Washington DC for 2 nights

[lisaross]

Hi, we have a Bar Mitzvah in Maryland Nov 5th (saturday) will be sleeping over then thinking of heading to DC for 2 nights!

What would u recommend we do - kids have never been - 2 boys 9 and 11

They are not history buffs, so don't want it to be too boring for them but think its a good place to visit!

Please recommend a motel - don't mind staying outside and taking transportation in - just want something convenient - breakfast included as well!

thank u

 

[barb969]

My nephews love the Air and Space Museum.

 

[Dina]

We just came back from two days with my boys who are 8 and 11. I will preface this by saying that I am a history buff (I have a BA in history, and was a social studies teacher before I became a nurse). We did the Smithsonian national zoo, natural history museum (My one son loves dinosaurs-- and we couldn't get him out of this place), american history museum, air and space. At night we did the monuments and we saw the white house (outside-- you need a group to reserve a tour, I've done that once and it was really cool). If we had more time, I would add arlington national cemetery. Kids really enjoyed everything. When my boys are older, I will go back for Arlington and I will add the holocaust memorial--- but, 9 and 11 are too young for that. I was trained for three days in the holocaust memorial for holocaust education, and would not do younger than 8th grade.

 

[lisaross]

Any help with a Motel - seems like the prices are SO high...we are ok with a motel - does not need to be fancy at all just a good location!

 

[swilshire]

Great suggestions.

As for lodging, the Residence Inn in Old Town Alexandria is only a couple of blocks from the Metro. I stayed in a studio, which was pretty small, but they should have larger units. There are also other hotels at that same stop, including in Embassy Suites right across from the Metro stop. We stayed once in the Wyndham there. Kids that age typically enjoy riding the Metro.

Sheila

 

[lisaross]

I see a Travelodge in Alexandria - it is 7 blocks from the Metro - great price - about $115.00 free parking and free breakfast!

 

[Prose]

One of our favorite things from our trip was a bike tour of the monuments...they do have kid-size bikes and helmets. The tour guide was great, and it gives the kids a chance to work off some energy in between seeing sites.

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing is cool too -- seeing all that money!

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

I suggest finding a hotel very near a Metro line, either in DC or Northern VA, so you don't have to deal with the hassle of driving and parking in DC. Also costs will be lower.

It depends on what your kids are interested in, but most like the Air and Space Museum, Natural History Museum and the National Zoo. That would be more than enough for a 2 day visit.

 

[punkin]

For boys that age: the spy museum. It's not free like the Smithsonian museums but it is a lot of fun.