24 Hours in Washington, DC with Kids

The most effective format for this trip is to focus on one main attraction, one additional museum if you have the energy and the monuments. You can begin this trip in two ways. We came into DC the same day we explored. After checking into our hotel to drop off our bags, we immediately went to the National Zoo. The National Zoo is free with a ticket, which must be obtained in advance. Everyone comes for the giant pandas which are amazing, but there are lots of cool exhibits from red pandas and meerkats to tigers and small mammals. I recommend bringing water and a snack as you will get tired and hungry!

After the zoo, if your group has the energy, you can visit another big ticket museum such as the National Air and Space Museum (required tickets) or the National Museum of Natural History (no tickets). Children love the exhibits and the opportunity to see items like the Mars rover and pretending to be on the moon.

By now, your room should be ready, so it’s a great time to return to your room, give the kids a break, order room service and relax for a few hours.

At dusk, you’ll find perfect timing to visit the monuments during golden hour, with less crowds, cooler temperatures and a different perspective of the sunset glow.

If you follow our version, the morning works for a leisurely breakfast before returning home. Hotel breakfast works nicely, especially if you have it covered with your hotel. Otherwise there are many amazing restaurants in the area. Hotels close enough to the monuments allow you one last time to check out ones you may have missed before checking out.

You can also change the order by starting day one at check-in time and going to the monuments first that evening before continuing the day one itinerary the following day.