Taking a family trip to Washington DC on a budget can be a rewarding experience. Even though you’ll be looking to save some money while traveling, DC is a wonderful city to visit while making sure you don’t overspend. Check out these practical tips to help you stay within budget while still having an awesome time in DC.
This post may contain affiliate links and I may earn a small commission when you purchase from the links at no additional cost to you.
ACCOMMODATIONS
This will be your largest expense unless you’re flying in, so this will be the best opportunity to save money. On our trips to Washington DC, our family usually stays in the Arlington area.
This saves money as there are several great budget-friendly options for accommodations and it’s not a far commute from the main attractions.
I usually use sites like Booking.com to compare available hotel options, and so far, we always find a great deal.
Unfortunately, we haven’t had much success getting good deals with home-sharing options like VRBO or Airbnb, but you can still check to see what’s available.
TRANSPORTATION
One thing about Washington DC that you’ll quickly find out is that parking can be frustrating and incredibly expensive. So to save time and headaches, why not make use of their excellent public transportation system?
Buses and the Metrorail can get you where you want to go even if you decide to stay in Arlington or nearby suburbs.
Consider purchasing day passes for unlimited trips via public transportation. If you must drive, consider park-and-ride options and look for affordable parking garages ahead of time.
FREE ATTRACTIONS
There is so much to see in Washington DC that is awesome and free. All 17 Smithsonian museums are free including the National Air and Space Museum, National Museum of American History, and the National Portrait Gallery. The National Zoo is also free and an excellent choice to add to your itinerary.
You can also visit the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, National Mall, and the White House or sign up to take a tour of the U.S. Capitol Building.
EXPLORE DC ON FOOT
When exploring Washington, DC, consider downloading free self-guided walking tour apps or printable maps to uncover the city’s rich history and hidden gems at your own pace.
These tools let you navigate iconic landmarks like the National Mall while offering engaging narratives and insider tips that turn a simple stroll into an educational adventure for the whole family.
This flexible, budget-friendly approach deepens your understanding of DC’s vibrant culture and allows you to customize your journey by spending extra time at attractions that capture your interest.
Stroll through Georgetown for charming residential areas, excellent shopping, and scenic riverfront access, explore Dupont Circle with its art galleries, embassies, and diverse culinary options, and wander through Capitol Hill, home to the Capitol Building, Library of Congress, and Eastern Market.
FREE EVENTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
There is always something going on in DC and you’d be surprised that many of the events are free. Check event calendars ahead of time and schedule your trip around festivals and other free events.
Our favorite free thing to do in Washington DC is to enjoy a free concert at the legendary John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. You can check out the calendar of free concerts here.
PICNICS AND AFFORDABLE DINING
The National Mall is an amazing spot to have a picnic and it’s a convenient spot if you plan to spend the day visiting the various museums and monuments nearby. We like to make sure that we have snacks packed or even a full lunch so that we don’t have to stop at a restaurant every time we’re hungry.
You can also take advantage of food trucks which are a bit cheaper than eating at a sit-down restaurant.
VISIT DURING OFF PEAK SEASONS
Trying to schedule a time for a trip can be a challenge for families with kids because you have very specific times to work with. Despite that, you can still try to visit during off-peak times which will not only help with the budget but will help you avoid crowds.
A little bit of advance planning can go a long way when preparing for a trip to DC and it can make a big difference in how you experience your visit.
If you get an early spring break, March or April can be a good time to visit. The National Cherry Blossom Festival often occurs from late March to April, so that could cause a problem, but absent the festival, crowds and prices are typically better around that time of year.
We visited in early June and a couple of times in the fall between October and November with good results.
These are good times to visit not only for the budget but avoiding late June through August avoids the hot humid weather as well.
MAKE GOOD USE OF DISCOUNT BUNDLES AND FAMILY PASSES
Many DC attractions offer discounted family packages or online deals that bundle entry fees for museums, monuments, and tours. By researching and purchasing these passes in advance, you can enjoy multiple attractions while saving money.
These bundled deals are a great way to stretch your budget further while ensuring your family gets to experience as much of DC as possible.
ENJOY YOUR TRIP TO WASHINGTON DC
By using these trips, you can plan an awesome trip to Washington DC without breaking the bank. I’m sure you’ll find that DC is an amazing city for a family trip that everyone will love. Since you’re planning your trip, make sure that you have our handy 4-day itinerary for your trip to DC as well as our essential family packing guide. Safe travels!
