If you want to go on a half-day outing for Mother's Day in DC, I have put together 3 ideas for you! Since spring weather can be a little unpredictable, each of these itineraries includes:
- an inside component (free museum)
- an outside option (free park)
- plus a kid-friendly restaurant so mom doesn't have to cook!
Mother's Day DC Itinerary #1: The Artsy Day Out
At the Sculpture Garden.
Stop #1: DC Museum for Mother's Day
The National Gallery of Art is a world-class art institution where you can see paintings by Van Gogh, Picasso, Leonardo da Vinci, and Monet right here in D.C! They have wonderful free kids' guides that are available online here or at all the info desks. My 6-year-old daughter loved the French Art guide which she used to draw her own impressionist drawing!
Stop #2: Kid-Friendly Restaurant for Mother's Day in DC
The easiest option, if a little overpriced, is to grab a snack or lunch at the Cascade Café in the East Building from 11 AM to 3 PM. There is a lovely waterfall feature and a moving walkway tunnel to entertain the kids while you wait for food or gelato! Of all the museum cafés, this is the only one I splurge on because the setting is so lovely and the food is not bad!
Stop #3: Park Nearby
When you’re ready to explore outside, the Sculpture Garden next to the West Building is not to be missed. The garden has a fence, which is great for parents with toddlers! They also include huge sculptures to explore and a lovely Pavilion Cafe with nice clean restrooms.
Mother's Day DC Itinerary #2: 'Things that Go' Day Out
Stop #1: Hidden Gem DC Museum
The Postal Museum is my kids’ favorite museum in D.C. and a real hidden gem next to Union Station (read about our 3 Can’t-Miss exhibits here.) My son calls the museum the “vehicles one” because they have real-life trucks, trains, 18-wheelers and even a stagecoach that kids can climb all around.
I like this museum as a mom because its never crowded and you can stay for as little or as long as you want Of all the itineraries, this one is the best for a rainy day. Kids can also look through a pile of free stamps and take 5 to start their stamp collections!
Stop #2: Kid-Friendly Restaurant for Mother's Day in DC
You can just pop over to Union Station and check out the dozens of restaurants for lunch! From fast casual to sit down, there are dozens of options! The full list is here.
Stop #3: Explore Lower Senate Park on Mother's Day in DC
Carefully cross the giant traffic circle in front of Union Station and explore theLower Senate Park. It's beautifully manicured in Spring and you can find all sorts of hidden spots including the hexagon-shaped Summerhouse.
Mother's Day DC Itinerary #3: Fun D.C. Day on Pennsylvania Ave.
At the Renwick Museum. Note: This exhibit has changed.
Stop #1: Renwick Gallery
I love the Renwick Gallery with kids because it is a wonderful place to explore art! Located across the street from the White House on Pennsylvania Ave. and is open from 10 AM to 5:30 PM. The Stroller entrance is on 17th St.
Stop #2: Kid-Friendly Restaurants for Mother's Day in DC
Founding Farmers is a great D.C. staple and only 3 blocks from Renwick Gallery. They have a good kid-friendly menu.
Stop #3: Lafayette Square
Lafayette Square was previously called the President’s Park and was also a zoo, racetrack, and camp for soldiers during the War of 1812. It’s an excellent area for kids to stretch their legs, check out the interesting statues, and of course, if you have kids like my son...chase the pigeons!
More Ideas for Mother's Day in DC
