Why You Should Visit the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C

Most summer vacations with the kids involve water parks, amusement parks, or going to the beach. For a change of venue that offers something for everyone, visit the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.

The Smithsonian is not one building but a series of museums, galleries located near or along the National Mall in Washington, D.C. along with a National Zoological Park. The Mall is a large natural area with the Capitol Building at one end and the Washington Monument at the other end. Thousands of visitors come to Washington, D.C. each year to see the amazing sights that make up the Smithsonian.

I took my children to the Smithsonian this summer. They enjoyed the entire experience. They got a chance to experience a bit of history and have fun at the same time. Best of all, admission to the Smithsonian museums, galleries, and zoological park are absolutely FREE of charge. Most buildings open at 10 a.m. and stay open until 5:30 p.m. or as late as 7:00 p.m.

Parking is limited around the National Mall. The best method of transportation is either the Metro® bus or my favorite, the Metro® rail. The bus will take you around the city for a fee. It's good for getting around if you are staying in the city. The monorail trains offer a quiet and clean ride. The trains run along several lines some of which extend into Maryland and Virginia. If you choose to stay outside the city which would be more economical for families, you can locate a Metro® station nearby to take you and your family to the Smithsonian. This eliminates the need for parking headaches in the city. There is a Metro® station right on the National Mall at the Smithsonian. It doesn't get any easier than that.

Once you arrive at the Mall, start at the Smithsonian Castle. Get all the information you need about the other Smithsonian attraction. From here, you can travel down one side of the Mall visiting each museum as you go and then cross over the Mall and work your way down the other side. Most visitors probably hop all around depending on what they want to see.

My kids like dinosaurs and other animals so we visited the National Museum of Natural History. Life-sized animals in all shapes and colors hang from the ceiling and pepper the exhibits. When you walk in, the first thing you notice is a gigantic African elephant in the center of the rotunda. There is a discovery room where kids get "hands-on" experience with various plant and animals. The museum also features an IMAX® theater. I even got to see the Hope Diamond which stays under heavy guard all day.

The National Museum of American History features a history of everything in America from food to pop culture to slavery to music. My kids got to see the Star-Spangled Banner kept in a glass room where it is undergoing repairs. In the area of Pop Culture, we saw Dorothy's ruby slippers from "The Wizard of Oz" and the Muppet characters. The museum also has a sculpture of President George Washington dressed in a toga like a Greek or Roman scholar.

Outer space fascinates children and adults. Visit the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum. Interactive exhibits where kids can get a feel for the artifacts are located throughout the building. You can see the early flying machines of the Wright Brothers and the fighter planes of World War I and World War II. I got to see a lunar landing module up close. My boys liked the early space flight wing featuring a replica of the first chimps sent into outer space.

If you get hungry, there are food courts usually on the ground floor of most of the museums. If you need cash, ATM machines are available inside, too.

The Smithsonian continues to grow and update its exhibits. A National Museum of African-American History and Culture will be added to the Smithsonian Institution. Everyone should visit the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. at least once in their lifetime. Parents will be amazed how much they and their children will learn about and enjoy the Smithsonian museums and galleries.