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Things to do in D.C.? Batsteph?
We are going to D.C. this summer with the ILs. Any suggestions for fun adult stuff to do (that shouldn't be missed)? Any suggestions for fun stuff to do with the kids? We'll also have a 13 and an 11 year old with us - fun pre/young teen stuff? I know there is probably a ton to do, but I thought I would start my search here first.
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Re: Things to do in D.C.? Batsteph?
I can't find my full Word doc, but here are my two posts - first asking for suggestions and then a recap:
https://community.thebump.com/cs/ks/forums/thread/55673932.aspx
https://community.thebump.com/cs/ks/forums/thread/55972354.aspx
We were just there this summer and had such a good time at the zoo! DH and I aren't "zoo" people, either--like we wouldn't have gone if it hadn't have been for DS, but we really enjoyed it.
It's free and there is a ton of shade. We were there in July and it wasn't bad at all, even though it was really hot outside. You can take water bottles and stuff in, so just pack plenty of snacks and drinks.
DH and I really enjoyed Mt Vernon (George Washington's estate). Unfortunately we got there late and didn't get to tour the whole thing. I'm not sure how well it would go over with little kids, but there's plenty of room to run and play so the adults could always take turns watching them while they run around.
We also really enjoyed the National Archives, a couple of the Smithsonian museums (Air & Space and Natural History). We ended up seeing an IMAX movie while we were there because it was pouring rain and we weren't interested in running in the rain from museum to museum. That might be a good option for the kids if they get sick of walking in and out of museums. The American History museum was closed, but I've heard it's awesome.
Oh yeah, the Museum of Natural History was awesome, too. Like a zoo for dead animals
DS loved it
Try to see the monuments at night--GREAT photo ops.
Excorcist steps in G'Town, walk across Key Bridge and see the Potomac on either side--probably the best view ever. Or just walk the streets in Georgetown, N Street, 33rd, etc. You can see JFK's old place and I'm sure there are walking tours you can download. Architecture there is really unique.
Moby *** House of Ka'bob (sp?). In Dupont Circle, G'Town and probably other places.
Yay for a DC vacation! I just saw this -- sorry I'm so late getting in here.
You've gotten some great suggestions above.
First, if you want to see the Capitol, the White House, the Treasury, or any of the other things that are ticketed through your U. S. Congressperson or Senator, then make the request for those yesterday. When I was working on the Hill, those tours were booking up about six months in advance. Here are links to the tour pages on Kay Bailey Hutchison's webpage and Lloyd Doggett's webpage.
Like someone else suggested, do the monuments at night. That way you can be in the museums during the day when it's hot and humid and disgusting outside. Also, the monuments are a lot less crowded at night, and they're really prettier at night too.
If you or the kids are particularly into the sorts of things you'll see at the Air and Space Museum, then budget a day to take the free shuttlebus from DC out to the Udvar-Hazy Center, which is near Dulles Airport in Northern Virginia. It's an annex to the original museum on the Mall, and it has tons of great stuff -- the Space Shuttle Enterprise, an SR-71 Blackbird, the Enola Gay . . . It's pretty amazing, and you can spend a whole day out there. There's also an IMAX theater, and there are flight simulator rides and things like that for daredevil teenagers with strong stomachs.
Be sure to catch the FDR Memorial -- it's amazing.
My favorite thing in DC is the National Cathedral. It's not served by Metrorail, which is kinda sucky, but you can get there by bus, or you can take a cab. There are a variety of tours, or you can just wander around on your own. It's even a good place for kids, as they have some unique and kinda offbeat things on their tour menu.
I haven't been to either (::smacks self::), but I hear that the Newseum and the Spy Museum are both pretty awesome. Unlike many of the museums in DC, they're not free (they're both around $20/person for adults). If you're into food, then consider dining at Zola, which is right at the Spy Museum. It's yumtastic!
Speaking of food, DC's developing a nice food truck population. You can track them here and have a different fabulous lunch every day!
Other than that, what are you all into? Do you have any special interests, or any goals for your trip? There's tons of stuff to do here, as you already know, and I'll be happy to point you to more of it. Please feel free to be in touch anytime! Do you know if we're FB friends?