Going to Washington DC! (End of January)

[dliver316]

Hey guys...My husband has a business trip planned to Washington DC at the end of January. Me and our 13 month old son are going along with him. Just wondering if anyone knows anything fun to do with a baby there. Also, any suggestions on places to eat....not too ridiculously expensive. I really appreciate any advice. I def want to do some of the museums and I would love to take a tour of the white house but I dont know if we will be able to b/c it will be just one week after the inauguration.

[Kristen.C]

All of the Smithsonian museums are free to the public, but they are almost always very crowded and so I'm not sure if you'd want to take such a small child there. If you do decide to try one out I'd suggest maybe the Air and Space museum since they have so many things hanging from the ceiling that you can show him. Someone else who has little ones will probably have better advice for you in regards to museums. There are probably kids museums in the area but I don't have any kids so I'm not away of them.

If you're wanting to tour the White House you usually have to put in an advance request for tickets so that might not work out for you, however there is a small White House museum that's about a block from the White House that has Presidential information, pictures/information about the inside, etc that you might be interested in checking out. It's also free.

What kinds of food places are you looking for? For something quick, the old Postal building has a food court with lots of different choices. It's all fast food type stuff, so that might be good for a day you're running around on the town.

[jolly321]

Below is a link to another nthread regarding DC. I know all of this may not apply to your trip, but some of it may be useful!

Washington DC trip~any tips or suggestions?

[marion10]

In January the museums will not be very crowded. The Capitol Visitor's Center has just opened and nearby are the Botanical Gardens- big greenhouses that would be great for January. A great place to eat in the area is the Museum of the American Indian- they have a fantastic cafeteria. The National Aquarium does charge for admission, but ut would be nice in January Home

[DianeScraps]

If you get a decent day the National zoo is also free

[AshburnMom]

There's so much great stuff in DC! There's the Capital Children's Museum, the Spy Museum, the Newseum. My husband actually worked on the Newseum - lots of interactive displays. The Arboretum (sp?) is great too! There's a great Women's Museum too!

I don't know what you're interested in visiting or what kind of food you prefer! There are some great local restaurants that aren't too expensive. What part of town will you be staying in? I'm local so if you want any recommendations, feel free to PM me! Just plan on it being really cold and probably wet!

[pilesoflaundry]

The baltimore aquarium is nice I've heard but they do not allow strollers inside and it's a little expensive.

All the museums are great! The zoo is awesome but it will probably be really cold and it's a long walk. You pay to park but the zoo itself is free.

[frugalstafar]

The zoo is great if it isn't too cold, but they do have some indoor displays. Wear your walking shoes for sure. I doubt you will be able to tour the white house the restrictions are high. background checks need to be done well in advance and you really need to know someone on the inside. Eating is pretty expensive in the museums and such. There are plenty of diners that should be cheaper. Just be careful alone- I've lived right outside the city my whole life and its best to always be on guard, watch your purse and pockets!

[dliver316]

I really appreciate all the info guys! My husband says we will not be staying in the city...too expensive. If anyone knows of a nice hotel nearby I would love to hear about it. I think we have like $200 a night to spend on a hotel.
Again thanks for all the great information!! I will def be going to some of the places you all mentioned. I hate that it is going to be so cold b/c the zoo would be great.

[balinese]

Hilton Garden Inn Arlington would be good, IMO. It has refrig+micro, one and half block to metro, near eateries, $116/night-double queen-non refundable (more expensive for refundable option). I've never been to this hotel or washington DC. I've been wanting to go on next memorial days so I've spent some time searching of hotels.

I really appreciate all the info guys! My husband says we will not be staying in the city...too expensive. If anyone knows of a nice hotel nearby I would love to hear about it. I think we have like $200 a night to spend on a hotel.
Again thanks for all the great information!! I will def be going to some of the places you all mentioned. I hate that it is going to be so cold b/c the zoo would be great.