The DC metro system is great and like most busy cities, driving a car would probably be more trouble than it's worth. So I'd definitely use the metro.

And DC is a pretty walkable city and you'll probably walk your feet off to most attractions. I do whenever I go.

Check out a map of the city online to give yourself an idea of how to plan your itinerary. There's so much to see in DC that wherever you walk in the city center, you'll come upon something of interest.

Consider doing a tour on something like Old Town trolley tours which allows you to hop on and hop off. Arlington cemetery is probably the furthest "out" you'll go; you can actually walk to that from its Metro station

The Lincoln, VietNam, FDR memorials are some what close together if you don't mind walking.

The Smithsonians, Air and Space, etc., located along the Mall

You can use a good map and a Metro map

I would do RESEARCH about the various possibilities FIRST. For example, Ford's is basically a totally re-constructed space; there may be some of the museums that a lot of people don't always mention that you would be, in fact, interested in such as the Renwick.

"What attractions are near each other that can be grouped together?"

The map I linked in your other thread can help you with this. That map might say that the National Portrait Gallery and Museum of American Art (both Smithsonian museums) in the Penn Quarter are closed, but they are not.

Don't drive. DC is a very walkable city and as already noted has good and relatively easy to follow subway system. Also consider using The Circulator, a truncated bus system (your Metro SmarTrip card will work on the buses) which goes to and from many of the more heavily touristed sites.

http://www.dccirculator.com

If you have a smart phone two good apps for using public transport or deciding if walking will take less time are Hop Stop and Find A Metro DC

You have two threads on this. To find your other thread, click on your name.

Thanks for the help. Sorry about posting 2 threads. I dont have a smartphone... ugh!
Where are the places I can get same day tours?? We really want to see the Archives (but how do you get advanced tix??),bureau of engraving and capitol which all require tix, right? Can you feel my panic???? lol

You are panicking over NOTHING. I responded to your question about the Archives in the other thread. You can just walk up and wait there and at the Capitol you can go to see if there are availabel tours also. You will have to check the Bureau and Engraving website for info about that.

I would NOT recommend doing a Hop On/Hop Off bus (aka trolley) tour especially next week when the Cherry Blossoms are predicted to be in full bloom. The reason is that these buses get very full and once you get off, you might have to wait a VERY long time until another bus comes by that has available seating. If your goal is just to ride around the entire loop and look at things from the window of a bus, then these tours are OK, if a bit pricey. Otherwise, I can't recommend them.

The one exception is the bus tour of Arlington Cemetery. If you have the time and don't mind some hilly walks, you can walk to all the major sites in the cemetery on your own. But, if you have mobility problems or just want to hear a guided tour of the cemetery, then the HO/HO tour works pretty well. They make only 3 stops--Kennedy Gravesites, Arlington House and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Finally, Metro is generally the best way to get to and around D.C., but if you are traveling with a large group (e.g. more than 4 people) from a distance, Metro may cost you more than driving and parking. Street parking is difficult to find and expensive (except on Sundays when meters are not enforced), so you'd have to pay for parking in a garage. About the best prices for parking can be found at Union Station or at the Ronald Reagan Building. Rates and locations of other parking garages can be found on the Best Parking website.

Our family (kids 5 & 8) are going to D.C. in three weeks and this is how I grouped together. Anyone, feel free to critique as I created our itinerary through Internet research.

Thursday
11am BWI to Sofitel via Super Shuttle
Metro from McPherson Sq to Smithsonian
Thomas Jefferson Memorial
Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
4:15pm tour Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Washington Monument
Carousel by Smithsonian Castle

Friday
Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Veterans, Korean War, 56 Signers of the Declaration of Ind Memorial, WWII Memorial, MLK Memorial
Lunch at Kennedy Center
National Museum of American History
The Old Post Office Pavilion
3pm Capitol Tour
Dinner near Capitol: Good Stuff Eatery, Tortilla café, Ted’s Bulletin or Tune Inn Restaurant

Saturday
10am Cherry Blossom Parade
10:30am- 6pm Sakura Matsuri (Japanese Street Festival)
Arlington National Cemetery

Sunday
11am reservation Ford’s Theatre
Lunch: Comet Ping Pong, Bus Boys and Poets, Oohhs & Aahhs or Ben’s Chili Bowl
Achieves, Air & Space and/or Zoo

Monday
Pick up rental car
Washington National Cathedral & Bishop’s Garden
Darth Vader Gargoyle on NW tower
12:00 PM Holy Eucharist
12:30 PM Organ Demonstration

Pick one:
Old Town Alexandria
Mount Vernon estate
Inner Harbor
Gettysburg

Hilton Baltimore BWI Airport

There is a "March for Marriage" scheduled for Tuesday 03/26 so maybe you (OP) will get to see "democracy" in action.

Couple quick comments - Comet PingPong is not near the sites downtown and no metro close by.
Which Smithsonian are you planning to visit -- lots of them to choose from
http://www.si.edu/Museums

Might want to group FDR with the 2nd day -its near MLK.

Good Stuff Eatery and Ted's Bulletin are good.

Near the National Cathedral is Two Amy's which has good pizza and other fare.

Zoo is a few metro stops on the red line from other sites. Check WMATA site for exact information
http://www.wmata.com/rider_tools/tripplanner/tripplanner_form_solo.cfm

Great restaurant tips yestravel! I guess I was blinded after hearing guy fieri talk up comet ping pong. I think that can be missed. Any restaurant tips for U Street?

National Museum of American History is a must, but we'll have to choose on Sunday for one or two - Achieves, Air & Space or Zoo.

Which seems to be best? Old Town Alexandria, Mount Vernon, Inner Harbor or Gettysburg?

While you're in the area near the Archives, be sure to go to the National Portrait Gallery/American Art Museum. It's free, it has a lovely, closed-in courtyard where you can relax (and eat), it's usually open 'til 7, and there are lots of reasonably priced food options (Potbellys, McDonalds, Fudruckers, Auntie Anne's - and Carmine's if you want something nicer) nearby. Be sure to look at the third floor; it's gorgeous! http://www.npg.si.edu/

If you like touring awesome historical houses, I would recommend the Anderson House. It's full of interesting history, it's beautiful, and you can tour it for free. It's in Dupont Circle. http://www.societyofthecincinnati.org/visit/info

One other (also free; do you notice a theme here? ) thing to check out is the Folger Shakespeare Library, just a block or two from the Capitol. The building is definitely worth touring, but even if you don't have time for a tour, they always have a free exhibit. Check their website for tour times and exhibit information. The also put on plays, which are not free, but are definitely worth seeing. http://www.folger.edu/index_sa.cfm?specaudid=4

As to the rest, Good Stuff Eatery is super good, the Ford's Theater museum is a GREAT museum (It's quite popular though, so buying advance tickets online is probably a good idea http://www.fordstheatre.org/home/plan-your-visit), and the Metro system is super easy. It's color-coded, so even directionally challenged people like me can maneuver it. "Park and ride" is the way to go. Just make sure you buy a smarttrip card (It's only 5 extra dollars), as you get charged an extra dollar every time you use a paper fare card. http://www.wmata.com/fares/smartrip/

>>Which seems to be best? Old Town Alexandria, Mount Vernon, Inner Harbor or Gettysburg?<<

Gettysburg is a day trip in itself. Are your kids, 5 & 8, going to be interested? Mine at 5 definitely wouldn't have been. Too much driving.

Inner Harbor with the aquarium is a good choice.

Alexandria and Mount Vernon are co located. Another good choice. I'd opt for this one in good weather. Shorter drive.

Googs, As to your day "pick one" I would vote Alexandria AND Mount Vernon. You do have time for both. We loved Mount Vernon; it was one of our favorite days.

We actually chose Mount Vernon and the battle of Manassas (Bull Run) which is another option. But we had kids 16, 14 and 11 so two had extensively studied the Civil War and my brother is a huge Civil War buff. We had a great ranger who was assigned there for the summer, he was a history grad student and he did a GREAT job of making the battlefield come alive with what happened where. But I still believe that battlefields may be hard for kids ages 5 and 8 to envision. They are a little young. On the other hand, it may fire them up for Civil War history.

By the way, as to your car rental, I did a quick google and there are several car rental agencies between your hotel and Dupont Circle. I would recommend you pick up your car at one of those rather than at Union Station. Signage for the car rental pickup/dropoff was really poor when we were there last summer. Despite studying maps and calling ahead, we still spent a long time finding it.

When we picked up our second rental, we used one of these outpost locations and it was far simpler. Also quicker to get out of DC over to Virginia.

For the "Pick one," I would also choose Mt. Vernon. It is WONDERFUL! I've been twice, and I would gladly go again. So beautiful, so much good history. Definitely go there. Of course, it depends on what you like. Inner Harbor is nice, but it will be pricier (Aquarium is super expensive. Historic Ships in Baltimore is a good historical/kid-friendly option, but also expensive). If you do go to Inner Harbor, don't miss the Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse (part of HSiB). It's free and is a unique piece of history. Don't stay just in Inner Harbor though; Baltimore has lots of other cool things to see, (ex - Fort McHenry).

Anyway, sorry to ramble; Mt. Vernon gets my vote hands down.

Your Thursday schedule is challenging. Smithsonian Metro to the Jefferson Memorial is the better part of a mile's walk. Suggestion: get a cab from the Sofitel to the Jefferson or the Roosevelt memorial. It's another 15 minute walk between the Jefferson and the Roosevelt Memorial. You've got 4:15pm tickets to the BP&E. I'd suggest picking one memorial. Do check the carousel hours to make sure they are running. The main Smithsonian museums go to extended schedule this week but check on the carousel so the kids aren't disappointed.

Your Friday plan is just crazy, especially with two smaller children in tow. You won't make those check points. Pick two and hope for three. Hope you make the Museum of Natural History one of the choices. Post Office Pavilion is good for the view and fast food. I'd pass on it if you are running short of time.

>>Dinner near Capitol: Good Stuff Eatery, Tortilla café, Ted’s Bulletin or Tune Inn <<

Good choices except for the Tune Inn -- it's a dive bar with a DC Hill history. You drink there b/c you can't afford to drink elsewhere or you are reliving your Hill past.

Other U Street tips? Ben's Chili Bowl is a good choice, esp. with kids. Lots of wonderful Ethiopian restaurants if you enjoy that cuisine.

Finally, do you have timed tickets to the Archives? If yes, check to make sure that they are not cancelled by the sequestration. If no, you are visiting at a very busy time of year and will likely find yourselves in a line for entry to the Archives. Well worth it but will the kids be tolerant of the wait and interested in what there is to see? I'd opt for Zoo (opens at 8 am I think so go at the earliest point in the day for best viewing) or Air and Space.

If you are going to drive the Inner Harbor aquarium as suggested above is a great choice The ages of your kids is perfect for it. Alternately you could easily spend half a day to a full day at Mt. Vernon.

Some of the suggestions above are good, but not necessarily for kids at 5 & 8. Can't see them enjoying the Folger or Anderson house.

Not sure why you are going to the Old Post Office pavilion. I think its mostly shops and restaurants.

Most kids enjoy the Air & Space museum -- they have lots of goings on for kids as well as the exhibits seem to be something kids like.
The National Museum of Natural History http://www.mnh.si.edu is also popular with kids. I would check the websites of the various museums and look to see what they offer for children.
And of course the Zoo is always good for kids and you can easily get to on the Metro.

obxgirl did a great job breaking down your itinerary. (She also helped us on our trip last summer, which was very appreciated.) Her comments about Archives reminded me that while I really enjoyed them, my 11 year old was frustrated.

When we went last summer, there was no line, where you went past single file. They just let a group in at a time, and people shoved their way in, like when we visited Italy. It was hard for him to get close enough to see with all the taller people. I figured it out part way through and tried to help slip him toward the front. You will each want a kid with you and help advocate for them from the start.

The reason for the Old Post Office is to go up in the tower for an overview of the city. Especially now, while the Washington Monument is closed for repair of earthquake damage.

Oh my! You all are bursting with info. Thank you. I’ll touch on many of your points, but have to get back to work at the moment so I’ll start with this…

Mount Vernon seems to be the winner. My 8 yr old son is very interested in presidents so this should be great, but is it doable with my Monday itinerary? Noon – 2pm National Cathedral & Bishop’s Garden then onto Mount Vernon. Afterwards return car to BWI and check into BWI airport hotel for early Tuesday departure? I don’t want to go to the Baltimore Aquarium as we have one at The Mall of America. Gettysburg is far. I didn't realize inner harbour would be spendy.

Obxgirl, we’d love to take cabs but have the car seat issue. How easy to find/use are the bike pulling a cart thingy on The Mall?

We have reservations at BE&P, Capitol, and Ford’s Theatre. I didn’t realize I’d have to plan for Archives too. It appears they’ve shortened their hours due to the sequester.

I also vote for Mt. Vernon for your pick one day.

The "pick one" is on Monday after picking up the car and going to the National Cathedral? I missed that.

If the Cathedral is a must see then I think you are really limiting your time at Mount Vernon. You'll get to Mount Vernon by 3 and they close at 5. It deserves more than that especially if it's a nice day and of particular interest to your son.

If it were me, I'd pass on the Cathedral and do car pick up and Mount Vernon with a possibility of seeing a little of Old Town for lunch or an early dinner. OT Alex is on the way to Mount Vernon or leaving MV on the way to BWI.

Lots to see....so little time. Have a great trip!

Mt Vernon is a good choice with kids. My daughter found the fact that George Washington was a farmer amazing.

I thought he was doing Mount Vernon on Tuesday, not Monday. They are ending the day by driving to the Hilton by BWI, so they should have all day.

As to Monday: Perhaps their family are Anglican, if so they should go to the Cathedral. It could be paired with the zoo, which is very nearby.

This would leave Air and Space on their schedule earlier in the week, which is excellent for kids.

Everyone has given great recommendations. Because DC has so much to see, I like to get a map out and actually write down my itinerary. My favorite map is by Map Easy and I usually get them at the local bookstore.

The map for DC has a great layout of the mall and surrounding area. It is printed in a cartoonish fashion so it may be fun for your children. In addition to marking all of the tourist spots and Metro stations, it also has most of the restaurants, stores and hotels marked. I found it best when I needed a meal. If I had not already decided on a place I could look at the map and decide before I walked 2 blocks up the street to find nothting that I cared for. On the back of the map is a good sized map of the Metro. Everything in one place.

You are correct obxgirl…so little time. Something’s gotta give and I think it’ll be the Archives, although I can’t seem to fit in Air & Space and Zoo anywhere.

Mt Vernon seems best for our Monday day trip between checking out of DC and into BWI hotel. Angelic! That is cute 5alive!! I’ve heard the music at the Cathedral is the tops and since my son is going through first Eucharist the week after we return home, I wanted to squeeze in. Maybe we can go to a nightly prayer instead of mucking up Monday with the car. Is there any easy was to get to the Cathedral without a car or a car seat for a taxi? The Metro seems far.

Thanks for the map idea gardendiva. We’ll be bringing ipad, but don’t have a smart phone.

If you could only tour one side of the reflecting pool, which side would you choose? North or south?

You don't need a car seat in a taxi

You can take a bus to the Cathedral. Check the WMTA site to figure out which one
http://www.wmata.com/rider_tools/tripplanner/tripplanner_form_solo.cfm

Interesting vjpblovesitaly. Why wouldn’t I need a booster seat for a 5 yr old in a taxi? It seems like a law until you are 8 years old.

Taxicabs are exempt from such things. Do you think people with children who live in cities walk around carrying car seats? I can't find the DC law but here is the Minnesota one should you ever need it.

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/?id=169.685

This would be breakthrough info if it's true for D.c. I'm going off the info from MPDC's Traffic Safety.

http://mpdc.dc.gov/node/211362

Yes, DC requires proper seat belt/seat restraint for children up to 8 and they do enforce it. It does include taxis. I have seen roadblocks where they are checking.

I believe in many jurisdictions (if not all) vjb is right, because taxis fall under the public transportation rules--ie you don't need a carseat to ride a public bus either. However, what's legal and what's wise are not the same thing.

At age 3 or less, I'd haul around my own carseat or booster for taxis, but boy that would be a pain. At age 5, I'd be tempted to just use the seatbelt, but it really depends on where your child is on the growth chart. The other thing to think about is the purpose of the booster. It's to make a shoulder harness fit properly and not go across the neck/face. I believe there are some clip type things maybe you could get which would be more portable once you got to your destination....but only for the taxicab! Not for home use, a booster is definitely better and the law.

Oh, wow, I stand corrected. I'm sorry! It is still legal in NYC:

http://www.nyc.gov/html/tlc/html/faq/faq_pass.shtml#3

"From Driver Rule 54-15(g) (in PDF):
The maximum amount of passengers allowed in a yellow taxicab by law is four (4) in a four (4) passenger taxicab or five (5) passengers in a five (5) passenger taxicab, except that an additional passenger must be accepted if such passenger is under the age of seven (7) and is held on the lap of an adult passenger seated in the rear."

>>If you could only tour one side of the reflecting pool, which side would you choose? North or south?<<

It's pretty from all sides so pick the spot most convenient to you. It's only about 150 feet wide north to south. Did you mean east (Washington Monument) and west (Lincoln Memorial)?

North or south side of reflecting pool for which monuments to see. I'm wondering the best way to tackle my tough Friday morning schedule, walking from Smithsonian Metro.

Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Veterans, Korean War, 56 Signers of the Declaration of Ind Memorial, WWII Memorial, MLK Memorial.

I don't see how to add the Kennedy Center lunch idea as that seems like a long walk.

Nothing special about lunch at the Kennedy Center and yes, its a bit of a hike from where you plan to be.

I didn't get the Kennedy Center lunch idea, either. Skip it.

Googs, if you're headed from the Smithsonian metro toward the Lincoln memorial with the intention of seeing all of the memorials you've listed, it doesn't too much matter whether you go on the north or south side of the reflecting pool. It's pricey for a family of 4 but have you considered doing this at night?

A friend has an inflatable booster seat for her 4 year old that they use for traveling.

You have way to much planned for each day. Pick what you are really most interested in and save the rest for another day. For example, you can spend an afternoon in the Museum of Natural History. Your plan has so much walking and running around everyone will be grouchy and tired...not to mention your kids.

I've heard the view from the cafe at the Kennedy Center is grand. Since there's no Washington Mon view and the PO may be skipped, thought a good alternative view would be Kennedy. I'm also awaiting the Millenium stage schedule for April, which has nightly free performances. ....I know, I need a new itinerary item like I need a hole in the head.

The inflatable boosters we saw at Target were $40. Tempting but we travel every other year. Might be worth it after I reconstruct our itinerary.

Night touring of monuments seems calm and beautiful.

Has anyone been to Sakura Matsuri (Japanese Street Festival)? I'd hope it would be a nice break from the museums and monuments.

Well, perhaps I'm jaded because I live in DC, but I don't think the view from the Kennedy Center is worth a special trip. If you get tixs for the Millennium stage, but otherwise I would skip it with the busy schedule you already have. Food is just ok, not terribly good and the view is nice, but not like the Washington Monument.

Haven't been to the Sakura Matsuri Festival, but I agree it would provide a nice break for you. Expect crowds

I've never been to the Sakura Matsuri but would love to hear about it if you go.

I think the city view from the KC's terrace is very pretty but agree it's not worth a trip on its own in your itinerary. The KC is a bit of an outlier in terms of the other things you are seeing, maybe a 10 minute walk from the nearest Metro (Foggy Bottom). Definitely not worth it for the food!

The PO Pavilion is great for the view and closer to your other destinations. Why not go there just for the view? If it fits your schedule and the weather cooperates, there is a great French bakery nearby, Paul, which has fresh baguette sandwiches and wonderful pastries. They have some interior seating but you could enjoy an outdoor lunch at the fountain & plaza next to Paul or a couple of blocks away in the National Gallery's sculpture garden.

Thank you all for helping me prioritize my itinerary items. Unless Millennium has a show that fits our family, we will skip.

Does anyone have an opinion about The Airport Shuttle (Go shuttle) versus the blue SuperShuttle? Will be taking from BWI to Sofitel.

How far of a walk from the Arlington Cemetery Metro to the Tomb of the Unknowns? Google maps shows it at almost a mile. How do pedestrians with small children do it?

They take the tour bus. It's not that pricey and worth it not to make the long walk. With hills.

Googs, I sympathize with you planning this trip recalling our own adventures with younger kids. There are places we knew we wouldn't likely get back to for years so we wanted to see as much as possible. But we had to make accommodations and trade off's for younger legs and more limited attention spans in order to prevent family melt down. And it didn't always work.

I've never used the Go shuttle. Have used the SuperShuttle before w/o issue.

I just Google mapped from Arlington Cemetery Metro to Tomb of Unknowns and walking it shows it 3/10's of a mile. That said, u still may want to do the tour that you can take with the bus inside AC. It stops at all the major sites and you can get off. DC requires a lot of walking. If you don't want to do any of the tours, you will be walking a lot. I don't recall the exact age of your children, but if they don't like walking, you really will need to think about distances. I've got grandkids who live in NYC and they don't bat an eye at all the walking. My other grandkids who live in CA aren't as thrilled with all the walking.

I went when it was 100 degrees out, so I have a slightly biased view. But with young children, I'd take a taxi to the entrance and I'd take the shuttle bus. It was an open air shuttle and very quick on/off. You will be walking so many places in DC and this is one of the few that is convenient to sit a bit.

obxgirl, I was melancholy this morning thinking how I've failed as a trip planner and a mother as I cannot show my kids everything in DC that I wish. Your sympathy gave me a reality check….if this is the worst thing in my life, I’m doing pretty well. : )

Does anyone know the tour length of the shuttle at Arlington Cemetery?

Since you'd probably get of at one or more of the stops--Tomb of the Unknowns (nearly everyone takes this stop, I think), Kennedy gravesites, Arlington House--and would then board the next shuttle that comes by after you've seen as much as you like, allow a couple of hours. To ride the loop without getting off would be less than an hour.

If it makes you feel better Googs, I have made 8 one week long trips to DC, and I'm just beginning to feel satisfied in what I've seen and done!

Assume 2-3 hours for Arlington. Depends on if you spend a lot of time at each site. Take the tour bus. Saves a lot of walking uphill and you get decent commentary / history.

Funny tenthumbs!
Thank you kayd and tchoiniere.

I'd like to post my revised itinerary next week on a new thread. I welcome your insight and reality checks. ; )

Googs, I am a child therapist. Your kids will be fine

I lived in DC for a decade and still didn't see everything. It's wonderful. I know you'll enjoy it.

Haha suewoo! Thanks for your support.

You are welcome. When I lived up there, I often saw parents dragging cranky little kids to yet another museum. I say take it easy. They'll thank you for it.

As an Australian we visited there 3 years ago. Definitely take the 2 days Hop On & Off Trolley Bus - every driver has a different, great story. We paid $34 for 2 days. They do not recommend it, but we did the whole circuit first to get an overall feel of it. Outer places like Arlington Cemetery & the National Cathedral - non denominational - we stopped at on 2nd day. Also doing circuit twice you go down Embassy Row twice - right XX country, left XX, so more ready for countries' embassies second time around. Were sick of museums and churches, but that church a must. Walking was very easy. We started at Lincoln Memorial & took in sites along the way as bus driver pointed out eg Vietnam etc Memorials. Walk from Lincoln>Reflection Pool through park- all flat to Washington Monument - walked to next street each time we passed to see White House - two different sides of it - through all the lovely parks on the way until Congress. Definitely take the free tour and visit the Library - all for free. I could walk this every day of my life. Husband saw Aviation & I liked Modern History Smithsonian with First Ladies' dresses and stories. Do not normally do Hop On & Off, but very cheap for what we got. We were there on 4th July. We took Amtrak through to NY and Boston & back to NY. Great train rides. Would love to redo it all.

Googs, please post revised itinerary. And after! We will be in DC for 4 days in June, kids 11 and 14 though, and need all the help we can get! Have loved this thread since the start. Thank you all, you will see our itinerary in about a month.
As for booster seats, I know in CA the cabs are exempt.
All the walking considered, we are still leaning towards the night bus tour of the Monuments. Not sure if this would be too late for your children, but you stop at 9 Monuments in about 3-3.5 hours and you are not walking to all of them. Pricy, yes, break from walking and seeing the Monuments we want, think it is worth it.
Hope you have a wonderful trip!

The amount of things to see and do in DC is overwhelming........

For our upcoming trip, we booked tickets to see Hello, Dolly! at Ford's Theatre. This will be my first time in that theatre!

Wow, D.C. over July 4th, now that is a feat CaroBird.

Hello Dolly looks really fun tenthumbs.

I will post my new and streamlined itinerary here. I've come along way in planning with half of my original items eliminated, until our next trip. Heck, the destination my kids are talking about most is the pool at our BWI Hilton. : O

I might have to disagree with google on the distance from the Metro to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Maybe because it is hilly it seemed longer but I would say that it is a good city block or 2 from the Metro to the entrance of the cemetery. However, of all the things you can see in DC I believe that this is a must see.

I have only been to DC in the fall so this may not hold true in the Spring but there were not options for food or drink once you get near the Lincoln Memorial area. Depending on when you go you may want to carry a snack and bottled water.

Oh good to know because hydrated kids are happy kids.

I just heard from the DC Taxicab Commission and am unsure if they're giving the ok to break the law of D.c....

Thank you for contacting the DC Taxicab Commission regarding the use of car seats in DC taxicabs in your email dated March 28, 2013. The DC Taxicab Commission does not have special rules regarding travel with small children in DC taxicabs. Taxicab drivers are not required to have child safety seats in their taxicabs, although some drivers do. However, your child must be in a seat belt. You may contact Mr. Jeff Schaeffer of District Cab to discuss your travel plans if you require use of taxicab service with a child safety seat or booster seat at (202) 398-0526. He may have a driver in his fleet available with a car seat to meet your needs.

I don't think he's giving you the ok to break the law. I think he's telling you DC cabs aren't required to provide child safety seats but that the DC law requires everyone, including children, to be appropriately secured.

Here is a link to the DC Metro Police Dept's website regarding child safety seats. See the first paragraph about restraints. See the paragraph at the bottom of the page which states cabs are not exempt.

http://mpdc.dc.gov/node/211362

I'd go for that inflatable one from Target -- could be a pass along to another family in a couple of years or a shared cost with other traveling families.

I've never been stopped for not wearing a seat belt in a DC cab but it can happen as another poster has stated (as does the link). That is me as an adult on a short cab ride, no excuse offered, just lazy. But with my kids, I would be the one at Target buying the booster seat or borrowing one.

I'm baaaack. With rain predicted our first few days in D.C. next week, I’ve lowered my itinerary expectations a bit more. Feedback is appreciated. We would love more good food tips too.

Thursday
SuperShuttle to Sofitel
Metro or Sofitel Town Car to Thomas Jefferson Memorial and possibly Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
If rain…Holocaust Museum
4:15pm Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Washington Monument
Carousel by Smithsonian Castle close at 5:30pm
U Street: Ben’s Chili Bowl or Full Kee and Chinese Arch at H St & 7th St

Friday (order unsure)
Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Veterans, Korean War, 56 Signers of the Declaration of Ind Memorial, WWII Memorial, MLK Memorial
National Museum of American History 7:30pm close
3pm Capitol tour
Dinner: Good Stuff Eatery or Ted’s Bulletin

Saturday
Cherry Blossom Parade
Sakura Matsuri (Japanese Street Festival)
Arlington National Cemetery
Boy Scout Memorial
White House Visitor Center

Sunday
11am Ford’s Theatre
Air & Space and/or whatever we missed

Monday
Pickup at Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Washington National Cathedral
12:00pm Holy Eucharist
12:30pm Organ Demonstration
Darth Vader Gargoyle and The Bishop's Garden
Lunch: Two Amy’s
Zoo
Check-in Hilton Baltimore BWI Airport for early Tues departure

A couple of comments:
The Washington Monument is closed for repairs to damage caused by the 2011 earthquake.
The Holocaust Museum requires timed tickets, so if you don't have them already, you may need to save this for your next DC visit.

"Thursday
If rain…Holocaust Museum"

Assuming you mean to take your children in, the section suitable for children is open without the tickets. You just wait on the line to get in (security often backs up) and you can go in that section and the special exhibits w/o tickets.

http://www.ushmm.org/
"If you wish to see exhibitions other than the Permanent Exhibition, or if you already have a pass, you do not need to wait in the pass line."
http://www.ushmm.org/visit/

A children's area, oh, good thought. I better look into this.

I suppose we'd just read the Washington Monument plaque and take a photo.

rain, rain, go away....

RE: White House Visitor Center. I plagarized this from their website:

The White House Visitor Center closed for renovations starting Monday, July 23, 2012. The closure is expected to last 15 months.

A temporary visitor center will open on July 28, 2012 at the Ellipse Visitor Pavilion near the corner of 15th and E streets NW, just southeast of the White House, and will remain open until the renovation project is completed.

This may have been mentioned upthread (too lazy to look) or on another DC thread.

For your Friday itinerary, if you have scheduled a 3pm Capitol tour, you might want to do the Museum of American History first, then the Capitol tour, then the monuments. The NMAH is my absolute favorite, and I could easily spend 4 or 5 hours cruising the four stories of exhibits. You may not have enough time if you wait to visit it after your Capitol tour; the monuments are open all the time.

rain predicted...when r u going?. Last forecast I heard locally as rain tonight Into Friday am and then nice weather finally.

Thanks tenthumbs! Maybe we should hit the Ellipse Visitor Pavilion first on Thursday. With Cherry Blossom parade weekend I think the crowds would increase as the weekend hits. I've noted the temp location, thank you!

NMAH does sound wonderful...I saw a pic from NMAH on FB yesterday with a black band around Kermit's arm which was honoring Mrs. Henson's death. It was a connection I could make with the kids and our soon-to-be trip.

yestravel, we'll be in D.C. next Thursday. It appears to be great weather up until that day. Shoot.

Any suggestions for kid-friendly restaurant ideas around the White House?

At the north end of the Ellipse near the Zero Milestone you have a great view of the south side of the White House.
Just SE of the Washington monument is a red brick building that looks out of place among all the marble. It is the information center for the US Forest Service. Inside you will see Smokey Bear sitting at his desk.

>>Any suggestions for kid-friendly restaurant ideas around the White House?<<

Old Ebbitt - a DC institution. They have a kid menu.

Point Chaud Cafe and Crepes

Farragut Square - Food Truck heaven during lunch hours

Cascade Cafe - underground between National Gallery east and west wings

>>It appears to be great weather up until that day. Shoot. <<

You're a week away, a lifetime in weather forecasting. It could change for the better -- just have back up plans, like you're doing.

Thoughts on your schedule:

Holocaust Museum - You know your children best, obviously, but mine at age 5 and 8 didn't have the historical context to appreciate the children's exhibition. As mentioned there is also the issue of the free but timed tickets which may have been distributed for the day by the time you arrive. You can get them online as well for a small processing fee.

Another choice, consider heading instead to one of the many Smithsonians on the mall, all of which have kid themed things to see and kid "trails" to keep the younger ones interested. Alternately not on the Mall is the Postal Museum (also Smithsonian) which is across the street from Union Station. That is great museum for younger kids and often less crowded since its off the beaten path at the National Mall. Union Station is on the red line which you can get at metro center near your hotel.

I agree with obxgirl about young children and the Holocaust museum. We went with another family whose daughter was around 8; she was in tears just going through the children's section, which is the story of the Holocaust through the eyes of a young Jewish boy (I believe his name was Daniel). The museum is horrifying and sobering; perhaps they should see it when they're a bit older.

Thanks for the great advice on the Holocaust museum, sounds like a good idea to skip. The nearby US Forest Service sounds like a great plan....who doesn't like Smokey the Bear!

Thank you for all the restaurant tips obxgirl!

Has anyone been to the Cherry Blossom Parade? Any recommended spots to watch (I don't want to pay for bleachers).

If you are in the NGA, then the Cascade Cafe is ok, but I think it's over priced for what you get. Stick to a restaurant. I would definitely seek out the food trucks...great food at great prices. U have your pick of lots of variety in food types.

Agree that a week in weather world is an eternity. This year the forecasters have notoriously been wrong with their predictions for snow storms even a day out. Hope u hit good weather. At least it seems we r turning the corner finally into springtime, so you should have mild weather even if u experience showers.
Have a great trip!

I would certainly return to the Holocaust museum at a later date when your children are able to understand the historical significance. It is my belief that everyone should see it.

Reading all of this is getting me excited about my trip to DC next month! Have a great time, Googs, and let us know how your trip went when you return. Here's hoping for cooperative weather!

The Sofitel sent me a glad-you're-coming email with the weather forecast during our stay. It looks sunny in their world. I had to chuckle as this is the same you all are telling me...we're still days away. Heck, it snowed in mn yesterday, so game on.

Thank you for all the tips, this'll be so great, I'll let you know all when I return.