Reclaiming Wonders

Planning a trip to DC? A family vacation to Washington DC doesn’t have to be full of crowds and busy museums if you know some DC hidden gems that the whole family will enjoy. Learn how to step away from the more crowded Smithsonian museums and landmarks to enjoy some cool places in DC that are hidden gems you should visit.

With so many unique museums in DC, it’s hard to plan your family travel itinerary and fit in all of Washington DC’s best. With this list of ten over looked sights, your family can more easily explore DC on foot and walk away from the crowds to discover the these DC secret spots that are just as amazing.

PS: My favorite “new” DC museum is at the end of the post. Don’t stop reading until you get there! Or cheat and read all about Planet Word here.

~~> Make sure you check out this post for some top mom tips to make your DC trip even better: “6 Practical Tips to Make Your DC Trip Easier.” And don’t stop here in DC without adding more with this “Ultimate Virginia Road Trip” list!

---

#1 Visit the Capitol Museum and Restaurant

The U.S. Capitol is on the top of many people’s Washington, D.C. list and is definitely not a Washington DC hidden gem. However, most people don’t know about the DC Capitol museum. I made a same-day timed reservation for my family for the guided Capitol tour. I thought I had planned enough time to see the US Capitol before our reserved tickets across the street for the Library of Congress three hours later.

But I didn’t know about the amazing Capitol Museum!

How Do I Tour the US Capitol Building?

The visitor center of the Capitol is a beauty, and you must have a US Capitol reserved ticket for the hour-long tour to enter the visitor center. The guided tour is the only way to watch the introductory video before following a tour to see the Crypt, Rotunda, and National Statuary Hall. Even during our November trip, there was about a ten-minute wait to get into the building. If you’re going during peak vacation season, make sure you get your tickets ahead of time.

Can I Visit the US Capitol and Not Take a Tour?

Yes you can visit the US Capitol without taking a tour… but you have to have a ticket to take the tour. The only way to enter the US Capitol museum and visitor center is to have a free ticket for a tour. It’s the same entrance for the museum, the building, and the Capitol Cafe.

However, once you get into the Capitol Visitor Center, there is still another line to pick up your official timed tickets for the tour. If you don’t want to take the tour, simply choose not to get in line for your official tour ticket. No one will ever know. They don’t check tickets to enter into the museum which is in the same hall.

What I’m saying is. Even if you’ve seen the Capitol and don’t want to tour it again. Get a ticket and hang out at the museum if you skipped it last time.

What is in the US Capitol Building Visitor Center?

With tall soaring ceilings and sky lights, the Capitol Visitor Center is full of statues to explore while Dad waits in line to get the tickets. While the main purpose of this huge room is the line to watch the pre-tour video, this visitor center is also home to the wonderful US Capitol museum about the history of Washington DC, our United States government, and the building of the capitol building and Washington DC. Go start wandering while you wait.

What is the Capitol Museum About?

The museum exhibits at the US Capitol are all about government and the DC Capitol Building. If you are a museum reader or history buff or teacher…. You could read here for an hour or two.

• Compare the House and the Senate after watching the videos.
• See how the Capitol building and the city expanded as the new country grew.
• Learn about the Constitution and democracy.
• See the cut out model of the Capitol dome to have more appreciation for its sizes.

If you have even more time to explore the Capitol Building, check out the additional offerings outside the popular guided tour. If you are bringing students, there are lots of in-person education and homeschool opportunities. Additionally, there are specialty tours and daily offerings that change. Check the calendar, so your family doesn’t miss anything extra. 

Note: This is not a “fun” museum for little kids. While there is a section for kids (The Democracy Lab) where they can practice giving a speech and a few videos, this is not a hands-on museum for little kids. 

Is There Food at the US Capitol Cafe?

As you can’t carry food into the Capitol and some of the DC government buildings, plan to eat lunch at the Capitol Cafe on the same level as the DC Capitol Museum. This restaurant feels a bit like a college cafeteria with ready-to-go fresh food and lots of short lines. You won’t have to wait on your food and take up precious travel time looking for another restaurant.

Now head across the street to the Library of Congress… where you already got an online ticket, right?!

Near the DC Capitol: Senate and House offices, Supreme Court Building, the Libraries of Congress

---

#2 Visit the Library of Congress in DC

The award to the most beautiful building in Washington, D.C. goes to the Library of Congress. Located across the street from the entrance to the Capitol Visitor Center, this beautiful building is worth the wait in line. And maybe my favorite building in DC!

My Review of the Library of Congress

The Library of Congress wasn’t on my radar. I honestly had never seen anyone speak about a visit here. Now, it’s the place I tell everyone they need to make sure they include. Visiting the Library of Congress in Washington DC honestly made me feel like I was on a trip to the grand cathedrals and architecture of Europe. The paintings cover every wall and ceiling. Columns, statues, grand staircases… It’s the Sistine Chapel of Washington, DC.

How do I get Library of Congress tickets?

Get a free, timed entry ticket on the Library of Congress ticket site. These are required to enter. On the day of our visit over Thanksgiving, I easily got a same day ticket through their website. However, as I’m looking now, it appears the tickets for the Library of Congress are booked up for the next week. Tickets are released a month ahead of time, so put scheduling these tickets on your complication DC planning list.

If you didn’t manage to snag a ticket, still plan to head across the street from the Capitol. It’s beautiful on the outside and worth seeing just for it’s architecture.

What is there to do at the Library of Congress in 2023?

• View one of five Gutenberg Bibles in the US
• Roam the bookshelves from Thomas Jefferson’s library
• See the Library of Congress Reading Room from the overlook (You’ll have to wait in line)
• See the office of the Librarian of Congress
• Learn about the impact of photography on history with beautiful photographs
• Wander among beautiful statues, architecture, murals, and paintings — this is the real reason for your trip
• Look out for a great view of the Capitol Building across the street

Can I see the Library of Congress Reading Room?

Although the highlight of the library is the reading room, you will only be able to view it from the second story overlook if you haven’t planned otherwise. According to the information on the Library of Congress site, access to the Library of Congress Reading Room is a matter of completing a Reader Registration and Access form online and showing your Reader Identification Card at your visit. You can do this up to two weeks before your visit. What a special treat for your teenage library nerd!

If you don’t have a Reader Registration, you will not get in. Despite the fact that Nicholas Cage runs through the reading room in National Treasure 2, that was a movie. (And I didn’t know) From the visitor area, prepare to wait in line for the Reading Room overview, and unfortunately, your view will be blocked by glass. This doesn’t keep you from getting some great photographs though.

Tips for Visiting the Library of Congress

• Make sure you get the kids a scavenger hunt list as you walk in. It kept my two younger ones busy for a while. 
• The Library of Congress is open until 8:30 on Thursday if you’re looking for evening activities.
• When the kids are bored, head to the kid reading room close to the entrance.
• There’s a rotating exhibit area and special events. Check the event schedule online.

---

#3 Visit The “Other” Tidal Basin DC Monuments

When people think of the Washington DC Monuments, they think of the (crowded!) Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. While the Lincoln Monument is spectacular, you might even want to avoid it because of the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds. Five minutes away from the Lincoln Monument is the also crowded Vietnam War Memorial. But don’t just see these two and consider yourself “done”.

What is the Tidal Basin Loop?

This is part of the two mile Tidal Basin Loop Trail to take you past the lesser crowded monuments. If it’s springtime, this is also where the cherry blossom trees are in bloom! It also provides for some great views of the Capitol and the Washington Monument.

Visit memorials to:

• Korean War Veterans Memorial
• Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
• President Franklin D. Roosevelt
• President Thomas Jefferson

Where are the DC Monuments Located?

If you’re approaching the memorials from the Metro, get off at the Smithsonian Metro stop for a quick 15 minute walk to the Tidal Basin Welcome Area. During your trip to Washington DC, see the Vietnam and Lincoln memorial, but keep walking to the left of Lincoln, away from the Washington Monument.

Education at the Washington DC Memorials

This homeschool mom says, “Learn about these people before the visit!” If your kids don’t know who these American heroes were, they will see these as just more boring buildings.

Should I Take the Kids Around the DC Tidal Basin?

Your kids are tired of museums and of walking and you don’t want to add more walking… but this is a good way to get wiggles out! There are plenty of benches and places to take a rest around the Tidal Basin. However, once you get past halfway, just keep going. There’s not an easier way back to the Mall otherwise.

Cautionary tale however. In many areas of the sidewalk, there was no guardrail to prevent your small kid from heading into the lake. Some parts have mud or low-growing tree limbs covering part of the sidewalk. While this isn’t a super long loop, it isn’t necessarily the easiest.

This mom would like to point out to you that your kids are exhausted from all the walking they’ve already done around Washington, DC. This would be a good time to splurge on those rental scooters or just see the main monuments and call it done. However, my kids entertained themselves during the Tidal Basin walk by counting the number of scooters in the water.

Hint: Visit the Monuments once the museums are closed! The path is open 24 hours a day, it’s free, and the area is even more lovely once the monuments light up.

~~~> If this walk sparked your interest in Jefferson, read “Monticello: How to Plan Your Best Family Trip”. Or if the kids have lots of questions about Dr. King, add “On the Trail of Martin Luther King, Jr.” to your next road trip plan. Can you tell we love us some history travel?! Best way to homeschool.

---

#4 Visit the Pentagon 9/11 Memorial in DC

Even though this location requires a trip out of the Mall area of DC, it is worth the short subway trip to the Pentagon. If you plan far enough ahead, you can schedule to have a guided Pentagon tour. However, even if you can’t get this to happen, the sheer of the Pentagon is enough to make it worth your trip. This would also be a great place to visit once other places close at night as it is open 24 hours a day. Look at the photos online to see how beautiful the lights at the Pentagon Memorial are at night.

There’s a lot you will miss if you don’t listen to the Pentagon Memorial Audio Tour on the website to understand the layout and purpose behind the unique layout. Notice the different directions of the benches to indicate those killed in the plane vs those killed inside the building. Follow the direction of the benches toward the slightly noticeable change in the bricks on the outside of the Pentagon.

Why Should I Visit the DC Pentagon?

Everyone goes to Arlington Cemetery (see the #5 DC location) when they visit Washington, DC. In only one extra metro stop or in a less-than-ten-minute walk over, you can remember September 11th. Given that there are only three September 11th crash sites (thankfully), you need to take the time.

Education at the 9/11 Memorial

Even if you have little kids, take the time. They may not understand it, and they don’t have to. They will remember you talking about it and showing them how it’s important. I will warn, however, that more sensitive kids perhaps should not do this memorial if you’re fixing to get back on a plane and fly home.

• Look up at the changes in the bricks one the side of the Pentagon and talk about how big the plane was.
• Look at the benches and read the dates to show the kids that kids died as well.
• Find the benches marking military people who were serving in the building.
• Talk about how important the Pentagon is, how many people work there, what their jobs might be, how huge the building is, and why terrorists would choose to target it for 9/11.

Tips for Visiting the Pentagon 9/11 Memorial

• There are no food or drinks allowed in the memorial the area. However, there is no one inspecting bags; keep your stuff in your backpack and don’t worry about it.
• Make sure you take the time before the visit to discuss with your kids the significance of this location. This is definitely the kind of place that needs quiet and calm.
• It is about a ten minute walk (0.5 miles) through the parking lot from the subway stop to the memorial.
• Do yourself a favor and avoid rush hour. We were here on the weekend over Thanksgiving and the parking lot was mostly empty. However, the parking lot alone is huge, it requires many bus stations, and has its own Pentagon subway stop.
• There is a bathroom at the site right outside the Memorial.
• Download the app for the tour to explain to you the 9/11 Memorial design and significance.

~~~> Have you realized how much you love learning with your kids? Contact me and check out this post with links and lists of my homeschooling posts!

---

#5 Visit Arlington House at the Cemetery

Don’t just go to Arlington National Cemetery for the Changing of the Guards like everyone else. Head up the hill to the Arlington House and learn about the history of the land, the people, and their role in history. Don’t forget to leave enough time to just wander the beautiful grounds of the Arlington Cemetery. And if you just skipped #4 Pentagon Memorial, go back because it’s only a few minutes away from Arlington National Cemetery.

What is there to do at Arlington House?

• Look out toward the National Mall and discuss why it was a strategic place during the Civil War. (The view is fabulous!)
• Trace the relationship of Robert E. Lee back to George Washington. Can you imagine that family drama?
• Tour the slave houses and learn about their role.
• See some of George Washington’s family heirlooms and furniture.
• Experience a ranger-guided program and let the kids work on their Junior Ranger badges.
• Use the bathroom; you’re going to need one!

Nearby: Pentagon and the 9/11 Memorial

---

#6 Visit the Old Post Office Tower in DC

What about a free, fantastic view across Washington, DC that doesn’t require tickets reservations? The observation deck from the 270-foot-high Old Post Office Tower in downtown DC offers visitors a view across the Mall from the Capitol to Lincoln Memorial including that famous Washington Monument obelisk. Self-guided tours provided by the National Park Service begin every five minutes in the Pavilion of the Old Post Office. Take the glass elevator and follow the signs.

Our Post Office Tower Mistake!

Learn from my mistakes. Unfortunately, we saved the Post Office for the end of our trip. Not only did we have difficulty finding the correct door, but by the time we did, it was closed. Admire the Post Office from the beautiful entrance on Pennsylania Avenue.

The more I look at beautiful pictures of the inside of the building, the more I’m bummed that we didn’t get to see it. The whole building is amazing.

Why Should I Visit the DC Old Post Office Tower?

The Post Office Tower in Washington is a great lesser-known spot to explore before the rest of the DC museums open at 10. The elevator to the top floor is accessible only from 9 AM to 4 PM. Plan accordingly. This is a much easier view than snagging tickets to the Washington Monument.

The Washington Monument on the National Mall has the reputation of the best views across Washington, D.C. However, my family didn’t get tickets for the Washington Monument. Yes, I could have gone back to get in line for first-come, first-served tickets. However, doing this would have meant leaving the hotel, hiking more than a mile, and wasting potential hours of the day on the possible change that there would be tickets for my family of six. Then, turning back around for the ticketed entrance. That’s a lot of time and walking. The Washington Monument is another one of those DC sights whose tickets added stress to my family vacation planning.

Where is the Old Post Office Tower?

We searched for the entrance. Now I know that the entrance to the Old Post Office Tower is through the back of the building which is now the Waldorf Astoria (formerly the Trump International Hotel). If you are approaching the post office from the direction of the mall, you will approach from the back of the building off 12^th Street. It should be labeled “museum and clock tower”. If you still can’t find it, head to the sushi restaurant next door Sushi Nakazawa. 

Nearby: Ford’s Theater, National Museum of American History, National Museum of Natural History

---

#7 Visit Washington DC Chinatown

If you’re looking for some really good, authentic food during your family DC vacation, head away from the mall toward Chinatown. Not only is this a unique area in Washington DC, it’s on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Downtown Historic District. This was our Thanksgiving meal in 2022 when other restaurants were closed for the holiday.

The first Chinatown of DC goes back to the 1880s and the current location has been around since the 1930s. The main feature of DC’s Chinatown area can be seen between 6^th and 7^th streets on H. Walk under the 60 foot tall Friendship Arch. Decorated with tiles and dragons, it has the world distinction of being the largest single-span archway of its type. The signs and building decorations reflect the Chinese heritage of the neighborhood, and you now have the difficult decision of picking a place to eat lunch.

Nearby: Ford’s Theater (0.5 miles), Planet Word (0.6 miles)

---

#8 Visit the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden

Take your DC museum indoor wanderings outside to enjoy the 6 acre garden of sculptures at the National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden. Located on Independence Avenue between the National Gallery of Art’s West Building and the Natural History Museum, its location on the mall means you should at least wander through the path on the way to your next museum adventure. Enclosed in a large iron gate, this outside art museum needs to be enjoyed between 10 AM and 5 PM year round. Take time to see beyond the art; this is also a garden full of flowering trees and perennials.

Education at the Art Sculpture Garden

I admit I’m not a fan of modern art. However, I never pass up the chance to show the kids sculpture gardens. They need to be reminded that art is more than paintings on a wall or the impressionism that their mom prefers or four-foot rectangles. These metal sculptures are much bigger than the kids and include some names you may know like Marc Chagall, Joan Miro, and Roy Lichtenstein. This garden map will help you locate some new favorites.

Check the online schedule. If you’re visiting in the winter, the fountain at the center of the garden is transformed into an ice-skating rink. At other times, you might be treated to concerts in the garden.

Fun fact: Check out Louise Bourgeois’ Spider. We recognized the artist from her similar (much larger) Maman at Crystal Bridges in Bentonville, Arkansas. There are several others spider-themed sculptures scattered throughout the United States and around the World.

Nearby: National Gallery of Art’s West Building (European classics) and East Building (contemporary art), Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, across the street from the National Archives Museum

---

#9 Visit the Bartholdi Gardens and Fountain 

Located right across Independence Avenue from the US Botanical Gardens, the Bartholdi Fountain and Gardens sight is easily overlooked. Although the flower and vegetable beds were mostly empty in the winter during our visit, I’m sure they are lovely the rest of the year. The ground-level plants are marked with their names making it not only a beautiful place to enjoy but also an educational place for kids and home gardeners.

With plenty of seating areas, this small garden is an excellent place to get away from the crowds of Washington, DC visitors. Bring your picnic lunch and join the business people of the area to enjoy rest at one of the many tables. With paved trails weaving among the flower plantings, this green space also makes a great place for kids to get out their energy from being in museums all day! A great break for Mom and Dad too.

When Should I Visit the Bartholdi Gardens?

Although it’s technically a part of the US Botanic Gardens, the Bartholdi Gardens are open 24 hours a day without a boundary or door for entrance. No timed reservations or tickets needed. This free garden would make a great place to explore once the Smithsonian museums close their doors at 5:30. While the rest of Washington, DC darkens, the lights on the cast iron Bartholdi’s Fountain of Water and Light put on a show.

Fun Fact: The French sculptor of the fountain, Frédéric Bartholdi, would later design the Statue of Liberty.

Nearby: U.S. Botanic Garden, U.S. Capitol, National Museum of the American Indian

---

#10 Visit DC’s Planet Word Museum

When your kids become bored with walking around looking at exhibits, head to the Planet Word Museum in Washington, DC for some interactive, tech-y exhibits. Built in 2020, Planet Word is different from the other history sites and one of the only ones not housed in a big, white building with columns. Although only a mile away from the National Mall, the Planet Word in DC is a free museum that is well-worth a short walk from all the National Mall museums. Come ready to touch, speak, sing, and create.

How Do I Get Planet Word Tickets?

Reserve your Planet Word Museum tickets ahead of your Washington, D.C. visit through the Planet Word website. If during a high-travel time, make sure you grab your general admission tickets starting the first day of each month because there’s a limited number of same-day tickets. Consider donating to the Word Museum’s educational outreach programs.

What Activities are at Planet Word?

Planet Word only opened in 2020. It’s new, technologically up-to-date, and beautiful. Plan to spend about two hours in the Planet Word Museum. It’s small, so the kids can wander off a little more freely than in the huge Smithsonians down the road.

• Hear different languages around the world at “The Spoken World”.
• Talk to the wall at “Where Do Words Come From?”
• Create a “Word World” with technology to paint your own world.
• Experience different writing styles and techniques through karaoke at “Unlock the Music”
• Record yourself giving a famous speech and email it to Grandma at “Lend Me Your Ears”.
• Loiter in the beauty of the magical library, find some fun new books to read, and remember your old favorites.
• Search for the Planet Word secret room in the library.
• Step into the book-themed elevator… and come up with another reason for another ride.
• Go in the bathroom. Potty humor to delight a tired mom. Yes, it’s okay to take a photo in the bathroom.
• Plan to grab some creative gifts for the book-lovers in your life at the Planet Word gift shop.

Tips for Visiting Planet Word

Don’t worry about entertaining your kids during your Planet Word visit or your little kids getting bored. Show up, park your stuff, and wander off to see the beautiful displays around each corner.

• Bring you lunch picnic or snacks to eat after your Planet Word visit at the Franklin Park across the street.
• Leave with a new kid book by exchanging one of yours at the Little Book Library at the entrance.
• Don’t bring your big stroller if you can help it. Umbrella strollers are allowed, but parents might be asked to store if they’re too large.
• Don’t worry about the big bags. Look for the free (but limited!) storage lockers at the entrance. Leave your food here as it isn’t allowed in the museum.
• Plan your trip accordingly; Planet Word isn’t open on Tuesday. See the schedule on their website.

Education at Planet Word

Learning opportunities abound at the Word Museum in DC. Go home discussing literary terms, rapping your favorite alliterations, and looking for persuasive phrases on the billboards. Explore a new favorite book, laugh at the puns, and learn where language came from. Every part of life is full of words.

If you’re wanting to dive in deeper once back home, check out the Planet Word educational resources on the Word Museum website for teachers and homeschool parents. Field trips? This would be a great place for all the English teachers who feel that there just aren’t museums for them. There is now!

Nearby: Ford’s Theater, Washington DC Chinatown

---

Bonus DC Hidden Gem

You know this list is endless, but these places are too good to not be mentioned. Union Station is a building that you might otherwise pass up – especially since there is a large group of homeless people nearby – but go inside for five minutes and just look at the beautiful architecture. It’s a gorgeous building!

---

Don’t plan your family vacation to Washington DC without considering these ten amazing places. They might be off-the-beaten-track in DC, but these are some of my favorites!

---

---