ML Interest Tag: washington-monument

City-Bound: The Ultimate Guide to Vacationing in Boston, New York, Philadelphia & Washington, DC

by Meghan Yudes Meyers
Partner Content

When it comes to travel, cities are really the perfect playground for family fun. With world-class restaurants, museums, shops and parks, urban centers offer something for everyone. If you live on the East Coast, it’s time to take advantage of having some of America’s most note-worthy cities practically in your backyard: Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Washington, DC are just a car ride (or train trip) away!

Bonus: we found the best hotels that work perfectly as a home-base while you’re away from, well, home. Scroll on for what to see and where to stay in Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Washington, DC.

Get Steeped in Boston's History

Michael Browning via Unsplash

Known for its cobblestone streets, vibrant waterfront and rich history, Boston is a charming getaway filled with kid-friendly activities and family fun. Spend the day exploring the waterfront by bike or take a stroll through the bustling marketplace; this New England city is the ideal backdrop for future family memories. 

Explore the Boston Waterfront by Bike

Boston Harborwalk

Boston Harborwalk is the easiest way to navigate 8 of the city's 23 distinct neighborhoods. From the Harborwalk you can reach Charlestown, Deer Island, Dorchester, Downtown, East Boston, Fort Point, North End and South Boston. Grab some bikes and get ready to cruise any number of paths and trails that cover over 40 miles along the shoreline. 

Online: bostonharbornow.org

Play All Day at the Boston Children's Museum

Robert Benson Photography

You don't have to be a kid to enjoy the Boston Children's Museum. Come face-to-face with life sized animatronics in the Explore-a-Saurus exhibit (3rd floor) where guests are invited to measure dinosaur footprints or create an oversized bubble in the aptly named Bubbles exhibit in the Science Playground (1st floor). With over 24 unique exhibit areas, you could easily spend a day (or two) exploring this museum located at Children's Wharf. 

Online: bostonchildrensmuseum.org

Savor Dinner with a Side of History

Michael Browning via Unsplash

You'll find four distinct buildings––Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market, North Market and South Market––at this institutional marketplace. Dating back to the 1700s, visitors can take a historical journey while delving into Boston's best eats. Be sure to check out the Events Calendar before visiting; free festivals and performances are often featured here. 

Online: faneuilhallmarketplace.com

Enjoy City Views at the Copley Marriott

Copley Marriott

Centrally located in the Back Bay area, the Boston Marriott Copley Place is a stylish, modern hotel that is within walking distance of Fenway Park,  Newbury Street, the art galleries of Copley Square and the historic Trinity Church. After a day taking in the sights, let the kids burn off extra energy in the hotel's indoor pool. With Marriott Bonvoy, families can enjoy special rates, free in-room Wifi, mobile check in and more! Save up to 20% on your trip to Boston with advance purchase rates under cluster code ADP.

Online: hotel-deals.marriott.com/massachusetts-boston

Take a Bite Out of the Big Apple

Bicad Media via Unsplash

Boasting eight of the ten tallest buildings in America, this city of skyscrapers will have little ones wide-eyed. Immerse yourself in the iconic honks and beeps of the city––and then slip underground for the easiest way to see all of the city's sights: the famed NYC subway system. Don't forget to learn more about New York's public transportation while you're in town! 

Take a Tour of Times Square

Alex Haney via Unsplash

Feel the pulse of the city in Times Square, where art, food, shopping and lights (lots and lots of lights) create one, rhythmic heartbeat. With the help of your GPS, you can take a self-guided walking tour. If time permits, trying scoring last minute, discounted tickets to a Broadway show!

Online: timessquarenyc.org

Go for a Spin by NYC's Hudson River

Jane's Carousel

Walking the Brooklyn Bridge tops most people's bucket lists and for good reason; it's the "eight wonder of the world!" From Lower Manhattan, enter the bridge on Centre Street near City Hall. While you're in Brooklyn, take a whirl on Jane's Carousel where adults ride free with a paid child's ticket ($2/ride). 

Online: janescarousel.com

Head Underground to Discover the Subway's Secrets

New York Transit Museum

Can't get enough of New York's buses, trains and subway cars? Head to the New York Transit Museum where kids (and adults) can examine all forms of public wheels and rails in a decommissioned subway station (how cool is that?). This Brooklyn museum can be reached by over 20 different buses and trains. 

Online: nytransitmuseum.org

Location is King at the Sheraton New York

Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel

Your kids don't want to miss a moment of the city's action, so stay at the heart of it all: Times Square. The Sheraton Times Square New York is a modern hotel within walking distance of all the must-see spots, like Radio City Music Hall, Central Park and the perpetual-kid-favorite, FAO Schwarz. With Marriott Bonvoy, families can enjoy special rates, free in-room Wifi, mobile check in and more! Save up to 20% on your trip to NYC with advance purchase rates under cluster code ADP.

Online: hotel-deals.marriott.com/new-york

Fall in Love with Philadelphia

Steve Enoch via Unsplash

Go head-over-heels for this city filled with historic gems and.... rainbows! Your tiny travelers will marvel at the colorful fountain show, the ever changing light display at Boathouse Row and the vivid LEDs of Spruce Street Harbor Park. Be sure to make time for a tale (or two) of Philadelphia's yesteryears. 

Get Hands-On at the Please Touch Museum

Please Touch Museum

You don't need to take a vacation from learning at the Please Touch Museum. Kids age 3-12 are invited to engage and interact with sensory-driven exhibits for a day filled with educational play. Host a tea party in Alice's Wonderland, construct a giant blue foam wall at the Imagination Playground or take a spin on the 100-year old carousel. There is plenty to see and do at this Philadelphia institution.  And the best part? Parents can get in on the fun, too. 

Online: pleasetouchmuseum.org

Make Story Time Historical

J Fusco via Visit Philadelphia

Looking to learn a little bit more about the City of Brotherly Love? Once Upon a Nation Storytelling Benches provides visitors with a short 3-5 minute narrative on important moments in American history. There are 13 benches located around Philadelphia's historic district--visit all thirteen and get a free ride on the Parx Liberty Carousel in Franklin Square.  

Online: historicphiladelphia.org

Light Up the Night at Spruce Street Harbor Park

Delaware River Waterfront

During warmer months (think May through end of Sept.), the Spruce Street Harbor Park is the place to relax and unwind. Rainbow colored hammocks swing from trees dripping with LED lights. Spend an evening playing summertime favorites (like bocce ball, ping pong and shuffle board) on the Boardwalk. 

Online: delawareriverwaterfront.com/places/spruce-street-harbor-park

Relax at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown

Philadelphia Marriott Downtown

Philadelphia was made to be walked, so pack your sneakers and stay at this centrally located hotel in Center City. The Philadelphia Marriott Downtown is just a quick hop, skip and jump from cultural attractions like Reading Terminal Market and Independence Hall. Don't forget to pack a swimsuit: this hotel has an indoor pool with city views. With Marriott Bonvoy, families can enjoy special rates, free in-room Wifi, mobile check in and more! Save up to 20% on your trip to Philadelphia with advance purchase rates under cluster code ADP.

Online: hotel-deals.marriott.com/pennsylvania-philadelphia/

Explore the Nation's Capital

Vlad Tchompalov via Unsplash

With so many landmarks and museums offering free admission, Washington, DC makes for a budget-friendly family trip. There are endless things to see and do in the DMV; if you have extra time, be sure to visit the Maryland and NOVA 'burbs within the beltway; Arlington, Alexandria and Bethesda offer small-town charm with a big city feel.

Snag a Free Ride in Old Town

R. Kennedy via Visit Alexandria

Hop aboard the King Street Trolley for a free ride down Old Town Alexandria's main street. You can board the trolley at Metro's King Street Station and get off at the Waterfront. Be sure to stroll through the Torpedo Factory Art Center while you're waterside. The walk back to the metro is just over a mile; be sure to check out the quaint shops and sweet treats along the way.  

Online: familyvacationcritic.com

Go on a Top Secret Mission

International Spy Museum

Take history lessons to new heights at the International Spy Museum where everyone in your family can play Bond for the day. Test your spy-skills on an interactive adventure or spend the day looking and reading about historic spy gear and real-life missions. Kids 6 & under are free, but this museum is best enjoyed by kids 7 & up. Don't forget to stop in the gift shop where you can purchase surveillance gear for at-home fun. 

Online: spymuseum.org

Innovate and Create at the KIDS Museum

KID Museum

If your kiddos are getting cranky with all of the hands-off exhibits at the Smithsonian Museums, head to this Bethesda-based museum for interactive, engaging, hands-on STEM-focused fun. Maker workshops let your kids create using woodworking tools and 3-D printers. Activities and workshops are included with admission ($12/two adults and one child). 

Online: kid-museum.org

Stay Steps Away from the National Mall

JW Marriott Washington, DC

Located on Pennsylvania Avenue, the JW Marriott Washington, DC is a short walk away from the White House and the Washington Monument. You won't find a better location if you want to explore the Smithsonian Museums or take a tour of the U.S. Capitol (all are within walking distance of this downtown hotel). And, bonus: the newly-opened National Children's Museum is just steps away. With Marriott Bonvoy, families can enjoy special rates, free in-room Wifi, mobile check in and more! Save up to 20% on your trip to Washington, DC with advance purchase rates under cluster code ADP.

Online: hotel-deals.marriott.com/washington-dc

With Marriott Bonvoy, families can enjoy special rates, free in-room Wifi, mobile check in and more! Save up to 20% on your trip to Boston, NYC, Philadelphia and Washington, DC with advance purchase rates under cluster code ADP.

—Meghan Yudes Meyers

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

12 Cool Things to Do with Kids at the National Mall

by Ayren Jackson-Cannady

When it comes to fun at the National Mall, its long, grassy 146-acre field and proximity to multiple monuments are just the tip of the iceberg. From play places and yummy eateries (that are not tourist traps…promise!), we’ve got your back with a list of our favorite nearby destinations your whole family can enjoy. Add one of these to your trip, and you’ll take your kids’ National Mall visit to a whole other level.

Climb a Super Sculpture

Awe inspiring and snugly at the same time, the Albert Einstein Memorial is hands downs the best place to climb near the Mall. Nestled between the elms and holly grove at the National Academy of Science is an astronomical sized (21 feet high) seated Albert with the universe at his Birkenstock covered feet.  Bring your camera–the relatives will want to see your little genius reading with big guy of relativity.

2101 Constitution Ave., NW
Online: nasonline.org

Explore Flights of Fancy

Tucked away in the Air and Space Museum your little adventurers can let their imaginations soar (and you can catch your breath) during a story time at 11 am, Thursday-Saturday. (Story time repeats at 1:30 pm on Saturdays). This isn’t your run-of-the-mill reading session, though. After hearing a tale about hot-air balloonists, trips to Mars, famous aviatrixes or winged creatures and inventions, kids do a hands-on activity or take-home craft.

600 Independence Ave., SW
Online: airandspace.si.edu

Gelato + Art. That is All.

With 19 flavors of oh-so yummy gelato, the Espresso and Gelato Bar tucked away inside the National Gallery of Art makes edible masterpieces. After you and the kiddos taste one, grab a free children’s audio tour from the Acoustiguide desk located in the Rotunda, on the Main Floor of the West Building. Budding da Vincis ages 7–12 can use the handheld digital audio players to track down Leonardo, Rembrandt, Degas and Monet.  The Information Desk also has kid focused booklets for ages 6 + on American, Dutch, French and Italian Art in the museum.  Bring colored pencils or crayons to use with the booklets.

6th and Constitution Ave NW, NW
Online: nga.gov

Grab a Nosh and Cuppa Joe

Zagat rated + museum cafeteria = Mitsitam Café at the National Museum of the American Indian. Indigenous bounties of the season with foodie flair give your tribe a new way to say “let’s eat!” (Mitsitam means just that in the native language of the Delaware and Piscataway people.) Let the kids try a campfire buffalo burger from the Great Plains tribes.  For a sweet treat try a Northern Woodlands dried cherry doughnut with pine syrup and a cuppa Tribal Grounds Coffee—organic, fair-trade coffee grown by indigenous farmers and imported, roasted, and provided to the museum by the Eastern Band of Cherokee. Wallet warning:  these delish meals are pricey.

Between 4th St. and Independence Ave., SW
Online: nmai.si.edu

Stroll Through a Secret Garden

Rachael Bradon

Come spring, your little sprout can explore the outdoor Children’s Garden nestled inside the United States Botanic Conservatory. They can dig in with the gardening tools and frolic with watering cans. In the gloom of winter you can feel the heat of the jungle and play eye spy dinosaur fern snacks in the reconstructed Jurassic garden of ancient plants that have been around for 150 million years or so.

Between Maryland and First Aves. SW (Entrance to the Conservatory is on Maryland Ave, SW)
Online: usbg.gov

Go directly to the Washington Monument, not the line to the Monument

No need to use your parenting mojo on taming the kids while waiting f-o-r-e-v-e-r on a line. Pssst. Save time. Get advance tickets. Ready to go up 500 feet into the National Monument to one of the best views of the city? You can stand on line for the limited free tickets or reserve your tickets online a few days in advance for $1.50 and they will be waiting for you at Washington Monument Lodge Will Call window. The lodge is just east of the Monument on 15th Street. Bathroom tip: Go at the lodge restrooms; none are available in the Monument.

Commune With Butterflies

It’s worth the ohhs, ahhs and giggles to go the Butterfly Pavilion on Tuesday when admission to this live fluttery exhibit at the Natural History Museum is free. Get your timed-entry tickets at the Butterfly Pavilion Box Office beginning at 10 a.m. each Tuesday. Then take your precious gem to see the Hope Diamond. Butterflies and bling for free.

Natural History Museum, 2nd floor
10th St., NW at Constitution Ave.
Online: mnh.si.edu

Hop On, Hop Off

Tim Brown via flickr

The National Mall Circulator Bus includes 15 stops, around the Mall and Tidal Basin, use a SmartCard, and you can get back on for the same fare within two hours. Translation? More family fun with less parking hassle. Cue the wheels on the bus.

USDA Farmers Market

Consider making your National Mall visit a Friday trip and you’ll be able to lunch at the USDA Farmers Market, where from May to October you can find over thirty vendors of organic produce, flowers, breads, and a ton of other food options. You can even multitask and do your grocery shopping at the same time!

Outside USDA Headquarters
Independence Ave. & 12th St., S.W.
When: Fridays 9 a.m. to 2 p.m, May-October
Online: usda.gov

Grab a Slice at Matchbox

Finding an affordable restaurant near the National Mall can be tough, but at Matchbox Vintage Pizza Bistro in Chinatown, kids menu options are all $6 and include both classic favorites (think macaroni and cheese or chicken tenders) and their “Captain Healthy to the Rescue” (includes fresh fruit, veggies, cheese slices, and peanut butter). Plus, the best part: kids get pizza dough balls to play with while you wait!

713 H St., NW
202-289-4441
Online: matchboxrestaurants.com

Groove to the Military Bands Summer Concert Series

WestPointBand via flickr

 

During this free summer series, military bands will play concerts every weekday evening on the U.S. Capitol West Front steps (National Mall side) starting at 8 p.m., weather permitting. Note: you can bring lawn chairs if you get a space on the stone terrace in front of the band, and you can even bring a picnic dinner (no alcohol or glass bottles).

East Capitol St., NE & First St., SE
Online: aoc.gov

Concretes at Shake Shack

 

If you find yourself hot and hungry during your trip, don’t get drawn in by the food trucks on the Mall that are often overpriced—instead, walk a few blocks to the nearest Shake Shack, where you can grab a burger (or Shroom Burger for you vegetarians) and one of their original Concretes, which blend frozen custard with mix-ins. Choose from location-specific options like “Shack Attack” or make your own combination.

800 F St.,NW
Online: shakeshack.com

—Ayren Jackson-Cannady, Kelly Ann Jacobson, Linda Bennett

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

Family of Five Does Washington D.C. in One Day

By Julie Hoag

‌

 

Photo: Julie Hoag

Our family of five did Washington, D.C. in just one day. On this trip our three boys were the ages of three to nine so we researched how we could do a day in this city with young kids. A large amount of walking was not going to be doable with a three-year old and we had no stroller along to plop him in. Our plan worked out perfectly and we saw so much of the great city in our only day there.

We had just enjoyed a few days at a rented beach house on the OBX, the Outerbanks of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina and our flight home was to leave out of D.C. so we scheduled in an extra day to tour the city before our flight.

The smartest choice we made for in D.C. was our purchase of tour bus tickets which allowed us to hop on and off a bus from a designated bus stop. This enabled us to hop on and get off buses as they ran at regular intervals along a specified route. With young kids this was a total win because in between the sights and monuments they could rest on the bus, plus we didn’t have to drive and park in a busy city.

The open-air bus was fun for the kids and we saw so many amazing statues, monuments, and buildings just from our top of the bus view. The bus was perfect for our family with little kids because even if we opted out of a stop, we were still able to see the sight from our seats on top of the bus. The beauty of the bus line was that we could visit the monuments at our own pace and just head back to the bus stop to wait for the next bus to come when we were done.

The stone monuments and statues were gorgeous and amazing. The kids didn’t always appreciate what they stood for, but they were awesome to behold. We visited the Washington Monument, the Thomas Jefferson Monument, and the White House. As we walked to the White House we saw amazing buildings like the Department of the Treasury and many more elaborate buildings and gorgeous manicured gardens.

The stop the kids loved best was at The Smithsonian Institution National Air and Space Museum. We spent several hours in this museum as this museum held the kids’ interest. They had so much fun seeing all the different types of aircraft, planes, and displays. The astronaut displays were the most exciting to my kids as were the spacecraft. As a mom, I loved that they had some hands-on components to the displays as well for the kids to interact with.

As we continued with our one day tour of D.C., we stopped in at the Abraham Lincoln Memorial which is just massive and awe-inspiring to behold. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial was another stop we included in our tour. We walked the wall and told the kids about the lost lives and how the monument was created to honor those people. We also drove through the Arlington Cemetery, though we declined getting out at that stop because with young kids driving through was sufficient.

Our bus also drove past the Pentagon, though there were regulations about visiting so we simply drove past and viewed it from the highway. Our visit happened after the 911 attack so we understood the regulations regarding visiting. The repaired area was visible due to the different brick color.

Our boys wanted to see a Subway. We live in the Midwest so they had never seen a real subway system before. Even though we didn’t ride the subway while we were in D.C., we asked the subway attendant if we could just go down into the tunnels to show our boys what it looked like below ground. He allowed us, but did escort us to go take a quick sneak peak of the trains. Our kids loved seeing the trains and all the people. This gave them exposure to something they had never seen before as trains and people zoomed around beneath the city streets they had just walked on.

The many different types of cultures and people present in the city was also a great experience for our kids. They saw many people from different countries and heard many different languages being spoken. Coming from the Midwest spending even just a day in this city was a great lesson in diversity for our kids.

Washington D.C. is a beautiful city with the amazing architecture, statues, fountains, and gorgeous landscapes. Some day when the kids are older we will go again and stay longer to take in more of the sights. We were impressed with how much we saw in just one day as a family of five with young kids in this grand city. It was a perfect addition to our east coast trip.

Julie Hoag is a wife and mother of three boys. She enjoys writing about motherhood, family, kids, travel, faith, and recipes. She loves spending time with her family, two dogs, and two guinea pigs. Her favorite past time is watching her kids' sports games.

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

Rediscover the City: 5 Tourist Things You Should Do Now

by rttriciamirchandani

Don’t get us wrong. There are things to love about tourist season. Hosting friends passing through on summer trips is always a treat. And watching large crowds flood through some of our favorite spots reminds us why we love it here. But now, as Fall pulls people back to their hometowns and the streets are a bit emptier, is the perfect time to return to our local favorites. Here are 5 post-tourist season activities for you and your little D.C. locals.

Photo: Elizabeth Murphy via flickr

See some fountains
Sprayground season may be over but fountains all across the city are still going strong. Now that The National Mall is a bit less crowded, stop by the fountain outside the National Gallery of Art for a breakfast picnic (fountain open until November). Or wander around the WWII Memorial and challenge your kids to look for your state (you’ll see just how far back the summer slide slid!).

National Gallery of Art + Fountain: between 3rd and 9th streets NW along Constitution Ave NW

WWII Memorial: 1750 Independence Ave SW    

Photo: CitySights DC via flickr       

Do the touristy things
. If your kids have been begging to hop on (and off) that big, red CitySights bus, now is the time. Check out the Lincoln Memorial and get a good clear photo straight down the reflecting pool to the Washington Monument. You can even stop at the National Archives now and see the Declaration of Independence without standing in line!

City Sights DC: http://www.citysightsdc.com/

Photo: Rockwell group

Examine some architecture
We know you’ve been in the National Building Museum rather recently (who could resist the allure of The Beach?) but now that the line to get in the door is gone, head back and really explore their exhibits. Or, for a different perspective on architecture, head to the National Cathedral and enchant your kids with their gargoy le tour.

National Building Museum 401 F St. NW

National Cathedral 3101 Wisconsin Ave

Photo: Big Wheel Bikes via Facebook

Explore the corners of the city
The secret is out–there is so much more to our city than The National Mall. So it makes sense that the summer crowds expand into some of our favorite hot spots. Georgetown streets get crowded and Chinatown becomes difficult to navigate. But now is the time to head back to the Georgetown Waterfront or take in the sights and sounds around Penn Quarter. Pizza at Matchbox, anyone?

Georgetown Waterfront: Water St. NW

Matchbox: 713 H St NW

Photo: Georgetown Cupcake

Try a new (or visit an old) food fav
Ben’s Chili Bowl, here we come! Hi Carmines, we’ve missed you. Founding Farmers, what’s on the menu these days? Oh Georgetown Cupcakes, your lines are (a little bit) shorter! If you and your little foodie enjoy some of the city’s most well known places to eat, it’s time to get back out there.

Ben’s Chili Bowl: 1213 U St. NW

Carmine’s: 425 7th St NW

Founding Farmers: 1924 Pennsylvania Ave. NW

Georgetown Cupcakes: 3301 M St. NW

What D.C. spot are you excited to rediscover? Tell us in the comments section. 

—Tricia Mirchandani

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

Early Fun for Your Morning Bun

by rtstephaniekanowitz

For every family with a babe who’s up right at the peak of dawn, the warmer weather is a welcoming start to the day. Put aside the Legos and cartoons and entertain your morning bun in a fun and local way. Get to know D.C. before the crowds swarm in with our list below.

photo: Brian Talbot via flickr

Watch the sunrise
Bring breakfast and spread a picnic basket on the lawn surrounding the Marine Corps War Memorial. Situated atop a hill, the spot is great for watching the sun come up over iconic D.C. spots, such as the Washington Monument, the U.S. Capitol and Lincoln Memorial. Plus, there’s plenty of room for kids to run off that early morning energy.

Open: 6 am to midnight
Cost: Free

Arlington Ridge along the axis of the National Mall (Arlington, Va)
703-289-2553
Online: nps.gov/gwmp/planyourvisit

photo: Francisco Antunes via flickr

Speaking of icons…
Good thing our tots are natural alarm clocks. Beat the crowd at the National Mall by getting there early. Walk through history starting at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, wind through the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and National World War II Memorial and plan your steps to reach the Washington Monument at 9 am, when the ticket office opens, to score a ride up the 555-foot obelisk.

Open: 24 hours
Cost: Free

202-426-6841
Online: nps.gov/nama/index.htm

photo: The White House via flickr

Wake with the White House
Self-guided tours of the White House start at 7:30 am, Tuesday through Saturday, but getting access requires planning in advance. Submit a request through your member of Congress as early as six months in advance but no less than three weeks ahead of time. Exhibits on famous residence’s architecture, furnishings, social events and more, make this immersive cultural lesson worth the effort.

Open: Tue.-Thu., 7:30 am-11:30 am; Fri.-Sat., 7:30 am-1:30 pm (excluding federal holidays or unless otherwise noted)
Cost: Free

White House Visitor Center
1450 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W. (Federal Triangle)
202-208-1631 
Online: whitehouse.gov/about/tours-and-events

photo: Ryan Sandridge via flickr

Run wild
Get to the doors of the award-winning, two-acre Clemyjontri Park right at 7 am, where the lack of a morning crowd will give your monkey more space to dangle from bars, climb myriad structures, navigate a maze and swing on all kinds of wings. Designed to accommodate all physical levels, the park also has a carousel for $2/ride starting at 9:30 am, and a train ride ($3/rider) that leaves every 20 minutes starting at 10 am.

Hours: 7 am to dusk
Cost: Free

6317 Georgetown Pike (McLean, Va_
703-388-2807
Online: fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/clemyjontri

photo: Valerie via flickr

Animal action
Chances are your little animals aren’t the only ones up early and ready to go. The National Zoo grounds open at 6 am (that’s not a typo), giving first-come visitors a chance to see giant pandas, lions, elephants and much more without fighting crowds.

Hours: 6 am to 8 pm
Cost: Free

3001 Connecticut Ave. (Woodley Park)
202-633-4888
Online: nationalzoo.si.edu/default.cfm

photo: William F. Yurasko via flickr

Get errands out of the way
Pick up fresh veggies, fruits and meats at Eastern Market, a D.C. destination since 1873. On weekends, hundreds of local artists set up shop in the surrounding plazas to sell original works and jewelry. Rebuilt after a fire in 2009, the market buzzes with life on the weekends with entertainment, live music and more.

Open: Tue.-Fri.,7 am-7 pm; Sat., 7 am-6 pm; Sun., 9 am-5 pm
Cost: Free (minus what you buy at the market)

225 Seventh St. (Capital Hill)
202-698-5523
Online: easternmarket-dc.org

photo: 3ric15 via flickr

Take to the water
Rent a kayak, canoe, rowboat or pedal boat as early as 6:30 am at Lake Needwood, a 75-acre area that is part of Rock Creek Regional Park. Fishing is allowed and the Boat House has poles, hooks and bait, too. Plus, each June, the Rock Creek Park Regional Park lake offers an annual Kids’ Fishing Day for ages 3 to 15 ($10).

Open: Varies by season, check website here.
Cost: $10/hour or $35/day for kayaks, rowboats and canoes; $8/30 minutes for pedal boats

Lake Needwood Boat House
15700 Needwood Lake Circle (Rockville, Md)
301-563-7544
Online: lakeneedwoodboats.com

photo: Jessica Rossi via flickr

Fuel up
Breakfast is the most important meal, so why not get to it fresh at FirstWatch, a daytime café that customizes plates to your liking. The kids’ menu includes plate-size pancakes, eggs or French toast and a drink for about $5. Adults can choose from seasonal specials or a variety of omelets, griddle goodies and lighter fare. Bonus: Free newspapers and wifi for the parents, an allergy-friendly menu and all day breakfast, even if you get there at 2 pm.

Hours: 7 am-2:30 p.m.
Online: firstwatch.com

What are your ideas for an early morning activity? Share them in the Comments below!

— Stephanie Kanowitz

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

21 Things Parents in D.C. Absolutely Love

by Ayren Jackson-Cannady

Picture your perfect day with the kids in D.C. What does it entail? A stroll down the National Mall? An exhibit at the Smithsonian? Paddle boats at the Tidal Basin? While the District has its fair share of headaches (traffic, anyone?) there are so many more things to dig-to-pieces about this family-friendly city. Here are just a handful of those things.

Photo courtesy of Discovery Theater via Facebook

#1 Discovery Theater
A theater completely devoted to kids and their imaginations. What’s not to love?

#2 Museums are free
It’s easy to take this for granted, but don’t. With some of the best museums in the country right here in the heart of the city, the fact that they are free should make us all full-time tourists.

#3 Lazy afternoons on the National Mall
Soccer, kites, hotdogs, and carousel rides—need we say more? This wide-open green space is a free-for-all of fun.

#4 Mini-golf at East Potomac Golf Course
The mini-golf course here is actually on the National Register of Historic Places, and features terrific views of the city and Hains Point. Combine this with a tour of the cherry blossoms for a fabulous family outing.

Photo courtesy of THX0477 via Creative Commons

#5 Hanging out with the butterflies
Flutter by, butterflies! Yes, hundreds of them. This awe-inspiring experience is part of the Smithsonian National Museum and kids absolutely love it. Bonus: It’s free to be with the butterflies on Tuesdays.

#6 There are Cherry Blossoms…and lots of them
When the cherry blossoms are in bloom, Hains Point Park is arguably one of the most beautiful places on earth. Take a paddle boat out into the Tidal Basin for an even better view.

#7 Rock Creek Park
Fresh air, majestic trees, wild animals, the ebb and flow of Rock Creek, and it’s all smack dab in the middle of the city.

#8 Rock Creek Park’s planetarium
As if Rock Creek Park wasn’t awesome enough. The park’s planetarium is the real star of the show!

Photo courtesy of Messay Shoakena

#9 Watching airplanes at Gravelly Point Park
Located just off of George Washington Parkway, it’s not the quietest place to be, but nowhere else can you get this up-close-and-personal with a flying airplane unless you’re on it.

#10 Comet Ping Pong
Finally! A place where you can have a beer whilst rocking your kid to sleep. Comet Ping Pong is tasty pizzeria/ping pong spot draws an eclectic crowd—from urban hipsters and Capitol Hill politicians to families-of-four and tourists. The best part: everyone (even your raucous 2-year-old) is welcomed with open arms.

#11 The National Air and Space Museum
Speaking of airplanes…. Our very own National Air and Space Museum holds the largest collection of historic aircraft and spacecraft in the world. Did we mention the cost to get in? Yep, free.

#12 Seeing how money is made at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing
There’s something about money… You can watch millions of dollars being printed at this money museum as you walk along a gallery overlooking the production floor. It’s mesmerizing for grown-ups and minis alike.

#13 Great Falls Park
Just minutes from concrete-laden downtown and you’re in the center of nature, with beautiful views of the Potomac spilling over a series of steep, jagged rocks. For Great Falls Park, you’ll want to bring your camera.

#14 Flying kites at the Washington Monument
A windy day means a heavenly sky swarming with colorful kites. Insider secret: Bring a blanket and let your babe do tummy time at the Washington Monument—she just might do her first rollover while trying to sneak a peek at the kites above.

 

Photo courtesy of Georgetown Cupcake via Facebook

#15 CUPCAKES!
Kids love cupcakes, but D.C. kids (and their parents) looooooooove cupcakes. And we’ve got dozens of different bakeries (plus a food truck) that specialize in the sweet treat to prove it. With all of these options, birthday parties are, well, a piece of cake.

#16 That there are panda bears in our backyard
Pandas are only one of the many cool creatures you can scope at the National Zoo, and, like the museums, it’s free.

#17 Fireworks on the National Mall
Full of patriotism and awe, this spectacular show lights up the sky above the Washington Monument.

Photo courtesy of Harsh1.0 via Creative Commons

#18 The monuments at night
Taking an evening stroll around the landmarks—especially the D.C. War Memorial—is super-pretty and super-chill (the heavy tourist crowds have moved on by 5 pm). Let the kids bring their flashlights and they’ll think they’re on a scavenger hunt.

#19 Crystal City Shops on a rainy day
There isn’t anything super special about the stores and restaurants in this underground shopping center, but there is a long corridor for kids to frolic back and forth through. Crystal City Shops are also great for impromptu walking/stroller workouts. Trust us—you won’t be the only parent there.

#20 Glen Echo Park
Dancing, puppetry, drama, and all forms of art, Glen Echo Park is a mecca for D.C.’s liveliest visual and performing arts.

What do you absolutely love about D.C.? Tel us in the comments section below. 

—Jamy Bond

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement