letsgo

We're a family of four (twin nine year olds) who is planning an 8-day Spring Break to DC in mid-March, from our home in Arizona. Besides the obvious tourist stuff, what else should we do? Any ideas of fun things to do in the evening? What should I book in advance for tours, restaurants, ?? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

travelisfun

It may be something you are already planning on, but with twin 9-year olds, you must visit the Air and Space Mueseum! It is one of my favorite memories from my family vacation to DC as a kid. My brother and cousin were around 10 when we went and LOVED it! Have fun!

E

I like taking visitors on the Tourmobile's evening tour of the monuments. Whether or not you see them by day, as well, they look lovely lit up, and Washington after dark is a very pretty sight.
As you may have seen here already--you should definitely do a search--Dupont Circle is a great neighborhood to visit for dinner and a bit of shopping, as is Adams-Morgan. Both get more party-ish in atmosphere after about 8pm on Fri and Sat, which you may wish to avoid with your girls, but though spots can get raucous at those times, safety isn't a concern.
You should visit washingtonpost.com and check out the entertainment guide, especially for theaters, and most especially for the Kennedy Center. To attend an evening event there can be magical, with miles of red carpet, enormous crystal chandelieres all lit up...booking tickets online in advance would be easy to do.
As for restaurants, reservations can be necessary, but depends what you like...if you give some idea of cuisines, prices, etc., I can give some recommendations. Enjoy your trip!

E

Oops, just realized you didn't say your twins were girls, I just assumed for some reason. I meant that Dupont and Adams-Morgan after 8pm on weekends are not so kid-friendly. But again, not at all dangerous.

ChristieP

IF you can get tickets, do the Evening Parade at the Marine Barracks! I STILL remember going to this over 25 years ago! The Marines in their snappy dress uniforms, the bulldog, WOW! Your kids will just LOVE it!
I think you get the tickets through your congressman?

kathrynp

Hey letsgo!

You're getting some great advice- I knew you would- thanks for the recommendations on my London stuff!

kp

letsgo

Wow...thanks for all the great advice. My twin nine year olds are indeed girls. Just reading these messages is making me REALLY excited about our trip.

peggi

Try our new spy museum; my kids have been twice and love it...it does have an admission fee, unlike the Smithsonian. The IMAX theatre at Natural History has a great Lewis & Clark on now. The National Cathedral has a good hands-on kids room in the basement and the docent-lead tours usually accommodate children well. Mount Vernon is good for kids. The National Zoo (no doubt you know this)is great...the new pandas are of special interest. Even at 9, they'll like the merry-go-round near the Smithsonian Castle building. I think they're too young for the Holocaust Museum but there is a part of it designed for kids (I think it's Daniel's Story) - it has a separate entrance. On a nice day, you can't beat the Roosevelt Memorial - and be sure to take a paddle boat ride in the Tidal Basin!! The Mint that produces dollar bills is fascinating. I think the FBI tour is not available in the post 9-11 environment. There's a new Botanical Gardens building. Also Union Station. I live here and take my kids downtown frequently so I could go on and on.

Lexma90

Can I add my requests to this thread? We'll also be in D.C., though later in the Spring, and have 8- and 4-year old children. I love all the suggestions that have already been provided for things to do.

Any restaurant suggestions? We're adventurous eaters, and the kids are well-behaved restaurant-goers. We are planning one Ethiopian meal, one Indian, and are open to others; I'd love any specific places that you'd recommend. We staying near the convention center, but of course don't have to (don't really plan to) eat near there. Also, lunch suggestions for museum days would be much appreciated. Though I'm thinking a picnic on the mall would be a better break from the museums than sitting in a restaurant...

shao_lin

The Smithsonian Museum has always been my favorite in DC. And among the Smithsonian buildings the Air & Space Museum is where we usually spend most of our time.

On my last trip back I saw the Roosevelt Memorial for the first time. It is a great addition. I have been in the Jefferson Memorial many times but I took time this trip to read his words of wisdom - very inspiring considering world events today.

You are just a week or two too early for the cherry blossoms around the tidal basin (unless they are coming early this year). It is a sight worth seeing at some point.

patg

If you haven't made up your mind where to stay, the Woodley Park area, home to the Washington Zoo and Rock Creek Park, seems ideal for a family. The two main hotels are the Marriott Wardman and the Omni Shoreham; there are also several B&Bs in the neighborhood. The metro stop is just a short trip from the mall and museums.

peggi

I'm not much help on hotels since I live here...re restaurants...you're smart to do the ethnic ones as they are very good here...Chinatown in downtown DC has expanded quite a bit with the addition of the MCI Center so that's a good place. Often, the Smithsonian restaurants are expensive with not very good food so a picnic if weather permits is a good idea. We like the Old Ebbitt Grill, too (not cheap). You can even use the streetside vendors for soft pretzels, hot dogs, etc. if you're open to that. There's a food court at Union Station plus some restaurants. Old Town Alexandria (if you do a trip to Mount Vernon) has great restaurants.

rosco

lexma90,
If you are still reading this... WALK down from your hotel in the Convention Center area to a small grocery store at 8th & E st, NW - This is on the way to the mall from Convention Center area. That is always preferable to museum cafes. Good picnic spots are everywhere... the sculpture garden just west of the Nation Gallery of art, the Haupt garden behind the Smithsonian Castle, Laffyette Square in Front of the White House...

Nick00

Places to eat in or near Dupont Circle (you can take a short METRO ride):
(none are more than a 5-10 minute walk from your hotel.)

Polo Indian Club: tasty Indian food.
(on Conn. Ave.)

Pan Asian: inexpensive thai food. Very good.
(on P Street) They also deliver.

Pizzeria Paradiso: wood fired pizza. Small establishment, but stylish and super yummy.
(on P Street)

City Lights of China: Some of the best Chinese food in the city. They also deliver.
(on Conn. Ave.)

All are family friendly.

Have a great time.

jedivader

Try the ESPNZone for food and interactive games. The Cheesecake Factory is good !

Sites: Natural History Museum, Air & Space Museum, Holocaust Museum (this is kind of depressing though), Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, Arlington Cemetary, The White House, The Capitol, Old Towne Alexandria, Georgetown, Union Station, Chinatown, MCI Center, Botanical Gardens, National Zoo (although they have been in trouble lately about mistreatment of animals, I won't be supporting them until they get their act together),Spy Museum (make sure you get tickets in advance), Dupont Circle (some shopping and food), Pentagon City Mall (for the girls).

If you have a car:
Annapolis - Old shopping district on the water, Naval Academy
Baltimore - Aquarium, Camden Yards, Ravens Stadium

Try: www.washington.org

There are a lot of homeless, they don't really bother you. They usually just ask for some change. Also, crime is really high in the city so stay together and stay were the majority of the people are.

Hope you have fun. I work in Chinatown...

rb_travelerxATyahoo

Another evening activity: Kennedy Center, specifically the play "Shear Madness" - an audience-participation "who-dun-it".

jedivader suggested Baltimore activities if you have a car - well you can do them without a car too. For about $6 each way, you can take MARC commuter trains to BALT. The Camdem Yards line will put you closer to those sites jedivader mentioned, but it's schedule isn't so convenient. If you take the "Penn Line", it stops at Baltimore Penn Station, but you can take Light Rail from there. In Balt, $3 gets you a ticket for a days unlimited lightrail,bus & subway travel.