https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Wed, 20 May 2026 06:58:45 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vacation-to-dc-area-w-almost-1-yo#post-2809943 Wed, 14 Mar 2018 16:36:15 +0000 gingerbebe 2809943@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yeah, in Old Town there are a lot of brick and cobblestone surfaces, so a lightweight stroller may not be great for walking. My kids aren't keen on being worn, so if they get fed up, we usually just let them sit on our shoulders and they seem pretty content with that.</p> <p>There is a Soft Play Room at the regional park center for young toddlers:</p> <p><a href="https://www.alexandriava.gov/recreation/info/default.aspx?id=12352" rel="nofollow">https://www.alexandriava.gov/recreation/info/default.aspx?id=12352</a></p> <p>Please check the events calendars for the Smithsonians and the US Botanical Gardens - they have a lot of free workshops and classes geared for kids. I know my SAHM friends in DC take their kids to the Botanical Gardens all the time because there's lots to look at.</p> <p>I may be partial because I used to live there, but I love the Del Ray neighborhood. Its not Metro accessible, but should be an easy Uber or cab ride from Alexandria. Its a cute little walkable neighborhood with lots of shops and things to look at and eat. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vacation-to-dc-area-w-almost-1-yo#post-2809934 Wed, 14 Mar 2018 15:58:26 +0000 cake2017 2809934@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I’m a local and we go down to DC whenever we can. I recommend just walking around the Mall, Zoo, Georgetown has a lot of Restaurants and shopping, Museums would depend on her temperament but the Newsuem,Bible Museum, African American,Holocaust,Botanical Gardens, Old Towne Alexandria... a lot to see and do! You will have a great time! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vacation-to-dc-area-w-almost-1-yo#post-2809752 Wed, 14 Mar 2018 09:04:23 +0000 caitcat 2809752@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Old Town itself is very walkable and has lots of cute shops to browse. Some are easier to navigate a stroller in than others, but in general we’ve found it’s a pretty easy place to explore with a kid. For a practical tip there, some of the sidewalks are brick and kind of uneven - we’ve had best luck with a sturdier stroller. </p> <p>In DC, we’ve enjoyed most of the Smithsonian museums and I love that they’re free. Some of our other favorite museums are the Newseum and the National Building Museum. There’s some fun stuff for toddlers and older kids at the National Building Museum - my three year old has fun, but I don’t think my 11 month old cares much one way or another. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vacation-to-dc-area-w-almost-1-yo#post-2809746 Wed, 14 Mar 2018 08:56:51 +0000 Mrs. Museum 2809746@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The zoo is definitely a must do, you can take the metro there but be forewarned that it's a lot of walking and a lot of it is uphill. Natural History and Air and Space are both a lot of fun for kiddos, but tend to be very crowded so if you can go on a weekday I would recommend it. The American History museum is also a lot of fun, there are a lot of trains and cars and things downstairs in the history of transportation exhibit if your LO is into that. The US botanic gardens are great, and you can see the whole thing in an hour or so. I also have to recommend the National Gallery if you're going to be on the mall. It's not the most kid oriented place, but every time I go I see a ton of parents with children so I think it can certainly be done. The collection is world class. Almost all of these places are centrally located along the National Mall and can easily be reached by metro. If the weather is nice, it's also just a lot of fun to walk around the mall and see everything from the outside, maybe head down to the tidal basin and see the cherry blossoms. Have fun! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vacation-to-dc-area-w-almost-1-yo#post-2809729 Wed, 14 Mar 2018 08:32:54 +0000 nana87 2809729@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My in-laws live in DC but I'm more familiar w the MD suburbs and NW. There's a great indoor playspace in Rockville called Badlands but you'd need a car; also in Friendship Heights one called Busybees, with a Potomac Pizza next door--makes for a perfect kid-morning! But less exciting for parents--that area is basically a large shopping mall. I adore the American History Museum but lo1 was a little bored, except that there's a great small area with play materials. There are a couple fast food chains that have high quality food that I love in DC--Cava is like chipotle but with mediterranean/middle eastern food, and Taylor Gourmet has the best sandwiches. Both great for a quick bite with kiddos that actually is super yummy </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vacation-to-dc-area-w-almost-1-yo#post-2809721 Wed, 14 Mar 2018 08:18:53 +0000 Mrs. Carrot 2809721@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Pancakes: I second Hooray for Books! There are a ton of great options on King Street in Old Town to eat. Red Rocks pizzeria is fantastic, Hard Times Cafe is on the old side but chili is awesome. You can walk down to the waterfront - the Torpedo Arts Factory is fun for adults. There's a fun playground on Royal Street called the Armory Tot Lot - very small but good for littles, and it's a few steps away from Lavender Moon Cupcakery, which has the best cupcakes in the DC area. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vacation-to-dc-area-w-almost-1-yo#post-2809688 Tue, 13 Mar 2018 21:58:47 +0000 Pancakes 2809688@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>In Old Town, I loved Majestic Cafe for a special dinner. Food is fantastic but I was so impressed with how they handled the kids. They have a kid’s menu with real food and kid-sized flatware and the staff are just very accommodating to families. Are you staying on King St? Definitely stop in Hooray for Books if you’re near the metro. My kiddos also enjoyed riding the trolley although it’s a bit of a pain with a stroller. Depending on where in Old Town you’re staying, I can give some playground recommendations as well. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vacation-to-dc-area-w-almost-1-yo#post-2809648 Tue, 13 Mar 2018 18:20:25 +0000 Ms.Mermaid 2809648@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would just accept your kiddo will be napping while you are out and about and pick stuff you want to see for naptime. The National Zoo is great and free, Natural History museum and air and space are good for kids. </p> <p>There is a playground called Turkey Thicket Playground that is amazing but I think it’s quite a haul from where you are. </p> <p>Ted’s Bulletin is a chain of kid-friendly restaurants that make their own pop-tarts, if there is one in Old Town it is worth hitting up. There is a working farm out in Herndon called Frying Pan Park but I don’t think it’s Metro Accessible. </p> <p>DC has pretty good bike lanes if you guys are comfortable renting bikes and a trailer it’s a fun way to see the city and you can bike around all the monuments. </p> <p>A general travel tip is to be aware of where the public libraries are - they generally have some kind of play space for kids and are a good place to use the bathroom and get some quiet downtime. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vacation-to-dc-area-w-almost-1-yo#post-2809641 Tue, 13 Mar 2018 17:27:59 +0000 codeitall 2809641@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't have any tips specific to DC, but I will highly recommend a carrier. Strollers are hard to maneuver in public transit and sometimes the sidewalk just sucks, but a carrier is far easier and they can nap in it! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vacation-to-dc-area-w-almost-1-yo#post-2809274 Mon, 12 Mar 2018 14:01:11 +0000 Clementine12 2809274@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My husband and I are visiting the DC area in late April, just before our LOs 1st birthday. We're staying in Old Town and hoping to avoid car travel.</p> <p>Any places you recommend to see or eat at? Any tips for vacationing with a kiddo this age?</p> <p>Thanks, bees :happy: </p>