Washington, DC Itinerary: 4 Memorable Days with Your Family

Washington, DC is an exciting and educational destination, perfect for a family getaway. Known for its rich history, world-class museums, and iconic monuments, the city offers endless opportunities for exploration and fun. After visiting many times, most recently as a family of four, I can confidently tell you that DC has something for everyone.

This itinerary will help you plan an amazing trip to Washington, DC for your crew! And if you’re looking for even more information to plan your own Washington, DC trip, we’ve got you covered:

• Best Things to Do in Washington, DC with Kids
• Best Washington, DC Restaurants for Families
• Washington, DC Cherry Blossoms: Experiencing the Magic of Spring in the Capital

Now, let’s dive into our Washington, DC Itinerary!

Washington, DC Itinerary Day 1

Arrival & Check-In

We arrived in Washington, DC and checked into the Grand Hyatt Washington, which is an excellent choice for families. It’s centrally located, with some of the top tourist attractions within walking distance, and others are a short Metro ride away. Using Hyatt rewards, we booked a standard room with club lounge access, which offered us free breakfast, dinner hors d’ourves, coffee, water, tea, soft drinks, juices, snacks, beer, daytime snacks, and a dessert buffet daily. After settling in, we were ready to explore!

National Building Museum

We started at the The National Building Museum, which we mainly chose for the “Brick City” exhibit, perfect for our little LEGO® lovers. This display featured Lego recreations of famous buildings from around the world, such as the Empire State Building, the Colosseum, and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The hands-on section, where visitors could build on both a table and a wall, was also very fun to experience. Another favorite was the “Building Stories” section downstairs, a children’s storybook-themed area. Read more about our experience at the National Building Museum here.

US Capitol

After visiting the museum, we walked over to the US Capitol, which is a historic landmark in Washington, DC, known for its distinctive dome and neoclassical architecture. We viewed it from the outside, taking in its design and presence in the cityscape. For those exploring DC, it’s a notable stop with a long history.

If you want to explore inside, you can book a guided tour here.

US Botanical Gardens

Next in our Washington, DC Itinerary was the US Botanical Gardens. We arrived here towards the end of the day and explored for about two hours. We loved that the admission was free, and there was a lot for both kids and adults to enjoy. Both of our kids loved the prehistoric plants, quirky cacti, and seasonal miniature train exhibit, while my older son enjoyed adding his note to the interactive What Tastes Like Home? wall. My personal favorite was the lush, stroller-friendly Virginia Haldan Tropical House, where we explored exotic plants like chocolate and vanilla.

Dinner at Pisco y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar

We finished the night with dinner at Pisco y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar, which was one of our favorite meals of the trip. Pisco y Nazca serves peruvian food, which we all enjoyed because our family all loves fish. The menu is pretty extensive and includes a kids menu and meat dishes if you’re not into fish.They also offered crayons and coloring pages that kept our kids entertained. Read more about some of our favorite kid-friendly restaurants in DC here.

Washington, DC Itinerary Day 2

National Air and Space Museum

We started the day at the National Air and Space Museum, which ended up beinging another trip favorite, especially the space exhibits and planetarium show Dark Universe. The kids were amazed by the Wright brothers’ story and the 1903 Wright Flyer, while the interactive exhibits made history come alive. Seeing real spacecraft up close gave us a new appreciation for the scale of astronaut life. The hands-on simulations were a huge hit, letting the kids explore aviation and space in a fun way.

Lunch at the National Museum of the American Indian

We got a tip from a DC local to go to the National Museum of the American Indian for lunch, and the cafeteria was amazing! While it was a little pricier than a typical museum cafeteria (more closely priced to a restaurant), they had a huge variety of dishes that were not the typical chicken fingers you’d expect.

I had an Alaskan inspired dish—salmon and beet salad; our au pair got a fry bread dish from the American Southwest, and my husband and the kids all got Mexican/South American dishes. We loved how they represented all of the Native American cultural dishes from Canada town through South America. The desserts were also really good, so don’t miss the expansive dessert display!

Exploring the National Museum of the American Indian

After lunch, we continued our DC itinerary and headed into the museum to explore. The National Museum of the American Indian showcases the rich and diverse cultures of Native peoples, with exhibits best suited for older kids and adults, though the imagiNATIONS Activity Center (free with a timed ticket) is great for younger visitors.

I personally found the textile exhibit fascinating, especially the natural dye materials like onion skins, and the Pocahontas section, which explored her full story through various artistic portrayals, including Disney. The Invention of Thanksgiving video, narrated by curator Paul Chaat Smith, was a powerful look at the myths surrounding the holiday—you can watch it here to decide if it’s right for your kids. Another thought-provoking exhibit examined Native American portrayals in media.

National Museum of Natural History

After we finished at the National Museum of the American Indian, we took a short walk through the National Mall over to the National Museum of Natural History. The National Museum of Natural History is packed with fascinating exhibits, from dinosaur fossils and life-sized mammals to Egyptian mummies and the famous Hope Diamond.

Since we visited on a holiday weekend, it was extra crowded, but we were still able to their favorites—the dinosaur section, mammal hall, and a cell phone exhibit that gave them a first glimpse at a technology they’ll eventually use daily. We adults loved the same exhibits as the kids, and the Hope Diamond and Egyptian section were personal highlights for me. Unfortunately, the butterfly exhibit was closed, but luckily, I had experienced it before. I hope the kids get to enjoy it on a future trip (it requires a small entry fee). Read more about the Butterfly Pavilion here.

Dinner at Gordon Ramsay Street Pizza

By dinner time, we were very tired from all the walking and exploring we did on this full day, so we decided to eat at Gordon Ramsay Street Pizza. This casual, kid-friendly spot serves up delicious pizzas and some pasta dishes that were a hit with our whole group. Make sure you plan ahead with a reservation here. We still had to wait 30 minutes even with one, so it can get quite crowded.

Washington, DC Itinerary Day 3

Walk by the White House

We started the day with a stroll by the White House, which is a must-see landmark in any Washington, DC itinerary. Lafayette Square offers a view of the north side, while the Ellipse overlooks the south lawn, though access may vary due to security. US citizens can request a tour through their congressional representative at least 21 days in advance, with better chances during low tourist seasons. Tours are first-come, first-served and subject to availability. For details, visit house.gov or senate.gov.

Thomas Jefferson Memorial

Following the White House, we walked along the east Tidal Basin to our first true monument of the day, the Jefferson Memorial. Overlooking the Tidal Basin, the Thomas Jefferson Memorial honors the Founding Father and Declaration of Independence author. Its grand dome frames breathtaking waterfront views, especially during cherry blossom season. Our kids loved racing up the steps and exploring the rotunda, where a towering Jefferson statue stands beneath inscriptions from his writings.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial

Next in our DC itinerary, we opted to walk the 20 minutes along the scenic route to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial honors the civil rights leader with a powerful 30-foot statue emerging from a “mountain of despair,” symbolizing hope. Surrounded by a peaceful reflection area and a wall of his inspiring quotes, it’s a great spot to discuss justice and equality with kids. Though it’s a bit off the main path, this memorial’s serene riverside setting and profound message make it a must-see. The walk is absolutely beautiful in the warm weather and another ideal spot for cherry blossom peeping, when they’re in bloom.

Lincoln Memorial

We continued on another short walk to catch a glimpse of #16 a the Lincoln Memorial. Visiting the Lincoln Memorial with kids is a great way to connect them to history in a meaningful way. The monument’s impressive size captured our kids’ attention, as they stepped inside to gaze up at Lincoln’s iconic statue. The surrounding Reflecting Pool and the steps leading up to the memorial provided plenty of space for running around, making it a nice spot to take a break and enjoy some fresh air. When we visited, the steps out front also included a massive ramp, making this an easy visit with our stroller.

Washington Monument

Our final stop on the monument walk was the Washington Monument. Visiting the Washington Monument with kids is an unforgettable experience, especially when you see their faces light up as they look up at its towering height. The whole area around the monument is perfect for a family stroll, with plenty of green space for kids to run around. You can also take the elevator to the top for sweeping views of the National Mall, which is an exciting way for kids to see the city from a new perspective. Though we weren’t able to snag tickets this time, it’s definitely on our list for when we visit again.

The Memorials have no fees or reservations associated with a visit.

Lunch at Cafe du Parc

After a super busy morning, we grabbed a late lunch reservation at at Cafe du Parc. It’s a cozy spot for a family-friendly meal, offering a charming French-inspired menu, plus a kids menu. We lingered here for a bit before heading back to our hotel to rest before dinner.

Dinner at Capitol City Brewing Company

We met up with some friends this evening at Capitol City Brewing Company, which we chose at the last minute for its close proximity to our hotel and for its diverse menu, including a variety of craft beers. The casual vibe made it easy to hang out, and their food menu had kid-friendly options like pizza and burgers. It’s a great spot to take a breather after a day of sightseeing and grab a bite in a laid-back setting.

Washington, DC Itinerary Day 4

National Children’s Museum

Before heading out for the road trip home, we visited the National Children’s Museum in hopes of wearing the kids out a little, so they’d sleep in the car.

The top highlights for our kids were the three-story Dream Machine climbing structure, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, and Paw Patrol Adventure Bay, where kids can take on interactive missions. The Tinkerers Studio also sparked their creativity with building and engineering activities.

While it’s a fun spot for kids, the museum can get chaotic, and we found it a little challenging to keep our eyes on the kids in the Dream Machine at all times. Despite this, everyone had fun.

Lunch at Old Ebbitt Grill

On a whim, we popped over to Old Ebbitt Grill, hoping we could snag a table. It’s quite famous, so we thought it might be super crowded—and it was! However, we were quoted a 20-minute wait, and only ended up waiting five. It’s massive inside, so it seems they do a good job of turning the tables over. The historic restaurant has been a local favorite since 1856 and has a cozy, old-school atmosphere, often attracting both locals and tourists. It was a great spot for a hearty meal before we got on the road.

Additional Activities and Recommendations

Here are some great options to add to your Washington, DC itinerary if you have more time or if you’re planning a road trip:

• Baltimore Aquarium: A captivating underwater world where kids can see sharks, dolphins, and tropical fish up close. It’s a perfect stop if you’re traveling from Philadelphia.
• Spy Museum: A hands-on adventure where kids can test spy skills, crack codes, and go undercover on interactive missions. My husband and I visited this museum pre-kids, and it’s an absolute blast! It’s recommended for ages 9+, so we skipped it this time. We’re definitely planning to return when the kids are older.
• Lego Discovery Center Washington, DC: A paradise for young builders, featuring LEGO rides, play zones, and a mini city made of LEGO bricks.
• The O Museum in the Mansion: A hidden gem filled with secret doors and themed rooms, perfect for curious kids who love to explore.
• National Gallery of Art: A treasure trove of masterpieces, with kid-friendly scavenger hunts and an outdoor sculpture garden to explore.
• National Portrait Gallery: Features famous faces from history, with interactive exhibits and activities to engage young visitors.
• Georgetown Neighborhood: A charming area with cobblestone streets, waterfront views, and plenty of kid-friendly shops, parks, and ice cream spots, perfect for a walking tour. If you have kids who still stroller nap, this is your spot.
• Ford’s Theater: A working theater and museum where kids can learn about Abraham Lincoln’s legacy through exhibits and ranger talks.

Final Thoughts

Washington, DC was an incredible destination for our family vacation. The city’s mix of educational attractions, iconic sights, and kid-friendly activities made it perfect for traveling with our sons. We’ll cherish the memories we made on this trip and can’t wait to return to explore even more of what DC has to offer.

I hope you find this DC itinerary helpful! Feel free to email me or send a message on Instagram if you need further advice—I’m always happy to share more tips and insights to help you travel.