Washington D.C. & Kids-- Right Age??

[clori]

I went last April with dd6, dd10 and dd's friend 12. While it wasn't a one time trip for us it was for my parents who are in their 80s and it has been my mom's dream trip for years. Our goal was to take in as much as possible that my mother wanted to do but knew we wouldn't see it all.
My dd6 wasn't impressed with the White House Visitor's Center but she did do the free Junior Ranger book. She ended up falling asleep on the tour of the US Capitol (and this is a kid who stopped napping at 1.5). However beyond those two things dd6 loved D.C. DD ended up skippping the Library of Congress since my parents wanted to sleep in (our tour was early) but I went and think she would not have enjoyed it much.
Some of the things we did that dd6 really loved - touring Arlington National Cemetary - sure she was more interested in the Cherry Blossoms than the historical graves but she was mesmerized by the Changing of the Guard. We saw a play at Ford's Theater and did an audio tour at the Ford's Theater museum - the audio tour made it interesting for dd. DD enjoyed watching how money is made at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. While we didn't hit many of the Smithsonian Museums - dd had a great time especially with hands on exhibits at the American Museum, Museum of Natural History, Museum of Air and Space and Postal Museum. We also had to do the carousel ride on the mall and toured some of the outdoor Smithsonian places like the Sculpture garden.
The Clock Tower at the Old Post Office was neat to visit. DD also had a lot of fun on our Monument Tour - we did a trolley type tour and the driver was really funny combined with freedom to play some outside in nice weather.
I was surprised at how much dd liked the National Archives but it may have helped that we talked about it ahead of time and she had watched some of Liberty Kids with older dd. My oldest dd and I did a ghost tour in Alexandria that dd6 would have enjoyed had she come but both dd6 and d friend 12 choose to have more swim time at the hotel.
Basically there is tons to do in DC that you can pick and choose what to do. Sure not everything is perfect for all ages but you can't see everything in all visits. Depending on where you live riding the metro can be fun (we take the subway at home). We skipped the zoo since it would have been too much for my parents but it sounded fun. We also skipped most places that had an extra charge.
Most of what we did was free but I paid extra for some things. We paid for timed tickets to the National Archives but I think it was $1-3 per person. I paid for Ford's Theater because I knew my 87 year old father would want to go there. We did the tourmobile tour inside Arlington National Cemetary to reduce the walking for my parents. We also opted to pay for an evening monument trolley tour. As for kids my dd10 loved every single place we visited. DD's friend 12 got bored easily if thing weren't hands on so some of it depends on the kid.

 

[Swimalie]

We are local, but I have been taking my DS since he was 2 years old. Some of our favorite outings were to the National Zoo or the Museum of Natural History (he loved the dinosaurs best when he was little) or the Museum of American History (we would stop off here and let him look at the trains before hitting the Museum of Natural History). As he got older, he began to appreciate the Air and Space Museum too. There really is a lot to do for all ages in Washington, DC!

Same here. My son is only 6 and we go downtown often. He loves it each time. We haven't done everything yet (waiting for a friend to get us the inside tour of the White House!). But he loved the Washington Monument, Air and Space and Natural History. Our last museum was American Indian (again) and he had a blast. He and I went alone while my husband was out of town to the Cherry Blossom Festival. We walked around the tidal basin and took in the sights. It was so worth it.

 

[CastleChick]

We took our 9, 6 and 4 year olds on an east coast road trip last summer that included DC on the 4th of July. They loved it! It was a pain while we were there mainly because we had 2 days alotted for DC and then DH wanted to drop one of them so it was a ton of walking in 1 day (no strollers).

They understood what they were seeing and even now they'll see a monument or the White House on TV (or other things on our trip like NYC, Statue of Liberty, etc) and start talking about "when we were actually there". It is pretty awesome to see that they remember it.

Now, Philly was another story lol. They remember the cheese steaks and liberty bell but that's about it.

 

[Ariel8676]

I think it depends on the children. I have friends who have taken their kids and they were bored. My DH and i take our kids every year (10,9,6,1) and they absolutely love it. The Air and Space museum, the museum of Natural History(that is my 9 yo DDs favorite, and can stay there all day..lol), The National zoo...just amazing, they love to see the White House, the monument..lol just naming their favorites. They also think the Metro is "sooo cool" lol And the best part...everything is free!
Last year we took them to the Holocaust museum..we took the full tour (we live in an area here in NJ with a large Jewish community, so they learn a lot about it) They were so well behaved and learned so much about that time. They cried, and they were confused..but they were able to learn so much. Now some people think im nuts for doing it, but they were amazing. They all came home and researched the person they got in the beginning of the tour..they got to go back into their history and find out if they were survivors.
Ok so this is longer than i wanted, but i think it is important for children to experience everything we have around us. There is always time for games and playing..

 

[soonerfan2008]

I can't imagine kids the age yours are NOT getting a lot out of a DC trip.

We took our oldest to DC several times between the ages of 2-4. She went to the Holocaust Museum at 2.5, and yes, we did explain in very basic terms, everything we saw. She STILL talks about it 3 years later, especially the shoes and the children's exhibit. Our girls loved the zoo, the museums, the Mall area, seeing the government buildings, etc.

Sometimes I think people (not directed towards anyone in particular) sell their kids short. Kids, when given the opportunity, enjoy all sorts of educational trips. If you wait until they "appreciate" or "remember" every detail, you may as well not travel until they are adults. Expose your kids to culture, art and history from the time they are young, and it will just be part of who they are. (Said as a mom and a teacher)

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

I live in the DC area and I have to agree that a 6 and 8 year old can have a fantastic time in DC. I would definitely take them.

 

[finz2left]

Wow. I'm surprised by so many naysayers. We went when my kids were 5, 7, and 9. They had the time of their lives in the different museums. We watched National treasure before we went, and they couldn't wait to find the things they had seen in the movie!

They loved the Natural History Museum, the outdoor monuments, the outside of the White House, the tour of Congress, the Archives (Declaration of Independence), and riding the subway. They have been begging to go back, so we are heading there again this summer.

If you take it at a kid's pace, and think about ways to teach them what to expect before hand, it can be a great experience. THEN, when they are learning history, they can tie it to things they have seen.

 

[Claire&TheBoys]

I have to say that I have boys aged 9 and 5 (almost 6) and DC isn't in the plans for us for a couple more years. It will probably be a one-time trip for us and yes, I do want my youngest to have some appreciation and understanding of what he's seeing. He is very much a go-go-go child and to take him at this time would mean racing through the museums. I'm afraid it would be frustrating for the rest of us who would want to examine things more closely or actually read the accompanying information.

Sure, kids can enjoy anything. I was fortunate to travel a lot when I was a young child (I am the youngest by more than 10 years in my family) but I don't remember seeing the Grand Canyon at 3, or even Nova Scotia at 6. I know I was there, I've seen pictures, and even remember having really fun vacations in a vague sort of way. But I don't really remember anything about those trips. I want to take my kids many places, but I do hope they'll have concrete memories of them.

 

[MissDaisyofTexas]

My oldest son is 7 1/2 years old and he has asked to go to Washington D.C. several times! He checks out books from the library about Presidents and seems to have a genuine interest in visiting the city. However, we have 2 other kids, ages 4 and 1, and we have so many places we'd like to go on vacation that I think I'd like to do D.C. only once so we are going to wait until my others are a bit older.

I was the youngest of 3 growing up, and we went to D.C. when I was 5 and I remember being bored to tears on that trip! But I think my siblings got more out of it.

But like the others have said...all kids are different, and the trip can be what you make of it!

 

[crisi]

We went last year when the kids were "not quite 12 and not quite 13." It was a great trip at that age....we loved it. My 13 year old son was perhaps a little bored being dragged through museums by his parents - if he had his way all vacations would involve oceans, preferably surfboards, or rollercoasters - but even he enjoyed himself.

I think its a little like WDW - IF you are only going to go once, there are better and worse times, but there is plenty to do for all ages. Your kids are a little young for Washington DC and there may be a better time. IF its a functionally free or easily affordable trip, there is plenty to do and you'll have a blast.

 

[sandgrace]

As the mother of a 7 year old this thread has been very interesting to me. Thanks to the OP for this question, and thank you to all of the posters for your very informative responses. When is the best time of year to visit Washington DC with younger children? I've never been there and have always wanted to go, but when is it least crowded? If there is such a thing....also is it an expensive trip compared to Disney?

We love Disney and go there often but Washington DC may be a new exciting experience for our daughter. TIA!

 

[crisi]

As the mother of a 7 year old this thread has been very interesting to me. Thanks to the OP for this question, and thank you to all of the posters for your very informative responses. When is the best time of year to visit Washington DC with younger children? I've never been there and have always wanted to go, but when is it least crowded? If there is such a thing....also is it an expensive trip compared to Disney?

We love Disney and go there often but Washington DC may be a new exciting experience for our daughter. TIA!

Summer tends to be crowded. We went in later August - after Congress had left town, and it wasn't too busy (but it can be quite hot). Cherry tree season is busy. Busy isn't bad in Washington DC, since the more popular museums then keep longer hours.

As to expense, much of Washington DC is free! The Smithsonian, the Capitol tours, the monuments, the zoo. Some other things are cheap (there was a dollar per person charge for getting a reservation to the U.S. Holocaust museum, though you can show up day of and get a free slot, I think I paid a similar service charge for a slot for Ford's Theatre). But be prepared to pay through the nose for food and a hotel. Also there are for profit attractions - The Spy Museum is probably the most popular of these. If you aren't within walking distance of the Mall (and even if you are) you might want Metro or cab fare (and for some things - the zoo - you'd need it unless the only attraction walkable from your hotel was the zoo). Also, at least six months before you go, contact your representative who can get you tickets to the U.S. Mint (watch money being made), the White House (you only tour a few rooms, and security is tight, but its very cool), the Capitol and a few other places (free again - your tax dollars at work).

 

[Colleen1011]

I have taken my son several times to d.c. . He enjoys history so it works for us.

 

[delmar411]

I think their ages are ok. We take the kids every year to do all the DC stuff. But the season is not. Summer is nasty in DC and it really drags you down.

So I vote Colorado because of the time of year that you'd be going. If there was a conference in the spring, then I'd say go for it.

My kids like the natural history museum (they could spend hours in the butterfly room), the air & space museum (esp the one by Dulles), the mall when there are activities and events going on, & the zoo.

 

[Mrs.Malone]

As the mother of a 7 year old this thread has been very interesting to me. Thanks to the OP for this question, and thank you to all of the posters for your very informative responses. When is the best time of year to visit Washington DC with younger children? I've never been there and have always wanted to go, but when is it least crowded? If there is such a thing....also is it an expensive trip compared to Disney?

We love Disney and go there often but Washington DC may be a new exciting experience for our daughter. TIA!

If you need to work around school, August is the best time, IMO. Crowds are way down especially as August goes along. Most school trips happen very early in the summer so you don't have the big school groups. It's hot, but to me heat is manageable without crowds!
I will never again go during spring break/cherry blossom season. It's beautiful but the crowds can be unbelievable. You will think you've seen every 8th grader from the entire U.S.

If you can go during the school year, Sept/Oct is even better.

 

[TheElectricMayhem]

We have family in NoVa so we get to DC every few years. We've already taken our children and the older of the two really enjoyed it, she 'got' the Lincoln memorial, the tomb of the unknown soldier and Mt. Vernon. She has been asking to go back and go on a White House tour. Kids can have a great time doing almost anything, really.

 

[Ariel8676]

As the mother of a 7 year old this thread has been very interesting to me. Thanks to the OP for this question, and thank you to all of the posters for your very informative responses. When is the best time of year to visit Washington DC with younger children? I've never been there and have always wanted to go, but when is it least crowded? If there is such a thing....also is it an expensive trip compared to Disney?

We love Disney and go there often but Washington DC may be a new exciting experience for our daughter. TIA!

I dont know of the best time to go..but our favorite time is the long Memorial Day weekend. It is a bit crowded, and there are a million bikers there (its really cool though to see them all riding together) but they also have parades for Memorial day, and there are a ton of military men and woman. Its really special to see the men and woman in uniform in the parades..and my kids always love seeing "Abe Lincoln" and "George Washington" walking down the strees
But honestly it is sooooo spread out unless you want to do a tour or something i dont think you will even realize crowds..lol

 

[2bearsmom]

We went in August of '10 on our way home from the beach, it was a spur of the moment thing so we were just there for the day to look around, since we were basically driving right through we thought we should stop...no museums or anything. My then 5yr old ds hated it and it was an awful day for us, melt down after melt down from him, me dragging him down the street to get to the white house so we could meet up with my dh....him screaming and crying the whole way...it went on an on! It was so very hot and humid that day too which didn't help matters and it was a lot of walking. We would love to take our 10yr old ds back soon but the 6yr old will have to stay behind with grandma so we can have an enjoyable time! We can laugh about it now but boy was it unbearable the few short hours we were there! Every picture of the boys is of one happy and smiling and the other with a miserable, crying mad face! I'm not sure he will ever make it back!

 

[clori]

We went last April 18-23 during my kids April vacation week. We thought the time ended up being wonderful. The official Cherry Blossom festival was over but they were still in bloom. We honestly didn't find anything that crowded but it may help that dh is from midtown New York. The weather was perfect for not needing a coat until maybe nighttime without being too hot. The Smithsonian had a scheduled posting of 5pm but we usually saw signs that said open until 7pm.

We went to the Capital Visitor's Center early for our scheduled tour since we expected long lines. We walked right up/thru security. Since we were early we ended up going back out to look around a bit and again the line thru security was empty (one family in front of us). Many places we had timed tickets for and did find them very helpful. My sister and I did line up at 6am for tickets to the bureau of Engraving and Printing since we didn't have advanced tickets but once the line started moving we had no trouble getting tickets.

I agree that food and hotel is expensive. We picked a hotel out of convenience (across the street from the subway - Embassy suites in Alexandria) which allowed for easy commute for my 80+ year old parents and two room suites for the 8 of us - two suites). We could have gone a bit cheaper but convenience overrode price due to elderly parents. Having a free breakfast, evening snacks, indoor pool etc added to our hotel value. For food we ate the free hotel breakfast and snacks when there. We did more food court places than big meals such as lunch at the Capital Visitor Center which had things like roast chicken,potatoes and a veggie as a kids meal. We also went to a food court at a mall connected to the subway.

 

[J3nn78]

You know your kids best. For some they may be too young to appreciate it. We did DC with my 5 and 6 year olds this summer. The 5 year old enjoyed it-mostly the museum and was a little bored with the monuments and buildings, but my 6 year old LOVED all of it. He loved visiting the monuments and buildings and diving deeper into our country's history. But, I am sure that is not the case for most 6 year olds I suppose.