Family-Friendly Spring Travel Guide to Washington, D.C.

Cherry Blossom Festival: Takes place from mid-March to mid-April each year. There are scheduled events during this time, such as the popular Kite Festival, though the peak bloom days for the trees vary year to year. While the trees are amazing, you will find hotel rates a bit higher during this time and the crowds may or may not appeal to you.

D.C. is home to the largest collection of free museums in the country. The Smithsonian museums alone include 17 great options. Top options for families include the National Air & Space Museum, the National Museum of Natural History, and the National Postal Museum, to name a few.

Visit The U.S. Botanical Garden, which offers plant collections from many different climates and habitats. They have great family programming, some of which is drop in, and pack a sketchpad and coloring materials for the kids for a fun way to incorporate art into your travels. PS: Also free!

Stroll the National Mall and visit the monuments. Amazing opportunities for photo ops. The best time to go is early in the morning for less crowds, though dusk also produces some beautiful shots.

For older kids, the International Spy Museum has some fun and interactive activities and exhibits to practice your detective skills.

Go to a Nationals Game: Located in the Navy Yard neighborhood of the city and filled with new construction, eateries, etc. Tickets are easy to come by as of late (minor dig from a Phillies fan), and there is a small playground in the stadium for kiddos who need to get some energy out.

Stroll the Georgetown neighborhood: Great mix of beautiful residential streets, shopping, and eateries, plus the waterfront area is a great place for a bite or drink after a long day of touring.

The National Children’s Museum: Great for both younger and older children with many featured events—both on a seasonal and weekly basis.

Check a few states off the list by venturing to either National Harbor or Old Town Alexandria via water taxi. Both boast walkable areas and plenty of dining options, with the National Harbor in Maryland having The Capital Wheel (Ferris wheel) and Alexandria offering quaint cobblestone streets dotted with colonial-era homes and many local shops and restaurants on King Street.

Ted’s Bulletin: Offering a handful of locations in the D.C. area, Ted’s Bulletin is a great choice for all-day breakfast or a pit stop for a sweet treat. Their poptarts and milkshakes are the perfect way to reenergize after a long day of walking.

Busboys and Poets: Various locations sprinkled around the D.C. area and offering both culture and great sandwiches, salads, burgers, and shareable bites.

Old Ebbitt Grill: Classic D.C. stop right in the heart of the Penn Quarter neighborhood and close to the monuments. Big menu that will have something for everyone.

Baked & Wired: Located in the Georgetown neighborhood, and in my opinion, superior to any other cupcake offered in the area. Their coffee beverages and baked goods are definitely worth a morning visit or afternoon pit stop.

Hop into Eastern Market in the Capitol Hill neighborhood for a snack or some grocery items to have in your hotel room.

Hank’s Oyster Bar: Known for their seafood, raw bar, and waterfront location, it’s perfect for a bite before catching a game at Nationals Park.