Washington DC - When to Go, What to See

by Pat
(Merrimack, NH)

Our first suggestion is about when to visit Washington, DC, and we think our suggestion is pretty unique! We have gone twice on the day after Thanksgiving through Sunday and found the city is comfortable and un-crowded. There is little or no waiting for most attractions and that is a real bonus with kids who don’t really enjoy lines and waiting. It’s also very easy to keep track of where everyone is because the gift shops, sidewalks and museums are less crowded, too.

Secondly, we recommend connecting some child-friendly movies or television shows to what you decide to see. Depending on the ages of your kids, it can be great to see a film like “National Treasure” before seeing the archives, “Apollo 13” before going to the Air and Space Museum, “Dances with Wolves” or “Pocahontas” before visiting the National Museum of the American Indian. At the Smithsonian’s Museum of American History, you can find memorabilia from films like “The Wizard of Oz” and television shows like “Mr. Rogers.”

Reading a book together about Abraham Lincoln or another famous American history figure can make the trip much more fascinating, too. Make sure to connect your own family tree to various war memorials or other spots in the city as well. Washington DC, more than any other city, really belongs to every American, so it’s important and fun to make personal connections when you visit. Try putting together a family scavenger hunt before going. There’s a lot to see, you cannot do it all at once, and picking a few things to find and enjoy will enhance the whole family’s experience.

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Washington DC - When to Go, What to See

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Sep 25, 2009
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Fantastic Tips
by: KFFVMom

These are great tips!! I especially like the movie idea. We did not plan it, but our kids saw National Treasure before one of our trips to Washnigton DC, and that helped them to really enjoy seeing the National Archives.

Thanks for contributing to our family vacation ideas!

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