Taking grandsons to Washington DC

[dmr4567]

A family reunion up north is giving me the opportunity to stop in DC for 2 days
I'm so excited I'm always talking politics with them. any suggestions on how to
get around What should we not miss and does anyone know of a place off the beaten
path where we can just soak it in and reflect.

[Captain Hilts]

1. Make sure to take the nighttime trollybus tour. nt

[Democrat 4 Ever]

2. Go Metro - easy to understand and it will get you all over

town with a minimum of fuss. The Metro is cheap, clean, safe and reliable with stops at all of the major capital sites.

I LOVE DC, I am so envious of your trip - enjoy your visit.

[dmr4567]

4. Thanks

I plan on enjoying every second of it and as for the boys I hope to nurture into compassionate democrats when their father isn't looking

[Captain Hilts]

14. Except all the stations look alike!

And be careful at Metro Center!

Man, did I love the Moscow Metro. And Toronto's.

[amerikat]

3. How old are they?

Air and Space is great for all ages.

[dmr4567]

5. 5 7 and 9

Air and Space sounds great Thanks

[drhilarius]

8. In addition to the air and space on the mall...

take them to the annex at dulles. They could see the sr-71 blackbird, various other fighters, plus the shuttle enterprise. You can take a bus from the mall to the annex. Also, you could take them to see the pandas at the national zoo. you should definitely head over to the national archives and check out the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Metro can get you to all these places (the zoo, however, is a bit of a walk from the station).

on edit: definitely check out the spy museum.

[trof]

16. Yes! The Udvar-Hazy Center. Not to be missed.

http://www.nasm.si.edu/udvarhazy/

The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center near Washington Dulles International Airport is the companion facility to the Museum on the National Mall. The building opened in December, 2003, and provides enough space for the Smithsonian to display the thousands of aviation and space artifacts that cannot be exhibited on the National Mall. The two sites together showcase the largest collection of aviation and space artifacts in the world.

[tinfoilinfor2005]

6. I like to go to the Lincoln monument, because you can see

so many historical attractions right from the steps. Most everything is within easy walking distance. Just get a little tourist map when you get there. The Viet Nam Veteran's Wall is a quiet and reflective place, although it is difficult for me since those kids were of my generation. The walk over to the White House is just a few blocks. Great place to walk and explore.

[Smarmie Doofus]

7. Lincoln Memorial and VN Memorial....

to start with; easy walk between the two. Ford's Theater. House across the street where Lincoln died.

Lot's of spots along the mall for chilling out. Lot's of interesting neighborhoods, Georgetown, etc.

DC is one of my favorite places on the planet.... notwithstanding it's current majority Republican culture.

[IDemo]

9. Your grandsons will love the Smithsonian air and space museum

[LifeDuringWartime]

11. I know I did when I went

I was probably 10 or so. Not too sure.

[feduppuke]

10. Have fun!

Enjoy your trip! As a native Washingtonian, I highly recommend the A&S and Natural History Museums for kids. For adults (and older kids), don't miss the National Cathedral. It's off the beaten path, somewhat, and absolutely beautiful.

I don't know the hours for the National Archives, but they have some awesome exhibits there, too.

Good luck.

[savemefromdumbya]

12. trolleybus hop on hop off!

don't miss the Spy Museum or the science museum.

[Captain Hilts]

13. DO ride the trollybus one day to see the monuments. It's a LOT of walking

to try and see the Lincoln, Vietnam, Korean War, FDR and Jefferson Memorials by foot or metro. Particularly in hot weather. You get out to FDR and you're hot, tired and there's nothing to drink.

[BlackVelvet04]

15. Be sure to take them to the

Vietnam memorial. Of course the Air & Space museum is a must see as well.