Travel with Children to Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C., is the ideal destination for a family road trip. The nation's capitol provides multiple destinations with historical depth and meaning. Parents who want to take their children on an educational vacation will find that Washington D.C. offers a look at U.S. history from the war of 1812 to the Civil War to World War I and II. Discover the best destinations for the family in Washington D.C.

Smithsonian Museum (All Ages)

The Smithsonian museum complex is comprised of over 13 separate museums within Washington D.C. Admission to the museums is free, but donations are always welcome. Each museum offers a look at a specific era of history, culture and technology that makes up the greater American character. The museum complex is ever growing and evolving.

• Anacostia Community Museum

• Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery

• National Air and Space Museum

• Hirsh Born Museum and Sculpture Garden

• National Museum of African Art

• National Museum of American History

• National Museum of Natural History

• National Museum of the American Indian

• National Portrait Gallery

• National Zoological Park

• National Postal Museum

• Smithsonian Americans Art Museum and Renwick Gallery

• Smithsonian Institution Building the Castle

The National Air and Space Museum is a popular destination for children of all ages as it documents the history of American spaceflight. Visitors can see pieces of moon rock brought to Earth from trips when astronauts walked on the moon. Children love the Natural History museum and the National Zoological Park. The first features dinosaurs and fossil history dating back hundreds of thousands of years and the other features live animals. Families with multi-generations should spend at least two to three days exploring history in the Smithsonian.

The National Mall (Ages 10+)

Very young children will not be as excited about visiting the National Mall as older teenagers and family members will. The National Mall is an open air park located in the center of Washington D.C. No fees are required to visit the Mall although special events hosted there may require admission. Park Rangers are usually available between 9:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. The wide-open space plays host to a wide variety of national memorials from the Vietnam War Memorial to the Lincoln Memorial to the Washington Monument. The memorials are places of quiet contemplation and thoughtful reflection.

A day at the National Mall should always include a camera, perhaps an outdoor lunch and a few notes on history to answer the questions of younger children.

• Washington Monument

• Thomas Jefferson Memorial

• Lincoln Memorial

• Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial

• World War II Memorial

• Korean War Veterans Memorial

• Vietnam Veterans Memorial

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is one that should be left until last because of the emotional effect it has on visitors. For members of the armed forces the long, black marble wall inscribed with the names of the dead is deeply reflective of the ultimate sacrifice that war demands. For the families of the fallen in any generation, this memorial is a reminder of that painful loss. For those who were born after the war and who were not touched individually by loss during it, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial is still a profound experience. Remember when visiting the wall with young children to have respect for those who are visiting lost loved ones there.

Government Buildings (All Ages)

When visiting Washington D.C. remember that despite all of its historic measure and destinations, it is still a very busy and thriving metropolitan city. People flood the streets during business hours, protests march and picket and traffic is jammed. Plan your visits accordingly and be patient if you are caught in the inevitable traffic.

As the Nation's capitol, Washington D.C. features many government buildings that children and families of all ages may appreciate visiting. Some of these sites are going to be stop-by only and others, such as the White House, require admission at specific times. Security on these buildings is high due to the nature of who works in them. Be patient and cooperative with security at all times.

U.S.Capitol Building

The U.S. Capitol building is the home of Congress and the Senate. The 19^th century architecture and white soaring arches are easily recognizable. When Congress is in session, security is higher and visits are limited to the hours of 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Tickets are given out on a first come and first serve basis. Visitors cannot enter the Capitol Building on Sundays, Thanksgiving or Christmas Day. Visitors planning to see the U.S. Capitol building should arrive early to get their tickets. Capitol guides are also sold at the Capitol Guide Service kiosk just southwest of the building.

White House

The White House is an enormously popular destination for children of all ages. It is the seat of Executive power in Washington D.C. and the home of the President. It is also under the highest forms of security whether the President is in residence or not. Located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, families who want to visit the White House should plan ahead of their trip and contain their Member of Congress to help schedule the planned visit. Security measures are often updated and changed so the White House Visitor Center offers up to date information via a 24 hour help line at 202-456-7041.

Other Government Destinations

Washington D.C. offers a wealth of other government destinations that will be of more interest to teenagers and adults than to the very young. In no particular order, these destinations include:

• Union Station

• Gallaudet University

• Ralph Bunche House

• Capitol Hill Historic District

• U.S. Supreme Court Building

• Library of Congress

• Sewall-Belmont House

• Folger Shakespeare Library

• St. Mark's Church

• Eastern Market

• Christ Church

• Lincoln Park

• Marine Barracks

• Frederick Douglass National Historic Site

• Ford's Theater

• National Arboretum

• Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens

How to Plan a Trip

Washington D.C. offers something for every person who visits it no matter how old or young they are. Very young children will not appreciate the historical significance and lack of flash that amusement parks hold. Older teenagers may find themselves rolling their eyes at some of the destinations, but visiting the capitol is a trip that every American family should make regardless of age at some point in time.

Families with young children should focus on the Museum complex and National Mall with visits to the Zoo and Arboretum to keep younger children entertained. Have kids read up on the history of the city prior to visiting and be sure to contact a Member of Congress about arranging a White House visit. While no White House visit guarantees a view of the President, it's a memory that all ages will remember and cherish.