Thanks Yikes for your input. You are quite right we want to do "The DC Thing" not "DC-The Alternative". I am however interested in all kid friendly input from those who have been to or are familiar with DC.<BR><BR>Also, Gee-whizzer, I have read that article as well as purchasing a guide book on the area but it's nice to get first hand opinions from others too. <BR><BR>And again....Thanks to All who responded!

topper

1. Zoo<BR>2. Natural History Museum ( Gem & Mineral collection & dinousars)<BR>3. Air & Space Museum<BR>4. American History Museum<BR>5. Explorers Hall (National Geographic)<BR><BR>If you are visiting #2,3,4 go to the Old Post office Building for lunch - they have a decent food court. There is also a Planet Hollwood - kids sem to love places like that. We have always enjoyed the wide variety of inexpensive-moderate ethnic restaurants in D.C.

Don't bother with the old post office... it is hot and the food is mediocre at best.<BR>Across the street from the old post office, in the Ronald Reagan bldg. there is a real food court with a bunch of great quality fast food.<BR>Pentagon City has a great mall with a great food court if you have teens. We just got back from our annual trip to DC and the kids insisted on stopping at the mall in Pentagon City every night on the way back to the hotel. The food court is just steps away from the food court, which is extensive.<BR>Don't bother going to the "National" Aquarium... it's a joke.<BR>Stay at a nice hotel, too. It's not worth going to DC and staying somewhere that's a dump. Nice hotels abound and they can be quite reasonable.<BR>Email me if you like. <BR>

I recommend The Awakening statue at Hains Point/East Potomac Park (http://www.pankin.com/pleasure/hains.htm). Fun to see for adults and kids.

Don't be so quick to dismiss the Children's Museum. We held our son's 5th birthday party there, and the guests stayed long past the two hours set for the actual party. Yes, the museum has seen a little wear, but it has alot to offer the 5-10 age group, the admission is inexpensive plus its proximity to Union Station (three blocks) makes it a great morning activity before lunch at the train station. Also, since the museum doesn't appear in too many guidebooks, it's not crowded.<BR><BR>Old Town Alexandria is fun if you enjoy strolling through streets of mostly chain stores-a bottom of the list idea, in my opinion. Mt. Vernon is fun, but not accessible by metro.

Thanks to everybody! <BR><BR>I think we have our plans all set and are ready to go!