Sonya--<BR><BR>The National Parks Passport is a spiral-bound, dark blue soft-covered little book that measures 6" x 3.5". There are several pages for each of the sections of the country: North Atlantic, Mid-Atlantic, National Capital, Southeast, etc. The first page for each section lists the parks-managed sites where you can get your free Passport cancellation, followed by several pages of description.<BR><BR>My Passport (purchased in 1994) lists these DC sites: Constitution Gardens, Ford's Theatre, Fort Washington Park (MD), Frederick Douglas National Historic Site, Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Lincoln Memorial, LBJ Memorial Grove, Mary McLeod Bethune Council House, National Capital Parks, National Mall, Old Post Office Tower, Rock Creek Park, Theodore Roosevelt Island (McLean, VA), Thomas Jefferson Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Washington Monument, White House. And there are cancellations available at the Korean War Memorial and the FDR Memorial (both opened after my purchase of the Passport).<BR><BR>The Passport and the annually-issued pages of stamps may be purchased at the visitors center/ranger desk/book store of these sites. The page of stamps is $3.95; sorry, I don't recall the price of the Passport. Proceeds from the sale of Passports and stamps go to the National Parks Service.

Thank you so much for the info on these passports-what a cool idea. I just ordered 2 at www.eparks.com. They also sell the stamps you guys were talking about but I didn't order those, thought I would look at the books first. The passports are only $6.95 each.<BR><BR>On another note: no one who has responded has mentioned Mt Vernon or Old Town Alexandria as must do attractions, I was under the impression they were both not to be missed. Will the kids enjoy either or both?<BR><BR>Thanks Again!

For a lunchtime unwinding spot, the old Postal Building is great. It's been converted into a food court & indoor mall. There is also the tower, which has a view that rivals the Washington Monument.

I took my older daughter on the cruise to Mt. Vernon many years ago. It was a delightful trip, but took up most of the day and yet somehow didn't allow enough time there, though the Potomac was lovely. If I were in DC with a car, I'd include it. There's also a public transit bus that goes in that general directoin, I believe. But for a one-week trip, it's surely not in the top 5.<BR><BR>Alexandria just doesn't have enough to interest elementary-age kids.<BR>

There is a water park in the area. With children that age, they (and you) might appreciate the break/change of pace in mid-week to let the children go run, splash, and play to blow off the excess pent-up energy.<BR><BR>I have been buying charms for a charm bracelet as souvenirs for my daughters. It'll be more meaningful in the long run than cheap toys that break.<BR><BR>I went to Mt Vernon about 10 years ago while TDY in the area. I enjoyed it. Didn't see that it was an all-day event. But I don't remember any impressions about the interest level it would hold for children.

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Hi,

Sorry, hit the wrong button or something, don't know what happened there. Anyway, wanted to restate my question again about the evening tours of the monuments. Do you get off at the monuments or just drive by. Is it worthwhile to do? Everyone says the monuments are better at night. Is one tour company or another any better at these tours? <BR><BR>Has anyone taken the 4 hour tourmobile thing out to Mt Vernon? I think Grayline does it too.<BR><BR>Many thanks. Keep those recommendations coming!

What about DC ducks? Is it any good?

hi there, I don't know about Vernon but what I miss in all the replies is a redommendation to visit to the National Geographic institution. My kids -aged 8 and 11-enjoyed it very much. Also we had great meals at the Union Station food court (we are dutch and for us that is a new phenomenon ( right word?)). For transport we took a 1 day busticket on the tourbus that drops you off almost anywhere and an other day a 1d metro ticket for some other points not covered by the bus. I woulf aldo advise you to find a hotel with a pool. Very nice to relax after a hot day on the town!

Have been there several times, have seen ads for DC ducks but never done it nor seen the boat/van around. It must be popular, its been around awhile I think.<BR><BR>Anyone?<BR><BR>Also, Mt Vernon & Alexandria are worthwhile trips but maybe not in the top 5 for kids

Well, the reason that you didn't see National Geographic on any of my recommendations was that we thought it was a total waste of time. They offered great photography, which we could see staying home and looking at our subscription, and very little else in the way of displays or information.

Wow, such differing opinions on this national geographic thing. Are you referring to "National Geographic Society's Discovers Hall"? My guide book gives it 4 stars (out of 5) for grade school kids and says it has "well done exhibits that aren't overpowering". So, should we see it or skip it?<BR><BR>On another note, how is the Capital Children's Museum. We have a fabulous hands on Museum here at home in Sarasota, Florida so I'm not sure it is worth it. Is there something special about this one or should we skip it?

We've been to the National Geographic Explorers Hall a number of times, with our children when they were school-aged and later, without them. <BR><BR>Our decision to visit would be based on our interest in the special exhibit that was on-going. On different visits, we saw the Ice Maiden (yes, frozen, probably sacrified hundreds? of years ago in the Andes); raptors and birds of prey; environmentalism and the Cheasapeake Bay; photos from space explorations, and others. <BR><BR>It's smaller than any of the Smithsonian museums, more manageable and do-able. I would agree with your guidebook--it's well-done and not over-powering. And, except for the Ice Maiden when we had to wait in a l-o-n-g line to enter, in our experience, Explorers Hall is not so crowded as the Smithsonian.<BR><BR>Do your children have any special interests? There might be some places in DC that have particular appeal...

My humble opinion. Your kids, especially 6 and 9 year olds, will probably be too "museumed out" to enjoy the National Geographic Explorers' Hall. Do the Smithsonian museums, all that you can, as much as they can, and they will be wiped out from that -- though they are wonderful. I wouldn't recommend the Children's Museum either, if you have a fabulous hands-on museum in your own town, because D.C.'s isn't All That.<BR><BR>Look for active/interesting, especially in beautiful June. Your kids would enjoy running around the Franklin Roosevelt monument/park given the fountains, things to climb on, and beautiful setting. You'll like it, too. They'd love running up the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and turning around for the breathtaking view. Not to be sacriligeous but I think 6 and 9 would be bored with waiting on line to go to the top of the Washington Monument and looking out the teeny tiny window. That's more 10-12 year old speed. Ride the metro, take the trolley, ride the merry-go-round outside/near Air and Space Museum, see an Imax when it's hot and tired. I like the zoo a lot, if it isn't 90 degrees. I think your kids are young for FBI, White House, and the like, and there's a lot of line-standing, waiting around. Do that when they're older. Just one Mom's opinion!

Went to D.C. last July. My 10-yr old son's must-see/do list: metro, tidal basin paddleboats, Air & Space Museum, cruise at Mt. Vernon, Bureau of Printing & Engraving, Ford's Theatre.<BR><BR>His dislikes: White House tour, much of the Smithsonian, Holocaust museum children's section, most of Mt. Vernon.<BR><BR>Where to eat with kids: Definitely Union Station<BR>

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Sonya:<BR><BR>Took my 11 year old daughter and her friend to DC last summer. Taking my 13 year old next month. Their ABSOLUTE FAVORITE thing was an evening carriage ride of the capitol. It's not the cheapest thing we did but it was charming and a fun way to see the sites. I would definitely do it again. The "company" we used was Carrieages of the Capital 301-407-0007. I will be making plans to take my 13 year old on the hour trip this time (we did 1/2 hour). Also, the girls loved the natural history museum... Hope Diamond, a COOL photo op with green screen was a big hit. Another $$$ though. Ignore the aquarium. Best dinner was probably Hard Rock cafe (their opinion, not mine!!)

Thanks LRK, that sounds really great. I appreciate the phone number but thought it would be cool to look at the website. A search of the net found nothing, do they have a website? The kids would enjoy a carriage ride I'm sure. When you said evening, did you mean in the dark when the monuments are lit or did you just mean like after dinner?<BR><BR>Thanks for your input!

Hi, Sonya.<BR><BR>DC should be lovely in June. My kids are 10, 7 and 4, and I'll give you a quickie list of things they love and hate:<BR><BR>They do NOT like:<BR><BR>The Postal Museum (just not sufficiently hip)<BR><BR>Six Flags (ick, ick, ick)<BR><BR>The Children's Museum (underfunded and not up to the standard of other Museums in town)<BR><BR>Bureau of Printing & Engraving (really not very interesting for anyone)<BR><BR>Things my kids love:<BR><BR>Natural History<BR>American History<BR>All outdoor monuments<BR>Baltimore Aquarium<BR>Outdoor Sculpture Garden<BR>The Zoo (although you might wish to pass if you do zoos regularly or if it is too hot)<BR>Washington Monument<BR>Arlington Cemetery (take the tram and tour)<BR>Ford's Theatre (very underrated)<BR><BR>Have fun!