Family Friendly Guide to Seeing the Cherry Blossoms in DC

It is such a beautiful time of year in the DC area. The skies are blue, the clouds are fluffy and there is pink flowers tracing their way throughout the city. Breathtaking and awestruck are a few words that come to mind. If you have never seen the Cherry Blossoms in DC, you must! We have been going yearly for the past 10 years, and it is something we look forward to. Check out this family friendly guide to seeing the Cherry Blossoms this spring in DC!

Cherry Blossom Peak 2020

Typically the Cherry Blossoms peak bloom is the last week in March. It can vary depending on the weather. Here are a few of the predicted peak dates for 2020:

National Park Service: March 27-30
Washington Post‘s Capital Weather Gang: March 25-29
NBC4 Storm Team4: March 18-23

Where to Park

Parking in DC can be very tricky. I would recommend going early in the day on weekends, or a weekday afternoon if you are able. We have went afterschool the last few years during the week and it was less crowded.

Meter Parking-

Ohio Drive SW, the entire stretch from Lincoln Memorial to Jefferson Memorial
Main Ave parking lot (near the paddle boats)
West Basin Drive next to the FDR Memorial and MLK Memorial (closed during Cherry Blossom Festival)
Lots A, B, and C under the 14th Street Bridge

Free Parking- East Potomac Park near the golf course and Hains Point are still unmetered/free parking

You can also take the metro to avoid parking and fees. I love to check Spot Hero or Parking Panda apps whenever I go into the city for deals or to secure a spot early.

Where to See Cherry Blossoms

Tidal Basin – It is most beautiful to see the blossoms around the Tidal Basin and the National Mall. The trees line the walkway of the river and it is gorgeous. There are no handrails, so be careful when pushing strollers and walking along the path. I always held my kids hand towards the grassy side.

National Arboretum – The Arboretum features 76 varieties of cherry trees blossoming in the research and display collections, and you can take a self-guided adventure through acres of flowering cherry trees by car, foot, or bicycle.

Capitol Building- The Capitol Grounds cares for both big and small groups of cherry trees of a few different varieties (Yoshino and Japanese flowering). One of the largest groupings is in Lower Senate Park, where there are more than 100 cherry trees lining the fountain and pathways.

Where to Eat or grab a Treat

There are many restaurants that have fun, seasonal Cherry Blossom offerings. I wanted to share some good kids friendly places as well.

There’s a food tent in the parking lot next to the paddle boats. They offer a variety of treats and drinks.

Potbelly Sandwich Shop (1240 Maryland Ave., SW)

Most of the museums are just over a mile’s walk from the Tidal Basin, but you can enjoy the National Mall scenery on the way.

The Pavilion Café at the Sculpture Garden (Seventh St. and Constitution Ave., NW)

Mitsitam Cafe at the Museum of the American Indian (Fourth St. and Independence Ave., SW)

View the Cherry Picks slections here- https://nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/where-to-eat/

Family Fun Experiences

Tidal Basin Paddle Boats
One of the best ways to experience the cherry trees is on a paddle boat! This year, Guest Services, Inc. is offering online paddle boat reservations during the Cherry Blossom Festival.Paddle boats are available daily from 10 am to 4 pm in the Tidal Basin Welcome Area.

Blossom Kite Festival
March 28, 2020, 10 am – 4:30 pm
Washington Monument grounds, near 17th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW
The Blossom Kite Festival soars into spring and kicks off the kite flying season with five areas to explore and enjoy. Open kite flying is welcome on the public field. Bring your own kite, or children can make a kite to fly at an activity station (while supplies last).

National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade
April 4, 2020, 10 am – noon
Constitution Avenue (7th to 17th Streets NW)
One of DC’s largest spectator events, the energy-filled parade runs for 10 blocks along iconic Constitution Avenue. Giant colorful balloons, elaborate floats, marching bands from across the country, celebrity entertainers, and performers burst down the parade route in a grand spectacle of music and showmanship.

Tips for Cherry Blossoms with Kids

Know where the bathrooms are. Bathrooms are located at the Jefferson Memorial, MLK Memorial, and FDR Memorial. During the National Cherry Blossom Festival there are temporary portajohns in the parking lot next to the paddle boats and out the back of the Jefferson Memorial. (Bring your own sanitizer as well.)
Always pack water bottles, a treat and a protein snack. It takes longer than you think to walk and get back to your car.
Go over your lost and found procedure. Have your child go to a park ranger if lost.
Pack a light blanket and a few activities such as cards, coloring, or a ball. We take a break mid walk to rest and fuel back up.
Make a day of it and visit a museum and or restaurant mentioned above.
Wear layers. It can get cool in the morning and evenings quickly.
Make a game out of the walk and site seeing such as I Spy, counting the trees, reading fun facts ect.