Maybe it was all the patriotism on display during the 4th of July, or perhaps your kids have been curious about where laws get made, or maybe you've been binge-watching of House of Cards and Scandal. Either way, you're now inspired to take the kids on a trip to Washington, D.C. Hooray!
The best times to visit D.C. are the fall, when Congress is back in session (and more importantly for mom hair, the humidity has subsided) and during the National Cherry Blossom Festival, which is happening next year from March 20-April 12. However, if you can handle the heat and humidity, August can be a great time to visit too because the crowds thin out and the hotel rates drop.
Speaking of hotels, here are 5 hotels in Washington D.C. that we know to be very family-friendly with special kids programs and/or amenities on-site.
Got a family-friendly hotel in DC that you love? Share your recommendations in comments or on our Facebook page! And don't forget to read our 3 Fun Things to Do in Washington D.C.!
CAPELLA WASHINGTON, D.C. (Georgetown)
What makes it family-friendly (especially for older kids):
- The Capella Constellation Series created in partnership with grad students at the University of Maryland's Department of Astronomy. Guests are given a “rooftop tour of the cosmos” using a research grade telescope and astronomical binoculars. Before star-gazing guests are treated to a three-course meal in the hotel's Grill Room.
- A special package created in parternship with the Washington Ballet which gives Capella guests four tickets to The Nutcracker, a backstage tour at The Warner Theater and a chance to be put in the ballet with a rare adult/child walk-on role. Got stage fright? Opt for the Capella's Dance Studio Insider instead, which lets you watch the Washington Ballet's Open Rehearsal events.
- Personal Assistants, which are a hallmark of the luxury Capella brand. These assistants will work with you pre-arrival to arrange or schedule activities that you'd like to do during your stay. When you arrive, the assistants are on call for you and your family 24 hours a day.
- The rooftop pool which is open only during the warmer months. Another reason to visit in August, perhaps?
- Room rates range from $500 a night in mid-August to $600 a night in early October.
What makes it family-friendly:
- A sprawling resort on 11 acres (with a pool!) overlooking Rock Creek National Park and within walking distance to the National Zoo.
- Omni Sensational Kids Program: The brand-wide Omni kids program has been upgraded this year with new backpacks that feature health and nutrition themed games and goodies. Inside, kids will find a Twisty Tomato plastic drinking straw, a cartoon matching memory game, washable crayons and an activity book with games and puzzles and also recipes created by Omni’s in-house nutritionist, Chef Cheryl Forberg, R.D.
- Plenty of classic and one-bedroom suites with sofa beds to sleep extra people.
- A super central location with everything you'd want to see in D.C. under five miles away.
- Room rates start at around $150 a night.
HILTON GARDEN INN WASHINGTON, D.C.
What makes it family-friendly:
- Located in downtown Washington D.C. across from the McPherson Square Metro and just two blocks from the White House, your child's future home. (Nudge, nudge.)
- All guest rooms and suites have microwaves and small refrigerators. There are also connecting rooms available. However, request a higher floor and a room at the back of the hotel to avoid the street noise.
- Free WiFi and a made-to-order breakfast each morning. Children's menus are available as is baby gear like high chairs and cribs.
- There's actually an indoor pool here as well. It's small but is a nice diversion when kids get tired of the museums.
- Room rates start at $139 a night in mid-August and around $200 a night in early October.
What makes it family-friendly:
- A block from Dupont Circle where a farmers' market is held every Sunday morning. A few blocks east is Stead Park, a playground for kids.
- In-room child proofing kits that include outlet covers, toilet latches and nightlights.
- Special Kimpton Kids welcome kits with a list of kid-friendly activities nearby. You can also order up child-size animal print robes to use during you stay and a pet goldfish.
- An outdoor pool that's open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Another reason to visit in August, perhaps?
- Room rates start at $153 a night in mid-August and $200 a night in early October.
What makes it family-friendly:
- Loads of complimentary amenities and goodies from child-proofing room kits to bathrobes, toys and even personalized welcome gifts.
- A family-oriented concierge who has come up with list of family-friendly activities to do in town, which you can read right here. The hotel itself is located in the posh Georgetown nabe.
- The hotel will set up a mini-camping site for kids in their 1,100-sq.ft. Capital Suite which has a separate living room complete with a pull-out sofa bed.
- Room rates start at $476 a night in mid-August and $600 a night in early October.
