what are the must see attractions and dining places in Washington for a family of four with two kids (ages 11 and 6)...? Also does anyone know if the flooding situation has been cleared up?
2006-07-05 09:34:15 · 10 answers · asked by Bryan W 2 in Travel ➔ United States ➔ Washington, D.C.
I work 2 blocks from White House.
All flooding is cleared up.
There is so much to see here.
Three Smithsonian museums that can have some interest to children are:
The National Museum of American History. There is even a full size steam engine on the lower level (over 250 tons, that's big).
The National Museum of Natural History. That contains many cool upclose looks at dinosaur skeletons and there is a full size Blue Whale inside, up on a wall.
The Air and Space Museum is the most visited museum in the World. Inside are the real Apollo 11 capsule, the original Wright Flyer and many dozens more important historical aircraft. Also they have a Rocket gallery that let's you stand right next to a full size rocket that is over 100 ft high.
Then there is also the National Zoo. Kids always like zoos.
You can find links to all of these places on the right side of the page of this link.
Of course there is also a trip to the top of the Washington Monument and nearby is the Lincoln Memorial.
2006-07-05 09:53:14 · answer #1 · answered by manofadvntr 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends alot on your kids interests, but there is so much to see in DC! I've been there 4 times this year and haven't seen it all yet....
Call your congressperson's office and see if they have openings for tours of the capital. If not, then you can line up on the right side of the capital in the morning and see if there are any passes left. You can also visit your senator's office and ask for gallery passes to the Senate when it's in session, or after 6 pm you don't need a pass. When you visit the Senate chambers if it's at the right time (like when a vote is on) you will see pretty much ALL the Senators, like Kennedy and McCain and John Kerry and Hilary.
Watch the movie "National Treasure" , then visit the National Archives that they whole movie is based on. It's fun seeing what looks like the exact place they made the movie at (but they actually made it on a set).
The kids might like the Air and Space Museum, or the American Indian one, or American History. There is alot of walking involved in all of this, so be prepared for some sore feet.
The Washington Monument is great for kids. Go early in the morning and get a ticket (free) for later in the day. Same with the Bureau of Engraving, to see money being made.
The Halocaust museum is also very worthwhile to visit.
Not free, but fun for kids is the International Spy Museum.
If time permits, head out to Arlington National Cemetary and the Iwo Jima monument.
Use the metro as much as you can.
Have fun! Bring bandaids for the blisters on your feet!
2006-07-08 03:41:22 · answer #2 · answered by poppet 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Mall in DC is great for kids. The museums are free for the most part. If you have boys they will love the National Air and Space Museum. The flooding situation should not be a problem. A word to the wise though. Do not drive in DC. They have a great subway and bus system. I suggest you use that. Driving in DC can be a challenge at best.
2006-07-05 09:39:57 · answer #3 · answered by lynda_is 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Muppets Special Exhibit at the Smithsonian Museum of American History.
The Air and Space Museum.
The Panda Bears at the National Zoo.
Ride the Carosel in front of the air and space museum on the mall.
Union Station to see the trains.
Take a photo of the kids sitting in Einstein's lap at the National Academy of sciences.
Eat dinner/lunch then play some hockey at the ESPN zone.
Don't forget to take the Duck Boat tour.
2006-07-05 14:44:37 · answer #4 · answered by vagablonde 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For the kids, Air and Space Museum and the Museum of Natural History (don't miss their insect zoo).
Dining check out Washingtonian Magazine's website. The list the area's 100 very best restaurants each year. They also have a 'dirt cheap eats' column and a list of the 100 best bargain eats.
2006-07-05 15:46:47 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is so much to see. Obviously the Smithsonian and they have imax films. All the monuments. Great for kids of that age. I would suggest getting an all day metro train pass and going where ever you want. They aren't too expensive. DuPont circle has so many great restaurants to choose from. Don't know about the flooding situation.
2006-07-05 09:43:22 · answer #6 · answered by Scott R 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I grew up close to DC so we on no account had a visit purely prevalent field journeys..in any case look at the mall, holocaust museum, secret agent museum, capital bldg, white domicile, lincoln memorial and ensure you consume a crab cake in case you're on the city! close by distinctiveness!!! maximum heavily have good strolling footwear, a digicam and have a blast!
2016-12-10 05:01:30 · answer #7 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My parents recently visited DC w/my 7 yr old neice. They went to museum of archives (something like that, part of Smithsonian). She really enjoyed that, also International Spy museum. Have fun!
2006-07-05 09:39:15 · answer #8 · answered by remb11968 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Flooding is over.
It depends on how long you're staying, where you're staying, and if you're driving or taking public transportation. Here's a great link that can help you narrow down what you think your kids might like.
for sure Natural History and Air and Space Museums.
http://travel.msn.com/Guides/article.aspx?cp-documentid=257324
2006-07-05 12:48:07 · answer #9 · answered by Bobbie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
museum of Natural History, Air and Space Museum are two of my favorites.
2006-07-05 09:39:19 · answer #10 · answered by Dog Mama 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋