Washington, DC
Upper Northwest
Theodore Roosevelt Island - Theodore Roosevelt Island, is a wild, green oasis, right in the middle of the Potomac River. This is the perfect place to bring a picnic lunch and for kids to take a break from museum going in Washington, DC. Explore the trails through the marsh and woods, dragonflies flitting overhead, birds and crickets chirping. It's easy to get there - take the metro to Rosslyn, then walk on the footbridge to the island.
Washington Harbour Ice Rink - November to March, go ice skating at this lovely, large ice skating rink, located right on the Potomac River. Open every day, even holidays, skates available for rent.
At Washington Harbour, you'll also find restaurants, cafes for snacks, and in summer, free concerts outdoors. Also, rent canoes or kayaks, and go out on the river.
Washington National Cathedral - Washington National Cathedral is not just the tallest building in Washington, DC (and the second biggest cathedral in the United States), but it has the coolest gargoyles.
Start your visit to the cathedral by looking for Darth Vader decorative sculpture on the north side of the cathedral, plus a bunch of other fascinating creature gargoyles on the exterior. Darth Vader is very high up, and you'll need binoculars to see it. Here's detailed directions to find the sculpture.
Inside the cathedral, take the elevator the observation gallery, where kids can look down over the roof and nave of the cathedral, and views of Washington DC.
In the nave, stop into the adorable children's chapel, with tiny chairs decorated with needlepoint pillows (kittens, pandas etc.), a small size organ, and pointy fairy tale door.
For all the details, read our blog post: "Washington National Cathedral"
The National Zoo - This is a great zoo with a great collection of animals from all over the world, plus a wonderful bunch of animals of North America, bald eagles, beavers, bobcats, prairie dogs, and Mexican wolves. Don't miss the huge Bird House aviary with tropical birds or Kids' Farm, fun for little children.
The zoo is free, and open 364 days a year.
Tip: If you're taking the metro to the National Zoo, get off at Cleveland Park, the walk is downhill to the zoo. When you leave, walk to the Woodley Park station (avoid the uphill, and distance is the same.)
Rock Creek Park - You could easily spend the whole day at Rock Creek Park, one of the oldest natural parks in an urban area. Stop into the Visitor Center to pick up trail maps to go hiking in woodlands and meadows, or just bring a picnic lunch (there are over 30 picnic areas). Find out about the park wildlife at the Nature Center or learn about the night sky at the Planetarium (every Wed. shows for kids at 4:00pm, and on Sat. and Sun.). Rock Creek Park Horse Center has pony rides, and trail rides for kids 12 and older.
