Travel Itinerary: 3 Days in Washington, DC with kids

We spent the first 4 days of our 2022 road trip exploring the capital of the United States, while visiting friends.

Day 1: 8 hour drive from Dover, NH to Washington, DC

We left Dover, NH when the girls woke up around 7:30 AM and made the 8 hour journey to Washington, DC.

Logistics: We drove the truck nearly 500 miles via I-95 (public rail transportation is also available via Amtrak).

Accommodation: We stayed with close friends in Alexandria, VA during this first leg of the trip for 4 nights.

To do: This was a full travel day. We made sure to stop mid-way through the trip (during lunch) so the girls could get out and run around for a bit. We ended up stopping in the town of Paramus, NJ at Famous Pizza Paramus - it was delicious! Kyle and I had the Chicken Gyro and Selima and Gloria had cheese pizza and chicken tenders. We took our food to go and brought it to a park down the road. The park was a beautifully maintained with a picnic table. We ate our lunch and burned some energy before getting back to our travels - arriving at our friends house in Alexandria - just in time for dinner and bedtime routines!

Day 2: Peak Bloom around the Tidal Basin

We made the 2-mile loop walk around the tidal basin in the city to admire all the beautiful cherry blossoms, during peak bloom

Logistics: It was a short drive from our friends home in Alexandria. We parked in a parking lot close by as we followed the signs to the cherry blossoms.

To do: It was a Thursday when we visited, so thankfully it was not as crowded (it gets crazy busy on the weekend during peak bloom!). We enjoyed the short 2-mile loop around the basin, where we admired all the capital sites surrounded by the beautiful blooms. You can also rent a paddleboat and view the blooms from the Tidal Basin itself. The Thomas Jefferson Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, and the Washington Monument are easily visible along the Tidal Basin Loop Trail.

Day 3: The Winery At Bull Run

We made a trip to The Winery at Bull Run. Located in the heart of the Manassas Battlefield, where the first battle of the Civil War took place. They develop high quality wines from 100% Virginia grapes.

Logistics: The Winery at Bull Run is the closest winery to Washington, D.C, about 30 minutes west, and there is plenty of parking at the winery. You can also tour the surrounding historical sites while you’re in the area. The Manassas Battlefield is a must-see for anyone interested in American history.

To do: A complimentary wine tasting comes with a table reservation (the reservation is $15 for a table). There are family seating options (as well as adults only). They also offer a few different light food options for purchase and occasionally have food trucks on site.

Day 4: Park Day

This was our final day in Washington, DC. We spent the morning at home with our friends and then the afternoon at a local park.

Logistics: Drive 13 miles south of Washington, DC to Chessie’s Big Backyard.

To do: Selima and Gloria could easily spend all day here! The playground area was perfect for all ages - it is fully accessible with padded rubber floor surface and lots of features to crawl through and climb over (and ramps wide enough for wheelchair access).

During the summer months there is also a section called “Our Special Harbor section of the playground” (open May 28 - Sep 5). This is a fully accessible Chesapeake-Bay themed sprayground and has features including a spraying osprey nest, Chessie the sea serpent, misting sunflowers and a lighthouse. The beach area is quieter with softer bubblers and interactive water tables. The computerized water maze and dumping crab basket provide more lively activity.

They also have a 0.5 mile walking trail, a treehouse and a carousel (open April-October).

While in the area you can also visit George Washington’s Mount Vernon. An American landmark and the former plantation of our first president, George Washington and his wife, Martha Washington. The estate is on the banks of the Potomac River and is open to visitors everyday from 9AM-4PM.

We grabbed BBQ for dinner at Mission BBQ - highly recommended, yum!

As always, live presently and travel often!

Kailah