Here are several suggestions on what we think children might find interesting on their trip to DC. You can start with the National Zoo, a sure hit with the kids! Not only is admission free but the National zoo is home to 400 different species of animals and is set within the beautiful Rock Creek National Park .
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Here are several suggestions on what we think children might find interesting on their trip to DC. You can start with the National Zoo, a sure hit with the kids! Not only is admission free but the National zoo is home to 400 different species of animals and is set within the beautiful Rock Creek National Park.
The International Spy Museum opened in July 2002 is the largest public collection of spy- related paraphernalia and exhibits on some of the most prominent spies in history. It provides a global perspective on a unique and ‘invisible’ profession that has moulded history and continues to impact world events. It gives an insight on some of the most secretive espionage missions in world history and also exhibits espionage gadgetry. 800 F St. NW Washington, DC Tel: (202) 393-7798 Website: www.spymuseum.org
A tribute to the primary author of the Declaration of Independence and the country's third President. The memorial was built on land reclaimed by the Potomac River, now known as the Tidal basin. It is a columned rotunda in the style of the Pantheon in Rome, whose classical architecture Jefferson himself introduced to this country. A 19-foot bronze statue of Jefferson atop a 6-foot black granite pedestal graces the domed interior of the memorial.
A tribute to the country's 16th President, who led during the Civil War. The structure is designed as a neoclassical temple, similar to Parthenon in Greece with 36 fluted Doric columns representing states of the Union at the time of Lincoln’s death, plus two at the entrance. President Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address and his Gettysburg Address are both engraved on the walls of the memorial chamber. 900 Ohio Drive SW Washington, DC Tel: (202) 426-6842 Website: www.nps.gov/linc
This world famous museums includes not only 19 museums but also research centers around the city. Ten of these museums span an area from 3rd to 14th streets between Constitution Avenue and Independnece Avenue, almost a mile. So be warned and make sure you are wearing comfortable shoes when visiting the museums. The Smithsonian includes National Museum of Natural History, National Museum of the American Indian, National Zoological Park, Arts & Industries Building, and Freer Gallery of Art. It would be advisable to look up the museums to find your area of interest if you are short of time. All museums are open every day of the year except for Christmas day and admission is free. Website: www.si.edu
The Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum is home to the largest collection of air and space artifacts, including the Wright Brothers' first airplane asnd the space suit that Neil Armstrong wore during his historic walk on the moon.
The tourist with an intellectual bend of mind or love for theatre should not give this a miss. Officially named the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, this is the city’s premier performance venue providing approximately 3000 performances per year. It is the home to the National Symphony Orchestra, Washington Opera, Washington Ballet and American Film Institute. Free daily performances are held on the millennium stage in the Grand Foyer, in addition to free guided tours of the center.
The Washington Monument is one of the most prominent and oldest attractions in the city that was built in honor of America’s first President, George Washington, who led the country to its independence. The monument is shaped like an Egyptian Obelisk, 555’5/8 high, and averages 30 to 40 miles visibility in clear weather. It was finished on December 6, 1884. Inside, an elevator whisks you to an observation landing with spectacular views. Before the Sep 11 attacks it was possible to descend the 897 steps. Same day tickets for a timed entrance to the monuments are available at the ticket kiosk on the monument grounds and distribution starts at 0800. Make sure you are there early as there are limited tickets which are on a first-come-first-served basis. You can also reserve tickets for a small fee by calling in advance. Food, drink and large bags are prohibited. Constitution Ave & 15th St., National Mall Tel 202 619 7222 (info) Website: www.nps.gov/wamo
The Presidential Palace, as it was once known, has changed a great deal over time with each new President or first lady making changes. Not many people realize the White House was not originally white. It was restored and painted that color after the British gutted the building in the War of 1812. Concerns for the safety of the President make the White House off-limits to the public these days unless you organize a group tour. Instead visitors can browse exhibits, watch historic re-enactments and take a video tour at the visitors Center (202-208-1631).
Visitors should come prepared for an experience likely to be disturbing and difficult to forget when visiting United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. At the start of the tour, each visitor is given an identity card of a Holocaust victim that matches the visitor's own age and gender. Ordinary reality is skewed through off-center stairways, weird angles and the shadows of other visitors on the glass walkways overhead. An elaborate audio-visual display includes interviews, films and photographs. The Hall of Remembrance provides a calm, empty space at the end of the tour where one can reflect on the experience. The museum discourages children under 11 from attending. Free timed passes are needed to visit the permanent exhibit.
If you love the nightlife then this is where you should head for. Live music, clubbing, in addition to plenty of restaurants catering to every kind of cuisine, great shopping and most of the embassies are located here. Another name for this area is Little Ethiopia for the concentration of African Americans. This is where also the Adams Morgan festival takes place. Located North of Dupont Circle. District of Columbia Arts Center is also located here.
The university campus is worth a look for its early 18th century structure and beautiful green campus gardens. Founded in 1789, it was originally run by the country’s first black Jesuit, Father Patrick Healy. At the east gate, the imposing, Flemish style 1879 Healy building is impressive with its tall clock tower.
Built in 1765, the Old Stone House is the oldest standing building in the city and was also Washington’s last Pre- Revolutionary Colonial building on its original foundation. Local folklore preserved the house from being demolished. The house was constructed in three phases during the 18th century and since then it has been a boarding house, tavern and shop. The small garden along with the house is a nice place to sit and soak in the surroundings after all the walking. 3051 M St. Georgetown Tel: 92020 426 6851 (info) Website: www.nps.gov/ rocr/oldstonehouse
The grounds of Arlington Cemetery serve as a resting place for many national heroes and more than 300,000 American soldiers, veterans, and dependents. The Tomb of the Unknowns, a final resting place for unknown soldiers killed in both the World Wars, the Korean War, and until 1997, the Vietnam War as well as President John F. Kennedy's grave are located here.
Robert E Lee lived in this beautiful home set high on the hills overlooking the Potomac river. His home and part of his 1110 acre property were confiscated when his wife fled after he left to command the confederate Army of Northern Virginia in the American Civil War. After the war, the family sued the federal government for reimbursement and received it. A fine blending of the styles of the Greek Revival and the grand plantation houses of the early 1800’s, the house has been administered by the National Park Service since 1933. Visitors are free to tour the house on their own, however, park-rangers are on hand to answer any questions.
The world’s largest library, it is housed in three different buildings and contains around 120 million items, including 22 million books, in addition to manuscripts, maps, photographs, films and prints. The first map to include the word ‘America’ and Thomas Jefferson’s personal collection are also housed here. The visitors center in the Jefferson building shows a brief film and there are guided tours. Capitol Hill Tel: (202) 707 5000 (info) Web:www.loc.gov
Sitting atop a high hill overlooking the National Mall and the wide avenues of the city beyond, the Capitol (built in 1793) is among the most architecturally impressive and symbolically important buildings in the world. It houses the legislative branch of Congress, the Senate and the House of Representatives. A 285 ft cast iron dome is topped by a bronze statue called the Statue of Freedom. Several areas of the building are open to the public including Statuary Hall, the original Supreme Court chamber, and the crypt. Admission is free and guided tours are done according to first-comefirst-served basis. Capitol Hill Tel: (202) 225 6827 Website: www.aoc.gov
As soon as you step into the station you literally collide with ambling visitors, tourists, office workers. You actually step into the heart of ‘Washington Life’. Located with full view of the Capital, this was the largest train station in the world when it opened in 1907. It was designed by noted architect Daniel H. Burnham who based his designs on the Baths of Diocletian and arch of Constantine in Rome. Its façade includes ionic colonnades fashioned from white granite, and 100 sculptured eagles. The East Hall has a gorgeous hand stenciled skylight ceiling and stunning murals of classical scenes inspired by ancient Pompeian art. With the decline in rail travel in the 1960’s, rain caused parts of the roof to cave in and the entire building was sealed in 1981. That same year Congress allotted funds for the preservation and restoration of this national monument. At least 25 million people come through Union Station's doors yearly. About 120 retail and food shops on three levels offer a wide array of merchandise. Movie theatres also form part of this complex. And you'll be happy to find that most of the offerings in the food court are not fast-food joints but an eclectic mix of excellent, mostly homegrown restaurants. 50 Massachusetts Avenue NE Tel: (202) 371- 9441 Website: www.unionstationdc.com