As unpredictable as a temper tantrum but as beautiful as your annual family Christmas card, cherry blossom season in our nation’s capital is a bucket-list trip that can be hard to plan around — but a trip to D.C. is an A-plus just the same with all of the free family fun.
The activities may be timeless, but a stay at the new InterContinental
puts a contemporary spin on lodgings. Opened in October, the 278 rooms overlooking the Potomac River are smack-dab in the middle of The Wharf, a new southwest waterfront community just south of the National Mall. Spacious rooms have spa-like bathrooms, a L’Occitane Spa, a rooftop pool and restaurant and an Afro-Caribbean restaurant, Kith/Kin. The Cherry Pick package includes two cherry cocktails, valet parking and breakfast. The Cherry Suite package adds on two blossom crowns and breakfast in bed with a cherry granola parfait or cherry pancakes.
The Willard InterContinental gets its seasonal game on, too, with a cherry blossom package featuring upgraded accommodations, valet parking and a $75 food and beverage credit. Located just two blocks from the White House, this Historic Hotel of America has a great children’s program, including a Kids Concierge. Millie the Mallard is the official mascot, the duck who each spring lays her egg in the hotel’s courtyard. The theme is carried throughout the year, and kids can earn and redeem “duck bucks” for treats like ice cream, and there’s a treasure chest and games for ages 12 and below.
It’s all within walking distance of the Tidal Basin area, the epicenter of activities for these pink-hued trees. Timed with what is predicted to be the peak blossom weeks depending on weather patterns, the 2018 festival runs through April 15 this year, culminating in a parade Saturday, April 14. This year the Tidal basin welcome center, food tents and performance stage will be set up through April 8, and entry to all activities — like many of the museums and family-friendly fun in D.C. — is free.
Other highlights include PetalPalooza on April 7 at the new Wharf area, with live music on three outdoor stages, a free roller rink, a beer garden (with free non-alcoholic beverages for kids), art installations and a massive fireworks display to cap it off at the end of the night.
The capstone of the week is the parade conclusion April 14, running along Constitution Avenue between the National Archives Building and Washington Monument. Gear up for marching bands, balloons, performances and floats related to the cherry blossom theme and its historic ties to the burgeoning friendship between the United States and Japan (the trees were a gift from Tokyo’s mayor in 1912). Standing tickets are free but stadium seats include a small charge.
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedHotels
Jun 10, 2026Summer Experiences for Multigen Travelers at Rosewood Mayakoba
Rosewood Mayakoba in Mexico offers family travelers unparalleled multigenerational programming this summer.
Sponsored Content
Best of Both Worlds
Enjoy the best of both worlds when you fly with TAP Air Portugal thanks to the Portugal Stopover program. With the program, TAP passengers, whether traveling for business, leisure or both, can stop in Portugal for up to 10 days at no additional airfare on the way to their final destination. What does this mean for travelers wishing to explore by both land and sea? It means after flying to Portugal with TAP and experiencing the country in an entirely new way, travelers can then embark on scenic river and ocean cruises from Portugal’s port cities, or fly with TAP to another European destination.
Travel Tips
Jun 9, 2026Tips for Planning Your Summer Family Road Trip
School’s out and summer is here … and airline prices are way up, which makes it a perfect time for a family road trip. Planning the perfect one can be tough though — there are a lot of moving parts, even if you aren’t planning for a whole family. To help alleviate some of the stress, we’ve compiled a list of some helpful tips to make the whole experience fun for everyone.
Hotels
Jun 9, 2026Hilton Launches Undergraduate Brand Centered Around College Towns
Hilton just launched Undergraduate by Hilton, a new upper-midscale hotel brand building on the success of its Graduate by Hilton brand. Undergraduate by Hilton is designed for travelers visiting college towns, from families and students to alumni and sports fans.
Hotels
Jun 9, 2026Edgewood Tahoe Resort Announces New Summer Program: Camp Edgewood
Family travelers heading to Lake Tahoe have a new summer program to experience. Edgewood Tahoe Resort recently announced Camp Edgewood. Created with multigenerational travelers in mind, this summer program offers nostalgic, screen-free activities, encouraging quality family time.
Hotels
Jun 8, 2026Four Seasons Resort Cabo Del Sol Introduces Villas, Residences for Family Travel
Four Seasons Resort Cabo Del Sol welcomes family travelers with its new collection of luxury two- to seven-bedroom Villa & Residence Rentals. These residences and villas sit along Los Cabos Golden Corridor, perfect for families looking to spend quality time together, couples wanting to get away or groups wanting to celebrate a special occasion, all in an exclusive beachside setting.
ShareThis