Washington, D.C.-Planning help

[goofyme]

next month we are hoping to go to d.c. requesting capitol and white house tour thru congressman. my kids are 9,7, and 5...what else would you recommend doing that would keep their interest. is mt. vernon worth the drive? thought about going to williamsburg for a couple of days also(ok, so maybe i got to have my theme park fix also!!)...speaking of williamsburg, is the area and the theme park crowded this time of year? also what about hotels(want to stay close to the metro)...thanks for all your help, tips, and recommendations...

 

[DISshopkeeper]

The Smithsonian Museums are free and The Air and Space one is really interesting. Loved the 3D Space Station film (there was a charge for that). And the Museum of American History MAY hold their interest for a time.

 

[doxdogy]

The F.B.I building, Bureau of Printing and Engraving (no free money samples) and Arlington National Cemetery. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is definitely worth seeing. Especially if you are lucky enough to see the changing of the guard while you are there. I was there 26 years ago for a senior class trip. I definitely enjoyed the Smithsonian Institute. We were lucky enough to be there at the same time as the King Tut exhibit.

 

[tar heel]

My children loved the Washington Monument. You must make sure to get timed tickets (free) in the a.m. or you won't get to go up in it.

The memorials -- Lincoln, Vietnam, Korea, FDR -- are not to be missed. Night is a really good time to go, if you're comfortable with it. I mostly was, although it was a little bit strange b/c there were so few people around. We last visited the weekend after the sniper suspects were caught and the city was deserted.

My children also liked at least parts of the Smithsonian museums other than air and space. There's a real mummy at the history museum and dinosaur skeletons at natural history, for example. The best place to get lunch in the museum area is Air and Space.

Do Arlington National Cemetery if you have time. The national zoo is also worth a visit -- panda bears -- and it's FREE.

There are so many other places -- FBI, National Archives, etc. -- and no way to do it all in one trip.

I've not been to Mount Vernon since I was a child, so I'm not sure about it. I suspect it might not hold the children's interest as long as you would want to stay.

 

[tar heel]

As just mentioned, Bureau of Printing and Engraving is great, BUT unless it has recently reopened it is no longer available for tours.

 

[chloesmommi]

Colonial Williamsburg might be great for your nine-year old, but most seven and five year olds will not appreciate what is offered there. Will be a great trip when they get older. However, they would all love Busch Gardens.
As far as I know, the FBI Building is no longer open for tours, and I think the White House has only reopened tours to school groups. Your congressperson will know. If you want to go to the Burea of Engraving and Printing, you must make a reservation ahead of time to enable them to do a security check.
Please take the advice of a previous poster and see the monuments at night, as well as the daytime. There is a narrated Tourmobile that offers hop-on/hop-off sightseeing. It basically encompasses the Mall area, Arlington National Cemetary & I think possibly the National Zoo. It is a great way to get around. Do not waste your time going to the National Aquarium. It is beyond disappointing. However, the Baltimore Aquarium, about 40 minutes north of DC, is fabulous. The Museum of Natural History usually shows at least 2 Imax Movies and has a great hands-on area for the younger kids. My 5-year old was enthralled with the "Lewis & Clark Expedition" Imax Movie last year. If it is still playing, it is a must see. We also took my 5-year old to Mount Vernon. This is definitely worth the trip. So much to see; so little time.

 

[Megan's Mom]

The FBI tour is one of my favorite tours and kids will like it because at the end a real agent comes and does a demo of live fire weapons. Some friends of mine went this summer with their son and he liked the new spy museum.

 

[DISshopkeeper]

Like chloesmommi said...I really think the FBI building is closed to the public nowadays. But I think I heard the White House IS open, but you must make arrangements through your local congressman before you go.

 

[onecoolmama]

If you have someone to watch the younger kids..the Holocaust Museum is amazing!

Here is a great website for you.

www.washingtondc.com

Hope This Helps!!