Washington D.C. is in the spotlight with the upcoming inauguration – the district will hosts thousands next week for the celebrations and all sorts of special events are happening around town. If you look at any website that has to do with Washington DC, there is a special exhibit, contest, or party in light of the inauguration!
So even though most of us won't be attending in person, we'll surely see it on TV, or get clips from the internet or newspaper. Some of may even be inspired to travel there sometime soon….with our kids…so I have compiled a special list: FREE in DC.
That's right – many of the best attractions are F-R-E-E. This is not a too-good-to-be true sub-prime kind of free. This is honest to goodness pay no money ever kind of free.
And – the kids should love it. (Ther'e ssomething for all ages…but if you wnat full impact so they understand a little more about the histroy and current government, wiat until they are older.)
1)Smithsonian Institution Museums: There are 19 museums…Some of my favorites are:
NATIONAL AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM: Some 50,000 objects on display…spacecraft, rockets, space suits… a moon rock you can touch…a space capsule you can climb into..and freeze dried ice cream in the gift store. Fun to try at home!
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AMERICAN HISTORY: Jan 16 marks the opening of a special exhibit on Abraham Lincoln…the young fashionites won't want to miss the special exhibit on First Ladies – they even show inaugural gowns!
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY: The one in Mew York is still my favorite, but this is still captivating.Kids can freak out at all the bugs in the insect zoo…
2) Bureau of Engraving and Printing:
This is pretty captivating! Take a free tour and see how money is made – literally. The BEP produces billions of dollars…as well as postage stamps and hand engraved invitations on behalf of the White House. You get up close and very personal with the printing process on this tour.
3) Arlington National Cemetery: Burial site for soldiers, politicians, and others wqho have served our country. The tomb of the Unknown soldier is moving..as is JFK's eternal flame.
4) Supreme Court –
You can tour the building – and watch a session…but it is on a first come first serves basis, and make sure they are in session when you go i fyou'd like to see that. (Not recommended for really young kids)
5) National Monuments;
One fun, hot summer long ago I lived in DC right down the street from the Lincoln Memorial…I would jog by every day on my morning run, or at sundown for an evening work out – and wow is it inspirational.
I would try to see all the national monuments at dusk or night – they are really magnificent lit up and less crowded.
–Jefferson Memorial
–Holocaust Memorial and Museum – a history lesson for older kid s- 12 and older.
–World War II Memorial
6) FBI Tours – If they ever reopen again, the FBI tours are riveting. According to the FBI website they are closed indefinitely for remodeling…It's been closed a while, so hopefully if you are reading this in the future, you can double check and see if they've reopened. The tours used to look at fingerprinting, handwriting analysis, spy gear, and America's 10 most wanted.
(The Spy Museum has the same flavor, and is also cool – but it costs to get in.)
This Tues, be sure to "armchair travel" and watch history be made – the inauguration of the 44th President of the United States.
Happy Travels…and Go America!



















