Washington DC Attractions
The following attractions are some of the most popular attractions located in and around Washington DC. These range from museums to monuments and memorials to government buildings. Most of these may be included or added to your student group tour itinerary.
 Smithsonian Institution
A visit to Washington, DC is not complete without experiencing at least one of the 14 Smithsonian museums. The museum complex continues to grow and expand. In 2003, the National Air & Space Museum opened a second facility--the Stephen Udvar Hazy Center-- at Dulles International Airport, housing such treasures as the Enola Gay and other large aircraft. This September, the Smithsonian Institution will open its final installation on the National Mall, the National Museum of the American Indian.
Hirshhorn Gallery
The Smithsonian's modern art museum's "Young at Art" program introduces young visitors to different artistic disciplines through hands-on activities. Participants can act in a play, create portraits in chocolate, make clay sculptures, and more. On Saturdays, drop in for an "Improv Art" program--including a tour of the gallery with a special activity sheet and an art project to take home. The museum also offers regularly-scheduled guided family tours.
National Air & Space Museum
Provides a world-renowned collection of flying machines from the Wright Brothers' Kitty Hawk Flyer to the Apollo 11 Command Module. Kids can see a moon rock, Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis and a variety of special films. The museum's IMAX theatre provides large-format and 3-D glimpses of space and beyond. To see the museum's larger artifacts, including the Enola Gay and the Space Shuttle Enterprise, head to the new Stephen Udvar-Hazy Center of the NASM, located near Dulles Airport.
National Museum of American History
Also known as "America's Attic," this popular museum houses such treasures as the First Ladies' inaugural gowns, Dorothy's Ruby Red Slippers, and the flag that inspired "The Star-Spangled Banner." In the museum's Hands-on History Room, young visitors can explore American history with more than 30 special activities, such as operating a cotton gin and sending a message. In the Hands-on Science Room, kids can explore the scientific and social issues addressed in the museum. A new transportation exhibition (and the largest exhibition to open in the museum), America on the Move, explores the world of transportation, including real artifacts from historic Route 66.
National Museum of Natural History
After visiting the Hatcher, a digitally-restored Triceratops, dining in the special dinosaur café, and ogling the massive Hope Diamond, check out the famous Insect Zoo. Kids can learn all about these creatures and non-squeamish types are allowed to handle them for an up-close look. The newly-renovated Mammal Hall opened in November 2003, showing some of the museum's specimens in lifelike, realistic settings.
Ford's Theatre
As a living tribute to Abraham Lincoln's love of the performing arts, Ford's Theatre presents plays and musicals underscoring multi-culturalism and highlighting the eclectic character of American life. With productions from Septmber through June, Ford's Theatre is both a working theatre and a historical monument open to the public.
Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Watch money and stamps being made all day between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday through Friday on regularly scheduled tours. Evening tours are available May-August. Tickets are required and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The ticket booth opens at 8 a.m. Free. Check the website for updates and to confirm hours.
City Museum of Washington
This new museum walks visitors through the 200+ year history of the nation's capital, telling the unique stories behind the people and events that have shaped the federal city. An entertaining multimedia presentation provides an introduction to the museum's collection. Open Tues. --Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Library of Congress
The world's largest library is home to much more than just books. At the Library of Congress, kids can see a perfect copy of the Gutenberg Bible, a collection of Houdini's magic tricks, the Wright Brothers' flight log books and more. Open Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Lincoln, Jefferson, and Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorials
Among the city's most familiar sites are its popular memorials. The towering salutes to Lincoln and Jefferson and the rambling tribute to Roosevelt are always popular with younger visitors. Open daily 8:00 a.m.-midnight.
Mount Vernon
This beautiful plantation overlooks the Potomac River and is the home and burial place of the first President, George Washington. Open April through August 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; in March, September, and October 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; November through February 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
U.S. Capitol
Bring the children to the seat of our nation's government. Guided public tours are available Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tickets for the tours are required and available on the day of your visit, beginning at 8:15 a.m. Call for additional information and updates.
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
Geared for visitors ages 11 and up, the permanent collection of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum tells the moving story of the persecution of the Jewish people. A special children's exhibition, "Daniel's Story," presents the story of the Holocaust for younger visitors. Open daily except Yom Kippur and Christmas, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Extended hours in the summer. Timed tickets required for permanent exhibition; available same day or in advance at tickets.com (1-800-400-9373).
Washington Monument
Reopened in February 2002 following an extensive renovation, the Washington Monument, at 555 feet, provides a spectacular view of the city. Tickets are required for the elevator ride to the top and can be obtained on the day of the tour or reserved in advance athttp:/reservations.nps.gov or by calling 1-800-967-2283. Open daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m., last elevator 4:45 p.m. Metro: Smithsonian.
Washington National Cathedral
The Washington National Cathedral towers above the city at its highest point. Older children can enjoy special gargoyles tours that point out the unique grotesques of the beautiful gothic structure. The Cathedral also offers special family programs on select days, ranging from stone carving to stained glass.
Arlington National Cemetery
A 500-acre site containing the graves of President John F. Kennedy, his wife Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and his brother Robert, as well as the Arlington House and the Women in the Military Memorial.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
The single most visited memorial in Washington, and by far the most moving, is the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. It is located next to the Lincoln Memorial, where the nation remembers the man who served as President during the other truly divisive war in our history. Unlike the Lincoln, the Vietnam Memorial is a simple, austere, almost hauntingly beautiful place that always evokes powerful emotions.
World War II Memorial
The World War II Memorial honors the 16 million who served in the armed forces of the U.S., the more than 400,000 who died, and all who supported the war effort from home. Symbolic of the defining event of the 20th Century, the memorial is a monument to the spirit, sacrifice, and commitment of the American people. The Second World War is the only 20th Century event commemorated on the National Mall's central axis.
Marine Corps War Memorial
This memorial is a symbol of this grateful Nation's esteem for the honored dead of the U.S. Marine Corps. While the statue depicts one of the most famous incidents of World War II, the memorial is dedicated to all Marines who have given their lives in the defense of the United States since 1775.
Korean War Veterans Memorial
The Korean War Veterans Memorial honors those Americans who answered the call, those who worked and fought under the trying of circumstances, and those who gave their lives for the cause of freedom.
The International Spy Museum
The International Spy Museum is the only public museum in the world solely dedicated to the tradecraft, history, and contemporary role of espionage. The Museum recognizes the ingenuity and imagination of real-life spies with the largest collection of international espionage artifacts ever placed on public display. Spanning the history of espionage around the globe, many of these artifacts are being seen by the public for the first time.
National Aquarium in Washington DC
The nation's oldest aquarium, the National Aquarium in Washington DC is located just one block away from the Washington Monument and within comfortable walking distance of the Smithsonian Museums. An essential part of any trip to the nation's capital, the Aquarium features more than 80 exhibits with over 200 species of salt and freshwater marine life including endangered species.
Hard Rock Cafe
After a tiring day of tramping through memorials and museums, stop in and see us for energizing drinks and superb food. The huge main bar is shaped like a Fender guitar and the stained glass windows honor such rock 'n' roll greats as Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Elvis. Hard Rock Cafe Washington, D.C. is your oasis of insanity in the world of political infighting. A favorite of lobbyists and bagmen alike, be sure to make time for a visit. We don't care which political party you belong to, 'cause the real party is here.
National Postal Museum
Located next to Union Station, the National Postal Museum offers its young visitors insights into the interesting world of mail service. Children can create a souvenir postcard, learn about the history of the Pony Express and the legend of Owney the Postal Dog, and participate in a direct mail marketing campaign. 2 Massachusetts Ave., NE.
National Zoological Park
Part of the Smithsonian Institution, the National Zoo is especially popular for children. Giant pandas Mei Xiang and Tian Tian amuse and delight visitors, yet also provide a living tutorial in the scientific method, thanks to the on-site scientists who monitor their behavior. The Zoo has added a number of new additions--recent births include a mountain gorilla and a Sumatran tiger. Children can also visit over 2,000 other animal species in this beautiful park setting. Located off the Mall at 3001 Connecticut Ave., NW.
Sackler Gallery
Through the Sackler Gallery's ImaginAsia, kids visit a featured exhibition with a special guide written for children and create an art project to take home. Other special family programs include Asian dance and music lessons, storytelling, and more.
National Archives
Reopened in September after extensive renovations, the National Archives is home to the original Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and Bill of Rights, as well as other historical American documents and records.
National Gallery of Art
Visitors with children can participate in drop-in workshops, take several postcard tours of the collection using a packet of cards with pictures of objects and questions for discussion or rent a family-oriented audio tour.
National Geographic Explorers Hall
This fascinating museum has great appeal to all age groups. Its main attraction is an 11-foot globe--the largest of its kind in the world-- that dominates the main hallway. Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon.-Sat.; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun.
National Museum of Health and Medicine
Kids will enjoy the interactive exhibits and displays at this museum, which features the world's largest collection of microscopes, the bullet that took Abraham Lincoln's life, and a pool of live leeches. The museum also holds regular programs for children, exploring body systems, functions, and other matters.
Supreme Court of the United States
The highest court in the land is open to visitors of all ages Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Visitors can watch an oral argument when the court is in session or enjoy a regularly-scheduled lecture when the court is not in session..
Union Station
Washington, DC's magnificent train station has been restored as a breathtaking shopping and entertainment complex--while remaining an active train station. Located on Capitol Hill, the station serves a variety of cuisine in its extensive food court, while kid-friendly restaurants fill the main concourse.
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