Our spring break tradition for the past four years has been to visit my sister and her family in DC. One of our favorite things to do while in our nation’s capital is visit the monuments and the Smithsonian museums. Each year, the boys get more and more into the sites. It’s so fun to watch their little brains work as they take it all in.
By the time we woke up, ate some breakfast, and took the Metro to the Smithsonian stop, our toddler was only two hours away from his nap time. Nevertheless, we were able to achieve some of our site-seeing goals.
At the National Museum of Natural History, We visited the t-rex the triceratops, the pterodactyl, the wooly mammoth, prehistoric miniature horses, and stood in awe in front of a shark’s mouth, among other things.
Next we headed to the National Air and Space Museum to see “planes and rockets” as the boys kept saying. This is one of my favorite museums of all. They have so many historic planes, shuttles, and aeronautic gear/paraphernalia. It even houses the original plane flown by Orville and Wilbur Wright. Both boys were especially impressed with the older planes and one polar plane that had wooden skies on it. In the picture below, they are looking into a cockpit at all of the controls.
I don’t like to spend an absurd amount of money on souvenirs, but the kiddos had been so good all day that we told them we would buy one item from the Air and Space Museum. It ended up being the best $18 spent in the last month. Both boys were mesmerized by their souvenirs…and still are. A bonus is that the word “Smithsonian” is printed on them, so we can at least remember where they came from.
We walked around for a bit longer, but just could not quite make it to Mr. Lincoln. With one complaining that his legs hurt and the other squirming so hard in the stroller that it almost flipped over, we just decided it wasn’t worth it. Our five-year old, Brooks, remembers it from his last trip to DC. We’ll have to make sure our toddler, Case, sees the 16th president and the reflecting pool next year.
All in all, it was a great day. You can’t go wrong with learning about national and natural history while spending very little money and making family memories. Thank you, DC, for a great week!
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
I spent so much time in DC growing up because I have family in Bethesda and this makes me want to go back so bad. It’s only like a 7 hour drive from me, which isn’t bad at all.
Jenilee says
I have some friends who were just in DC too! What a fun place to visit. It is on our bucket list for a family adventure sometime! visiting from Mommy and Me!
BalancingMama (Julie) says
My grandparents were 40 minutes from the Vienna metro stop, so we would venture into DC often. Now that my grandparents are deceased, we aren’t up there as much. This makes me want to take the kiddos! Will have to plan that soon. My smart 6-yr-old daughter would love the Natural History Museum. It was always my favorite!
Lindsey @ Redhead Baby Mama says
It’s been a few years since I’ve been to DC. I’d like a baby free trip just to visit all the science and nature museums!
Carly B says
I swear this is the 5th post I have seen this week from mommies visiting DC! Was there a mass field trip that I was unaware of? Great pictures- it looks like you had a fun time!
Christie says
DC is one of my favorite places in the world! I love all of the fun and free family activities! So historic too
melinda says
my kids love DC. i didn’t think about taking them this year for spring break, will have to check the calendar for next day off
keikilanij says
What an amazing trip you had! I have only been to DC briefly. I hope one day to go back and really explore.
louidam1 says
What a great trip! I went to DC to work at a event one time and never had a chance to explore the city. I hope to return to DC one day.
meaganef says
I LOVE DC! I went a few years back and can’t wait to go back! I hope to take my family back one day!
Katy Rawson says
I so want to tour D.C. It is so full of history and of course political influence. It is such a perfect way to feed history to ourselves and our children, and they don’t even know they are getting a lesson.
Camilleta says
Looks like a lot of fun! We went to the Air & Space museum once but it was when my kiddos were pretty little. We definitely need to go again sometime soon. 🙂
Kecia says
I went on a class trip to D.C. back in eighth grade, and would love to go back. I want to do a family trip there when my boys are a little older so they can really enjoy all the Smithsonian has to offer!
Shell says
What a fun way to spend your break! We keep talking about taking our kids to DC but we haven’t yet.
Rachée Fagg (@sayitrahshay) says
How fun! I love visiting DC and looking at the museums. Visiting always makes me want to embrace and study history.
Brandi Best says
One day I hope to take the kids to DC. Everyone should get to see the capital at least once to understand more about our country.
karenssunnysoirees says
I still haven’t been to DC yet and I am dying to go. I would love to see the sights and I heard there are really great restaurants too.
Krystyn @ Really, Are You Serious? says
It’s so hard to get the littles around places when their are tired, and yet don’t want the stroller. You all still got quite a bit done! My hubby wants to do DC with the kiddos soon!
The Harried Mom says
I know one day we’ll take the kids down to the smithsonian, the National Zoo and the other museums there. DC is a great place to see so much history!
sippycupmom says
Aw, it looks like you all had a great time. I so want to visit DC sometime.
casavilorainteriors says
What a great day! and a great way to make some memories of great time spent with family
Dawn Lopez (@dawnchats) says
This sounds like such a fun day! I haven’t been to D.C in so long, I need to make a trip out there sometime. My son would love it! Such great pics 😉
valmg @ From Val's Kitchen says
Sounds like a great trip! My Mom kept her double stroller and had my brothers sit in there until they were like 4-5 to avoid the tiredness.
Jenn @ The Rebel Chick says
DC is awesome! I’d love to go there sometime soon, during nice weather.
Theresa says
My husband and oldest daughter spent last Easter in DC for a school trip. My daughter got to place the Easter wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown. It was such a special day for them! Looks like you guys found a ton of things to see and do while you were there too!
Jessica @FusedLife says
When we went to the circus, we sprung for high-priced souvenirs as well. Money well-spent!
A Mom's Take says
I love exploring cities! D.C. is on my list to make it to with the kids someday.
cam | bibs and baubles says
DC is such a great city! Doesn’t seem like it would ever be hard to find things to do!
Cathy Kennedy says
When our kiddos were small, we took quite a few day trips to surrounding areas to see historical sites. It’s great looking back on old photos to see the things we did together. Your kids will remember the good times shared doing stuff like this. 🙂
Felicia says
DC is a trip we definitely want to take with the boys. I think maybe next year could be a good year for that! Graham loves facts and history.
Brett Martin (@brettbmartin) says
DC is on our list of places to have a family trip as well. we don’t have family to visit though!
Amanda says
We have never been to DC before but I would love to take my son! Someday!
thechattymomma says
The best part about DC is living here. Seeing the monuments and visiting the museums never gets old. There is always something for the kids to do. I’m glad your family had a nice vacation. It’s nice to visit family and have a place to hang out.
krystal says
Beautiful pictures. I’d love to visit DC during cherry blossom season!
Rosey says
Aww, I remember those days when the little ones got tuckered out by the end of the day. 🙂 Everything sounds great though!
Liz Mays says
That’s one place I tend to go to over and over because there is just so much to see. I love the Smithsonian museums too.
Ashley M says
The Lincoln Memorial is one of my favorite places in Washington D.C. It’s such a peaceful place.
Melissa @ This Girl's Life Blog says
I have never been to DC but we are moving this Summer right along the TN/VA line and even though it is still a pretty good drive I think it will be our opportunity to visit finally.
Dina Demarest (@dinade) says
what a fun trip. My grandparents took me to DC and I’d love to do that for my grandkids.
Erica says
Looks like a great time! We are going to DC this June for a day trip from the place we are renting in Pennsylvania.
rjweaver10 says
I love DC! Looks like you guys had fun. I want to go back as a history lesson for my kids when they’re old enough 🙂