DC-ers: looking for advice again

[ckay87]

I know that there are a bunch of Washington DC-ers here and you're always so helpful! My sis just moved to MD and is about 20 minutes away from DC by train. We wanted to specifically take the train in on Sunday and do something indoors. Now I realize that seems like a no-brainer, but she has a crazy little 4 year old whose not going to be up for a leisurely stroll around a museum or anything. We're thinking more like a very entertaining kids museum or even a mall or something where 4 yo can stretch her legs. Nothing too babyish, though, because I have teen/preteen sons!

Is this a tough one? Thought I'd throw it out there anyway. I can always bank your suggestions for future visits as well. Thanks!!

 

[caitycaity]

i can't think of any kids museums like there are in other cities here. however, i don't have kids, so maybe someone else will have a suggestion.

i always really liked air and space when i was little and still liked it as a teen, so maybe that would work?

if you want to go to a mall - pentagon city has a mall on the metro (pentagon city stop).

 

[Christine]

I agree with Caity. Not much indoor "fun" stuff in D.C. for a 4-year-old. I'm not really sure what I would do.

 

[PlutoPony]

You should be fine with the Air and Space Museum- it's good for all ages - plus it's free to get in so if you don't spend too long it's like you didn't get your money's worth! Seriously, my son loved it from 4 on. There's a hands on kids section on the main floor down by the spacecraft, you might go in there. The Botanical Gardens (indoor conservatory) are down from Air and Space right beside the Capitol and have a nice children's garden as I recall, and might be worth walking thru. If the weather's good, you might try the outdoor sculpture garden of the Museum of Art - just across the mall and down a block from Air and Space. That's another place DS liked at that age (ask them what things look like, you'll probably get interesting answers) plus there's ice skating in the center area if it's cold enough (you can rent skates there). Also down the mall a couple of blocks toward the Washington Monument is a neat merry go round that's fun (same side as Air and Space) and another outdoor sculpture garden in front of the Hirshorn. We're so spoiled by the museums on the mall being free so you can just go in any of them on a whim and walk back out if it doesn't interest you.... HTH and have fun!

 

[Parkhopper]

My DS loved the Museum of Natural History. The dinosaurs and other animals make it like a zoo (except none of the animals move!) He also loved the train exhibit in the Museum of American History and the Air and Space Museum. Kind of hard to go wrong in that area.

Suzi