Washington, D.C. with Children
 

We will be going to Washington in the Spring. First, any great ideas on the best time to go, and secondly, with children ages 9 & 14, what are some things we don't want to miss with the kids other than the Smithsonian museums?
Thanks!

My fondest memories of Washington D.C. were the Easter Egg Roll on the White House Lawn and I think with a 9 year old, you will be entitled admittance. Next was the George Washington monument and tour of the White house. Next was the homeless people sleeping over the vents that shot warm air up from the subways into their tents. Never have seen anything like that in California!! he he! Try the EXCITE search engines, type in "travel to Washington D.C." Excite has really good websites!

My son, aged sixteen, and I visit

My son, aged sixteen, and I visited Washington, D.C.
last summer and enjoyed the sights! We stayed at
the Loew's Hotel which was located at the center of
all the activity. We were impressed with the local
subway system, which seems to take you everywhere
and then return you, safely. Cost is minimal, and
very convenient. Food may be a problem, as there
are huge lines everywhere, but very few restaurants,
and none that seem to cater to children. Many do
not stay open beyond six o'clock in the evening.
Night activites are gorgeous. Be sure to visit
the memorials after the sun goes down. Nap in the
afternoon! The war memorials are very inspiring!
Enjoy them! Good luck in seeing the inside of the
White House. We went to Williamsburg after D.C.
and would highly recommend it, especially for kids.
Took the AMTRAK train. Nice trip, and probably
the highlight.

We spent four days in Washington D.C. this past summer with our two boys (age 3 and 7). I would highly recommend the Lincoln memorial and the war memorials, the Mint, the Pentagon, and the Washington Monument. We used the subway system, exclusively, and were happy with it. Have a great time!

Not to be missed is the National Zoo. All of you will thoroughly enjoy it. Plan on an entire day when the weather is nice. Also fabulous is a taxi ride around the monuments at night. Spectacular!

The zoo!!!!! Not to miss. If you have time for sidetrips, go to a baseball game at Camden Yards in Baltimore. Beautiful stadium. Inner Harbor of Baltimore walking distance. The Aquarium in Baltimore is definitely worth a visit. The kids will love it. Go during an off-time to avoid crowds. Back to D.C., go to Union Station, a magnificently renovated train station/mall/food court with breathtaking architecture, and I think even the kids will appreciate it. Spring in D.C. is absolutely the best season. you can walk, and get around by taxi and metro (clean and safe). Have fun!