Washington, DC
Capitol Hill
United States Capitol - Take a guided tour for kids to see where the business of Congress gets done and history is always in the making. The Capitol rotunda is sure to impress, as well as richly tiled floors and painted ceilings, and the National Statuary Hall with important figures from each state, bronze and marble statues. Guided tours are Monday to Saturday. Although younger kids are allowed on tours (you can bring strollers), older kids will better understand the significance of the Capitol.
With little kids, you may want to just look at the outside of the building, which is quite impressive. On the top of the Capitol is the statue of Freedom, a woman with a sword in one hand, a laurel wreath in the other, and eagle feathers sprouting from her head.
Tip: You can get free, timed-entry tickets for the tours - reserve tickets online.
Start at the Capitol Visitor Center, where kids can touch a big 11 ft. model of the capitol dome and check out a copy of the U.S. Constitution. In two theaters, each designed to look like the Senate and House of Representatives, watch a ten minute film, or when Congress is in session, kids can watch the live proceedings.
On the west terrace of the Capitol building, on summer evenings, listen to outdoor concerts by the U.S. Navy Band or the "The Presidents Own" U.S. Marine Band.
Union Station - When Union Station was built in 1907, it was the largest train station in the world. It has been beautifully restored, shining white granite with 95 ft. coffered ceilings, and it's a wonderful first impression of Washington, DC if you arrive by train. It has tons of kid-friendly eating places (this is a destination if you're looking for a place for lunch) and shops too.
DC Ducks - Union Station is also the starting point for a 90 min. tour around town in an amphibious vehicle, the DC Ducks. This is a fun way to see the monuments, museums and The Mall, then, splash down in the Potomac River for scenic river cruise. Tours depart every hour, kids are half price.
National Postal Museum - The postal museum is more than just stamps - it's also about how mail was transported in colonial times, stagecoaches and the pony express in the 19th century, trains and airplanes in the 20th century, and your neighborhood mail delivery vehicle. Budding stamp collectors will enjoy the exhibits of U.S. stamps since 1847, rare and valuable stamps.
Eastern Market - At Eastern Market, a farmers market, sample the bounty of locally-grown fruits and vegetables, jams, nuts, cheese, baked goods, blueberry pancakes and homemade bread. On weekends, there is often music, dance, and ethnic foods, plus arts and crafts. A real neighborhood event, it's a great way to experience the diversity of Washington, DC. Eastern Market is located on 7th St., between North Carolina Ave. Pennsylvania Ave., closed Mon. The metro stop is Eastern Market.
