Planning grandson's 10th birthday trip to DC

Question

Hello - we are planning to take our 10-year old grandson to DC for 3 days for his special birthday trip. We will be flying in from the Midwest, prob Monday July 14, and staying for about 3 days. I would love some suggestions for where to stay, and although we plan to do several of the Smithsonian museums and the memorials, what other suggestions does anyone have for things to do with a curious bright 10-year old? He loves history and art and reading. We plan to take the Metro to get around and aren't locked in to staying in DC, maybe in Alexandria close to a Metro stop. We welcome any and all suggestions! Thank you!

Answer

For a 3-day birthday trip to Washington DC with a bright and curious 10-year-old, staying near a Metro stop is a great idea as it will make getting around the city much easier. Alexandria, VA is a convenient option with easy access to the King Street Metro station, charming historic streets, and family-friendly dining. Within DC itself, neighborhoods such as Capitol Hill, Penn Quarter, or near the National Mall also offer central locations with good access to museums and monuments.

For accommodations, you may consider:

Hotels in Old Town Alexandria – charming, walkable, near the Metro, and lots of restaurants.
Penn Quarter hotels – close to museums, the National Mall, and family-friendly eateries.
Capitol Hill area hotels – quiet, historic, and convenient to the National Mall and libraries.

Beyond the Smithsonian museums, there are plenty of engaging activities for a history- and art-loving 10-year-old:

National Museum of Natural History – dinosaurs, gems, and interactive exhibits.
International Spy Museum – fun and educational exhibits about espionage with interactive challenges.
National Zoo – free entry and a chance to see pandas and other exotic animals.
Holocaust Memorial Museum or US Holocaust Memorial Museum (age-appropriate sections) – offers history and critical thinking if your grandson can handle it.
Library of Congress – explore the architecture, historical documents, and kid-friendly exhibits.
Monuments & Memorials at Night – the Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, and World War II Memorial are especially striking after dark.
Paddle boats at Tidal Basin – fun outdoor activity while enjoying views of the cherry trees and monuments.
DC Circulator Bus or Boat Tours – easy way to see the city without walking long distances.

Food options that are fun for kids and adults alike include visiting Union Market for diverse cuisine, trying international dishes in Adams Morgan, or grabbing a treat at historic Georgetown Cupcake in Georgetown. For birthday celebrations, consider an evening ice cream stop or a themed dinner in Old Town Alexandria.

Since you will be in mid-July, plan for sunscreen, hats, and water bottles for outdoor activities, and try to schedule indoor museums during the hottest parts of the day. Using the Metro and occasional Uber rides will keep the trip manageable for a young traveler while covering many iconic sights efficiently.

Planning grandson's 10th birthday trip to DC

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