Washington D.C., our Nation’s Capitol… a place that you may be surprised to find out is highly affordable for a family trip on a budget! Although there is no shortage of fancy hotels and expensive meals, I’ve got some tips and tricks for your trip so you don’t break the bank!
Where to stay:
You may start your search looking right in the heart of DC, but I found out the key word that can save you hundreds of dollars… Metro. If you’re not familiar with big city life, the Metro is an amazing subway train that can you get right where you want to be anywhere in D.C. Using the Metro to get into the city from a hotel on the outskirts is key to staying on a budget.
My recommendation: Hilton Washington DC/Rockville Hotel
This Hilton backs up to the METRO line, and in as little as 30 minutes you’ll arrive in the heart of Washington D.C. They offer spacious rooms, 24-hour fitness center (although you’ll get your daily steps in touring the Capitol), a cafe that serves Starbucks and an American bistro that is open for every meal. A double queen room was plenty of space for four of us. Join the Hilton Honors Program for FREE and get even more perks during your stay (scroll down for Hilton Honors program info).
The location of this hotel is simply unbeatable. There is a Safeway across the street, as well as local restaurants like Smashburger, Dunkin’ Donuts, QDOBA, TGI Fridays and more. We packed a lunch each day from the grocery store and then ate dinner at a local restaurant and saved on expensive dining while in the city.
What to see:
Whether you’re looking for family fun or historical sights, Washington DC is packed with a variety of activities that are free or low cost. Here are my top recommendations:
National Mall
The National Mall took my breath away. Photos cannot do it justice as you stand on Capitol Hill and take in the view all the way to the Washington Monument, with world-class museums all along the way. I had my son look at all the different museums available and pick his top 2: The Museum of Natural History and The National Air and Space Museum. You have to remember that you can’t possibly see all of the museums in one day, so take in what you can. The majority of museums in the National Mall are FREE as a part of the Smithsonian Institution, so they are not cost-preventative for any visitor.
My son loves the Night at the Museum movies, so this museum peaked his interest. From the massive African elephant display and the dinosaur/fossil exhibits to the butterfly pavilion, he just marveled at all there was to see. This is the perfect museum for kids because it has many interactive components that keep them engaged in learning about the amazing history.
We took a trip to the moon! Yes, virtual reality and simulation rides were a hit at this museum (these rides are at an extra cost). This museum was great for all ages. The highlights were the discovery areas for kids to get hands on and an opportunity to walk through a space shuttle. They have amazing docents working stations for extra learning opportunities, and we got to hold a shooting star!
Outdoor Monuments/Memorials
There is so much to explore throughout the National Mall without even entering a building! If you’ve been to a big city, then you’ve probably seen the motorized scooters and bicycles. These made exploring the outdoor sights so much easier for us. While you cannot take the scooters and bikes in the National Mall or Monument areas, so can use them to travel on the side streets along the Mall while you head to your next destination.
Here is a list of the outdoor monuments to add to your list: Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, National World War II Memorial, Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Thomas Jefferson Memorial, Korean War Veteran Memorial, and the Roosevelt Memorial.
Hands down one of the coolest days of our trip, both weather wise and the experience! Did you know many of their animals are cold weather animals, so going in the winter and spring is the best chance to see these animals out and about.
If you’re a panda lover like me, then put this at the top of your list! The pandas were running around, rolling down hills, climbing trees, and just putting on a show for us. The zoo is home to more than 400 different species of animals, so we could have spent all day here enjoying the different exhibits.
The zoo is also part of the Smithsonian Institution, so admission is FREE! I would definitely mark this attraction as the most kid-friendly place to visit in DC.
Spy Museum
We went undercover and tested our spy skills on a mission through the International Spy Museum! We rode a secret elevator to the spy debriefing center where we were assigned our code name and prepared for our mission. Our skills were tested though covert actions as we learned about real spy stories and history. Let’s just say when it comes to diffusing a bomb… I may not be the right person for the job!
This was the most fun and interactive learning museums that my son, myself, and my parents all enjoyed and are still talking about. This museum is located right outside of the National Mall, and although not a free museum, it is worth the price of admission!
Take a tour: U.S. Capitol, White House, or the Pentagon
| We took a tour on the Pentagon and it was an eye opening experience, with military personnel of all ranks and branches working hard to protect our country. There is history lining every inch of the walls that you can’t help but be overcome with emotion and gratefulness for the people who serve and have served our country. Guided tours of these government buildings are free, but reservations are recommended for the Capitol and required for the White House and Pentagon. Capitol: For advance tickets you’ll need to create and account and reserve a tour date and time. Reservations are available 90 days in advance. Same day passes are available at the Info Desk, but you may have a long wait for availability. https://www.visitthecapitol.gov/plan-visit/book-tour-capitol Pentagon: Tours must be reserved at least 14 days in advance. You can make a tour request online. https://pentagontours.osd.mil/Tours/tour-selection.jsp White House: Request for a tour must be made through one’s Member of Congress no less than 21 days in advance. https://www.nps.gov/whho/planyourvisit/the-white-house-tour.htm |  |
I hope you enjoy every minute of your visit to the Nation’s Capitol with your family!
Join Hilton Honors Program for added perks to your Hilton Hotel stay! Hilton Honors gives you instant benefits on every stay when you book directly through Hilton, including points toward free nights, new resort fees on reward stays, digital check in an choice of room, digital key, In-room and lobby wi-fi, late check out and more! Check out all the details and sign up here.
Macaroni Kid Lodi was provided a media rate to stay at the Hilton Hotel, but as always, the opinions expressed are 100% my own.
