Washington, DC Tours for Families

Even if you are not crazy about traditional organized guided tours, these family-friendly tours of Washington, DC are worth considering. Each tour, in its own unique way, offers great family fun with educational value.

Ranging from inexpensive to somewhat pricey, these tours will help you and your family accomplish a lot of great sightseeing and make the most out of your Washington, DC vacation.

National Mall and Memorial Parks - Ranger Lead Activities
Many free ranger lead tours and activities take place throughout the year including bike tours, special family monument tours and more. For more information, visit the National Park Service web site above or call 202-438-4391.

Bike the Sites
For great exercise and family fun, Bike the Sites offers a range of bike tours, including combination walk and ride family tours. Bicycles, helmets, and water provided. Address: 1100 Pennsylvania Ave. NW - The Old Post Office Pavilion. Metro Stop: Federal Triangle. Visit the web site above for the tour schedule and prices (range from about $25 - $45 depending on age of rider and tour selected) or telephone 202-842-BIKE.

Washington Photo Safari
For vacation memories that will literally last a lifetime, a photography tour offers great educational family fun. With Washington Photo Safari, a professional photographer will guide your group around the beautiful monuments of Washington DC, while giving tips on composition, lighting, and exposure. Visit the web site above for prices and tour options, or contact Washington Photo Safari at: 202-537-0937 or Toll Free 1-877-512-5969, Fax 1-815-333-0233 or email: info@washingtonphotosafari.com

C & O Canal Boat Rides
Park rangers in period clothing describe what life was like for the families that lived and worked along this magnificent water highway during a bygone era. This seasonal tour on a replica canal boat, pulled by mules like in the old days, passes historic buildings, beautiful scenery and goes through an eight-foot lock along the way. One hour tours leave from the Georgetown Visitor's Center at 1057 Thomas Jefferson Street, NW during the spring, summer and fall. Visit the web site above for fee and schedule information, or telephone 202-653-5190.

Potomac River Cruises and Tours
There are several Potomac River cruises and tours that offer fun for the whole family. A day-trip by river to Mount Vernon provides a wonderful family experience and is a great way to spend a day during your Washington, DC vacation. Brunch or Lunch aboard a river cruise boat with large windows for great views is another fun way to explore the Potomac. To learn more about these and many other Potomac River tours and cruises, click on Potomac River Cruises and Tours above.

Washington Walks
A guided walking tour is a great way to explore the sights up close and learn some interesting facts as you go. Washington Walks offers several family-friendly tours, including three entertaining one hour walks for younger children, two "haunted" tours, a "Moveable Feast" walking and snacking tour and more. Most tours are $10 per person. Visit the web site above, telephone 202-484-1565 or email - info@washingtonwalks.com for more information.

Historic Strolls
A wonderful way to explore American history with kids, these interactive theatrical tours offer great fun combined with solid educational value. Costumed actors recreate history through amazing tales in 90-minute tours that begin and end in downtown Washington, D.C. Reservations strongly suggested. Without reservations, call 301-588-9255 day of tour to confirm. For information about ticket prices and upcoming tours, visit the web site above, telephone 301-588-9255 or email mail@historicstrolls.com.

Anecdotal History Tours of Washington, D.C.
Anthony S. Pitch offers a variety of specialty private tours for groups and families. His gift for fascinating story-telling is renowned around Washington, D.C., making his tours some of the most popular among visitors in the know. Mr. Pitch is an award-winning author, former Associated Press Broadcast Editor, and senior writer in the books division of U.S. News and World Report. He has been featured on C-Span TV, The History Channel, National Public Radio, Tribune Broadcasting TV, Fox News, Book TV, Country Music TV, Voice of America, BBC, TV New Zealand and TV2 Denmark. Walking tours cost $300 for the group. For an additional hourly charge, transportation can be provided. For more information, visit the web site above, telephone 301-294-9514 or email: info@dcsightseeing.com.

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