Other than museums, is there anything else fun to do in DC we will be traveling with kids ages 7-15. We are staying in Dupont station.

Go to the zoo. It is one stop up from Dupont and they are going to debut the panda cub sometime in November. I hear you are going to have to get a ticket to see him...not that you have to pay for it but just to avoid large crowds forming.

Try the Spy Museum which is down at the Gallery Place/MCI metro stop. Kids will love it.

Panda is debuting in December...not November

There are some really nice monuments in DC, I hear.

The National Cathedral is really great -- it was the most memorable thing I visited as a kid, and my kids liked it too. It is built in classic mideaval style, with gargoyles of famous Americans, for example. There are stained glass windows with images of WWII paratroopers, and moon landings. Take the tour.

There are paddle boats just SW of the Bureau of Printing & Engraving to ride around the Basin in.

There's a Six Flags that is reachable by public transit.

One of the longest elevators in the Metro system is at Dupont Circle, while even longer are Rosslyn and longest at Wheaton.

If you cannot get into the Washington Monument, try the free tour of the clock tower at the nearby Old Post Office Pavilion - across the street from Reagan Building and the Federal Triangle Metro stop. Also try a visit to the National Cathedral.

There are bicycle rentals. You could ride the towpath of the C&O Canal for 200 some miles and even camp at shelters along the way.

There are towpath boatrides in Georgetown. There are often interesting things (besides protests) on the National Mall.

Can one visit the National Observatory?

A baseball game? Evne if you go up to Baltimore. There's an aquarium in DC, but a better one in Baltimore.

There's some sort of skateboarding park somewhere in the DC area; I remember some discussion a few months ago. I'll try to think of some more. Good luck.

I recently did a trip report from a 3 day visit in DC: http://www.worldisround.com/articles/233388/index.html (this is the full report w/ pics...an abridge report is on Fodors).

Also, I would contact your Senator or Representative's office and arrange a tour of the Capitol (great opportunity for kids to see gov't at work esp. if Congress is in session on your visit). Their offices can also arrange White House tours...space is limited so book as early as possible. If they don't have tix available, you can still do the general public tour but I think the Congressional tours are a little better.

Check out this link to the DC CVB...has lots of great info on things to do...
http://www.washington.org/index.cfm?...TOKEN=84702344

One serendiptious thing that we did was a Walk Down Tour of the Washington Monument. My girls were 8 and 11 at the time. We booked our tickets for the Washington monumentt online in advance of our trip (highly recommended). While we were at the top of the monument, a ranger announced that a "walk down" tour would begin in a few minutes - they only do this twice a day I believe. Basically all you do is walk down the steps of the monument. But lining the steps are hundreds of carved memorial stones donated by various groups, cities, states and countries to complete the construction on the monument. There is one for every state in the union as well as many Mason groups and firefighters. Its a fascinating glimpse into US society post Civil War. My kids loved it.

Visiting the monuments at night is worth doing as they are beautifully lit and very impressive.

I recently took my first trip to DC in March. It was a blast, but it was wall-to-wall kids, so there must be at least a few things for kids to do there.

You may consider Mount Vernon or Monticello, in addition to the other great suggestions already given. While not exactly in the city, there are lots of tours and excursions that go out to those places. I took a river cruise out to Mount Vernon, which was really nice because there was actually a lot to see along the Potomac.

If they're still being given, the tours of the State Department Reception Rooms are a memorable experience. Call the State Dep't. to arrange or see their web site. Seeing the rooms was a highlight of our trip.

fyi, I just heard on the radio that the baby panda is debuting on Dec. 8. Timed tickets will be available on the zoo website at some point soon.

DC is AWESOME and there is more to do than museums...although great ones exist. I ditto the suggestion about the Spy Museum (next MCI where the Wizards and Capitals play - are you a basketball or hockey fan?)

You can do a Duck Tour - it tours parts of the city and includes a ride in the Potomac.

Tour mobile also works great with on and off options at many different stops! You can look at prices ($20 each, all day – board and re-board unlimited) & download the tour bus stop map at this address: http://www.tourmobile.com/


Also, here's my canned advice...

Make sure you take time to visit the Korean, Vietnam, Lincoln and WWII memorials at night...incredible.



Here are some recommendations and some resources to help you get the most of it!!!!

I use these sites for finding stuff to do…..

http://www.aolcityguide.com/washington/

A site with the Washingtonian magazine, lists the best places to eat! http://www.washingtonian.com/dining/default.asp

This website lists out some of the details on the memorials / monuments: http://www.aviewoncities.com/washington.htm

Visit the Monuments!

IWO JIMA MEMORIAL:

Start with the statue of Iwo Jima

Walk over to the Bell Tower! Look toward DC, you can see all the monuments line up! The Lincoln, the White House, the Capitol. The BEST PICTURE IN TOWN!

FDR Memorial: If It is one of the most beautiful memorials that many people miss. Each section portrays a term of his life and tenure!

Washington Memorial: If you haven’t gone to the top but plan to, you MUST order tickets via the internet IN ADVANCE. The tickets are timed, so you will probably get the ticket and then come back later.

World War II Memorial

Lincoln Memorial

Korean Memorial

Vietnam Memorial

Jefferson Memorial

Historic Hotel Washington: Go here for a break or a light snack! BEST view from the roof top! You can valet park at the Fairmont and the it’s around the corner. Take the elevator to the top floor for the view from the deck! Have a drink, bite for lunch. Look toward the White House. Typically you can see the G-men snipers on top of the roof. http://www.hotelwashington.com/

Union Station is a great place to see, with places to eat and shop. It's near the captial.

Other cool places to eat would include the Hard Rock cafe; ESPN Zone; Chinatown.

Hope that helps! Enjoy your trip!!!