Washington, DC, is a vibrant city filled with history, iconic landmarks, and incredible museums, making it a perfect destination for families. On the first day of our three-day itinerary, we focused on exploring some of the city’s most significant institutions, staying indoors to adapt to the chilly November weather. With three teens, young adult, and a packed schedule, we kicked off our trip by exploring the US Capitol Visitor Center, the Library of Congress, and the National Air and Space Museum. This post covers what we experienced, how we organized our time to maximize each stop, and practical tips to help your family make the most of your visit.
Day One Suggested Washington, DC Itinerary:
- 8-10:30 US Capitol Visitor Center and Tour
- 10:30-12:30 Library of Congress
- 12:30-1:00 Walk to the National Air & Space Museum, go through security
- 1:00-1:30 Eat lunch at McDonald’s
- 1:30-5:30 National Air & Space Museum
If you’re planning to spend more time in DC this is the first day in a 3-Day Itinerary, Day Two covers Library of Congress, US Capitol Visitor Center, National Archives, the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, and the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, while Day Three includes visits to the the White House and the National Mall’s memorials,
US Capitol Visitor Center and Tour
The US Capitol is a must-see for any trip to Washington, DC. It is the centerpiece of American democracy, featuring stunning architecture, priceless historical artifacts, and fascinating stories that make school history class come alive. A visit here begins at the Capitol Visitor Center, located underground just east of the Capitol building, offering exhibits, educational resources, and guided tours of the Capitol itself.
What to Expect
- Begin your visit at the Visitor Center, where you’ll first pass through security (budget 30-45 minutes to account for lines).
- Tours kick off with a 13-minute movie titled Out of Many, One, which provides an overview of the Capitol’s history and its role in American government.
- After the movie, you’ll meet your guide and begin exploring key historical areas of the Capitol.
- The Crypt: A large circular room supported by 40 doric columns directly beneath the Rotunda, symbolizing the geographic center of Washington, DC.
- The Rotunda: A breathtaking circular chamber beneath the Capitol Dome featuring stunning frescoes and significant historical artwork, like the “Apotheosis of Washington.”
- Old Hall of the House: Where Congress met from 1819-1857. It is now called the National Statuary Hall. At the time, the representatives didn’t have their own offices, their desks were located in this room. Plaques on the floor mark the location of desks of representatives who went on to become president like Lincoln or who had been a president like Adams.
- National Statuary Hall: Previously the meeting place for the US House of Representatives, this room now houses statues of notable Americans contributed by each state. Be sure to look for floor plaques marking where historic figures like Abraham Lincoln once sat.
Visiting Tips
- Advance reservations are strongly encouraged and can be booked online up to three months in advance. During busier travel seasons, early morning tours (8:40 AM start times) fill quickly.
- Arrive at least 30 to 45 minutes early to navigate security and ensure you get your tour tickets.
- If time permits, explore the Visitor Center Exhibit Hall, located downstairs, which provides additional curated information on the Capitol’s history and legislative process. However, you may want to prioritize the main tour due to limited time.
Key Takeaways
- Allocate about one hour for the Capitol guided tour, an additional 30-45 minutes for security, and about an hour to explore the exhibit gallery if time permits.
- The Rotunda stood out as the highlight of the tour, with its intricately detailed dome artwork and historic significance. Don’t rush your time here—it is one of the most photographed parts of the Capitol. Check out this interactive guide and explanation of images from the Apotheosis.
- We found the tour to be enjoyable and enriching, thanks in part to our excellent guide, Walt Todenhoft. His engaging explanations paired with the use of provided headphones allowed us to hear the guide clearly, even in bustling tour groups. The headphones also minimized outside noise, enhancing the overall experience.
This engaging and informative tour set a great tone for the rest of the day, we recommend it as a must-visit for families wanting a mix of history and fantastic architecture.
Library of Congress
The Library of Congress is not only the largest library in the world but also one of the most visually stunning locations in Washington, DC. Located directly across the street from the US Capitol, it is home to more than 170 million items, including books, photographs, maps, and manuscripts. For families, the Library offers an opportunity to introduce kids and teens to a wealth of history, art, and knowledge, beautiful architecture and educational exhibits. I absolutely love this building.
What to Expect
- Start your visit by entering through the Thomas Jefferson Building, which houses the library’s most iconic spaces. This Roman-inspired building features intricate designs, marble statues, and gilded ceilings that will leave a lasting impression.
- Key areas to explore during your visit:
- The Great Hall: This two-story main lobby is a feast for the eyes, featuring marble floors, towering columns, and brilliantly painted ceilings decorated with mosaics and murals. Don’t forget to look down at the iconic zodiac signs embedded in the floor near the entrance.
- The Thomas Jefferson Library: This exhibit showcases over 6,000 books from Jefferson’s personal collection, symbolizing the foundation of the Library’s holdings after the British burned the original collection during the War of 1812.
- Main Reading Room Viewing Gallery: One of the most breathtaking spaces in DC, the Main Reading Room is a massive circular chamber with an ornate dome, statues of great thinkers, and rows of desks where researchers and visitors soak in the atmosphere. The gallery offers a bird’s-eye view of this inspirational space and is a family favorite for its sheer grandeur.
- Ongoing Exhibits: Visit rotating and permanent exhibitions showcasing rare historical artifacts, like the Gutenberg Bible or the Drafts of the Declaration of Independence.
Visiting Tips
- Use the underground tunnel that connects the US Capitol Visitor Center to the Library of Congress. This not only keeps you sheltered from the weather but also avoids the hassle of going through security again.
- Arrive early to make the most of your time before the Library gets crowded. Allocate about 30 minutes for security and plan for at least 90 minutes to explore.
- If the timing works for your group, consider one of the hour-long guided tours, starting at 10:30 AM. Guides provide valuable insights into the Library’s history and significance while pointing out hidden details you might otherwise miss.
- Photography is allowed, but leave large bags behind, as they are not permitted inside.
- Wonder how to access the Reading Room? See the Library of congress site about rules for those 16 or older.
Key Takeaways
- Don’t-Miss Highlights: The Great Hall, Thomas Jefferson Library, and Main Reading Room Viewing Gallery are essential.
- Allocate 2 hours if you want to fully immerse yourself, but prioritize key exhibits if you are pressed for time.
- The Gutenberg Bible and similar historic artifacts will delight history-loving adults, while the beautiful visuals of the building keep younger visitors engaged.
Lunch Break
Located inside your next stop at the National Air & Space Museum is a McDonald’s that provides a convenient lunch option for families. You could also eat along the National Mall or take a break for a picnic lunch.
National Air and Space Museum
The National Air and Space Museum is one of the most popular Smithsonian museums and a must-see. This world-renowned museum houses an extensive collection of aviation and spaceflight artifacts, offering an educational experience that combines history with hands-on learning. For families, it’s an especially engaging stop, with plenty of exhibits to keep everyone entertained. From the early days of aviation to ground-breaking space missions, the museum showcases humanity’s incredible journey into the skies and beyond.
What to Expect
- Arrival & Security: After heading over from your lunch break, be prepared to go through security. While the process can vary depending on the season, budget about 30 minutes or more to get through lines, especially in the afternoon.
- Exploring the Museum: The museum features over 60,000 artifacts, so it’s best to prioritize which exhibits to see if you’re limited on time.
- Highlights and Must-Sees:
- The Spirit of St. Louis: Charles Lindbergh’s famous aircraft, which made the first non-stop solo transatlantic flight in 1927.
- The 1903 Wright Flyer: The very first powered, heavier-than-air, controlled airplane built and flown by the Wright brothers.
- The Apollo 11 Command Module “Columbia”: The spacecraft that brought the first men to the moon and back, an absolute must-see for space enthusiasts.
- Sea-Air Operations Exhibit: A favorite among kids, this exhibit explores the intersection of sea and air travel.
- Hands-On Displays and Activities: Perfect for keeping younger visitors engaged.
- Timed Add-Ons (Optional): The museum also features an IMAX theater and the Albert Einstein Planetarium. While these add-ons require tickets, they offer an great way to further immerse yourself in aerospace history and science.
- Highlights and Must-Sees:
- Time Required: The museum is vast, and exploring it thoroughly can take up to 4 hours or more, especially with interactive exhibits. It’s easy to lose track of time, so plan accordingly.
Visiting Tips
- Timing: Consider a morning visit. The museum opens at 10:00 AM and can get busy quickly. Afternoon visits will require patience for security and crowd navigation.
- Plan Ahead: With so much to see, prioritize the exhibits you and your family find most exciting. The Spirit of St. Louis, Wright Flyer, and Apollo 11 Command Module are some of the most popular and should not be missed.
- Allocate Time Wisely: If possible, aim to spend about 4 hours here to fully enjoy the exhibits. It’s a big museum, and rushing through doesn’t do justice to the rich history on display.
- Two Locations: Note that the museum also has a second location, the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA, which houses large aircraft like the Space Shuttle Discovery. This can be explored on a different day for those who are big aviation fans.
During our visit, we realized we hadn’t allocated enough time for a full visit. We quickly realized midway that the museum could easily take an entire day, but we still managed to see many of the highlights within the planned 4-hour window. My kids enjoyed the Sea-Air Operations which reminded them of our visit to the USS Midway Museum. While the Apollo 11 Command Module and Wright Flyer left a lasting impression on everyone.
Key Takeaways
- Must-Sees: The Spirit of St. Louis, 1903 Wright Flyer, and Apollo 11 Command Module are standout exhibits.
- Allocate 3-4 hours or more to cover the museum..
- Lunch Convenience: The in-house McDonald’s offers a fast and easy solution to keep your family fueled without losing momentum.
- Immersive Experience: This museum is perfect for history buffs, aviation enthusiasts, and curious minds of all ages—it caters to everyone!
The National Air and Space Museum is a fantastic way to wrap up your first day of exploring DC. Its incredible displays and interactive features balanced education with entertainment. While there’s much more to see than time allows, this stop left everyone excited for Day Two of our Washington, DC adventure.
To round off your Washington, DC adventure, make sure to check out our itineraries for Day Two and Day Three for more family-friendly activities and sightseeing tips. Planning meals can be tricky in the city, so we’ve compiled a helpful guide on Where to Eat Lunch on the National Mall to make your visit hassle-free. Additionally, if you’re still searching for accommodations that suit large families, take a look at our recommendations in Great Hotels for Big Families in Washington, DC for stress-free planning and a comfortable stay. With the right itinerary, meals, and lodging, your Washington, DC trip is sure to be an unforgettable family experience!
