Washington DC with kids

[Ocean Lover]

When I first read this all I could think was...."the kids must have drawn the short straw." :funn:

Seriously though--how old are the kids?


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Actually believe it or not, last summer Dylan asked me why we ALWAYS go to Florida on vacation? ( because mom likes itand moms the trip planner) Why can't we go to Texas or Washington DC or Niagra Falls....

My kids are 11 and 14. We're all nerds so we actually love this sort of thing. Samantha (14) already asked if she could bring a friend...I said no, this is a family trip. (hopefully she won't be too embarrassed to be with us alone:roll We may be stopping at my brothers in North Carolina on the way there or back.

Really going to bed this time..

 

[SHELLY]

My kids are 11 and 14. We're all nerds so we actually love this sort of thing.

The National Museum of Natural History (Who doesn't love bugs, dinosaurs & gems )

Tour of Bureau of Engraving & Printing (Watch the government print the money for the economic stimulus package right before your eyes!! :shock

The Zoo (Say HI to the Pandas)
Check out the "Panda Cam:" http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/GiantPandas/default.cfm?cam=LP2

If you're going to be there during the next Fed Meeting (March 18), be sure to make your way to the Federal Reserve for the "Ben Bernanke Cash Drop."

Enjoy your trip.

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[Jennifer Steele]

When I first read this all I could think was...."the kids must have drawn the short straw." :funn:


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Oh, no! Going to DC for the first time when I was 8 is still one of my favorite childhood memories - more so than Disney, but I guess I'm a dork.

 

[Smiling JOe]

Hey, I was also about to turn eight when I first visited DC. Ice all over the place and cold as ba-geezers!

 

[drunkkenartist]

This time I am driving to Jacksonville and taking the train to Union Station, then taking the Metro to the B&B.
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WGOP -(sounds like a radio station)-What is this about the train to Union Station? I'd love to go to Washington again and would love to take a train. Plus I'm over due for a Jacksonville trip, and before or after could finally run up to Savannah, since I missed out on it last time. I don't think I'm driving more that 6 hours anymore for a while. Wears me out.

When I first read this all I could think was...."the kids must have drawn the short straw." .

That's what I thought at first- thinking not a good trip for kids, they'd be bored as hell. But the first time I went was in 1976 for the Bi-Centennial. We did the whole Guettysberg thing and the trail to Washington (From Youngstown Ohio and back).

I was only 12. I absolutely loved it, and have been back several times. I don't think I've been there in about 10 years though. I can't wait to go back.

Except for the family trip in '76 and the HS band trip in the early '80s, I've always stayed with friends. It would be interesting for me to start looking at room rates for myself.

I'm cheap and like all the info that you are getting about Metro. I'm more of a "only need a place to sleep and shower" kinda guy. Not worried about security and amenities. Never use a pool, gym, etc. But if I had a family to worry about, you are doing the right thing. Pay whatever, be safe and comfortable.

Oh, no! Going to DC for the first time when I was 8 is still one of my favorite childhood memories - more so than Disney, but I guess I'm a dork.

I'm a major dork. Huge history buff. LOVE love love the Smithsonian. Could spend a week doing just that. If you are going in the Spring, won't the Cherry Blossoms be in bloom at that time?

I've done the Whitehouse twice, but I'm all about the museums and monuments. Take a few pair of comfortable walking shoes.

I'm so excited for you. Sounds like a great trip!

 

[potatovixen]

I grew up just about an hour outside of DC. I can't even count how many times I've been there, and it's still such an exciting place to be.

The museums and monuments are the big draw for me. Definitely check out the Spy Museum, like SJ said. It is SO cool, and very interactive... kids will love it. And of course the Smithsonian, The Museum of Natural History, and The Air and Space Museum are great.
Another cool place to go is the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. I have always thought this was a beautiful memorial, and loved visiting it every time I went to DC. The World War Two Memorial is fairly new, and lots of people think it's ugly, but I was awestruck the one time I visited.

And if you want to make the special trip (it would take no more than an hour to get there from DC), The Marine Corps Museum in Quantico is amazing.

And definitely, definitely go to the DC Zoo.

 

[wrobert]

WGOP -(sounds like a radio station)-What is this about the train to Union Station? I'd love to go to Washington again and would love to take a train. Plus I'm over due for a Jacksonville trip,

Amtrak baby. Catch the rail in JAX and 15 hours later, if I am lucky, we are getting off in downtown DC. My wife has never been on a train so it was her idea. Last time we were in DC my parents flew into Reagan Airport and used the rails to get to the hotel where we all stayed. So we decided to do the same thing via train. I never found much need for an auto in that town. No place much to park anyway.

 

[beachmouse]

I always felt safe in DuPont Circle. But I feel like I need to disclaim that it is the gay district for a three state area, and I remember seeing some interesting clubware being worn on area streets after business hours. So if you're there with the small humans, there may be some interesting explanations made.

If you've got government geeks in your family, I think the general public can still eat in the House/Senate cafeteria after 2:00pm. See how their bean soup compares with the McGuire's version, and maybe do a bit of people-watching.

 

[drunkkenartist]

I always felt safe in DuPont Circle. But I feel like I need to disclaim that it is the gay district for a three state area, and I remember seeing some interesting clubware being worn on area streets after business hours. So if you're there with the small humans, there may be some interesting explanations made.
quote]

This is the primary reason I usually avoid "gay areas" and the lifestyle in general. Turns me off, bad stereo type.

But thanks for the heads up.

Hey SoWalGayBoi- when are we going?

15 hours on a train? Dang. Might be interesting, but as long as there a planes available....:roll:

 

[Franny]

I always felt safe in DuPont Circle. But I feel like I need to disclaim that it is the gay district for a three state area, and I remember seeing some interesting clubware being worn on area streets after business hours. So if you're there with the small humans, there may be some interesting explanations made.
quote]

This is the primary reason I usually avoid "gay areas" and the lifestyle in general. Turns me off, bad stereo type.

But thanks for the heads up.

Hey SoWalGayBoi- when are we going?

15 hours on a train? Dang. Might be interesting, but as long as there a planes available....:roll:

Good one DKA!!!!:roll: I thought the same thing about the train ride..too long for me but what a way to go. How long does it take in a car. The last time I visited DC was in HS and I loved it. The Smithsonian and the monuments are vivid memories as well as the amusement park in nearby Va.?? Also enjoyed the Jefferson place, my memory is fading...but we took the steamboat ride there..help.