DC & NYC feasable?
 

Have 10 days in mid April to visit the area with our 11 year old. We want to try to do both DC & NYC but are wondering if this is suggested? I know theatre in NYC is dark on Mondays, are there any less desireable days to be in DC? Trying to figure a schedule.
What is the best method of transportation between?
Any suggestions always appreciated!

Definitely doable, and I'd suggest taking the train (Amtrak) from downtown NY to DC.

Sounds fine with that much time. I would also take the train, it's so convenient. I can't think of any day that matters that much in DC as the museums are open every day--of course, they are less crowded on weekdays, but that's true in NY also. The only thing I'd avoid in DC is Cherry Blossom parade which is April 14th (and that whole general week before that) as there are too many tourists here then. I won't even go downtown on the metro during that period and I live here. However, if you are dying to see those blossoms, that is the time period for it. But museums will be packed and hotel rates up and the metro crowded.

The best way between cities is Amtrak. There are trains every hour. Sometimes even more. You can probably get a deal- they usually have a buy one ticket get one 50% off. Sometimes they have buy 2 adult tickets, 1 child free. Check out amtrak.com and look under Hot Deals. Search the list- the deals aren't always clear cut. And they are never valid over a holiday weekend.
I would not buy an Acela ticket. It only saves you 30-40 min and costs almost twice as much as a regional fare.

10 days is enough time to do both cities. Although, if you are coming over the Easter school break be prepared for larger than normal crowds. It won't be unbearable but if the weather is nice tourists (and locals) will come into the city.

I agree with the above advice to see both cities and take Amtrak (but not Acela). It's been a while since we used Amtrak with kids, but they used to always offer a 15% discount for AAA members, and kids under 15 went for half-fare with one adult.

There is also Greyhound which is cheaper than the train if you are on a budget. It takes about 4.5 hours, but of course there may be traffic.

Yup, more than enough time to do both! Take the train as suggested, although I wouldn't rule out Acela. It's much faster and can be the same price (depending on what time of day you plan on traveling). I'd plan your trip so that you're in D.C. on a Monday (rather than NYC) if you're planning on seeing a show that day. OR...just do something other than Broadway that day. Plenty of super museums, sports games, shopping & cool kid-related stuff to check out.

I recommend going for the Cherry Blossom Parade. I went in 2005. It was an absolutely gorgeous day and the CBs were at their peak. The parade was fun (I was in it) as was the Japanese street festival. There are cultural performances daily during the week before the CBP as well as other activities.

Almost forgot to post the iink to the website:
http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.com

I took the Metro back to Virginia and it was crowded, but all of those people were there because it was a lot of fun. I boarded at Federal Triangle and it wasn't too bad, definitely worth it.

we did DC & NYC in a ten day trip in Nov '05. It was hectic- on the go constantly- but worth it.

We flew between the cities.

You can do both in 10 days as others have said. If the theater is a factor, please note that next to NYC, DC has the biggest theater scene in the US and it's theaters too are dark on Monday night.

I live here and would avoid the Cherry Blossom parade. It is just a parade and it is also a mob scene. Unless you have seats in the stands, people will elbow you in an effort to see anything. If you must go, bring a periscope; you will need it.

Hi Local, I took my three kids to DC and NYC over a 10-day spring break one year. We flew from Tampa to NYC, spent 4 more days there, then took Amtrak to DC and flew home from Logan airport. In DC we had one daytrip to Williamsburg. The amount of time was fine. We saw 4 plays in NYC, went back to our old neighborhood, saw old friends, ate at TOTG for old times' sake, attended Brick Church, our former church there, and spent a day at Ellis Island.

In DC we stayed in Foggy Bottom area in a suite hotel that has now been bought by GWU and is used for student housing. We did all the usual tourist-y things there, plus the trip to Williamsburg.

There was plenty of time to do everything we wanted. Your child is a wonderful age for this trip. Have fun!