Washington DC Trip Plan
 

As many of you know I am planning a family trip to DC this June. It will be myself, my husband and our kids (6 & 9). I have gotten such great info here and have finally worked up a plan. I won't bore you with our day to day plans but here are the major sights we plan to visit:<BR><BR>THE MALL<BR>Arlington Cemetery<BR>BEP<BR>Jefferson Memorial<BR>Hirshhorn Museum<BR>Lincoln Memorial<BR>Air & Space<BR>National Archives??<BR>Museum of Am History<BR>Museum of Nat History<BR>Old Post Office Pavillion<BR>FDR Memorial<BR>Smithsonian Castle<BR>Vietnam Vets Memorial <BR>Washington Monument<BR>White House (if Possible)<BR>CAPITOL HILL<BR>Library of Congrss?<BR>Nat'l Postal Museum<BR>Union Station<BR>Capitol??<BR>DOWNTOWN<BR>FBI<BR>Fords Teheatre/Petersen House<BR>Nat'l Geographic Hall<BR>UPPER NORTHWEST<BR>National Zoo<BR>Washington Nat'l Cathedral???<BR>SOUTHEAST<BR>Washington Navy Yard<BR>VIRGINIA SUBURBS<BR>Mount Vernon<BR>Newseum<BR>Old Town Alexandria???<BR><BR>USMC Band on the Mall Weds night<BR>Monuments by moonlight evening tour<BR><BR>Those items with a question mark we are unsure about. I have plotted it out and believe that this is all doable with 8 days in town. If not, we will cut the least interesting. <BR><BR>So, what (if anything) are we missing?? Thanks for your input!

While at the Air & Space museum you must see at least 1 of the IMAX films offered. My favorite (and first) is To Fly. It is just wonderful. By no means should you leave out (?) the Captial and National Cathedral. The Smithsonian Castle is really more of a set of museums dedicated to various subjects rather than a 'castle' visit. While the following things would be good to visit, if you left them out it wouldn't be a big deal (especially for your kids): Old Town Alexandria, Old Post Office Pavilion. Have fun.

I'd take the National Cathedral off the ??? list, maybe trading it for the Washington Monument. There are some pretty neat kid-friendly activities at the Cathedral such as brass rubbing, etc. The lawn is a nice place to relax if the weather's good; the view is good from there.<BR><BR>I went to Washington DC 3 years ago with a 6 and 9 year old. The things they fondly remember now were the Capitol tour, some sort of nasty (my opinion, not theirs) bug experience involving giant cockroaches for children at the Natural History Museum, the DC Ducks tour, hanging out on the mall, and riding the Metro. They much preferred activities in places that had special children's programs over general sightseeing.

Sonya, honey, you have listed about 30 things for your 8 days. Yikes! I'm not sure what you consider "doable" with kids that age, but that list sure looks overwhelming to me, and I've taken my kids to DC a couple of times. I'd strongly encourage you to shorten that list. DC will still be there in a few years and you can bring them back for things that are too old or too much right now.<BR><BR>Too shorten that list, you can take Ford's Theatre and the National Archives off the list -- they're closed for renovations. Well, Ford's will close in "mid-June". The FBI is giving no tours until further notice and I think the White House might be only giving tours for school groups. The Newseum closed in March and will re-open at a different location in a few years. Just how much research have you actually done??<BR><BR>I can't imagine kids age 6 an 9 being inerested in the Hirschhorn, the Library of Congress, or the Jefferson Memorial. The Old Post Office Pavilion is redundant if you're going up the Washington Monument. Mount Vernon will eat up the greater part of a day.<BR><BR>Please try to do fewer things in more depth; everybody will have a better time and get more out of the trip.

Though I think Ellen's tone is a little snotty ("just how much research have you actually done?"), I do agree with every one of her points, speaking as a mother myself who has seen/done those things with and without a kid.

I live in the DC area and am sorry to tell you that the Newseum recently closed. They are going to move into DC, but won't reopen for quite a while. <BR><BR>In my opinion, another thing on your list to skip is the White House. You have to wait in line a long time and only get to see a few rooms. Also, given your kids are 6 and 9, unless they're better behaved than mine at that age, the Hirshhorn Museum is not a great bet. I suggest replacing it with the Capitol Children's Museum - you can walk there from Union Station. Also, I believe the Sackler Gallery (Asian art) has a children's program on weekends. You might want to check into that.<BR><BR>It's really a great city for tourists as most of the attractions are clustered together as you have noted. Have a great trip.<BR>

Yes, Chris, you're right, that was snotty of me and I apologize. <BR><BR>But I can't help thinking how unrealistic that list is -- in addition to now knowing that several places werre closed, I fear that Sonya doesn't understand that some of them like the Smithsonians (Air & Space, Natural History, zoo, etc.) can take up quite a bit of time. <BR><BR>And by the way, the Smithsonian "Castle" is juts an office building and visitors center with an orientation film. Nothing really castle-y about it except the outside.

This is an exhaustive list of everything you could possibly do in DC. You and your family are going to be worn out if you try to do everything on this list in 8 days.<BR><BR>You're definitely not missing anything, but probably won't get into the White House, Capitol or FBI tours. I'd skip the Old Post Office Pavillion (unless you're there for the food court), the Postal Museum, and National Geographic Hall. I think the Smithsonian Castle is just administrative offices. You can see the main items at the Archives in 10 minutes depending on the crowds. IMHO, the Newseum is a waste of time compared to the rest on the list, esp. if this is your first visit. Do Georgetown OR Old Town Alex, but not both. I've lived here for 10 years and have never once been to the Washington Navy Yard. What's that all about?

Sonya,<BR><BR>Despite what some have said, it is better to overplan than underplan. At least you have a plan. I'm sure some of the sites will take far less time than you imagine while others will take far more. Go with what you've got. Check stuff off as you do it, but don't be surprized if you still have a list of things to do on that next trip. I see you did not list the Holocost Museum (appropriately as your children are too young), so you can add it when you return in a few years when your children are older.<BR><BR>Be aware that security at the Whitehouse is much tougher now and may require additional steps to get in, my nephew is going with a school group this summer and they have already had to send in documentation.<BR><BR>Also, not sure if the national archives have reopened - I know they were closing for about 2 years (the exhibits of the Constitution, etc.).<BR><BR>Whatever you do, you should have a great time. I would definitely try to work in time to at least stop by the National Gallery. You don't have to view the entire exhibit (in fact don't even try), but do try to see a few of the "biggies."

Sonja, you need to reduce that list - and to help you I brought five into my office and ran a test. If as many as three hit the floor and rolled under my desk, we struck off the offending item. This is taking time, due to numerous bathroom breaks. But so far, these have to come off: PO Pavillion (we can suggest better places to view the homeless), postal museum (your kids will love their discussion of the new 37 cent rise), fbi (look, on the worst street corner people take out their guns), and the navy yard, jeeez, the navy yard. Why? Even washingtonians avoid that place, except to work, and wow, do they grumble. We are still culling, so have patience. But most of what you have listed seems very nice indeed.

Thanks, wow, lots of replies really quickly. You guys are great. Now, my response:<BR>Yes, I know the castle is only the visitors center for the Smithsonian but thought it would be a good starting point for our visit to the museums.<BR><BR>I didn't know about the newseum being closed, hadn't heard that, thanks! As for Ford's Theatre, this is something we REALLY want to do and I was unable to get a straight answer as to whether the whole place is closing for renovations or whether they are just not having any performances there. I also had hopes that the little museum in the basement and the house across the street might remain open. And besides, mid-June?, maybe we'll get in before they shut it down.<BR><BR>Hirshorn Museum and Nat'l Geographic are not things we were intending to see but after getting many responses suggesting these places we thought we would be remiss in not putting them in. <BR><BR>Thanks Irene for mentioning the IMAX movies, we had considered it but got no input from anyone who had seen them and thought we would just wing it.<BR><BR>Thanks Travellyn for the positive response on the Nat'l Cathedral. I'm the only one who wants to go there. Everybody else thinks it sounds boring but I'm interested.<BR><BR>I knew the archives is closed but supposedly you can still call ahead and get in to see copies of the documents in one room or something. This is why it has ?? by it. My husband says why bother we can find copies on the internet.<BR><BR>The BEP is open for tours you have to call the week ahead to get reservations. The FBI, according to the FBI themselves on the phone, say that they plan to re-open for tours in June but don't have a definite date yet. I am hopefull.<BR><BR>We are going to the Post office pavilion on our first night in town to eat in the food court and wander up into the tower to check out the view. I hear it is better than the Washington Monument but still feel we have to do the Washington Monument as it is just something everyone should do on their first DC visit.<BR><BR>Now, I guess our list is really long and I was not actually expecting to accomplish it all because my husband will want to spend excessive amounts of time in the Smithsonian museums I know. I just put together a list of the things that we would really like to see so that we were not wandering around going..."What should we do now"...I hope to hit alot of it though..if time permits. I am also planning to spend some time relaxing by our hotel pool. We will, after all, be on vacations and want to come home refreshed, not tired.<BR><BR>Thanks for all the great comments. I especially appreciate the what to skip, what to positively do type of comments.<BR><BR>And Ellen, I've been working on this for several months and really do feel like I have done extensive research. But, I appreciate yours (and everybodies) opinions which is why I posted it here. I guess I got a little carried away but I still have hopes to do alot. <BR><BR>Back to my original question.....Am I missing anything that we MUST do besides the IMAX?

Sonja, <BR><BR>"Is anything missing?" You must be joking! Your kids are gonna be tired and cranky seeing all these sites in 8 days. How boring for a 6 and 9 yo. Ugh! Take a break and enjoy the pool at the hotel.

Tour list ma'am-<BR>The Mall-All tourists feel a need to visit the Mall so I suppose you'll have to.<BR>Arlington Cemetary-To pay respects to the military dead and to the farm the US STOLE from Robert E. Lee- yes.<BR>Jefferson Memorial-Yes.<BR>Hirschorn-No. Worthless modern "art".<BR>Lincoln-No. America's greatest mass murderer deserves no respect.<BR>Air & Space- Yes.<BR>Nat. Archives- Not sure what they keep at downtown site. May have little of value.<BR>Mus. of American History- Yes.<BR>Mus. of Natural History- Yes.<BR>Old Post Office Pavilion- Worthless.<BR>FDR Memorial- worth about 20 seconds.<BR>Smithsonian Castle- no.<BR>Vietnam Memorial- Yes.<BR>Washington Monument- Yes but expect LONG lines.<BR>White House- Ditto.<BR>Capitol Hill- a big bore filled with big bores.<BR>Library of Congress- another big bore.<BR>Nat. Post Office- Waste of time.<BR>Union Station- Waste of tiime.<BR>Downtown- no.<BR>FBI- Waste of time.<BR>Ford's- OK.<BR>Nat. Geographic- Worthless.<BR>Upper NW- no.<BR>National Zoo- SPECTACULAR. <BR>Wash. Nat. CAthedral- Waste of time. Church with no soul.<BR>Southeast- A worth learning experience of the American slum.<BR>Wash. Navy Yard- Worked there out of college. Decrepit. Nothing worth seeing.<BR>VA suburbs- unless sitting in a traffic jam is something you enjoy, utterly worthless.<BR>MT. Vernon- SPECTACULAR.<BR>Newseum- I believe it is closed for relocation.<BR>OLD TOWN- just a bunch of high-priced town houses. A big bore.

Sonya, Ford's Theatre is redoing their electrical system, so I'd be surprised if they're open for tours. The Petersen house, across the street, was closed for renovations a while ago but might be re-opened. Don't miss the gum trees outside where seemingly generations of schoolkids have deposited their treasures before entering these 2 sites.<BR><BR>The food court at the old Post Office tower is small compared to the one at Union Station, which we much preferred.<BR><BR>Please let your husband spend "excessive" time at the Smithsonians if that's what he really wants to do. The goal of the trip, of course, is to have a good time, not to see as many things as possible. On a week-long family vacation, it's a good idea to split up once in a while; maybe you can take the kids somewhere for an afternoon so he can have some quality time alone at the Smithsonian(s) of his choice, and he can do the same for you one day. (Like if you can't convince the others about the National Cathedral.)

Well, you wouldn't listen to me, so look at what Roger had to say. The Pavillion gives a better view than the WM - the Pavillion? Eating at the food court? Sonja, one of these days, your kids may wish to make a patrol trip to see DC. Please give them that all important good first impression. If it's a food court you need, then try the basement of Union Station (sorry, Roger). Enjoy DC.

Ok, just to avoid future response to these items, eliminate from my list:<BR>Hirshorn Museum<BR>National Archives<BR>Smitsonian Castle<BR>Library of Congress<BR>Capitol<BR>National Geographic<BR>Newseum<BR><BR>There, is that better?<BR><BR>Also, we will purchase in advance from ticketmaster timed Washington Monument tickets so hopefully the wait will be less. <BR><BR>As for the Washington Navy Yard, my unofficial guidebook gives it 3 1/2 out of 5 stars for gradeschool age kids interest. it is ( supposedly) "three military museums and a US Navy Destroyer" " Hands on fun for kids, informative for adults". Anyone else been there?<BR><BR>Thanks again, keep it coming!

I'm taking exception to calling the zoo spectacular. It's depressing. They obviously spent big bucks on the tamarind monkey area and the panda exhibit (with the help of Animal Planet - who BTW, will take video of you without your permission as you view the exhibit. Apparently the Smithsonian can sell our video images in perpetuity for commercial broadcast for the cost of a panda exhibit.)<BR><BR>But I digress. All of the other animal cages are unkempt and just plain depressing compared with the lavish digs of those two species.

dc and I must have gone to different zoos, or perhaps (s)he's the sort of person who finds zoos depressing in principle. The last time I went to DC with my son (who was 13 at the time), we went to the zoo twice!<BR><BR>If you take the Metro to the zoo, get off at the stop AFTER Woodley Park, so the walk to the zoo is downhill. Then walk downhill to Woodley when you leave.

No, I like zoos and aquariums -- done well. I appreciate that most people don't get to Costa Rica or Africa to see these animals in the wild and should get the opportunity to marvel at the species. <BR><BR>Too bad this zoo is being run by a money-grubbing loser who is franchising the hell out of the NZ. It's the inequity that's hard to watch - the big ticket animals get the royal treatment and the rest are basically hanging around until they die.

Sonia, not that you should be adding more things to your list, but you may want to keep these as a back-up: the U.S. Mint (not a ton to see, but you get to walk through the money printing presses, etc. and I enjoyed it both as an adult and a child) and the Holocaust Museum (next door to the US Mint). You may also enjoy going to the fish market which is just a short walk from the Jefferson Memorial. It is nothing like the market in NYC, but lots of fish stalls and you can also purchase prepared foods there - tables provided.

Why not see if there are any peformances for kids or for families at the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts while you are in town?

Irene: We eliminated the Holocaust Museum after much discussion because of the age of our children...we're not ready to have that discussion with them at their ages. We'll have to catch it another time. I hear that it is very well done and moving. The BEP(Bureau of Printing and Engraving) is the US Mint and is on my list for sure.<BR><BR>I have tried to find family performances at the Kennedy Center (or any other place) but with no luck. I had thought it was like NY and you could get tickets to a "broadway" type of show but no luck. I guess when it gets closer I may be able to find some smaller shows but not sure whether we will bother as we are somewhat booked.<BR><BR>Also, we left the children's museum off on purpose too as we have a membership at the hands on museum here at home which is VERY good.<BR><BR>Thanks guys...<BR><BR>Roger, what did you mean about Lincoln? I must have missed the mass murder part in my textbooks at school.<BR><BR>These replies are Great!!!

Why not see if there are any peformances for kids or for families at the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts while you are in town? www.kennedycenter.com. They only have the calendar up through May 19th at the moment, but the kids stuff looks great. Search for performances for families. Kennedy Center is like Lincoln Center. No need to dress up, but neat and clean is appreciated. We will be there from June 7 - 9 for part of the Sondheim Festival. Have fun!

Here's my opinion for what it's worth.<BR><BR>Air and Space, a must, including IMAX. There's also IMAX at the Natural History Museum, we saw the Galapagos which was great, don't know if it's still on. American History Museum - interesting too. All these museums being free, you can wander in and out for as short a time as you like if the kids are tired.<BR><BR>Arlington Cemetery, also a must for at least a short visit.<BR><BR>All the memorials: Lincoln, Vietnam, Korea (don't miss out Korea, the sculptures are hauntingly beautiful) and FDR are quite close together. I love the FDR memorial, beg to differ with Roger on this. If we miss out one, it is the Jefferson. Although for the kids, you might like to combine the Jefferson with a ride on the nearby pedal boats in the Tidal Basin. <BR><BR>I would leave out the Hirshhorn. Have heard that the BEP isn't worth visiting though haven't actually been there.<BR><BR>Wouldn't bother with the National Archives (if they are open). I think it's a real shame the Newseum has closed, kids really loved it.<BR><BR>The Old Post Office Pavilion is good if you can't get to the Washington Monument, otherwise leave it out.<BR><BR>Think the White House is only open to school parties, not sure about the Capitol. I think your kids would enjoy the FBI if it has opened, and do try to get to the Ford Theatre if it has not yet closed, there are activity packs for kids.<BR><BR>Mount Vernon is a nice day out, perhaps you could get a boat trip from Alexandria. Do take time to go down the hill at M.V. to George Washington's Model Farm, kids like that - also the slave quarters round the side of the house.<BR><BR>The Zoo? Well it doesn't compare to San Diego, for sure - as a previous poster has said, it looks a bit sad and run down apart from the Pandas' living quarters - but again, I'm sure the kids would like it. I would leave it out myself.<BR><BR>The Cathedral - well, as a Brit who is used to 900-year-old cathedrals, I find it a strange place, it's trying so hard to look old and traditional. All our visitors have enjoyed going there however. Give husband and kids an afternoon off in the hotel pool, Sonya, and go on your own - take time to visit the Bishop's Garden round the side which is lovely - roses should be in bloom.<BR><BR>Navy Yard? Well, I haven't been there either!<BR><BR>Union Station - yes, the food court is good, lots of nice little shops. Post Office Museum - OK but nothing special.<BR><BR>Holocaust Museum - there is a section for children, but really much better to wait for another visit.<BR><BR>Free evening band concerts on the Mall are great. Get a Friday edition of the Washington Post, the Weekend section, for everything that's on.<BR><BR>I guess the best thing is to be flexible, you don't know till you get here how tired the kids will get or how interested they will be.<BR><BR>

A news story last night indicated White House is open only to school groups currently. May change by summer. We have older kids, but when we travel, we use the same concept as buying a house - there are a very short list of things that are MUSTS, then in declining order things that would be nice. I would try to rank things on your list and leave time to veg-out with your kids, hopefully at hotel with a pool. This is a vacation and we find that 24-hours/day together gets a little tense fast.

Sonya, you must have gone to public schools. I remember the usual dishonest pap the schools called history but was really indoctrination- Lincoln wonderful, Lee evil. But I became a history major and learned that what America's indoctrination center (aka schools) taught about Lincoln was a pack full of lies and distortions. Lincoln was the closest this country has had to a dictator and the 650,000 dead from the Civil War can largely be laid at Lincoln's feet. John Wilkes Booth didn't shoot Lincoln soon enough.

Poor Sonya! What a lot of opinion to sort through! To which, of course, I'll add my own: if weather permits, consider just walking past the White House and the Capitol. Personally, I like the tours, and both the White House and the Capitol have resumed offering them, but if they seem too boring or time-consuming, do at least cruise by, because they're beautiful and historic sites that really remind you you're in the Federal city. I also cast my vote for skipping the Navy Yard and Old Town Alexandria. And lastly, eating in the food court and taking in the view from the top of the Post Office Pavillion is fun with kids; just check the hours that the observation deck is open. Your planning sounds great--have an awesome trip!

You have a big list.<BR><BR>I would recommend that you stay in one area and visit many places. In N.W. you listed Am. History, Nat'l History, Old Post Office, Ford's Theatre, Petersen House, and FBI. All of these are in close proximity of each other. So tour these places one day.<BR><BR>Another day, go to Old Town Alex and Mount Vernon (this alone could take all day, Washington has alot of property). <BR><BR>On another day do Union Station, Capitol and Air & Space. You could, from Union Station, which is on the Red Line, go to the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. If you are Catholic you would really like to go there. <BR><BR>Do some map research and see where all the stuff is before going in all directions. Barnes & Noble has laminated maps (I have one) which notes where all the tourist places are. <BR><BR><BR><BR><BR>

Surprised at the number of people who don't like the D.C. zoo. I think its one of the nicer ones I've visited (and I'm *from* San Diego). It's nestled in Rock Creek Park and makes a nice shady excursion. Of course, it's better to go first thing in the morning or late afternoon... fewer people, more active animals. <BR><BR>Union Station is worth a quick stop. As a stunning example of Beaux Arts public architecure it's pretty unique. Plus, its on the metro, so it will only take you 15 minutes out of your way to see the main hall. <BR><BR>I don't know anyone who's ever gone to the Washington Navy Yard for a vacation! Who knows... maybe its fascinating... but it certainly isn't one of the more common sites. <BR><BR>You might also consider a trip (2-3 hours) to Great Falls, up the Potomac about 30 minutes. It's a great chance to have the kids romp around outdoors, and the falls are spectacular (well... spectucular for the Mid-Atlantic at least).

Sonya,<BR>Definitely take the Washington Navy Yard off your schedule. They are now limiting access to visitors - from their web site: NOTICE: Due to increased security at the Washington Navy Yard, visitor access to the Naval Historical Center is limited. Government employees, active duty and retired military personnel, and their dependents should contact the branch they wish to visit before coming to the Yard. Detailed information on the Navy Yard's status is available on the Naval District Washington web site at http://www.ndw.navy.mil/Emergency/Em...nformation.htm. I really love the Jefferson, its beautiful, especially in the evening, and the kids would like the paddle boats on the tidal basin during the day. If you're trying to give them a sense of history and government, try to go to the Capitol and Supreme Court. For a great view of Washington, go to the rooftop bar of the Hotel Washington (15th and Penn) for a drink/snack. Probably a budget buster for a full meal, for not great food, IMO. Old Ebbit Grill around the corner on 15th would be better for dinner. Enjoy!

Sonya:<BR>Have a great time! Definitely put the Holocaust museum on your list for a later visit. Perhaps a visit to the Navy Memeorial might be in order too. I throughly enjoyed it. ( I come from a navy family) Great statue of the Lone Sailor outside and some great fountains. I hope they are operating while you are there. I was a bit disappointed with the American Museum. I am not sure what I was expecting but it was a short visit there. The Air and Space museum was great!<BR>One thing that I noticed was the tight security everywhere. You will be searched going into the musuems, etc and go through metal detectors in most. There are huge planters and fences everywhere. Very safe believe me, there were military and law enforcement personnel visible everywhere. Imagine what we couldn't see? Wear comfy shoes, bring extra socks and enjoy your self!

<BR>I have two kids about your age, have lived in DC and come back to visit and have done the tourist thing.<BR><BR>My recommendation for any trip like this is to do the following:<BR><BR>Ask each family member to pick ONE must have from the list.<BR><BR>Go into each day somewhat spontaneously, and make sure you are getting to the must haves.<BR><BR>You will never see it all and will not enjoy yourself trying to do it all.<BR><BR>The only thing not on your list is ensuring that you enjoy this special time together, asssumed, for sure, but is incompatible with doing it all.<BR><BR>I support your idea to go to the Post Office, those who critique it have never seen the view. <BR><BR>I also support the Jeff Memorial for kids, particularly if you are just wandering and do the paddle boats (season permitting) in the water nearby.<BR><BR>Say hi to George and the gang!<BR><BR>TJ

I hate to agree with Roger on anything, but the view at the Post Office Pavilion is just as good as the Wash Monument, and you don't have to wait very long to go up the tower.<BR><BR>As for the rest of Roger's ramblings, this is a man who's favorite restaurant is Benihana. Enough said.

To add my two cents worth as a D.C. resident and as someone whose 8 year old nephew is coming to visit this May:<BR> The National Cathedral is beautiful, but I don't know if children would appreciate it. I second the opinion that you should take an afternoon to yourself and visit it without the family.<BR> The National Zoo is a wonderful free zoo that as a resident I love. It absolutely doesn't compare with the San Diego zoo, but it is still fun and many children love seeing the pandas.<BR> I also think the FDR memorial is wonderful, as are all of the memorials. FDR is particularly good for kids in my opinion.<BR> I honestly cannot imagine visiting the Navy Yard voluntarily. I would seriously reconsider that.<BR> Have a great time, and remember to enjoy everything. Take your time!

You've gotten a lot of great advice. MY advice for you is to go to the Air and Space Museum early on the day you choose and immediately check out the schedule for the IMAX movies. They might show TO FLY twice during the day, another popular show twice, and several others only once. The shows usually sell out. Buy tickets for the show you want early in the day, and see the Museum until your show starts. If you have several hours, you may want to go straight across the mall to the National Gallery of Art. Your kids might enjoy seeing the statue of Mercury under the rotunda, that is, they might enjoy it for 30 seconds. Young kids don't care much for art, usually, but they need to be exposed to it gradually. Turn right from the Mercury fountain and go down to the garden room, then turn right again to see the four beautiful Thomas Cole paintings depicting the stages of life. Your children might enjoy that room for all of five minutes. Then head back across the mall for your IMAX film. <BR><BR>Someone recommended a long list of places to visit in one because they're "near" each other. The list included the Museum of American History and the Museum of Natural History. I don't see how anyone can "do" more than these two places in one day, except to have lunch and maybe go somewhere else in the evening. You're going to get tired; your feet are going to get sore. Sit down once in a while and relax. All the museums and galleries have cafeterias, by the way--not great, but OK, and right THERE. <BR><BR>I would say yes to the FDR, Lincoln and Vietnam and Korean memorials, and no to the FBI, White House (even if it were not so hard to get in now), the BEP (I didn't know what that meant until you explained it), and the Navy Yard. Have a great time!!

P.S. I forgot to say that I too have had the gigantic cockroach experience at the Insect Zoo at the Museum of Natural Hisory. I was a parent accompanying an elementary school field trip with my son's class. Volunteer teens brought out various insects for the kids to see close up and "pet" if they wanted to. I passed up on "petting" the tarantula (!), but I thought I would lose face with my son and his friends if I was too chicken to pet anything, so I "petted" a two-inch-long cockroach!<BR><BR>Poster, your children would probably enjoy the insect zoo. It's on the second floor of the Museum of Natural History.

Ok, ok, ok....The Navy Yard is OFF the list. I was going by my "unofficial" guide book which gave it a big thumbs up but I am getting so many thumbs down I will nix it. <BR><BR>It's good to be able to eliminate things without the guilt that we are missing something spectacular. I appreciate all of the feed back sooo much. <BR><BR>We are going on a "monuments by moonlight" tour to see all the monuments and sights lit up at night. Don't know how many we will actually get back to during the day but we aren't going to kill ourselves to get back to all of them. All of those will at least be seen in a 2 1/2 hour shot which will greatly shorten my list too.<BR><BR>Keep it coming guys! <BR><BR>

Sonya-<BR><BR>Where can I get info on the monuments by moonlight tour? That sounds like something I'd like to do, if you don't mind sharing! We'll be there the 1st weekend in May. Thanks!!

Candy,<BR>Monuments by moonlight is run by Old Town Trolley, there is also a night time tour done by tourmobile and one done by Grayline...after reading and comparing all three, the monuments by moonlight looks the best to me. They probably all do basically the same thing which is cruise by some of the sights to see how pretty they are at night and stop at some of the sights where you can actually get off and check them out. Monuments by Moonlight is $25 per adult, $13 per child and lasts 2 1/2 hours leaving from Union Station at 7:30pm nightly.<BR><BR>Hope this helps! We are finalizing our plans and I will post back shortly with revisions to the plan and possibly more requests for help. Thanks to Everyone!

Well, I have worked out kind of a day to day plan of what we are hoping to see during our trip and I think it will work...we'll see. We want to enjoy ourselves and not be wiped out, so all of my planning is more of a rough guide to be sure that if we have the time we don't miss any "must sees". Now for my new questions if anybody has answers:<BR>1)I hear the Bureau of Engraving and Printing is back to the "come stand in line and get tickets for that day" thing. Does anybody know if this is so and also, what time does one need to get in line for this?<BR>2)Does anybody have a firm date on when the FBI reopens for tours other than "early June"? Or any info on how to get these tickets?<BR>3)Anybody know for sure when Ford's theater is closing for renovations?<BR>4)Anybody ever done the "tourmobile" thing or the "tourmobile to Mt Vernon" thing? Feedback would be appreciated.<BR>I think that's it for now. Thanks everybody for the great help on my upcoming trip.