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Replies: 29
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All-TigerNet [13605]
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Anyone with kids ever vacationed in D.C?
Feb 23, 2021, 1:59 PM
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I plan to take my boys, ages 11 and 10 this summer.
Any ideas will be appreciated
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110%er [7182]
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Re: Anyone with kids ever vacationed in D.C?
Feb 23, 2021, 2:06 PM
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The spy museum is well worth the money. The air and space museum on the mall is more interactive but the one out in Dulles is a million times better if you're into history. The Building Museum is great for kids as well. Be careful if you're looking for family dining in the area at night. Most restaurants are going to cater to 21+. Mt. Vernon is a great family activity outside of DC proper depending on where you choose to stay. Let me know if you have more specific questions.
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Oculus Spirit [81613]
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Air & Space is good for kids that age I think, Dulles one is
Feb 23, 2021, 5:16 PM
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awesome whenever you're older. I'll second Spy Museum and Air & Space.
Not sure if their age would appreciate it but the war memorials are powerful.
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All-In [31361]
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Re: Anyone with kids ever vacationed in D.C?
Feb 23, 2021, 2:09 PM
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TXTF recommends the multitude of clubs, bars, and restaurants around Dupont Circle.
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All-TigerNet [13605]
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Re: Anyone with kids ever vacationed in D.C?
Feb 23, 2021, 2:18 PM
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Won't be any clubbing or bars lol
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Lot o points [155603]
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Oculus Spirit [78823]
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I was that kid
Feb 23, 2021, 2:13 PM
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Air and Space museum, national history museum, all the Smithsonians, washington monument, ...
loved going as a kid and I could go into Air and Space museum a million times
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All-TigerNet [12553]
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Re: Anyone with kids ever vacationed in D.C?
Feb 23, 2021, 2:38 PM
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Dulles Air Museum for sure. Smithsonian likewise. Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln Memorials, The Wall.
Nats game via the Metro by then.If you have a little extra time going up or down, would hit up Gettysburg or Antietam.If they were older would suggest the Holocaust Museum, but not at 10 and 11.
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110%er [9639]
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Yes. Stay at the Omni Shoreham - very interesting and
Feb 23, 2021, 2:52 PM
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historic - surprisingly inexpensive (well, it wasn't as much as I thought it would be). It's right beside a Metro station - so easy access to DC.
It's also right across the street from the Zoo - perfect for a 10, 11 year old.
Several cool restaurants close by...
Don't try to do everything - it's too much. With the Pandemic - all bets are off - but normally, you would want to reserve visits to The Capitol, Wash. Monument, etc well in advance.
Ford's Theatre is cool - the Holocaust Museum is a sobering must-see (but your kids are borderline too young - it's intense)
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Lot o points [155603]
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No way...ixnay on the Holocaust museum.
Feb 23, 2021, 5:59 PM
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a 10 year old? dude.....the kid won't sleep for 6 months.
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110%er [9639]
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My youngest saw it at 12. He's fine. Except for the night
Feb 23, 2021, 6:02 PM
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screaming - that's gotten annoying over the years. 
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Lot o points [155603]
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Both of mine went through in 8th grade. I definitely
Feb 23, 2021, 6:09 PM
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wouldn't have taken them before middle school. Not that they're some fragile little angels...I just think the subject matter is truly too deep and incomprehensible for someone that age to properly process.
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110%er [9639]
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I agree. My guys were 12 and 14 - they didn't go behind
Feb 23, 2021, 6:16 PM
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the little walls in each section where the stuff got really real.
You're right - bring the 10 and 11 year olds back in a few years...
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Rock Defender [53]
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Re: Anyone with kids ever vacationed in D.C?
Feb 23, 2021, 3:00 PM
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CU Medallion [59974]
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one suggestion
Feb 23, 2021, 3:01 PM
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the Newseum is freaking awesome. Its very visual walk through history and kids love that museum.
the others are a no brainer.
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110%er [7182]
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RIP Newseum***
Feb 23, 2021, 3:16 PM
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All-In [42000]
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Sadly, it shut down last year.***
Feb 23, 2021, 3:17 PM
[ in reply to one suggestion ] |
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All-In [47625]
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Take them to to Arlington and The Tomb. Do not, I repeat
Feb 23, 2021, 5:11 PM
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do NOT look at the Lincoln Memorial when you are leaving and think to yourself, “hmmm, doesn’t look that far. We can just walk.”
It is NOT close. That was one long, hot, miserable walk.
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All-In [42000]
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That's just about all of DC
Feb 25, 2021, 6:26 PM
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If it looks like a close walk, it ain't.
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Lot o points [155603]
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LOL, good try.
Feb 25, 2021, 7:08 PM
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I've seen Forest Gump. If you have to get somewhere fast, just run through the reflecting pool on the mall and bypass the crowd.
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CU Medallion [59974]
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All-TigerNet [10866]
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be warned:
Feb 23, 2021, 5:12 PM
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Lot o points [155603]
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No, I believe you shall be the first.
Feb 23, 2021, 5:18 PM
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Let us know how it goes.
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All-TigerNet [13605]
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Re: No, I believe you shall be the first.
Feb 25, 2021, 6:56 PM
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^^smartass
??
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All-In [26671]
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International Spy Museum is great.***
Feb 25, 2021, 2:09 PM
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110%er [9639]
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Yes! I was surprised how much we enjoyed that...***
Feb 25, 2021, 9:02 PM
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Letterman [257]
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I highly recommend visiting Nancy Pelosi’s office.
Feb 25, 2021, 4:25 PM
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Have a seat and pretend to be a senator.
May have force your way in, but it’ll be worth it, it’s for the kids.
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CU Medallion [55642]
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Avoid peak times, don't get sucked into one place too long.
Feb 25, 2021, 4:53 PM
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We mistakenly went during Spring Break one year not knowing that is peak season in DC. I mean, I knew about the cherry blossom deal, but this was peak school class trip time and prices were gouged all over.
Avoid super hot summer times too. We went one year when it was in triple digits and we were miserable.
The best time is probably early fall after school is back in.
Of course with COVID, who the heck knows what you can and can't do. Last we checked, the Smithsonian stuff was all closed.
Anyhow, during normal times, here are my tips:
1) Avoid the big crowds and extremes of weather.
2) Don't get sucked into Air & Space or any other one place for too long.
3) Be prepared for lines at stuff like the Spy Museum and Ford's Theatre, etc.
4) Maybe stay in Alexandria. Old Town is nice for dinner & such.
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All-In [42000]
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Re: Anyone with kids ever vacationed in D.C?
Feb 26, 2021, 8:55 AM
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Without reading an previous posts, I'll say they'll probably love Air and Space Museum.
If you feel they are old enough to handle something as somber as the Holocaust Museum, take them. You know your boys best and what they can handle.
Prepare them for lots and lots of walking unless you're renting bikes or scooters. You will be hoofing it around DC a lot. You'll want to exit the Smithsonian Metro stop (orange or blue line) for best access to monuments and museums.
The Jefferson Memorial is awesome but it is a HIKE. Be prepared.
A good monument/memorial loop if starting from Smithsonian stop is this:
1. Washington
2. WWII
3. Vietnam
4. Lincoln
5. Korean
6. If going to Jefferson, MLK then FDR. If not, FDR then MLK.
Unless you're going into White House, Capitol, et. al, no need to walk up to them. You can get great views from afar. White House might be wort walking up to, but again, it's a big hike to make it around to the front side where you can get close.
If you have time and ability, do yourself a favor and take a side trip to Annapolis (about a 30 minute drive without bad traffic). You'll all love it.
As for museums, American History is a little underwhelming but the boys may love it. The new African American Museum is really well done. The art museums are cool if y'all are into it. But I dunno. Probably would have bored me at their age.
Finally, take the Metro to the WoodleyPark/Adams Morgan stop (red line). Then walk about 10-15 minutes to the zoo. It's free. The boys will love it. Go watch pandas play.
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All-TigerNet [12553]
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Re: Anyone with kids ever vacationed in D.C?
Feb 26, 2021, 11:05 AM
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Agree re: Annapolis. The crab cakes alone are worth the trip. It's like a small very walkable Charleston. The Naval Academy tour is cool too.
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