Having lived in both cities, I will weigh in. I live in the suburbs currently of Washington DC, and I don't travel to see the fireworks in DC. They are good, don't get me wrong, but I feel Boston's are better. While living in Boston in the 80's, we used to get our blankets, and picnics, and get a spot on the banks of the Charles River and make the better part of a day there, and when the Boston Pops starts playing, its quite a site. As far as things go for kids, I think they are about equal. The Science museum is amazing, and a whale watch is something she will never forget. The whales know you are there to see them, and if you are lucky, will put on show. Fanueil Hall/Quincy Market is something I'm sure she would like with lots of shops and restaurants. You can go to the Boston Garden and see the Swan boats (take a ride) or take a Boston Ducks tour, which uses amphibious watercraft that will give you a see and land tour of Boston. Also, take her to the North End for a look at a real Italian neighborhood, there are fantastic resturants there, from all price ranges. Plus, you get to see some real characters. I guess in my opinion Boston is a real functioning city, where as Washington is more tourist - centered. The areas that are the most safe are in the tourist areas. The other thing to remember is that in order to see some of the free things in Washington,(as hassle free as possible) you need to be there as early as possible. The crowds can become unbearable. As far as crime, DC is much worse, no doubt about it. And I wouldn't try White HOuse tickets. I wrote my congressman (Tom Davis-R) back in early November for Christmas Tour tickets, I've never heard from him. Obviously I didn't get to see the White House at Christmas. You can't go wrong in either city, both have alot to do, but Boston has a real city feel and charm. If you do feel like hiring a car for the day there are some spectaular places within an hour or so of Boston.

Just a note to say to please let us know which city you end up choosing--it'll be fun to find out!

I don't know if I mentioned this before, but two of the Smithsonian museums are now having live jazz bands Friday nights. The one at the Smithsonian Natural History has cocktails and light fare. The other is at the National Gallery of Art, outside in the Sculpture Garden, again, with drinks and light fare as well.
I have not had the chance to go, so if anyone has tried either, please weigh in over whether it's good or not.

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I would choose Boston over DC anytime of the year, yes there is history in DC but the enjoyment for a 12 year old would be much better spent giving her history of the civil war time in Boston. There is the walking tour,throughout of the city that is where the actual events took place. There are lots of places both cheap and ritzy to stay, eat , and play,,,,,go enjoy,,and let me know how it turned out

Well I still haven't decided which city to choose. I better hurry as July is almost here.

You Fodorites voted for DC over Boston at a rate of approximately 2 to 1, but that doesn't mean Boston is out of the running.

DC has The Smithsonian Museums, Arlington National Cemetery, Mount Vernon, The Holocaust Museum, The FBI Building, The Pentagon, The White House, The National Zoo, the home where Lincoln died, Fords Theater, The Washington Monument, The Lincoln Memorial, and The Veterans Wall.

Boston has The Freedom Trail, The Zoo, The Science Museum, Whale Watching, and Swan Boat Tours.

I am an Italian that married an Irishman, and one other thing that Boston has is it's very ethnic Italian neighborhood on the north end and Irish culture throughtout the city. I grew up in a very Italian neighborhood, but unfortunately it is gone so this is something my daughter cannot experience here or in DC.

Well I'll let you know what I decide....