Ask Shelly: Tips for visiting Washington, D.C., with a baby?

Our march on Washington, with baby.

This question comes from Jennifer Tan, my fellow Cincinnati Early Childhood Parenting Examiner.

Hi,

I'm planning a family trip to DC at the end of August. I'm trying to find baby friendly, affordable hotels. We're also looking into tour deals that accommodate babies. We have a 9-month-old, and I'm worried about taking a baby on a 9-hour tour.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Jen

What a timely note – we may actually be headed to DC this fall. ;-) We had a fantastic stay at Georgetown Suites (in the 30th St. bldg.) and I highly recommend them. Roomy rooms, nice cribs, full kitchen, light breakfast, and just a short walk to the Foggy Bottom metro stop. Check for specials on their website (click here), and please tell them I sent you!

I would steer clear of the 9-hour tour with a baby (and certainly with a toddler for that matter). From a good spot along public transportation like the Georgetown Suites, you’ll have easy access on your own to the entire mall (all the free museums you can stand!), and you’ll be able to walk to many restaurants and cafes.

A hop on / hop off trolley pass may also help you get around the town without the hassle of a car and parking. And now you can also take a guided MP3 audio tour of the mall or Georgetown at your leisure, which can be a great way to see the major sites when visiting D.C. with a baby or young children.

If you want to visit an outlying attraction during your stay, you might want to rent a car for the day or two and enjoy your own flexibility, or look into a shorter organized group excursion to the specific point(s) of interest.

Here are some suggestions of what and how you might want to "Do D.C. with your baby." Those of you traveling with toddlers and older children, be sure to check pricing details as "child" ages and prices will vary. Have fun!

Hop-on / hop-off D.C. trolley tour (flex day pass)

Half-day tour to Mount Vernon and Old Town Alexandria from D.C. (4 hours, part flex)

Washington, D.C. Spy Tour + International Spy Museum Admission (2.5 hours)

Washington, D.C. Brunch Cruise (2 hours)

Washington, D.C. TV and Movie Sites Tour (2.5 hours)

Shelly Rivoli is the author of the award-winning guide Travels with Baby: The Ultimate Guide for Planning Trips with Babies, Toddlers, and Preschool-Age Children.

For more info: Visit www.travelswithbaby.com and follow Shelly on Twitter @travelswithbaby.

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