Would you please recommend (1) hotel in Dc for Children ( age 8).(2) resturaunts in DC for children and (3) things for children to do in Dc.

When we went with our then 8 year old, I picked up a really handy book before-hand, called Washington D.C. with Kids (a Frommers guide book, sorry). We stayed at the J.W. Marriott, which was great for kids, since it has an indoor swimming pool and our room overlooked the Washington Monument.

I recently visited the Spy Museum which is behind the FBI building a few blocks from the west end of the mall, so walking distance from the Smithsonian Natural History Museum. So I suggest you take in the Natural History Museum, first and foremost (which is free) and then the Spy Museum (which is not). Maybe it will be hard to keep an 8-year-old focused on two in one day. How long will you be in DC?

There's a great food court at the basement of Union Station which is accessible by subway.

I went to DC with an 8 year old and an 11 yo this summer. Stayed at the Radisson Barcelo. Would not recommend it if you want to be able to swim. The pool was gross (mildew, moldy and smelled rank after a heavy rain.)

For activities the 8yo enjoyed the zoo and the White House (arrange a tour through your congressman 6 months in advance). She also liked the Washington Monument (get tickets in advance).

The gelato at the American history museum was a big hit as was the Hands on History portion of the museum. As was the outdoor sculpture garden at the National Gallery. We didn't make it to the Air & Space but I understand that its popular with kids.

Also find out what she is studying in school this year and find exhibits that reinforce what's being taught in the classroom. My daughter learned about mobiles (fulcrums, balance etc) so she was fascinated by the Alexander Calder mobiles on display at the National Gallery.

At this age too much viewing and not enough touching to tough so try to do hands on stuff as much as possible.

My 8 and 9 year olds loved the Smithsonian Museums and Ford's Theater. The museum in the basement appealed to my boys sense of the macabre. Have a great trip! Washington is very cheap as far as attractions go.

First, check in at the Smithsonian Castle to get any daily special event information. We missed out on some super kid-friendly things because we just didn't know about them ahead of time. For example, the Natural History Museum has a tarantula feeding time. http://www.mnh.si.edu/education/insectzoo.htm

The Holocaust Museum has an age-appropriate exhibit called 'Remember the Children: Daniel's Story' about how the life of a young boy was changed. It is very moving and important. http://www.ushmm.org/museum/exhibit/...ntent=exhibit/

Loved the Spy Museum.

Hint: There is ALOT of walking and standing. Some 8 year olds do better than others. Pace your day accordingly.

HOTELS
1) Totally agree that the JW Marriott Hotel Pennsylvania Avenue is the best choice for families. A less expensive alternative is the Capitol Hill Suites (no pool). Both are within one block of Metro and an easy walk to the mall.
FOOD
2) What kind of food do the children like? There are tons of options in all price ranges. If it's a weekday lunch and you are near thw white house, then get the world famous fries at Breadline (1850 Penn Ave). Kids also love the $1.30 creme brulee there. They also have pizza, grilled cheese sandwiches, soups, etc. Union Station is also great - lots of choices.
ACTIVTIES FOR KIDS
3) a)The Zoo is great - the early morning is the best time to go. The baby tigers are out then and the pandas are awake and active. In fact most of the animals are at their best before 10am. At 10am, the indoor exibits open as well. Take the metro to Cleveland Park to get there. Go to the Woodly Park/Zoo metro stop for the return trip.
The children might also like: a) paddle boat rides near the Jefferson Memorial b) The view from the National Cathedral towers c) Spy museum d) IMAX movies at Air&Space or natural hstory museums. Air& Space, Natural History and American History museums all have some children oriented exibits. e) metro to Arlington Cemetary and walk back across the Lincoln Memorial Bridge for good views of the Memorials and DC.