With so many learning experiences and great things to do in Washington DC for a family vacation destination may be just what you need this year. Kids of all ages will absolutely enjoy a visit to the National Zoo, where you can spend the entire day greeting the monkeys, pandas, lions, tigers, and bears, oh my!
For the family with older school age children, the Smithsonian Museum is an unbeatable value, both educational and inspiring. History will come alive when they see the Spirit of St. Louis, the first plane to cross the Atlantic. Let them thrill to the awe of holding an actual moon rock brought back by the astronauts.
Next view the Declaration of Independence at the Museum of American History. The kids will be fascinated with the stuffed horse Comanche, the only survivor of the Battle of Little Big Horn, where Colonel George Custer made his famous last stand.
The CapitalA short walk away is The Mall, in the shadow of the Washington Monument. Stand on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial or watch the kids play around the Reflecting Pool. Walk to the Jefferson Memorial before heading over to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. There the older family members may get a little emotional at the sight of the long black wall inscribed with the names of all those who did not make it home.
Take the Metro public transit down to Pennsylvania Avenue and see the White House where the Nation's President and the First Family reside. Next take a walk up to Capitol Hill. There, if Congress is in session, you can visit your representative's office, or watch your state's senator in action.
You can catch a show at Ford's Theater, and see the box where Abraham Lincoln was shot. Then take a drive up Massachusetts Avenue past many of the foreign embassies, each proudly flying their nation's flag.
For a change of pace, a short drive and you can enjoy a day walking around exciting Georgetown, an experience in food and fun. Following an afternoon of shopping at trendy boutiques, an evening at one of the many clubs listening to live music will be the perfect end to a perfect day.
Before you leave the city, take a trip to nearby Arlington, Virginia and see the National Cemetery. It is built on land seized by the Union during the Civil War; land that was owned by the family of Robert E. Lee.
Next take a short jaunt to Mount Vernon, to see George Washington's family home. The kids will be fascinated by the reenactments of life during the 1700's. Make sure you wander through the gardens that our first President took such pride in maintaining.
Whatever amount of time you can spend in the area, a Washington DC family vacation is an experience that you and your children will never forget. For many Americans, young and old, a visit to our Nation's capital would be the opportunity to celebrate our history.
Visit often to learn more information from our updated Things to Do in Washington DC.
