Kid Friendly Washington: Family Fun in the Federal City

Our Local Expert Says:

DC best shopping. Signing-up for a home tour can be a great activity. LINK

Description:

Georgetown is one of the most historically significant areas of DC. It is a great place to spend the afternoon shopping or just strolling along the tree-lined streets, looking at the expansive homes and mansions. "M" street in Georgetown is the main upscale shopping area in DC. There are numerous historical sights mixed throughout the area, including the Old Stone House on M street, the oldest building in DC, and Dumbarton Oaks, where the United Nations was outlined in 1944. Georgetown is also one of DC's best places for eating, drinking, and nightlife. Local favorites include such places as Mr. Smiths, a piano bar, J. Pauls, and Old Glory Bar-B-Que. The Georgetown Waterfront is also a popular place to spend the afternoon. The restaurants that line the Potomac make for a great venue for drinks, although the food is better a couple of blocks north on M street. Recently, there has also been a proliferation of new, upscale restaurants in Georgetown including Hook and Mendocino Grille & Wine Bar.

Description:

Authorized by the National Park Service, Tourmobile Sightseeing covers the major landmarks in the capital- everything from the U.S. Capitol to Arlington National Cemetery. The company also offers several customized tours that cover other historic landmarks in the region, including Mount Vernon and the home of Frederick Douglass in Anacostia. The company serves more than two million riders each year.

Description:

A stunning tribute to the 16th president of the United States, this memorial sits at the western end of the reflecting pool and the national mall. This famous memorial is featured on both the penny and the back of the five dollar bill. The Lincoln Memorial is also the historic site of the famous March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, where Martin Luther King, Jr., delivered his "I have a dream" speech. A true must visit for any trip to Washington, DC. Inside the temple-like structure you will find a 19-foot tall statue of Lincoln seated, with a number of memorable speeches inscribed in the walls that surround him.

Our Local Expert Says:

This is the local aquarium. The true gem is located in Baltimore, about an hours drive north of DC.

Description:

The oldest aquarium in the country has an unlikely home in the basement of the Department of Commerce. The dark concrete space seems to cater to the preferences of the fish with its cool atmosphere. The 70 tanks of various sizes hold many species, including those native to this country. Piranhas, alligators and sea turtles are among the other popular creatures to observe.

Description:

Those in the know flock to this jaunty little restaurant to kick back with friends and enjoy some of the most delicious Tex-Mex food in the area. If you are drinking, be sure to order a margarita. This tasty treat is served up plain, with strawberries or "Swirled" - a delicious mix of plain and strawberry. The Austin Grill is a family-friendly place. It offers a complete children's menu.

Description:

This tour operator offers an unusual and memorable way to see D.C. by land and water, without changing vehicle. Passengers board authentic, fully restored 1942 Ducks, amphibious military personnel carriers. The land tour begins at Union Station and includes the National Mall, the monuments and the Smithsonian museums before the Duck splashes into the Potomac River. A scenic river cruise follows, with the 90-minute tour ending at Gravely Point beneath the flight path of landing planes at National Airport.

Description:

Located on the National Mall a few blocks from the Capitol Building, the National Air and Space Museum appeals to all ages. See the Wright 1903 Flyer, the Apollo 11 command module Columbia, and a lunar rock sample which visitors can touch. Children delight in the many hands-on demonstrations while IMAX Theater presentations and flight simulators engage the whole family. Fascinated with space? Explore the universe at the Albert Einstein Planetarium! Whether you visit for one hour or five, the large solarium-style food court makes this a convenient mid-day museum stop. Free admission. There is no museum parking, but public lots are within a few blocks (rates vary). Metro stations nearby: L'Enfant Plaza (blue/orange and yellow/green lines) and Smithosonian (blue/orange lines).

Description:

This gallery is a wonderland for kids and adults alike - it has everything from dinosaur skeltons to diamonds and insect zoos.  Kids are especially big fans of the Discovery Room, which encourages their participation in the form of touching and smelling various exhibits.  The museum also boasts an IMAX theater, so be sure to check the schedule and see what's playing.

Description:

The Cheesecake Factory is surely the place to go when craving a rich and delectable slice of the mouth-watering dessert, but this restaurant offers much more. Serving appetizers, lunch, dinner, late night dining, Sunday Brunch, and a full bar, the Factory is a great choice for a casual dining experience. Everyone will find something to their liking with over 200 menu selections of pizza, pasta, seafood, steaks, salads, sandwiches, burgers, and more. Be sure to save room for one of the 50 delicious cheesecakes and desserts.

Description:

Hiking is probably the most popular recreation enjoyed along the towpath's 184.5-mile stretch. Additional side trails are available at Great Falls including Gold Mine trail, River trail, and the nationally known Billy Goat Trail. There is a handicapped accessible walkway from the towpath to an overlook of the Great Falls of the Potomac. There is also a trail over the top of the Paw Paw Tunnel. Trail guides are available at Georgetown, Great Falls Tavern, Williamsport, and Hancock Visitor Centers, Western Maryland Station Center, Antietam National Battlefield Park, or by calling the Parks and History Association.Maps, books, and other publications highlighting the canal's recreations are sold at the various visitor centers. The National Park Service offers interpretive tours seasonally. Hiking and biking opportunities run the full length of the canal. Horseback riding is permitted from Swains Lock to Cumberland, Maryland. Canoeing, boating and fishing opportunities vary based upon location of canal. Family campgrounds, group campgrounds, and primitive sites are offered at designated areas along the trail. Picnicking is permitted anywhere, however, campfires are prohibited outside designated areas. Swimming is not allowed.

Description:

The Capital Crescent Trail is a pleasant 11-mile trail that runs through northwest Washington. During the work week, bike commuters use this trail as their link between the northwest suburbs and DC. On weekends, the trail is crowded with rollerbladers and bicyclists. It begins in Georgetown on Water Street. Follow the trail and you will find views of the lovely Potomac River and some of DC's finer neighborhoods, there is even a quick trip through the Columbia Country Club. Most of the trail is asphalt.

Description:

This former amusement park changed its focus from thrilling rides to artistic amusements, many of them directed at families. A beautiful hand-carved carousel is the only ride still operating in the park, now administered by the National Park Service. Visitors will find plenty of entertainment, from performances at the Puppet Company Playhouse to children's stories at the Adventure Theatre. Dances—swing, square-dancing and the waltz among others; are held at the Spanish Ballroom.

Description:

Located in the heart of DC, the Smithsonian National Zoological Park (National Zoo) is the famous home of the Giant Pandas (Tian Tian, Mei Xiang, and Tai Shan). Recognized as one of the premier zoological research institutions in the United States, the National Zoo, which is free, attracts 2 million visitors per year. In addition to the Pandas, the Zoo includes a number of other well-loved animal attractions including Asian Elephants, orangutans, cheetahs, tiger cubs, seals, and penguins. There is also a petting zoo. In addition to the animals, the Zoo is a large, open park, and offers picnic tables and numerous other family-friendly diversions on the weekends.

Our Local Expert Says:

Fun, interactive, and kid-friendly. Take the metro to DuPont Circle where you can grab a bite to eat, and then walk over after lunch.

Description:

Regularly changing special exhibits, speakers and films exploring the many wonders of our planet feature at this soaring building, situated downtown.  After visiting the exhibits, stroll through the gift shop, which sells National Geographic Society's videos, books and educational games.  Admission is free and you can organize a group tour in advance.

Description:

It takes planning to tour the White House, but it's worth it! They are arranged through Congress. It is easy, contact your Member of Congress (done through your Member's website) one to six months prior to your visit to DC to request a tour. Tours are free but space is limited. The prohibited items makes airport security look lax and no storage facilities are available, so plan accordingly. Seasonal tours and events are not arranged through Congress – spring and fall garden tours (October and April), White House Easter Egg Roll, and lighting of the National Christmas Tree (early December). Tickets for these events are free but you'll have to stand in line to get them. They are distributed at the Ellipse Visitor Pavilion (15th and E Street NW). See website for dates and ticket details. For the planning-challenged, the White House Visitor Center brings the White House to your fingertips. It's open seven days a week from 7:30 am – 4:00 pm. Unlike the White House tour, the visitor center does not prohibit strollers, cameras, make-up items, pens, backpacks or purses. Take public transit, parking is scarce.

Description:

Raised wooden booths flank one side of the restaurant; an imposing, old-fashioned dark-wood bar with saddle-seat stools extends down the other. Background music is recorded swing music during the day, more mainstream music into the night. Old Glory boasts the city's "largest selection of single-barrel and boutique bourbons" and a rooftop deck with outdoor seating and views of Georgetown.

After 9pm or so, the two-story restaurant becomes packed with the hard-drinkin' young and restless. In early evening, though, Old Glory is prime for anyone -- singles, families, or an older crowd -- although it's almost always noisy. Come for the messy, tangy, delicious spareribs; hickory-smoked chicken; tender, smoked beef brisket; or marinated, wood-fired shrimp. Six sauces are on the table, the spiciest being the vinegar-based East Carolina and Lexington. The complimentary corn muffins and biscuits; side dishes of collard greens, succotash, and potato salad; and desserts like apple crisp and coconut cherry cobbler all hit the spot.

Description:

Four hundred million years in the making, Luray Caverns is one of the most spectacular sights in the eastern United States. Underground chambers, ranging from 30 to 140 feet high, display natural formations of columns, draperies and pools of water. Brick walkways lead visitors through different chambers, each with a wonder of its own. The Cathedral Room has a "Stalactite Organ," the largest natural musical instrument in the world. Guided tours are available every 20 minutes and last about one hour.

Description:

The layout of this beautiful building reflects the recent trend of sporting arena as mini community; within the complex is the multi-level Velocity Grill, serving drinks and live entertainment before, during, and after events. In addition, the Discovery Channel and Modell's Sporting Goods have large stores here. The 20,000-seat stadium is home to several teams: the NBA's Wizards, the Mystics of the Women's National Basketball Association and the NHL's Washington Capitals. The Georgetown University men's basketball team also plays here.