By Isabel Prontes
Washington, D.C., is the capital city of the
United States, and as a result is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. There are so many things to see and do in Washington, from visiting important historical memorials to browsing museums. For children planning on visiting Washington, D.C., there are a lot of excellent educational museums to see.
National Museum of Natural History
The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History is a wonderful museum for children, with its astounding collection of over 125 million cultural and natural science artifacts. There are many educational and interactive exhibits available at this world class museum. Kids will particularly love the "Secret of Soil" exhibit, which lets them explore soil, the home of millions of creatures. The Insect Zoo is also fun for kids, as it offers insects that they can touch, feedings of creatures like tarantulas and various demonstrations. (10th Street and Constitution Ave., NW Washington, DC 20560 Tel: (202) 633-1000)
National Geographic Museum
The National Geographic Museum at Explorers Hall is small and located on the National Geographic Society building's first floor. This museum showcases National Geographic expeditions, adventures and research of the past, present and modern day. The museum is full of many changing displays and exhibitions, and is suitable for children of all ages. There are also several permanent and interactive exhibits as well. This is a wonderful museum for kids to learn more about the world and its many cultures. (1145 17th St. NW Washington, DC 20036 Tel: (202) 857-7588)
National Air and Space Museum
The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum hosts the world's biggest historic aircraft and spacecraft collection. There are countless aviation and spacecraft relics and artifacts on display at this museum, including the command module for the "Apollo 11" and a sample of lunar rock that kids can touch. There are a lot of educational and interactive programs for kids at this museum, such as several Discovery Stations. There are also interactive activities related to astronomy, aviation, planetary geology and space exploration. (6th Street and Independence Ave. SW Washington, DC 20013 Tel: (202) 633-1000)
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
Suited to slightly older children, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum provides an intense atmosphere for learning about the Holocaust during World War II. "The Holocaust" is the name of the museum's permanent exhibit, and it spans three stories. There are narrative histories of the exhibits, and film footage, over 900 artifacts, testimonies for eyewitnesses and much more. The Wexner Learning Center is located on the second floor of the museum and provides further insight and education regarding the Holocaust. (100 Raoul Wallenberg Place, SW Washington, DC 20024 Tel: (202) 488-0400)
Discovery Creek Children's Museum
The Discovery Creek Children's Museum of Washington is located in the city's sole one-room schoolhouse, and focuses on encouraging children to learn about the natural environment. The museum focuses on history, nature and also the arts. The museum has a forest that spans 12 acres, and in the forest children can see wildlife up close, work on exciting art projects, hike and explore. (P.O. Box 70437 Washington, District of Columbia, 20024 Tel: (202) 488-0627)
About the Author:
Isabel Prontes is a freelance writer and traveler residing in Manhattan, NY. She has traveled to five continents and counting. Her work has appeared on a number of websites, such as Travels, eHow.com and "Happy Living Magazine." Prontes has a professional background in public relations; she received a bachelor's degree in communication studies from Pace University.
