Washington, D.C. is a great city for teaching kids about history, art and culture without spending a fortune. Here are some family-friendly things to do in Washington, D.C.:
This is easily the biggest and best feature of Washington, D.C. as a family destination. The Smithsonian system features several museums, and many of them are actually enjoyable for kids. Here are some must-see museums for kids:
D.C. isn't just about the Smithsonian, however. There are also some ultra-cool museums that kids, particularly older kids, will enjoy. The International Spy Museum is a great choice, and the gift shop alone is fun for finding hidden cameras and spy pens.
It's just around the corner from the MCI Center, which features a Modell's sports shop selling sports items from the Capitals and Wizards. There is also a Discovery Channel store in MCI Center, and the ESPN Zone is a couple blocks away.
In Washington, going to the Mall has a whole different meaning. In D.C., this is the grassy stretch of two miles that lines Constitution Avenue. It's well-situated for museum-bound families, as it's along the same street as many museums. This is a great place to picnic, let kids run and play, and just enjoy a little taste of nature in the big city.
You can actually hit a real mall, although in Washington there is no need to settle for something typical. Kids will enjoy the unusual setting of the Old Post Office. As the name implies, this is a former post office that was converted into a shopping arcade. Be sure to take the kids up the 315 feet to the clock tower for an amazing view of the city.
If trains are more to your kids' tastes, visit Union Station. More than just a train station, this hub of activity also features several shops on one level and restaurants on another. It's a fun place to shop and to people-watch.