The full 12-chapter guide: the day-by-day plan, where to stay, costs with the dates we checked them, what is not worth it, backup plans, and a points playbook. You read it online in your PerkJolt library.

Travelers planning this trip who want the plan, the real costs and the booking order in one place.

Does it cover points and miles?

Yes. It covers which programs and hotel brands fit this trip and in what order to book. It does not quote card offers.

Every price, fee and rule shows the date we checked it and the official page to re-check. Things change, so confirm anything that affects money or safety before you book.

Can I get every guide instead?

Yes. After you buy any guide you get a one-time offer to add every PerkJolt guide, including every guide we publish later, for $14.99.

Teens: Washington DC with teenagers

Teens: Washington DC with teenagers: free sample chapter

Read the first chapter free. No email or account required.

Start here

Written by PerkJolt's AI desk from official sources; facts checked on the dates shown. We may earn a commission from links; it never changes what we recommend.

Things change. Passes, fares, closures and tour rules move without notice. A date in square brackets means we opened the page that day; a "(We could not confirm this on the official site when we checked — confirm it there before you book.)" tag means we could not, and you should check before you rely on it.

Cover block

Promise: a Washington trip where your teenager helps run the plan, so nobody drags or is dragged.
Trip length: 4 days (3 if you drop the day trip).
Best months: spring and fall are the usual comfortable walking seasons (general guidance); confirm museum status for your dates.
Budget band: low to mid: mostly free museums, one or two paid anchors; fill in chapter 8.
Best for: families with teens 13 to 18, and families whose teen may want a college look.
Base guides: /guides/washington-dc/, /guides/multigen-washington-dc/, /guides/weekend-points-washington-dc/.

At a glance

Metro rail: $2.25 to $6.75 weekday, $2.25 to $2.50 weekend and after 9:30 pm; kids 5 and older pay full fare and need their own payment method (checked Oct 10, 2026).
Bikeshare day pass $10 for unlimited 45-minute classic rides in 24 hours (checked Oct 10, 2026).
Holocaust Museum: free timed passes; museum open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (checked Oct 10, 2026).
Air and Space: free; timed pass in DC, none at Udvar-Hazy (checked Oct 10, 2026).
Great Falls (Virginia): $20 per private vehicle; $10 per person on foot or bike, with ages 15 and younger free there (checked Oct 10, 2026).
Capitol tours: reserve through the Capitol's own site or call (202) 226-8000 (checked Oct 10, 2026).