Ultimate 2-Day Staycation with Kids: Exploring National Harbor and Old Town Alexandria
Looking for a weekend getaway that's a hit with the kids but also lets you unwind? You've found it! Our recent staycation sleepover celebrating Cassidy’s entry into double digits at the Gaylord Hotel in National Harbor, combined with a delightful day in Old Town Alexandria, was an absolute treat. Our 2 days in NYC last year for her birthday were perfect, so we decided to run that timeframe back again, but locally. There were four of us this time — Cassidy, 2 of her friends and me — and we had the best time!
It's amazing how a short trip can feel like a true escape! So, whether you're local looking for a quick family staycation or planning a trip to the DC, Maryland and Virginia area, this 2-day itinerary is packed with fun, relaxation, and adventure suitable for tweens and even the whole family.
Day 1: Checking in and Chilling Out at National Harbor
Hotel Check-in: We chose the Gaylord Hotel for its kid-friendly amenities and top-notch service. The check-in was smooth via the Marriott app, giving us ample time to settle in and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of National Harbor. Our room was very nice with plenty of room for the 4 of us.
Pool Time: First things first after check in—a splash in the pool. The kids had an absolute blast and hung out at the indoor pool for a couple of hours, while I relaxed on the lounge chairs. There is also an outdoor pool when it’s nice outside.
Dinner at Redstone: After working up an appetite, we headed to Redstone. I enjoyed the salmon, and the girls all had the kids chicken fingers and fries. Note, Redstone doesn’t take reservations on Friday and Saturday evenings, so we had a bit of a wait. However, we used that time to walk around and visit shops and the girls enjoyed chatting and playing games on their phones.
Movie Night and Mini Spa: Nothing spells slumber party like movies, snacks, and spa time. We turned our hotel room into a mini cinema, complete with popcorn and snacks. A spa session with face masks, manicures and pedicures in our pjs made everyone feel pampered and relaxed. We watched Damsel on Netflix, which they all enjoyed.
Day 2: Adventure and Exploration in Old Town Alexandria
Breakfast at the Hotel: A quick breakfast fueled us for the day ahead. I’ll be honest in saying I didn’t care for the breakfast at Potomac District Café & Market located on the bottom level of the hotel. However, it was grab and go style, so I didn’t expect much at the same time either. The girls were fine with it, so that’s all that really mattered.
Escape Room Adventure: A quick drive took us to Escape Room Live in Alexandria—a perfect activity for tweens and adults alike. Finding clues, strategizing and ultimately escaping as a team was not only fun but a great bonding experience. We did the Wizard’s Apocathecary room, which I would recommend for ages 10 and up (heavy on the and up lol).
Lunch at Mia's Italian Kitchen: Post-adventure, we indulged in a delicious lunch at Mia’s Italian Kitchen. Cassidy loves Italian food, so this was perfect! We all enjoyed our salads, pastas and pizza.
After Lunch – Stroll and Explore: We spent the afternoon strolling through the lively area of Old Town Alexandria by the water. This made for a leisurely and enjoyable end to our staycation.
Return Home: With hearts and bellies full, we headed back home. The girls, though tired, chatted nonstop about their favorite parts of the weekend, making it clear that this staycation was a resounding success.
Why This Staycation?
Choosing the Gaylord Hotel and the delightful surroundings of National Harbor and Old Town Alexandria provided a perfectly balanced mix of leisure and fun. This itinerary offers just the right amount of scheduled activities and free time, allowing families to bond and create lasting memories. Other things we didn’t do that you may want to consider are:
Planning a short getaway with kids doesn't have to be stressful. In fact, it can be filled with moments of joy, relaxation, and adventure that cater to all ages. If you're looking for a manageable, fun-filled weekend away from home, consider this 2-day itinerary that combines the best of National Harbor and Old Town Alexandria. Here's to more travel, less stress, and unforgettable birthdays!
What’s your next family adventure? Let me know in the comments below or on my social media! Happy travels!
Keep glowing,
Shalyce