By Kent Ninomiya
Washington, D.C. is an ideal destination for kids. The city is filled with sights that are interesting, fun and educational. Kids can witness firsthand how their government is run, experience history in the greatest collection of museums ever created, and play among enduring monuments dedicated to the heroes of the
United States.
Tour the Capitol and White House
Kids can tour the place where United States Senators and Representatives make our federal laws, and where the President of the United States lives. Tours of the U.S. Capitol and White House are provided by appointment only. You must request tickets from your congressional representative before leaving home. The tickets are free, but you must ask for them in advance.
The Smithsonian Museums
With 19 museums in the Smithsonian, there is something to interest every kid. The most popular are the Air and Space Museum, the National Archives, the National Gallery of Art, the National Museum of Natural History and the National Museum of American History. All the Smithsonian Museums are free.
Discovery Theater
The Smithsonian also runs the Discovery Theater for kids. It features live performances of actors, musicians, dancers and storytellers. It is located in the Ripley Center on the National Mall.
National Zoo
The nation's zoo is also run by the Smithsonian. The National Zoo boasts an impressive collection of rare animals from every corner of the planet. It even has rare giant pandas from China.
Monument Tour
Every kid marvels at the giant stone monuments that tower over Washington, D.C. Tourist buses provide transportation between them, or you can walk. Don't miss the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial, Iwo Jima Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial and World War II Veterans Memorial.
Resources
About the Author:
Kent Ninomiya is a veteran journalist with over 23 years experience as a television news anchor, reporter and managing editor. He traveled to more than 100 countries on all seven continents, including Antarctica. Ninomiya holds a Bachelor of Arts in social sciences with emphasis in history, political science and mass communications from the University of California at Berkeley.
