brian

Family of 4 (kids 16 and 14) plan to spend 12 days in D.C. and surrounding area. If someone with a lot of time on their hands would be willing, we would greatly appreciate some ideas. We plan on seeing Arlington, Fbi building, white house, Viet Nam memorial. What else to do in D.C.? My kids aren't jerks (yet) and I think they will appreciate the significance of what the area has to offer. We would also like to explore the Civil War opportunities in the area and would consider taking a couple short trips out of D.C. Thanks in advance. Arriving tomorrow June 1 and leaving June 14 Thanks again.

paul

If you are a AAA member stop by a office and pickup a guide book.

1 - Smithsonian Institute(all the varied museums)
2 - Mount Vernon
3 - Arlington Cemetary
4 - One day just walking around the mall looking at all the monuments and memorials.
5 - Day trip to Baltimore. Will require walking. See the harbour and ship museums, B&O museum. Could also see a ball game if timed correctly.
6 - Ford's Theater of course.

Suzy

Ford's Theatre will close in mid-June for sevral months of renovations.

Check the web site for the FBI building -- they've had various closings and restrictions in the last few months.

Ruth

I don't know where you're from, but in DC you're only 4 hours from the ocean beaches if you're interested in spending a night there. Gettysburg is great for a civil war day trip which you can do and still stay the night in DC. Manassas is even closer to the city. Or if you want to do overnight, could combine Gettysburg and Antietam. Annapolis is a nice day trip but the kids might like Baltimore better.

pj

ttt

Leslie

Hope this isn't too late to help. These were all popular with our kids, a bit younger than yours:

Arlington Cemetary (pay the extra for the tram tour)

The Air and Space Museum (part of the Smithsonian)

The American History Museum

Lincoln Memorial

Washington Memorial

Jefferson Memorial

Korean and Vietnam War Memorials

Capitol Building - telephone your congressman or senator's office to see if you can get passes to the House or the Senate.

Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts -try to get theatre tickets.

Fords Theatre - be sure to visit the basement level museum.

Alexandria - old town

Mt. Vernon - Washington's home - only about 20 minutes south of the city.

Williamsburg, VA - about 2-3 hours south of D.C. Requires at least one night stay. Also see the Jamestown Settlement.

Monticello - Thomas Jefferson's home in Charlotte...about 2 hours drive west of Williamsburg.