
Washington, D.C.
The Best of the Capital: Discover D.C. With Your Grandchild
Program No. 24846RJ
Discover the nation’s capital with your grandchild on this expert-led exploration, from founding fathers to monuments and memorials — even down to its haunted history!
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Protecting the Environment
We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more
6 days
5 nights
11 meals
5B 3L 3D
1
Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Washington, DC
2
Mount Vernon, Old Town Alexandria
Washington, DC
3
Monuments, Capitol & Library of Congress
Washington, DC
4
People's House, Smithsonian Museum, Ford's Theatre
Washington, DC
5
Free Time, National Building Museum, Ghost Walk
Washington, DC
6
Program Concludes
Washington, DC
At a Glance
Explore Washington D.C. with your grandchild and learn about our founding fathers as you walk in their footsteps. Explore the Capitol Building and the Smithsonian’s Museum of the American Indian. Led by a distinguished group of knowledgeable instructors, this is an invigorating introduction to the nation’s capital, the city’s memorials, neighborhoods and famous figures. We’ll embark on a learning adventure to discover D.C., even down to its haunted history with a ghost adventure through the historic streets surrounding the White House.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking 1-4 miles per day, including on/off motor coaches, some standing.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Gain historical insights with experts at Washington’s most treasured monuments, memorials and museums.
- Explore Mount Vernon, diving into George Washington's life as a pioneering farmer, businessman, soldier and leader.
- Discover a historical tavern and apothecary in Old Town Alexandria, where conversations that shaped today’s political, economic and social structures were held.
Featured Expert
All trip experts

Lee Ann Rose
Lee Ann Rose has found a way to use her theatre degree and her love of history into a career that has spanned 20 years at Colonial Williamsburg and now has allowed her to step out creating her own company called, Shades of Our Past. At her time at Colonial Williamsburg, she has played Martha Washington and coached other character interpreters and Nation Builders. When she is not performing, she is working on a book about Martha Washington's children.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Lee Ann Rose
View biography
Lee Ann Rose has found a way to use her theatre degree and her love of history into a career that has spanned 20 years at Colonial Williamsburg and now has allowed her to step out creating her own company called, Shades of Our Past. At her time at Colonial Williamsburg, she has played Martha Washington and coached other character interpreters and Nation Builders. When she is not performing, she is working on a book about Martha Washington's children.

Terry Rose
View biography
Terry Rose has been leading history programs in Washington, D.C.; New York; and Boston, as well as the historic triangle of Virginia for a decade. She also leads history programs in New England and natural science programs in the Western National Parks. She has a bachelor’s degree in health education with a minor in science from the University of Florida and a master’s degree in guidance and counseling from the University of South Florida. Her first profession was as a middle school educator and counselor.

Nicole Lesley
View biography
Nicole Lesley received her bachelor's in business management from the University of Phoenix in 2015. After spending 15 years in the hotel industry, she earned her International Tour Manager certification in 2020, and made the transition into the travel industry. In her first season with Road Scholar, she spent the last four years leading student education trips in Washington DC, Richmond and Virginia's Historic Triangle, as well as adult and family trips throughout the United States and Eastern Canada.
Suggested Reading List
(10 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
The Best of the Capital: Discover D.C. With Your Grandchild
Program Number: 24846
National Archive Hunters: Capitol Chase
Twins race to find the thief stealing valuable historical artifacts before their family’s framed for the crimes in this high-octane middle grade action-adventure series starter.
Life in the White House
Inspired by First Lady Lady Bird Johnson and first released in 1966, Life in the White House is the story of the ongoing history of life as lived in the Executive Mansion. This new edition is updated and expanded to include the Joe Biden White House. Written by former White House Curator Betty C. Monkman who served in the Office of the Curator during seven presidencies and was herself a witness to four decades of White House life, Life in the White House is heavily illustrated with historical images and photographs from the presidencies of George Washington through Joe Biden.
George Washington's Socks
A mysterious rowboat transports five adventurous kids back in time to the eve of the Battle at Trenton where they experience the American Revolution. Through encounters with Hessian soldiers, revolutionaries, and even George Washington himself, Matthew, Quentin, Hooter, Tony, and Katie watch history unfold before their eyes as they see first-hand, the grim realities of war and the cost of freedom.
The Kid's Guide to Washington, DC
The Kid’s Guide to Washington, DC lets the kids help plan the trip and guides you as you explore the city. Along the way, your kids will be engaged by reading and sharing fun DC facts and cool travel tips.
Lonely Planet Kids City Trails - Washington DC
Here's a book that's seriously streetwise. Lonely Planet Kids' City Trails: Washington DC features colorful themed trails, from history and culture to food and nature, that reveal amazing facts and intriguing tales that kids won't find on the tourist routes or inside the average guidebook. We'll show them where to find Henry the giant elephant, eat oyster sandwiches, view the Grand Canyon on a ceiling, and lots more!
The Hill: Inside the Secret World of the U.S. Capitol
There is an entire universe tucked away inside the Capitol, and #1 New York Times bestselling author Kate Andersen Brower highlights the historic firsts, the building’s restricted nooks and crannies, and the staffers—from pages to doorkeepers to librarians—who ensure that American democracy stays on track.
Never Caught, the Story of Ona Judge
In this incredible narrative, Erica Armstrong Dunbar reveals a fascinating and heartbreaking behind-the-scenes look at the Washingtons when they were the First Family—and an in-depth look at their slave, Ona Judge, who dared to escape from one of the nation’s Founding Fathers.
Spies at Mount Vernon
Dead drops, cyphers, and invisible ink are all part of a mystery that even spymaster George Washington would love. Sam, Derek, and Caitlin love solving mysteries, and when they visit Washington, DC, spies are lurking. What starts out as a fun game of pretend on the National Mall turns all too real when they follow a mysterious man to a meeting deep within the Capitol.
Monumental Mystery on the National Mall
Join Mimi, Papa, Avery, Evan, Ella and Sadie as they visit Washington, D.C., and end up in the middle of a "capital" mystery with bewildering clues, a secret symbol, a couple of cool pools, amazing monuments and memorials, and... watch out!... some mysterious men are on their trail.
Do All Indians Live in Tipis?
How much do you really know about totem poles, tipis, and Tonto? There are hundreds of Native tribes in the Americas, and there may be thousands of misconceptions about Native customs, culture, and history. In this illustrated guide, experts from Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian debunk common myths and answer frequently asked questions about Native Americans past and present. Readers will discover the truth about everything from kachina dolls to casinos, with answers to nearly 100 questions.