051 Off-the-beaten Path in Washington DC with Kids

Washington D.C. is a great spot for a family vacation -- what other city has so many FREE family attractions and museums?! This week we chat with Tina Smith from Do DC with Kids to get the insider scoop on what to do off-the-beaten path in Washington D.C. with kids.

ON THE PODCAST

00:32 - Tamara’s recent trip to Austria

14:15 - About Tina Smith

18:00 - How long to stay in DC

20:30 - Monuments to see

24:50 - Ice Skating in the winter

25:10 - Summer Activities

26:45 - Activities outside of museums

30:00 - How to get around

32:30 - Recommended restaurants/cafes

37:25 - Money saving tips

38:35 - Best place for a family

39:43 - Tina’s favorite travel gear

40:30 - Final tips about DC

43:37 - Apps of the week

ABOUT TINA SMITH

Tina is a military brat and a new resident to Washington, D.C. Upon moving to "The District" a little over a year ago she transitioned from scientist to stay at home mom and started her blog, Do DC with Kids, as a way to share her finds with other parents - residents and tourists alike.  You can find Tina at dodcwithkids.com and follow her adventures on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook and Twitter.

TIPS FOR VISITING WASHINGTON D.C. WITH KIDS Hotels in DC are expensive but most of the museums are free as well as some other activities! Rock Creek Park is an amazing park in the center of DC! You can rent a bike and ride the trail that you can find right behind the Lincoln Monument and ride it towards the National Zoo or Mount Vernon. In the summertime you can also go horseback riding in this park! If you are a foodie, looking on Instagram hashtags is a great way to find places. #edibleDC The Kennedy Center has free nightly performances everyday of the year that start at 6pm. Instagram hashtag #igDC or #myDCcool is what people that live there use, and is a great way to find interesting things to do! Tours of the White House have to be scheduled at least three weeks in advance You can save money with the Go City Card for Washington D.C. BEST PLACE TO TAKE FAMILY PHOTO

Union Market has a heart mural that is great for a family photo other than in front of the White House.

FAVORITE TRAVEL GEAR

Tina is a thrift store junky but really likes her PrAna athletic wear, especially their tops and dresses. She also likes to wear Converse or Nike shoes around the city!

APPS OF THE WEEK

The NPS National Mall and Smithsonian apps are both great for finding where the various museums and monuments are, hours, and other detailed information.

MENTIONED ON THE PODCAST

Chaia - Taco Place

Truckeroo

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If you liked this show, please be sure to subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, or Google Play and leave us a review! Have a question or comment? Send us an email or leave us a voicemail at +1.641.715.3900, ext. 926035#  You can also follow our travels on Stuffed Suitcase and We3Travel, or follow the Vacation Mavens on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter. Thanks for listening!