Does DC area have spring break in March?

[TxJasmine]

Thinking about going to Washington DC the middle of March, and was wondering when spring break is in that part of the country. We want to avoid crowds and are hoping that mid-March is a less crowded time of year. Is assumption correct? Any info will be greatly appreciated!

 

[caitycaity]

don't know about local schools, but my university (in dc) is on spring break in march. shouldn't effect you b/c most of them leave.

in general, the massive amounts of tourists don't start hitting until april. i think you'll be fine.

 

[snoopy]

My kids go to D.C. public schools and their break is April 5-12. Not sure about the counties in Maryland and Virginia though, but typically, our spring break in this area is at Easter -- either the week before or after.

 

[tkd lisa]

DC at spring break time is always absolutely insane. Regardless of when DC schools are out, every middle school in the country seems to take field trips to DC over spring break! Where I work used to be in Crystal City before the base realignment process. From about this time of year through the end of April, there were always hoards of teens in the food court area, because that was how their packages were set up.

Even with that little rant, DC is a really good place to visit. Sometimes you can see cherry blossoms in mid-March (probably not this year cause it's been pretty chilly), and the temps are usually reasonable at that time. You'll probably need light jackets and be prepared for the occasional shower, but at least it's not 100 degrees with 98% humidity like the summer here.

Oh, and to answer your original question, our kids get between 2 and 4 days off for spring break (depending on snow days, they can take back the first and last day). This year, they are off 8-13 April (yes, that's Thursday through Tuesday, I know it's weird!). Catholic schools are off the from Good Friday through the following week.

Good luck!

 

[Christine]

I live in a Virginia suburb of DC. DS (who is in public school) has his break 5-12 April. DD (in private school) has her break 9-16 April.

 

[Kimickey]

DD is in private school here in MD, which is about 10 minutes from DC and her spring break is March 29-April 2.

 

[ValerieK]

We live in Northern Virginia and my DS's spring Break is April 2-9. I think most schools in the area are either the week before or week after Easter.

There are a lot of school groups that visit in the spring. The Cherry Blossoms are excpeted to be in full bloom on April 4th. So, crowds will start getting bad before that.

Have a lot of fun. We love going down and seeing all the sites. Go to the Spy Museum, it is wonderful.

 

[TxJasmine]

Thank you all for the info. I just hope it's not too crowded in a few weeks.

Valerie, thanks for the input about the Spy Museum. We'll have to go check it out!

 

[daughter_of_amid_chaos]

I was in Washington DC last March for a government program from the 15th to the 22nd (yes the week war was declared on Iraq..that was interesting).

DC is always going to be crowded but I didn't see it as being any worse than anywhere else during spring break.
the smithsonian had serious lines though

 

[LisaF]

Our fourth trip to DC over Spring Break is March 22 - 26. DC is a very large city, with many many things to see and do. Take your time, plan exactly where you are going and make reservations if possible. Contact your local Congressman or woman about tours through the Capital Building. They can offer you suggestions and information on what to expect. You can purchase $2.00 tickets in advance to go up to the top of the Washington Monument - through the National Park System, not ticket master. This is a timed entry tour. The new Spy Museum requires tickets as it is also a timed entry museum. Check the Ford Theatre website for days they may be closed. If they have a new play scheduled, the Park Ranger talk and museum are not always open. We have never run into unmanageable crowds except during The Kite Festival in 1998. DC is a beautiful city and is very easily navigated through their Metro system. BTW, we will be travelling from Ohio.

LisaF