Anonymous wrote:It was extraordinary tight -- in part because large parts of the grass near the monument were fenced off. There were probably the same number of people as in prior years, but pushed into about half the area.

It was also peak cherry blossom day. Intersections were really crowded with throngs of people moving through the intersection. Not helped in the least by drivers who were blocking the crosswalks (seriously, DC needs to get serious about blocking the box, and ticket folks who move into intersections before the intersection is clear).

What's up with that? It was crazy crowded and so frustrating trying to get around the monument.

We arrived at 9:30 this year and it was empty. Found a great spot to park the stroller and our blanket. We stayed until 12:30 which was plenty of time for our 3yo and we left before it got too crowded. We parked in a nice garage for $15 at a Federal building with the added bonus of a clean, empty restroom to use before and after!

We went last year in the morning and it was manageable. We drove by this year at 4pm and it was insanely busy. If we go next year it will be at 10am!

It was extraordinary tight -- in part because large parts of the grass near the monument were fenced off. There were probably the same number of people as in prior years, but pushed into about half the area.

It was also peak cherry blossom day. Intersections were really crowded with throngs of people moving through the intersection. Not helped in the least by drivers who were blocking the crosswalks (seriously, DC needs to get serious about blocking the box, and ticket folks who move into intersections before the intersection is clear).

Anonymous wrote:How was it today?

It was really neat. We arrived later in day so skipped the scheduled events. There were a ton of kites up closer to the monument. There wasn’t much of a breeze and it was so crowded we couldn’t get our kite up in the air further down the mall. Kid was disappointed but we’re heading back after cherry blossoms to try again. Metro was easy minus the throng at smithsonian station.

How was it today?

Anonymous wrote:Which part of the mall is the kite festival? Towards the Capitol or Washington Monument?

Washington Monument.

Also, metro is better than drive in.

Which part of the mall is the kite festival? Towards the Capitol or Washington Monument?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: For that age, I would try to find a mini kite. We have one that’s about the size of half a sheet of typing paper. It’s small enough that it can be “flown“ just by the kid running around with it on a short string.

Where can I find one of these with on notice?

I've seen them at Wegmans and Target this week.

How is the paid parking down there? Does it fill up? Or best to metro?

Anonymous wrote:When is the best time to go?

Early! There are fewer kites but also WAY fewer crowds.

I found a mini kite at Target (Wheaton) near the outdoor pool toys

When is the best time to go?

Anonymous wrote: For that age, I would try to find a mini kite. We have one that’s about the size of half a sheet of typing paper. It’s small enough that it can be “flown“ just by the kid running around with it on a short string.

Where can I find one of these with on notice?

Check the schedule for crafts and kids' activities, so there's something to distract if the kite flying gets frustrating.