Exploring Washington DC with Big Kids Makes Learning Fun about America Fun!
The perfect weekend getaway to celebrate Martin Luther King Day was to head to Washington DC. Our weekend was packed with the White House Tour, human rights protests, Smithsonian Museums, Lincoln and Washington Memorial, United States Archive building and so much more. Last time we did a full Washington DC with kids, they were little, and honestly it was not fun because there was a lot of walking and the kids didn’t fully appreciate all that is offered in Washington DC. But now that they are all school-aged kids, Washington DC with big kids was so fun and they fully enjoyed it because they learn about our country’s history in school. So they were reminding me about facts and events that have shaped our country. Washington DC with Big Kids is definitely worth the time and expense and will be a lasting experience for them.
What to See
The landmarks like Washington Memorial, Lincoln Memorial and the White House were the main highlights of the trip. My 3rd-grade daughter reminded me that Lincoln Memorial was where Martin Luther King Jr. gave his famous speech. I was able to then show her where he stood, since it is marked on the steps. They were able to share facts about Lincoln and Washington, many facts that I had forgotten about. We visited almost all of the Smithsonian Museum, which are all FREE and so magnificent!
My older son learned all about World War II, so the American History Museum in the National Mall was enjoyable for him. My kids stopped and read the signs and enjoyed the articles and videos. Much different from the last time we were there when they were crying about being tired. One of the main highlights was going to the United States Archive building and see the Constitution and Declaration of Independence. My kids were amazing and so excited to see the real thing!
Where We Stayed
I knew we’d be walking a lot, so I made sure to get a hotel close to the National Mall since parking can get a little tricky and expensive in DC. To save money on food, I found this great hotel condo complex that has two-bedroom units with two-baths, kitchen and living room. This worked great for our family since it gave us space and a kitchen so we wouldn’t have to eat out every night. I also liked that they had a full-workout gym, parking garage and indoor pool/hot tub for evening swims. The hotel condo was walkable to the National Mall and great restaurants. We will for sure stay there again.
White House Tour
We had the privilege of a White Hour Tour, and it was everything I thought it would be. Grand and impressive, there was so much history and it was so neat to walk where our nation’s presidents have walked. We toured the East Wing of the White House, which was more of the entertaining side of the White House. There was so much history, and I love the pictured portraits of all of presidents. If you can get tickets to the White House, it is a definite must-see.
If you get a chance to explore Washington DC with Big Kids, jump at the opportunity. Because of their school learning, they will have interest and even offer some historic insight.
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