S.
I have a five year old son who has traveled with me on business since he was five months old.
I'm a working Mom so I try to take him with me wherever I go.
That being said with some good planning and a bit of patience we have enjoyed many events, trips and generally others in the places we go.
First, Bring a backpack of age appropriate toys, I always travel with a video player for times when we are "trapped" like in an airplane. I don't try to do every activity but I often add my own activities and in DC you and your son could go see many wonderful things if the "group" activities are not
realistic.
I always try to keep my son's schedule no matter where we are and that makes all the difference. I keep uncrustables and milk with me in a small portable cooler and snacks in his backpack. We take pajames and his blanket and if we are running behind timelines for bed I get him dressed for bed and when he was younger put him in the stroller to sleep....
It isn't as easy as staying home, but it sure can be fun and today Sean travels well and is very easy going.....plus he has learned so much about the world and people......give it a try.