I guess living here I don't think twice about the schlepping around the mall, but yes, it can get tiresome and HOT. But given that the museums are free, its hard to complain. I'm looking at musuems in San Fancisco and as always when I leave DC, am amazed at what they cost. Get spoiled with all that is available for free in DC.

yestravel - We were quite happy about all the free stuff in DC. It was fabulous.

with all the $$ u can save, u could take a taxi around the mall! Glad u enjoyed DC

@yestravel - Check out the excellent, FREE tours in San Francisco given by the public library. WE had done lots of them [all kinds to suit every like and taste] and they are a deal and a half!

http://www.sfcityguides.org/

Oh yeah - SF City Guides is great.

Thanks -- we used SFguides last trip to SF and they are wonderful. having the link supplied by u is helpful.

So DebitNM, other than the heat and all the walking, did u enjoy DC? It has been a brutual summer and I've spent much of it hibernating inside whenever possible.

The area around the Mall is too congested for there to be an efficient bus system, which is why the Circulator quit running during the week.

Aside from the heat and humidity, we had a very nice time in DC. I am still needing to do a trip report, but since the trip was a month in duration and covered 6 states and DC, it will be a while before I get it together.

Another place young kids enjoy is the Postal Museum, a smallish Smithsonian facility (but it is next to Union Station, not on the Mall). It has been several years since I took my 4yo nephew there, but it was much more about moving the mail -- trains, stage coach, small airplane, etc. --- than about stamps. If you have a kid who is in a truck-train phase this could be a hit.

http://www.postalmuseum.si.edu/museum/1_museum.html

DebitNM, glad the miserable weather didn't spoil your visit. 2day we have flooding! look forward to your TR...a month to write up, yikes!

Yes, I have heard the Postal Museum is really nice and good for kids.