Curator’s statement
Traveling to Washington DC with teens offers a unique opportunity to immerse them in American history and culture, with iconic landmarks and plenty of activities. The city’s rich tapestry of museums and memorials can spark engaging and educational discussions, making learning both fun and memorable. Plus, DC's diverse food scene and vibrant neighborhoods provide endless options for exploration and enjoyment. Keeping teens engaged might be challenging due to the extensive walking and the overwhelming volume of historical information. To balance this, I've created a guide that mixes educational visits with fun activities - all teen approved.
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Things to do in Washington DC
Monuments by Moonlight Night Tour - By far my teenagers favorite activity, this trolley will take you on a 2.5 hour guided tour to some of the most famous monuments in DC. They will make three stops and allow guests to get out and explore on their own. If the forecast calls for rain, bring your poncho or umbrella - the tour operates rain or shine!
Cruise the Potomac to Old Town Alexandria - Enjoy a scenic boat ride on the Potomac River, taking you from Washington, DC to the historic Old Town Alexandria, known for its charming waterfront, cobblestone streets and colonial-era buildings
Smithsonian Museum of American History - Discover America's story through a vast collection of artifacts, including the original Star-Spangled Banner, the First Ladies' Inaugural Gowns, plus Dorothy's Ruby Red Slippers and Kermit the Frog!
Smithsonian Museum of Natural History - Explore the wonders of the natural world, from dinosaur fossils to the Hope Diamond, at one of the world's most visited natural history museums.
Smithsonian Air and Space Museum - Experience the history and technology of aviation and space exploration, featuring iconic artifacts like the Wright brothers' plane and the Apollo 11 command module.
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum - A solemn and powerful museum dedicated to documenting, studying and interpreting the history of the Holocaust through artifacts, photographs and personal stories. Advanced tickets required for the permanent exhibit and sell out in peak times - aim to reserve a month in advance.
National Archives - Home to the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights, this institution preserves and documents important historical records. They allow walk-ins, but reserve a ticket in advance and skip the lines.
Capitol Building Tour - Take a guided tour of the United States Capitol, where you can see the Rotunda, National Statuary Hall and learn about the legislative process (must be reserved in advance).
White House Tour - Free of charge, but must be arranged well in advance through your member of congress. Visit the residence and workplace of the U.S. President, featuring historic rooms and gardens that reflect the nation’s history.
Ford's Theater - A historic theater where President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated, now a museum and working theater offering performances and tours. You can also visit Peterson House - the site where Lincoln was brought after being shot and where he later died.
Georgetown - A picturesque neighborhood known for its historic architecture, vibrant shopping and dining scene and scenic waterfront.
Places to eat & drink in Washington DC
Call Your Mother Deli - With multiple locations throughout the city, Call Your Mother is open for breakfast until 2pm. They serve up creative and unique bagel sandwiches, coffee and more. Be patient though, during peak times there may be a line out the door!
Old Ebbitt Grill - Located steps from the White House, Old Ebbitt Grill is the oldest restaurant and bar in DC. Offering both lunch and dinner, and serving American fare but known for their raw oysters. Don't skip dessert - the strawberry shortcake is amazing!
Succotash - Located in Penn Quarter, Succotash is a Southern restaurant with unique spins on classic dishes. Kids meals include ice cream, and they have a great $30 express lunch for adults that includes an entree, salad, fries and ice cream!
Rooftop at the Thompson - Head down to the Navy Yards and up 10 stories at this fabulous hotel with rooftop bar and restaurant. You'll get an amazing 360-degree view of the trendy waterfront area. My teens favorite was the pizza special which varied daily.
Nick's Riverside Grill - While in Georgetown, definitely check out this casual eatery along the waterfront. With both indoor and outdoor dining options, the menu has something for everyone. Our favorites were the hummus appetizer and classic burgers.
Oyamel Cocina Mexicana - Perfect for a meal before or after the National Archives or Smithsonian, this authentic Mexican restaurant is known for small plates that are meant to be shared - order at least two per person. The tamales are fresh and delicious, and carnitas super tender. Maybe your teen will even try the grasshopper filled tacos!
Ben's Chili Bowl - A landmark restaurant in Washington DC, since 1958. Famous for their chili and notable patrons.
Need to know
As your travel advisor, I can help you curate the perfect DC itinerary for your family and can help with everything from hotel rooms to restaurant reservations, tour bookings and more. Contact me to get started!
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Travel Advisor
Erica Gould
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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Washington DC. Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, How to Spend 1 Week in NYC with Tweens.