Washington, D.C.: Children in Washington, D.C.

• Neighborhoods
• Sights
• Restaurants
• Hotels
• Entertainment
• Shopping
• Travel Tips
• Features

Children in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C., has many activities that appeal to the younger set. To get some ideas, consult the Friday Washington Post "Weekend" section. Its "Saturday's Child" listings include information on plays, puppet shows, concerts, storytelling sessions, nature programs, and other children's events. Washington Parent, a free monthly available at many supermarkets and libraries, is another good source. Finally, Fodor's Washington, D.C., with Kids and Fodor's Around Washington, D.C., with Kids (available in bookstores everywhere) can help you plan your days together.

Also, don't forget to visit information desks. Many museums have docents who conduct kid-friendly tours, as well as having exhibits designed for children. In addition, many sights have special printed children's guides, allowing kids to take pencil in hand, for example, and go on "scavenger hunts" to pick out the shapes and patterns in modern artwork.

Local Information

Washington Parent (301/320-2321. www.washingtonparent.com).

Babysitting

Most large hotels and those with concierges can arrange babysitting (or even find sitters to take your children sightseeing). The D.C.-area child-care agencies they use perform in-depth interviews and background checks of all their sitters, and some provide references. Rates average about $15 an hour (usually with a four-hour minimum). In addition, you may need to pay for the sitter's transportation and/or parking costs. Agencies can usually arrange last-minute child care, but advance notice is appreciated. Mothers' Aides and White House Nannies both have babysitting services for visitors to the D.C. area.

Agencies

Mothers' Aides (5618 Ox Rd., Suite B, Fairfax Station, VA, 22039. 800/526-2669 or 703/250-0700. www.mothersaides.com). White House Nannies (7200 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 409, Bethesda, MD, 20814. 800/266-9024 or 301/652-8088. www.whitehousenannies.com).