2D/3N (family inc 3 teens) in December

Question

This is our first time to Washington and really keen to get a good plan to make the most of it! Being December it will be cold so obviously some things won’t be fun! I want to find a great tour for the first day to see the main sights. The second day likely explore a bit more & maybe a museum/shops. I want to get basketball tickets too.

What would be the best day tour for a family with older girls? Be good to get an interesting one & not just photo stops. I would have loved White House or FBI tour but looks like only for US citizens.

Any other must do’s? Dinner suggestions? We are staying near convention centre.

Answer

For a 2-day, 3-night family trip to Washington DC in December with three teenagers, planning around the cold weather and keeping the days engaging is key. Staying near the Convention Center puts you close to central downtown, which is convenient for most attractions.

Day 1 – Full City & Monument Tour

For your first day, a guided city tour focused on the main sights is ideal. Look for a small-group or family-friendly tour that combines history, stories, and interactive elements rather than just photo stops. Since White House and FBI tours are restricted to US citizens, other options are:

A hop-on-hop-off bus tour, which allows you to get off at multiple monuments including Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, and the Washington Monument. This is flexible for teens and avoids long walks in the cold.
Private guided walking tour focusing on history, presidents, and DC landmarks. Some tours offer storytelling that teens find engaging, with chances to try quizzes or scavenger hunts along the way.
Evening option: A night monuments tour, which shows memorials beautifully lit and tends to be less crowded. Teens often enjoy the dramatic atmosphere.

Day 2 – Museums, Shopping, & Basketball

Museums: Smithsonian museums are excellent for cold weather. The National Air and Space Museum and National Museum of American History are popular with teens, offering interactive exhibits. The International Spy Museum is also very engaging for older kids.
Shopping: Penn Quarter and CityCenterDC have indoor shopping and cafés, convenient if you want a warm break. Chinatown also has shops and casual dining options.
Basketball: For NBA tickets (Washington Wizards), check the Capital One Arena schedule and book in advance. Consider evenings for games so you can plan your museum/shopping day around it.

Other Must-Do’s

Walk along the National Mall if weather permits – even a short stroll between monuments can be memorable.
Visit the Library of Congress (stunning interior) and Supreme Court if open to visitors.
Try indoor historic sites like the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, but be aware some sections may be intense for younger teens.

Dinner Suggestions:

Old Ebbitt Grill – classic DC landmark, historic, near the White House.
Founding Farmers – casual, farm-to-table, good for groups.
Matchbox or Shake Shack – quick, teen-friendly dining if needed after a museum day.
Le Diplomate – more upscale, French cuisine if you want a special dinner experience.

Tips:

Dress warmly in layers, including hats and gloves, since December can be cold and windy.
Pre-book tickets for any paid attractions and the basketball game to ensure availability.
Use Metro or rideshare for longer distances; walking is doable but can be tiring with teens in cold weather.

This plan balances iconic DC sights with engaging experiences for teens and indoor options for winter weather, while keeping logistics manageable from your hotel near the Convention Center.

2D/3N (family inc 3 teens) in December

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