Monday, November 19, 2007

The Smithsonian museums are favorites for parents and kids of all ages (and parents love the free admission). The National Air & Space Museum (Independence Ave at 4th Street, SW) features the largest collection of air and spacecraft in the world. Favorite sights include the original Wright 1903 Flyer, the Spirit of St. Louis, the Apollo 11 command module, and a lunar rock sample that visitors can touch. The IMAX theater and planetarium shows rival any blockbuster movie (most shows have a per person admission charge).

The Natural History Museum (10th Street & Constitution Ave. NW) is also a favorite with families. The museum features dinosaur, whale, and shark displays, as well as the legendary Hope Diamond. A new exhibit, Butterflies and Plants: Partners in Evolution will showcase live butterflies and plants in an enclosed pavilion (opening February 2008). The Discovery Room at the Natural History Museum is a hands-on room for families and students. The room features activities using real Museum objects and artifacts. Your kids can feel the skin of a crocodile or try on clothes from another country.

Enjoy learning about other cultures at the National Museum of the American Indian (Fourth Street & Independence Ave., S.W.), exhibiting Native American objects from ancient pre-Columbian civilizations through current times or the Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum (1901 Fort Place, SE), focusing on African-American culture.

The National Zoo (3001 Connecticut Avenue NW) features over 400 different species of animals from all over the world, with the giant pandas one of the most well-known exhibits.

At Arlington National Cemetery, take your kids to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (formally the Tomb of the Unknowns) for the changing of the guard which takes place every hour from November to March (every half hour during April-October). It is a definite memory-maker.

For budding artists, Washington DC is a smorgasbord of inspiration. The National Portrait Gallery (Eighth and F Streets, NW ) and the Smithsonian American Art Museum (8th and F Streets N.W.) feature famous portraits and the largest collection of American art in the world. The Smithsonian Hirschhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden (at the corner of Seventh Street SW and Independence Avenue) features modern and contemporary art. The Smithsonian National Museum of African Art (950 Independence Avenue, SW) features contemporary and ancient art from Africa. The Smithsonian Freer Gallery (Jefferson Drive at 12th Street, SW) features a world-renowned collection of art from the East (Japan, Korea, China, South and Southeast Asia) and the Smithsonian Sackler Gallery (1050 Independence Avenue, SW) connected to the Freer, exhibits Chinese, ancient Near Eastern, and Asian art.

No one can resist watching real money being printed on the tour at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (14th & C Sts., SW).

What kid doesn't want to be a spy? The International Spy Museum (800 F Street, NW) is the first and only public museum in the USA solely dedicated to espionage and the only one in the world to provide a global perspective on this all-but-invisible profession. It features the largest collection of international spy-related artifacts ever placed on public display.

Everyone has their favorite monument in DC, and the Washington Monument (15th Street, SW) is a favorite of kids, probably because of the view. Take the elevator to the top of the memorial to our nation's first president, and enjoy the city's landmarks from a birds-eye view. Just north of the Washington Monument is the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Lincoln Memorial.

All of the sightseeing is bound to work up an appetite. Fortunately, Washington has a variety of family-friendly restaurants. ESPN Zone (555 12th St. NW) offers entertainment at the Sports Arena, with a variety of competitive games (and a menu that will please kids and parents). Hard Rock Café (999 E St. NW) is a great place for teens. The Food Court at Union Station (50 Massachusetts Avenue, NE) has more than 30 casual dining choices all in one place plus trains, shops and a movie theater. Fuddruckers (734 7th St NW or 1216 18th St NW) is the home of the make-your-own gourmet burger, plus chicken, soups, and salads. Old Glory BBQ (3139 M Street NW) is a casual Georgetown restaurant with a selection of barbecued ribs, pulled pork and chicken sandwiches, burgers and salads. The retro diner chain, Johnny Rockets (2000 Penn Galleria, 3131 M Street, NW, 1718 Connecticut Ave. NW) offers plenty of kid-friendly food in a fun atmosphere. Thomas Sweet (3214 P St. NW) was voted Best Ice Cream Parlor by locals.

If your family is headed to Washington DC, CRSHotels.com has the perfect hotel for you. Choose the Phoenix Park Hotel the Capitol Hill Suites, the Georgetown Hill Inn or the Best Western Capitol Skyline. Stay at the Lombardy Hotel, the Henley Park Hotel, the Georgetown Suites, the Morrison Clark Historic Hotel, or the Washington Plaza.

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