Hi,
We are going to DC from Thursday- Saturday. Just my 6yr old and me. We want to see Smithsonian American History and Air and Space. Also, Lincoln Memorial, Newseum and Engraving. Suggestions for what order and when? We are staying near Dupont Circle. Thanks!

I think you're wasting your money taking a 6-year old to the Newseum, which is geared toward news junkies with at least a little knowledge of historical events.

OK, just heard it was interactive. What about Spy Museum or even Crime and Punishment. He's a crazy little guy and he likes shoot 'em up games and scary movies. Do you think he would like either of them?

You are just wasting your time ......

I agree the Newseum isn't likely to appeal to a 6 year old

I would recommend going up in the Old Post Office Tower for a view of the city

Have you looked at a map yet? Here is one I like
http://www.nps.gov/nama/planyourvisi...d/NACCmap1.pdf

Maybe it will help you group things together.

I've been to the Newseum, the Spy Museum and the C&P Museum and I think all would be a waste of time and money on a 6-year-old. There's so many great things that are free to see here in D.C. to take up your 3-day visit. Why not go to the zoo? The weather is supposed to be good this weekend for outdoor activities.

He might like parts of the Spy Museum, but some of it wouldn't interest him much. But you don't have to stop and look at every exhibit, either.

Lee Ann

Insect Zoo!

TeacherAnnie, I'll echo the "skip the Newseum and Spy Museum" statements. The exhibits are better suited for older children, especially since they are fee-based.

One day could easily be divided between Air & Space and Natural History (better lunch choices), and a second day could be spent at the Zoo. American History is not the best of the Smithsonians for younger children--there's simply too many things in "America's Attic" that aren't meaningful (yet) to a 6 year-old, but you could combine that with Engraving and Printing--keep in mind that Engraving & Printing is not open on Saturdays.

Another recommendation for skipping the Newseum for the 6 year old. There are too many free things a 6 year old would enjoy`Air and Space, Natural History, American History~to spend the money on something my 6 year old nephew hated 6 months ago. Thee are some interactive exhibits, but most of them involve photography and extensive reading. I enjoyed it, but I would have enjoyed it more without my nephew in tow!

Thanks for your replies. Didn't go to Newseum, as advised. Everything else went OK& you were right about most of American History Museum, although he liked the guns Lot of walking for a semi- lazy 6 yr old.

My nephew liked the guns as well..........and whined about all of the walking!