhanced. It would be best to check here for details if you wish for your D.C. vacation to include a tour of the White House.

National Mall – Monuments

This is an open-air park that is part of downtown Washington, D.C. It contains many of the most famous monuments and landmarks in the world.

Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument,  Jefferson Memorial, Veterans Memorial – challenge your family to recall a couple of facts regarding each monument. Did you know that there are more than 20 monuments located here? Kids and adults will marvel at the pristine condition of the monuments and learn something new as to why each was erected. Whether you visit during the daytime or evening, you will be impressed by their simple beauty.

Tip: Many people like to visit here in April as the various cherry trees are in bloom and make a stunning backdrop for photos.

Smithsonian National Zoo

Everyone knows that zoos are where you go to see animals from all over the world. But the National Zoo is something special because it contains so much in its 163 acres.  The National Zoo is fundamentally committed to animal conservation and education and is making efforts towards saving the giant panda from extinction. There are close to 2,000 animals from 400 different species living at the National Zoo. From great apes, big cats, and Asian elephants to aquatic animals, reptiles, and birds, this Zoo has animals to delight and amaze everyone in the family.

There are several restaurant and snack places on site and coolers are allowed should you wish to picnic. Strollers are available for rental. As expected, there are also several gift shops to find the perfect souvenir.

The Zoo is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm between November – March and from 10 am to 6 pm from April – October and admission is free. Check the Zoo`s website for special hours and events, such as Boo at the Zoo (October 23 – 25th).

Tip: Parking can be a bit expensive here and the lots fill up early sometimes. To save the hassle, consider using the Metro (red line) instead of driving your personal or rented vehicle.

Note: Each day there are different programs offered to learn more about animals and their habitats, see live feedings, or even touch some of the animals. Prior to your visit to the Zoo, check out the Zoo’s website (http://nationalzoo.si.edu/) for the day’s schedule and plan accordingly to best suit your family’s interests. The Zoo’s website also has several activity pages that can be printed out and brought along on your visit. They include a scavenger hunt, bingo, and more.

Air and Space Museum

There are hundreds of original, historic artifacts on display showing the progression of man’s first attempts at flight up to the most modern machines flying today. Who doesn’t look at the actual Apollo 11 command module spacecraft and wonder how in the world (or out of this world) astronauts could endure a trip of any length in such cramped quarters? An actual lunar rock that visitors can touch is on display. The Wright Brothers 1903 Flyer is here too. Your kids will be amazed at how different this first airplane is to modern ones.

This is the most popular of all of the museums that are part of the Smithsonian group and houses the largest collection of aircraft and spacecraft in the world. You’ll want to allow several hours to see each floor and take in all there is to be learned here. The museum is open daily from 10:30 am until 5 pm, except for Christmas Day when it is closed. Admission is free, but you might want to check their website for online reservations for the various films and programs that are offered.

National Museum of Natural History

This is where you can see so many different things to view here: from the history and cultures of Africa, primate diversity around the world, to the life of ants and ancient life forms such as dinosaurs, and rare gemstones like the Hope Diamond. With more than 1.5 million square feet of space, you will need to allow several hours to fully enjoy this museum.

There is a restaurant, snack place, and gift shops on site. Part of the Smithsonian complex of museums, this one also offers free admission and is open daily from 10 am until 5:30 pm. From time to time it is open later, so check here for more details.

Lodging

There are so many choices when it comes to finding a place to stay while visiting D.C. But we liked our hotel that gave us an incentive to stay there. Several hotels in the area offer what is called a “Panda Package”.  A portion of your room fee is donated to the National Zoo to help conservation efforts in the US and China to help save the giant panda from extinction. By booking through this promotion, at your hotel during check-in, you will receive a Zoo Welcome Gift Box containing a plush panda, a disposable camera, Zoo map and pen, stickers, and more.

We loved the Washington Suites Georgetown for this reason and also because they offer a complimentary breakfast and warm cookies at check-in. This hotel is 9 blocks from the White House and just 2 blocks from the Foggy Bottom metro station which will make visiting the museums, National Mall, and Zoo especially easy. The room was comfortable and spacious and had a big-screen tv and fully stocked kitchen.

Visiting the US capital will certainly be a memorable vacation. It’s always fun to see places we’ve read about in person. We loved our trip to D.C. and actually hope to return because there is never enough time (or parental energy) to see everything during the first visit.