This year’s election has everyone’s heads pinning. Whether you are browsing the internet, watching the news, and even at a kids’ soccer games, politics tops the chatter. As much as I want to keep my children in a bubble, and pretend this unprecedented madness is not unfolding, I do feel like we need to be open and honest, especially with Ryder. He comes home from school with questions, from conversations with the other kids, so it seems like a fitting time to visit our nation’s capital, to explain our history and reinforce that we are very fortunate to live in this country.
Last weekend, the kids were off Monday and Tuesday, so we headed south to DC. Our digs for the three nights in town were a Modus Hotel, at One Washington Circle. We dropped our bags and hit the ground running. The first stop was the International Spy Museum. The museum features the largest collection of international espionage artifacts ever placed on public display. Many installations feature the work of famous spies, as well as help bring to life the strategies and techniques of the men and women behind some of the most secretive missions in world history.
Everything was super interactive, so Ryder, Siella, and Gemma really enjoyed their time there.
Just across the street from the Spy Museum was the Smithsonian American Art Museum. The museum is the home to one of the largest and most inclusive collections of American art in the world. Its artworks reveal key aspects of America’s rich artistic and cultural history, spanning from the Colonial period to present day. Jason and I loved visiting here, and could have spent hours there, but the kids only lasted so long when walking the halls.
Many friends recommended Baked and Wired in Georgetown for sweet treats, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint.
Rather than cabbing it back to the hotel from Baked and Wired, we opted to walk back at the hotel, so the kids could burn off some of the sugar high before bed. One Washington Circle, located on the West Side, is a prime location, and our stroll only took 15 minutes. Its central location worked out well for the duration of our stay, because it was so close to so many of the attractions. It’s located just a short walk from George Washington University and the Foggy Bottom Metro Station. Our suite was super spacious, pet-friendly, and every room includes a kitchen or kitchenette. When traveling with kids, kitchens are always key!
The next day, we were up bright and early, and off to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, which features the world’s largest and most significant collection of aviation and space artifacts.
The kids loved every minute we spent here!
Next it was time to see some monuments.
First stop, the Washington Monument. We planned to go to the top, where we could have a pretty awesome view of the city, but unfortunately the elevator is out of service for a few weeks. Further down the plaza was the World War II Memorial, followed by the Lincoln Memorial. Everywhere we turned along the way offered brilliant backdrops for photos.
The Lincoln Memorial is my most favorite monument, and I think it made it to the top of Ryder’s list too.
Thanks Ryder for taking this picture of us!
While staying at a resort in Virginia three years prior, we had visited the White House, but the kids were so young they really didn’t remember it. So when we walked over to the White House gates this time, we spent lots of time talking about the President and what takes place there. I would love to one day have the opportunity to get behind the gates for a tour.
The view from our room.
Each morning we enjoyed breakfast at Circle Bistro, located inside our hotel at One Washington Circle.
This pretty street sits right across next to One Washington Circle.
Last summer in Boston, one of our favorite experience was a guide Duck Bus Tour. The unique thing about this tour bus was that the bus was amphibious, so after we passed all the great land attractions, our guide drove the bus into the Charles River. Needless to say, the kids went nuts for this, so when we found out that Duck Tours were available in DC, it was a no brainer. The tour departs from Washington DC’s Union Station, so it was the perfect opportunity walk through the station to take in all of the breath taking architecture.
How can the kids not enjoy this tour, after having a chance to captain the boat!
They even passed out quackers to the kids.
Once our tour came back on land, we were fortunate enough to see fighter jets flying over Arlington National Cemetery.
The Capital Building.
When we returned to Union Station after the tour, we stretched our legs, and walked across to the Post Office Museum. I’d heard about it in the past, and it wasn’t on our agenda, but many of my readers Instagram comments raved about it, and I am so glad we got to experience it.
The National Postal Museum houses one of the largest postal history collections in the world, with galleries showcasing America’s postal history from Colonial times to the present. Its displays contain prestigious U.S. and international postal artifacts, specialized collections, and archival postal documents.
Ryder and Siella wrote and addressed postcards to themselves, which we posted and mailed back to them. Whenever Jason travels, he sends the kids a postcard, so it was a neat experience for them to be able to see just how the mail works.
Another cute station for the kids allowed them to sift through tons of different stamps to take home as momentos.
Below, the kids are getting ready to mail their postcards. Their excitement was just adorable!
I had been to Washington DC countless times throughout my childhood, and after this weekend with my kiddies, so many memories came back to me. Although I was slightly older than my children were for their first visit, I’m happy to have introduced them at such a young age. There was plenty more to do and see, but just did not have enough time. But we can’t wait to go back!
And a big thank you to the super family friendly Modus Hotels for hosting our stay.
17 thoughts on “Weekend In Washington DC”
D.C. is such an amazing place. We’ve been there a few times, and it is so wonderful. I LOVE all the monuments.
I have been wanting to take the family to DC! I haven’t been in years.
We’re all the way on the west coast but still want to take a family trip to DC someday. The historical sites alone are enough to fill an entire weekend.
Your family trip through DC sounded fun! I love that there is so much for the kids to enjoy in DC. The monuments are so impressive and I still enjoy visiting the museums!
It’s a vacation that’s worth going to, without a doubt! It’s awesome that the kids were able to have a blast at all the historic places as well. There’s just so much to see and learn from DC! It’s really a place where families will have a great time.
We’ll be in D.C. for Christmas break and this is giving me a lot of ideas for places to take our son. He’s a huge fan of museums and information.
You had an awesome weekends with your family! I never been in Washington dc and looks a nice place.
I have not been to Washington D.C. in years. My daughter went last year and had a blast.
I’d love to visit this place too! Looks like a great, family-friendly attraction.
If you could believe it, we have never been to DC! There’s so much to do and I love that so much of the attractions are so affordable for families.
We used to live in Annapolis, so venturing out to DC was a fun day trip for our family. It was very cool seeing your family do a lot of things ours used to do. Glad you enjoyed it. 🙂
Ah how fun! I love visiting DC and surrounding areas! My dad lives in Virginia, and we love going up for the blossoms and fall. Looks like you all did a lot, kudos to the kids (and the grown ups too, of course! 🙂
So much fun! I really loved our time in Washington DC, wish I could take my kiddos there too.
This looks like such an amazing East Coast Family vacation!!! I bet they had so much fun! And I love that a trip to DC is still a grown-up vacation for you and Jason–not all amusement parks and kid stuff, which is what vacations with kids can sometimes turn out to be. Thanks for sharing this! I am totally putting DC on my list.
The great trip! The photoes are very beautiful. You have pretty kids and a happy family. Best wish for you!!
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