Activities for Fathers and Sons to Do in Washington D.C. USA

Activities for Fathers and Sons to Do in Washington D.C. the USA

We all know that Washington D.C. is chock-full of good ol’ American history. The museums and national monuments of this city are unmatched. It’s an excellent location for those in pursuit of culturally immersive experiences and the Capital City has something to offer just about anyone who pays it a visit. It has great potential to be a fantastic boys trip destination. So if you’re looking for ideas for your next father/son retreat, read on! Here are some great places to start:

Parking and Driving in D.C.

Be aware, this is a city with some unique parking rules. If you’re driving a rental car to the city while you travel, make sure you turn on the GPS navigation. Google Maps can now help you find parking!

Take a Segway Tour

If you’re planning on seeing all that D.C. has to offer why not do it in style? Take a Segway Tour. Embark on an unforgettable journey through the city and the National Mall on your very own wheeled chariot. This is a great way to see all the classic sites you’re already planning on seeing in the speediest. Your experienced guide will impart to you a detailed narrative of the country’s past and present.

One your tour you’ll see:

• S. Capitol Building
• The National Museum of Natural History
• The National Air and Space Museum
• Ford’s Theater

Are you a fan of all things aeronautical? Then you’re going to love Udvar Hazy Air and Space Museum. Explore thousands of aviation and space artifact displayed in their two large hangars. You can check out the Space Shuttle Discovery live and in person, catch a flick at the Airbus IMAX Theater or check out the amazing views from Donald D. Engen Observation Tower.

Odyssey’s Father’s Day Cruise

What goes better than dads, steak, and boats? Treat you and your old man to an Odyssey’s Father’s Day Cruise! You can choose between either brunch or a dinner cruise. Either option provides a three-course plated meal, private table and a spectacular view of Washington D.C.

Visit the Spy Museum for Thrills

Okay, so I’m sure you already have a dozen museums on your list if you’re considering a trip to DC. But you’ll definitely want to add the International Spy Museum. This place has a fascinating collection of insane, hairbrained spy memorabilia. Interwoven with the well-cultivated collection of artifacts are interactive experiences. You and Dad will love wandering the halls of this unique museum.

Learn Up at One of the City’s Many Monuments

Washington DC has no shortage of grand monuments to marvel at. But what you might not be familiar with are all the bizarre, off-the-beaten-track statues around town. They might not get as big of a spotlight as the Lincoln Memorial but these quirky pieces of art are still deserving of a visit. You and dad can spend some time on a self-guided tour and stop by the Big Chair in Anacostia or Albert Einstein Memorial.

Here are some more awesome statues to visit:

• Titanic Memorial
• Samuel Hahnemann Memorial
• Temperance Fountain
• African American Civil War Memorial
• Kahlil Gibran Memorial Garden

Take a Break at Arlington National Cemetery

You didn’t think we’d get through this guide to a father/son trip to DC without mentioning a classic, did you? Arlington National Cemetery is a must see. And for good reason! This site was declared a military cemetery in 1864. It’s the final resting place for American war veterans from the Revolution to the country’s most recent conflicts. It’s a place of great reverence and national pride. During the month of April, you can witness the changing of the guard every half an hour.

Find Your Favorite Celebs at Madame Tussauds

If you and your dad are on a more lighthearted wavelength, check out Madame Tussauds Washington D.C.  Their fourteen themed rooms have a little something to offer every visitor. It’s the classic wax museum we know and love with a patriotic twist. You can visit any of the 45 U.S. Presidents. Or if you’re more into mainstream celebrities, you can get up close and personal with the likes of Beyonce or Jimmy Fallon.

Make Friends at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo

Visit more than 1,500 animals at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute. It’s one of four zoos in the United States that house pandas. After you check out those gentle giants you can see anything from Asian elephants to sea lions. This is a great place for fathers to take their younger sons! Be sure to keep your eyes to the sky as you move through the property; you might just catch a glimpse an orangutan commuting via the O Line. With 163-acre to cover, this would be an option for a full day trip!

These are just a small sample of the wonderful father/son activities you can experience in the wonderful Washington D.C. But of course, this is just a jumping off point! This is a city with countless deals to explore, no matter what you like. Be open to the new, strange and anything in between. Whatever route you may choose, you’ll have a blast! Any time spent between a father and son is time cherished.