There is so much to see and do on a Budget Washington DC with Kids Itinerary. Thanks to all the Monuments and Smithsonian museums it’s pretty easy to fill the week with free or low cost activities. This trip focuses on the Free activities though some may have small fee for reservations or tour. There’s many wonderful museums that have much higher fees, but it’s not necessary to spend that money and this Budget Washington DC with Kids Itinerary provides a great Varity so you aren’t in museums all day for a full week.
1 Day in Budget Washington DC with Kids Itinerary
This itinerary is designed for warmer weather days, so that you visit outdoor activities in the morning and then indoor activities in the afternoon to get a break from the heat. If visiting in Winter you may want to flip the morning and afternoon activities. Just make sure you make your reservations where necessary for the appropriate times.
Washington DC Memorials and Monuments
If you only have 1 Day in Washington, start your morning off early, and head to the National Mall to visit the monuments. While the walk alone will take about an hour you will want to plan 2-2.5 hours to include time spent at each memorial. Additional time if you go up the Washington Monument, which you will need a reservation for.
The White House
Head over to Presidential Park to view the White Houses. If you want a tour you will have to make reservations ahead of time and public tour requests are scheduled through your Member of Congress and their Congressional Tour Coordinator.
Smithsonian Air and Space Museum
One of our favorite museums to visit with our kids. Explore everything from Airplanes, to Space Ships. You can easily spend 2-3 hours here, and since they close at 5:30, you likely will finish your day here. Free timed entry tickets are required.
US Capitol
If you have energy left, take a short 4 minute walk to the US capital to view this magnificent building. If you want a tour, you will likely need advanced reservations and you may need to cut some of the memorials you visit in the morning or start your day super early.
2 Day Budget Washington DC with Kids Itinerary
If you have 2 days to spend in Washington DC with kids, enjoy the Day 1 itinerary on your first day.
Smithsonian National Zoological Park
On Day 2, start your day off at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park. The Zoo is small but packs a good punch. And it’s often the favorite of kids on a visit to DC. Since the Zoo opens early you can start your day off there and squeeze in a little extra time into your day.
National Archives Museum
Such an important part of history and our country. Everyone should visit the National Archives to witness the foundation of our country, the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Right. You’ll need about an hour here, so make sure you grab lunch if it’s close to lunch time, so everyone has energy for the rest of the day.
Smithsonian National Museum of American History or Museum of Natural History
In the Afternoon, head to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History or Museum of Natural History. The Museum of Natural history is wonderful for younger kids as there’s a lot of information on animals and other natural science. The Museum of American History is great of slightly older kids 4th Grade and up as it has a lot of interesting displays from the industrial revolution to Food History.
3 Day Budget Washington DC with Kids Itinerary
After 2 days of walking around the city it’s time to head outside the city.
Great Falls Park, National Park Site
Take in these beautiful falls and enjoy a troll down a path stopping at 3 view points. These are some of the most beautiful falls we’ve seen in the US. There’s hiking trails as well if you are interested in a hike and if you have your bikes you can ride them on the old carriage trail.
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, Air and Space Museum
A Satellite location of the Air and Space Museum, this location houses Varity of airplanes as well as the Challenger Space Ship.
4 Day Budget Washington DC with Kids Itinerary
It may be tight to fit 3 stops in today so make sure you arrive right at opening. Spend about 2 hours at each stop and make a quick stop at a food truck along the way for lunch to make sure you squeeze it all in.
Arts and Industries Building and its Collection
At the time of this posting, the Art and Industries Building is hosting a Futures Collection. It’s a really cool collection displaying innovation for the future. So much of DC is history, it’s neat change of pace to see where we could be heading.
United States Botanical Gardens
This is a fun change of pace, and kids really enjoy it too.
Smithsonian National Museum of American History or Museum of Natural History-second choice
If there’s time head to whichever of these 2 museums you didn’t visit on Day 2.
5 Day Budget Washington DC with Kids Itinerary
A little over an Hour away is Shenandoah National Park. Spend the day out in nature. Take a scenic Drive, with many options for outlooks, stop by the Visitors center for the Junior Rangers Program, and head on a few hikes. Pack a Picnic lunch. If you are a nature lover, and enjoy National Parks, this is a must stop on a Washington DC with Kids Itinerary.
6 Day Budget Washington DC with Kids Itinerary
Head back to the City, spend the morning at one of the Smithsonian Art Museums such as Hirschhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. You could also visit the Holocaust Museum, a very popular museum, but I personally recommend it for much older kids.
Ford’s Theatre
Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C. memorializes the day President Lincoln was assassinated, a day ingrained in American history. Plan 2-3 Hours for this visit.
C&O Canal Towpath in Georgetown
Another option is simply to take a stroll. Maybe enjoy a relaxing lunch at one of the eateries around the area.
7 Day Budget Washington DC with Kids Itinerary
Head outside DC to one of the many National Park Sites around the DC Area. One of our favorites is the Manassas Battlefield. Or maybe my favorite park is stopping by the Manassas Winery near by. They have a picnic area for families, you can pack and picnic and enjoy their wine for purchase onsite. Often there is a live band as well.
If your looking for budget accommodations, consider staying outside of DC and driving in each day. There’s many ways to make this a budget trip to DC with affordable accommodations and food.
Budget Washington DC with Kids Itinerary
Budget Washington DC with Kids Itinerary for whatever length of trip you are making. Make sure to substitute any priority sites or museums. This itinerary balances outdoor activities with indoors as well as museums with other activities to mix things up. This trip exposes kids to so much information, make sure to take some time to enjoy the breaks. There’s plenty of budget friendly accommodations and eateries for A Budget Trip to Washington DC with Kids.