The Best Things to Do with Mom in Washington DC

If you're looking for a Mother's Day gift for a DC-based mom, or just want something fun to do together in the capital city, Experience Gifts has you covered. 

Washington DC is a fabulous place to explore, with monuments steeped in political history, sprawling scenic parks, innovative restaurants and unique shops. 

Whether you live here already or are just visiting, we've rounded up our favorite things to do with Mom in the nation's capital. 

Read on to find out our top picks!


 

DC Eastern Market Guided Food Tour - from $35

If Mom is a foodie, there's no better Mother's Day gift than this Eastern Market food tour.  Tag along for a fun, delicious day out!

Located in a 17th century red bricked building in D.C’s Capitol Hill, this market has been an essential part of the neighborhood for over 200 years. Although a relatively small market, it’s got a great deal of character, and a fantastic bustling energy! There are countless food vendors selling some of the best street food and artisanal products D.C. has to offer.
 

Expect Salvadorian snacks, international cheeses, handmade bread, Korean BBQ, Greek pies and many more. You’ll also get to learn the history behind the market itself as you eat your way through its many stalls. If Mom is a particularly indecisive food lover, this would make a great day out for her. Savor unique food samples and learn more about the history behind some of the locals' favorite spots!

 


 

Washington DC National Mall Tour - from $59

Whether you've lived in DC your entire life or are visiting for the first time, the iconic National Mall is a wonder to behold. Rather than relying on plaques or guidebooks, you and Mom will join a semi-private walking tour and let an expert host regale you with stories of history, politics and architecture!

You'll visit the Lincoln Memorial, the White House, the Washington Monument, and a selection of the less famous but equally significant landmarks in the area.

You're guaranteed to learn loads by joining a knowledgeable and local tour guide, making the Washington DC National Mall Tour a fantastic experience gift this Mother's Day. 
 

 


 

Little Ethiopia DC Guided Food Tour - from $60

If Mom is a big fan of Ethiopian food and keen to learn more about the local community, take her on this Little Ethiopia guided tour!

Take a trip down the iconic U Street, home to the largest Ethiopian community outside of Ethiopia and jump into their colorful cuisine and culture.

Sample intricate flavors and authentic dishes, while your guide teaches you a little about Ethiopian history and the story behind the community you are visiting.

Ethiopian food is said to be one of the healthiest in the world - which is great, because you’ll be eating a lot of it! You’ll get the chance to sample a range of plates, including national dishes, deep fried lentils, honey wine, and the renowned injera bread, synonymous with the cuisine itself.

This experience gift makes an exciting day out for any adventurous foodie looking to delve deeper into the cuisine of Ethiopia. 
 

 


 

Guided Tour of The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in DC - from $69

Skip the lines and explore one of DC's most popular attractions on this semi-private guided tour of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.

With the Wright Brothers' original plane, Chuck Yeager’s Bell X-1, Neil Armstrong's spacesuit and loads more on display, this is one museum that deserves the added expertise of a local guide. You'll follow a curated journey through the exhibits and learn about the magic and science behind the history of US aviation, and discover where we're headed next... 
 

If Mom is interested in space travel, she'll love this informative day out. 
 

 


 

DC Museum of American History Tour - from $69

Is Mom a history buff? Treat her to this Museum of American History Tour!

The Smithsonian National Museum of American History in DC is one of the most iconic and interesting attractions in the city, so you're forgiven for wanting a little guidance when paying the museum a visit! To truly make the most of your trip, book a place on this semi-private guided tour and let an expert guide show you round the exhibits, explain the stories and people behind the objects on display, and teach you about the fascinating history of modern day America.

Admire classic First Ladies' Gowns, the Star Spangled Banner, George Washington's Sword, and lots more with a knowledgeable host leading the way. 
 

 


 

Guided Tour of The Washington DC National Gallery of Art - from $69

A trip to DC isn't complete without visiting the famous National Gallery of Art, but with a floor space of 271,000 square feet, you'll need the help of an expert guide to make the most of it!

Take Mom along to this two-hour 'Skip The Line' tour, hosted by a highly knowledgeable guide who will take you on a fascinating journey around the many exhibits.

Tours are semi-private, meaning the group size will never be above eight and guaranteeing you a personal experience with the opportunity to ask plenty of questions. This tour is an art-lover's dream!
 

 


 

Washington DC Nighttime Smartphone Photography Tour - from $79

If Mom is a budding photographer, she'll love this nighttime smartphone photography tour. 

Thanks to the technology in our pockets, now everyone can be a photographer! Today’s camera phones are more sophisticated than ever—but shooting in low-light situations can still prove challenging.

Thankfully, that’s where this 2.5-hour photography class in Washington DC comes in. It’s an after dark tour of the city’s most photogenic night time spots, complete with expert tips and advice from a pro photographer. A unique opportunity to master the smartphone’s low-light settings, and the perfect way for Mom to gather some gorgeous photos for Instagram. 

 

Thanks for reading!

 

Thanks for reading this guide to Mother's Day gifts in Washington DC! 

We hope you found something perfect for Mom, but if you're still looking, browse our full range of experience gifts for Mom here, and Washington DC tours here

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