cindyloo

We are considering visiting my brother (who is single) in Washington D.C. Our son will be almost 2 when we go. We are going sometime this summer. Any places, besides the zoo, that we shouldn't miss?

Stephie

DC is tough with a 2 year old, done it myself. One thing we did that I would recommend is to take the trolley tour. You can buy a ticket to get on and off the trolley as much as you like, and there is narration which is nice. It worked well because we could just get on the trolley and ride around a while if we were tired, and our daughter was getting bored.

Don't plan on spending lots of time in any one museum. 2 yr. olds could care less. Don't try places like Holocaust Museum or other really intense museums, your child will not have the interest or patience.

Do get lots of cold drinks and ice cream from vendors (DC is HOT in summer), and plan on walking around the memorials, where you child has a lot of room to roam (with you close of course) and where you're not enclosed in a place where there is a guide and quiet is appreciated, because you can't always count on quiet from your child.

You can do it with your 2 yr. old, and it would be a shame if you did only child-friendly activities, because Washington is so interesting. But, you just have to be smart about how you plan it, don't have high expectations about seeing a lot (or seeing things thoroughly), and be laid back and flexible about it, and you'll have a great time.

LaurenSKahn

There is a Children's Museum behind Union Station (the Amtrak station which is also a Metro stop). The museum charges but it might be worth it for a 2 yr old.

They can run around a lot and touch things.

ilisa

Well, living in the DC area with a four year old and a 14 month old, I don't agree that the city is tough to do. Definitely try the zoo. The Capital Children's Museum, as mentioned, is also a good bet. There is also a carousel on the Mall you can try. In the Commerce Building there is an aquarium. Personally, I think it is a bore (don't even think of comparing it to the one in Baltimore), but my daughter loved it at age 2. Check out the website, www.our-kids.com. It lists all the things going on in the Washington, DC area for kids on a weekly basis. Just keep in mind DC is HOT in the summer. I bought for my kids clip on, battery operated fans fans for the stroller. Got them at www.sensationalbeginnings.com. You may want to consider something like that. If you are there around the 4th of July weekend, you may want to check out the Folklife Festival on the Mall. There is plenty to do. Just take it easy and don't try to do the city commando-style.

Ann41

Go to www.washingtonpost.com. Every other week (or it may be every week now), one of the live discussions is all about what to do in the area with kids. So you could either just read the transcripts, or go in with your own questions. Scroll down the home page until you see a box that lists that day's discussions (on the left).