15 Things To Know About City Parenting in Washington DC

Stephanie & Craig
Julian, 2 &

Bun In The Oven

****

Washington, DC
@sgiometti

What most people don’t know is that DC is actually a pretty amazing city, especially with a family. Not only is

the city beautiful but people are involved, care and are socially aware. It’s so great to have my son be a part of

that. And in no particular order, 5 things I love about being a parent in Washington DC

5 things you love about being a parent in Washington DC

Nature – within 30 minutes you’re at some pretty amazing hiking trails and under 2 you’re at the

Shenandoah National Park.

The size and walkability – DC is pretty small which means you can walk pretty much anywhere in 20-30

minutes. We hardly ever get in our car (unless we’re going hiking or going on a roadtrip).

The location – DC in and of itself is great, but it’s so well located. You can drive to so many major cities in 4 hours or less.

The sites – Museums, monuments, memorials. It never gets old.

The people – DC is international, well-educated and well, see above.

 

4 Places you love taking your kids too

The National Mall – It’s iconic, historic and every family [person] should come here at least once in their life.

The amazing local breweries (and wineries) throughout DMV (DC, Maryland and Virginia). I know I’m not the first one to say this, but breweries are the No. 1 greatest place to go with your child. There’s space to run around, the good ones have toys and activities for kids and most importantly, there’s great beer for the adults. And, DC has amazing breweries. My personal favorite is Vanish Brewery. Another plus, it’s pup friendly.

The National Building Museum or National Museum of American History – The former has a huge Great Hall for wandering and exploring and both have a number of interactive exhibits for kids. This is great on rainy days, but make sure you get tickets/reservations in advance. Note that my son is still under two, but for older kids there are an infinite number of amazing (and free) museums in DC. In 2016 the National Museum of African American History and Culture opened which is a must...if you can get tickets.

Georgetown – It’s like a Harry Potter set and the mini-English countryside in one. Idyllic with lots of parks (and spray parks), ice cream, walking trails…

3 things you dislike about being a parent in washington dc

The cost of living -DC is expensive—the food, the homes, the schools. You really have to try hard to save.

Lack of stability—people are always in transit. The older you get the more people stay, but be prepared for friends/coworkers/neighbors coming and going from the city.

The lack of snow—you get one or two light snowfalls per year, but being from the Midwest I need snowfall measured in feet and want the experience of sledding with my kids

Where is the snow!?!??

2 of your favorite places to eat

Timber Pizza – A local farmers market food-truck turned brick-and-mortar “Neopolitan-ish” pizza joint with an amazingly curated beer list. The food is low key and super tasty (as confirmed by Bon Appetit in their Best New Restaurants issue and instas of it), the place is ideally neighborhoody (think seat yourself indoor picnic benches)  and on Saturday and Sunday mornings they use their oven to make bagels and breakfast empanadas. On Saturdays in the summer it’s fun to get carryout to the nearby park where there’s always a concert and other locals eating pizza with their fams.

Indigo – Family-run Indian food with a quirky and colorful outside bar and seating.

 1 item you cannot live without

Maclaren Triumph - There is no way any stroller is this good. We travel a lot in and out of our city, and having a stroller that is less than 11 lbs, handles city streets well and is easy to open and close (with ONE hand) is the greatest.

*****Baby Miles Asher came and is officially one of Citykin’s youngest members!