Taking your kids to visit Washington D.C. is something most families should try to do at some point.  I think the museums and historic sites of this area are best appreciated by children over age 10.  I suggest leaving your car parked at the hotel and taking advantage of the metro system so you don’t have to worry about traffic and parking around the crowded National Mall area.  Most of the Smithsonian Museums, Monuments, and public buildings are free of charge and open to the public daily.  There are a few places where you will want to make reservations in advance, but in most cases you are free to explore at your own pace.

Model Itinerary

Day 1:
During our trip to Washington D.C. we booked a room at the Hyatt Centric Arlington Hotel in Arlington, VA.  The hotel is within walking distance to the Rosslyn Metro Stop and is located 2 miles from the Lincoln Memorial.  In the evening, there are plenty of restaurants within walking distance of the hotel. ​
Day 2:
Take the subway to the Capitol South stop to visit The U.S. Capital Building.    To tour the U.S. Capitol visitors must be part of a guided tour.  You can make reservations in advance through the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center or contact your Representative.  Advanced registration is highly recommended!   The guided tour lasts 45 minutes.  Don’t miss the Exhibition Hall on the first level of the Visitor Center after your tour.  If you would like to visit a session of Congress, contact your Representative in advance to obtain a pass.  Spend the afternoon visiting nearby Capitol Hill attractions including the Library of Congress, the Botanic Garden and the U.S. Supreme Court.  The Court is open for self-guided tours on Monday-Friday from 9- 4:30 pm.  I highly recommend getting in line for one of the Courtroom Lectures that take place inside the courtroom.  Lectures last 30 minutes and begin at 9:30 a.m.  In the evening, head over to Union Station for dinner.
Day 3:
Spend the day visiting one or more of The Smithsonian Museums located on the National Mall.  All of the Smithsonian Museums are free and open to the public daily from 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Most of the museums have a cafeteria on sight for lunch.  Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture
Smithsonian National Museum of American History
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
Smithsonian IMAX and Planetarium
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
National Museum of the American Indian Museum
Hirshhorn Museum
National Gallery of Art
​In the evening, spend time visiting some of the National Monuments on the Mall.  Start with the National World War II Memorial then head over to the Washington Monument and The White House.
Day 4:
Start with a visit to the National Archives to see the original Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.  Reservations are not required but are strongly recommended.  For lunch, go across the street to the café at the outdoor sculpture garden next to the National Gallery of Art.  After lunch, visit another Smithsonian Museum.  In the evening, tour the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial,   and Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial located on Independence Ave around the Tidal Basin.
Day 5:
This morning take the metro to Arlington National Cemetery.  As you walk through the cemetery you can stop at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the gravesite of President John F. Kennedy.   In the afternoon, return to the National Mall area to visit the Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the Korean War Veterans Memorial.
Day 6:
The most popular attractions in DC are located near the National Mall, but there are still many National Parks and attractions to explore outside of this area.  
Ford’s Theatre National Historic Site: Visit the theatre where President Lincoln was shot.  There is an active theatre, a museum, and the Peterson House across the street.   Get tickets for an evening performance or stop by during the day to tour the museum.  
The Bureau of Engraving and Printing:  The 40 minute tour includes a film and a gallery tour of the production process where you can see millions of dollars being printed.  Admission is free but I recommend calling the Visitor Center at 1-866-874-2330 for ticket information.  
Smithsonian’s National Zoo: This free zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the U.S.  One of the most popular attractions is the giant panda exhibit.  
Mount Vernon: The home of President George Washington is located 15 miles south of Washington, D.C.  The home and grounds are open for tours daily from 9:00 AM- 5:00 PM.
Theodore Roosevelt Island: The memorial for President Roosevelt sits on an island in the Potomac River.  The island has miles of trails through the woods and is a great escape for nature lovers.
Day 7:
You might need an extra day to fit in everything you wanted to do during your trip! ​
But if not, return home and start planning your next family adventure!