fun in dc Help me plan!

[sallysmom]

Not sure of the timing of your trip but my family went the week leading into Labor Day. Our schools don't start until after Labor Day (NY) and while I was prepared to see huge crowds in DC we simply didn't have that to deal with as most local DC schools were back in session. What a relief.
Also, we went on a total budget plan. Stayed in a hotel outside of the city and took the Metro everywhere. Hotel had a pool and we came back in the late afternoons to enjoy it. Then a couple of times we DROVE in to the city for dinner (much easier then and you can park on the street at meters) and to take in some sights at night. Nothing like seeing the Capital building and the White House all lit up!
Keep in mind, you will be doing a lot of walking and you will get TIRED. Try not to squeeze too much into your trip or you won't enjoy it. That's why we chose to stay in a hotel with a pool. Think of it like a Disney trip!
There are plenty of "free" things to do in DC. The Smithsonians are all free and there's no way you can see them all. I advise you to pick a couple that have the most general interest and then pick which exhibits you want to see within that museum before you even step in the door. You'll be amazed how quickly time flies and if you hope to see everything on the wish lists, you need to keep to your plan.
I also highly recommend the free guided tour of the Bureau of Engraving. It's where they print the paper money and the tour is really intersting. My DD9, DH and I really enjoyed it. The guys working in the plant had funny signs they held up during the tour and we really felt like we learned something interesting. And it's FREE!
Enjoy your trip to the nation's capital!

 

[lovemygoofy]

Actually were doing 7 days simply cause we plan to take a trip to nyc too. Mom was conserned about the cost but also the boring factor (shes not a disney person) when we were going to disney. Alot of things are free in DC. Ive done DC twice before but never with kids. We were considering flying into Baltimore and taking the same van service I took in 05. I have looked online at some of the places you can go free. Were planning on finding a grocery store when we get there for some breakfast goodies. As far as New York I have loooked into a few bus services but were hoping our family freind will be avaible to come touring with us (and pick us up). I didnt think of making one from Night at the Museum. Are all the things in the movie things Im likey to find in the measums? Its been awile. I have a guide book from 04 but I will be checking out the libary for more. Airfair and hotel is around 883 a person for us to go to Dc.

Holy cow!!! Your mom, I'm guessing your mom anyways, is planning to drop around 5k for your vacation to D.C.?!!? Does she know this??

There are many free things to do in the area I agree with that. I just know it's expensive to eat here. We had mcdonalds on saturday at the air and space museum and dropped $15 for two meals. I don't want to harp on the cost though so I hope you and your family enjoy the trip.

About your trip NYC though, I hope you are planning some good money if that isn't in this budget already. Also, I don't know that you understand that NYC is not just a skip away. Traffic can be such a nightmare that the drive can easily result in an all day one way event. It took me 48 mins to go 3 almost 4 miles the other day if that gives you an indication.

I'm a great friend and loyal family member but there are very few people I'd go to the gates of hell for and I aliken the drive to NYC and D.C. to going to the gates of hell lol. You better be making some back up plans because I don't know too many friends that would just drive down to pick you up and then drive you back so you can fly home unless you are flying out of NYC.

Don't wear yourself or your family out trying to do everything possible here. It takes a good few hours to go through a museum and there are 14 Smithsonian museums. Enjoy being on vacation and just looking around. My favorite area is the tidal basin but it is quite a hike from the metro stop. Take a tour of where the money is printed. That's pretty neat and keeps the whole family entertained usually. Get the guide books, that will help with the eats and where to sleep and the events for children. Also I know that there is a good size thread from the community board about D.C. and I believe another on the budget board. Do a search and you should find them. Have a good trip and happy planning.

 

[sdchickie]

Wow, great tips here! I've been living in the DC area since I was 12 (that's many years now) and still haven't done several things that were suggested. It's funny how you take where you live for granted. I think I'll take the kids to the Bureau of Engraving this weekend, sounds like fun.