July 4th with 6 yo and 7 yo

Question

Our plan is to be in DC on the 4th, then leave for our destination of PA after the fireworks. I’m thinking of doing a trolley tour of the monuments, the zoo and maybe another museum? My husband and I have been several times (in the spring) and walked all over, but our children won’t be able to walk THAT much. Maybe eat at we the pizza? Also, my husband says there is a parade? My top questions are….

Can you park at hotels centrally located around the mall/capitol?

Where should we sit to watch the fireworks that’s not TOO crowded?

Anything we should do I haven’t mentioned? Is there a good deli around?

I realize this is a really busy time in the area! I went on the 4th 26 years ago, long before kids so I’m trying to plan, considering them and being reasonable about how much we can do.

Any tips and advice are appreciated!

Answer

Celebrating July 4th in Washington DC with young children can be a fun but busy experience, so planning ahead is key. Since your children are 6 and 7, keeping walking to a minimum and using convenient transportation will make the day more enjoyable for everyone.

Regarding your specific questions:

Parking near the Mall/Capitol:
- Most hotels in central DC do have parking, but availability is limited and rates are high, especially on July 4th. Many guests prefer using public transportation or ride-sharing for the day rather than relying on hotel parking.
- Street parking is extremely limited and often closed due to security restrictions around the Mall.
Fireworks viewing:
- The National Mall is the traditional spot, but it gets extremely crowded. With young children, it’s often better to find a slightly off-Mall location.
- Good alternatives include the Lincoln Memorial steps, the Tidal Basin area, or the grounds around the Washington Monument at the far edges of the Mall. Arrive early (late afternoon) if you want a decent spot.
- Another option is watching from a rooftop bar or restaurant with a view, which allows seating and a less crowded environment, though you may need reservations.
Trolley tour of monuments:
- This is a great way to cover a lot of sights with minimal walking. Many companies offer hop-on-hop-off options.
- Plan to start early in the morning to avoid peak crowds and heat, especially with children.
Zoo visit:
- The National Zoo is a good option, especially since children enjoy seeing animals. Try to visit in the morning when it’s cooler.
- Keep visits shorter than usual; a couple of hours is plenty with young kids.
Other museums:
- Consider kid-friendly Smithsonian museums such as the National Air and Space Museum or the Museum of Natural History, both of which are centrally located and have interactive exhibits for children.
- Plan for short visits and bring strollers if needed for tired kids.
Food options:
- We, The Pizza is great for casual dining and convenient with kids.
- Other family-friendly options include Founding Farmers (reservations recommended), or delis like Good Stuff Eatery and Taylor Gourmet for sandwiches.
Parade:
- There is traditionally a July 4th parade in DC, usually along Constitution Avenue. It can be crowded, so if you plan to watch it, arrive early or consider watching from a distance with a stroller-friendly spot.

Additional tips:

Use a stroller even if your kids don’t normally need one; it helps manage fatigue and provides a place for snacks and water.
Bring water, sunscreen, and hats—the sun is strong and it can be hot in early July.
Consider taking the Metro or a taxi/Uber for longer distances, especially near the Mall where traffic and closures are heavy.
Plan downtime: maybe a short rest at the hotel between morning activities and the evening fireworks.
Check websites for July 4th closures and special security measures, as some areas may be restricted.

By planning a trolley tour, a short museum visit, a zoo trip, and strategically choosing a fireworks viewing spot, you can have a memorable and manageable day for both adults and children.

July 4th with 6 yo and 7 yo

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