Showing posts with label Washington D.C. attractions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Washington D.C. attractions. Show all posts

8 Kid Friendly Things to do in Washington D.C.

Washington, D.C., is a timeshare vacation destination beloved by American families, and many other families who travel across the globe to experience the U.S. capital city. Numerous museums and monuments parade America's history for all to see, learn about, enjoy, and even revere. That is, unless you're a kid. Museums and monuments can get kind of boring, you know?

Never fear - Parents Magazine has compiled a great list of really cool things to do in Washington, D.C., that will leave your kids with happy memories of this great city.
  1. How about a ride around the monuments at twilight, in a either a horse-drawn Cinderella carriage or a horse-drawn Surrey with the Fringe on Top? That would be fun enough, but add private guides - Beanie, Boomer and Bambi. These friendly Jack Russell terriers will love to sit on a lap for the ride!

  2. Or how does a Pajama Party sound? With none other than Honest Abe! PJs are the dress of the evening when the kids attend "Goodnight Mr. Lincoln." Held at the Lincoln Memorial, this evening walking tour is designed for kids 4 to 10, and their parents of course, with lots of fun stories and games.

  3. If standing in line at the Washington Monument is too much for the little ones, head to the 1890-era Old Post Office Tower. Here they can get a great view of the Washington Monument and the surrounding vistas from the 270-foot-high observation deck.

  4. A favorite stop is sure to be the National Zoo - and admission is Free! Right now on exhibit in the Elephant House are 2-year-old Kandula and his 9,200-pound mom, Shanthi; 2-year-old Kojo and his mama Mandara play together in the Great Ape House. And you never know when the Orangutan family will swing by overhead on the outdoor O Line!

  5. As you head down Pennsylvania Avenue toward the U.S. Capitol Building, stop off at the Capital Children's Museum. Here your youngsters can slide down a fire pole, scramble through manholes, and climb behind the wheel of a Metrobus. Older kids can star in cartoons in the Animation Lab or perform experiments in the Chemical Science Center.

  6. The Jefferson Memorial will be fun for the kids if seen from a paddle boat out in the Tidal Basin (see photo.)

  7. One museum sure to score big is the National Air and Space Museum where your kids can pilot their own aircraft in flight simulators, and test paper airplane designs.

  8. Take another Metro ride to historic Georgetown, and enjoy a mule-drawn boat trip through the C&O Canal. The kids can even feed the mules if you BYOC - bring your own carrots!

Plan a Historic Vacation in Virginia

Alexandria is recognized around the nation as one of America's most historic sites, dating back to the Colonial period. Feast your eyes on the beautiful 18th- and 19th-century architecture as you stroll around the quaint town. Alexandria played a vital role in the history of America, so you’ll want to visit many of the amazing and historic sites located throughout the city. The Old Town district alone includes more than 4,000 historic buildings. Getting around Alexandria is simple with plenty of transportation options like metro and trolleys, so you won’t need a rental car.

Alexandria was the home to George Washington. Visit his beautiful riverside estate at Mount Vernon and see the: mansion, outbuildings, tomb, working farm, and new visitor facilities with 25 galleries and theaters. Gadsby's Tavern was frequented by both Thomas Jefferson and George Washington. The museum consists of two buildings, the 1785 Georgian tavern and the 1792 City Hotel, and has been authentically restored to its 18th-century appearance.

Alexandria is so convenient because it’s just a short walk away from the Washington D.C. transit system where you can visit the White House, Smithsonian, Pentagon, Arlington National Cemetery, and many other D.C. attractions. You’ll want to stay at least a week in Alexandria to visit all the historic sites both Virginia and Washington D.C. have to offer.

Stay at the Wyndham Old Town Alexandria, located in the heart of Old Town Alexandria, to be at the center of the cities activity. Guests will enjoy how each room is decorated with a Mount Vernon theme, which is quite appropriate since that attraction is only 5 miles away. Wyndham Old Town Alexandria has indoor pool and exercise room, and a guest dining area on-site, though with all the great restaurants on King Street, you will most likely be exploring a new one each night! Be sure to take a stroll down to the waterfront afterward for the perfect end to your evening.
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