Top Things to do in Washington DC
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Top 10 Things to do Good for Kids in Washington DC, District of Columbia (DC)
Washington DC is a hub for American politics and history. Attracting as many school field trips as it does travelers the district offers a peek into the country’s democratic origin. There are plenty of free museums to take advantage of but the real draw here is the memorials and monuments dedicated to great American leaders. Spend some contemplative time at the Reflecting Pool within the National Mall, among the most patriotic places in the country.
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1. Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,893 reviews
Reviewed By MargaretMary_Z - Washington DC, United States
You will want to spend your time in place, you might even feel compelled to sit and wonder, pondering the great and powerful love of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Oh, yeah, and you'll see every icon of every title you've ever heard of the Holy Blessed Mother of God. Mass at the Crypt church is extraordinary, Mass at the Upper Church will expand your Spirit, reconciliation will reunite you to God and you might even be blessed enough to get some spiritual direction! You will see nuns, monks, students, teachers and seekers,. You will feel the breath of God, and you will hear Angels sing!
2. National Museum of African American History and Culture
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3,476 reviews
Reviewed By HopesandDreams - Virginia, United States
Having visited other sobering locations – Anne Frank House in Amsterdam, Hitler’s Historical Museum in Munich, Dachau Concentration Camp in Germany, Vietnam Military History Museum in Ho Chi Minh, Aboriginal interest in Sydney, etc. . . .. . . . . one compares and contrast and ponders what is in the hearts and minds of some. This is a truly well presented, creative, EXCELLENT Museum, especially for overall cultural appreciation and understanding. At this Museum, as with others, the hearts must be of stone or the minds must be tight of those who are not moved by the exhibits, regardless of background or culture. Visited on a slow (still crowded) Thanksgiving Day. 1) Yes, it is difficult to see some exhibits, as by design, it is CROWDED, dark and a tight squeeze. 2) Yes, you may miss something as the walking patterns are not aligned in any one direction in some areas. 3) Yes, the Sweet Shop food is soulful and expensive and not to everyone’s taste. (I enjoyed it!) 4) Yes, there are things that are not perfect and can be critiqued and improved but overall……. So much history and information. . . Overwhelming! Difficult to absorb everything in one 7 hour day visit. Get early timed passes to ensure your 10:00 AM opening time entry and plan to be there until 5:00 pm close as this is, at least, a whole day activity. Start at the bottom floor and work your way up (an intentional, creative design) for true historical progression. HIGHLY RECOMMEND FOR ALL!
3. Jefferson Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,414 reviews
A 19-foot bronze statue of perhaps the most esteemed founding father sits beneath a columned rotunda in the style of the Roman Pantheon.
Reviewed By sergeyb324
Having been to Jefferson Memorial before I still couldn’t miss a chance to visit it again as my stay in DC provided me with some free time. Notwithstanding the fact that they are doing restoration work on the cupola and the roof and the outside of the building is covered in scaffolding and the outside doesn’t look as magnificent as usually, the place is full of the feeling of grandeur and awe. The inside is as impressive as ever and the presence of the great man is almost palpable. This being off season, I happened to be entirely alone there and it was such a great feeling as if I was listening to Jefferson reading out his words that are captured there on the panels. This memorial appears to me to be a deserving tribute to one of the greatest minds not only of his time but rather of all times.
4. National Museum of American History
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,954 reviews
One of the Smithsonian museums along the Mall, this one has more than 3 million artifacts in its collection—from gowns to locomotives—that reflect and preserve a record of America’s past.
Reviewed By ghazel1231 - Tampa, United States
The Natural History Museum and the Air and Space Museum usually end up at the top of the must-visits in Washington, but the American History Museum tells a much better story of America. The American flag from Ft McHenry (the inspiration for our national anthem), Judy Garland's ruby slippers from Wizard of Oz, the gowns of the first ladies, the histories of each of the Presidents and all of our wars - they're all here, in a well-organized, easily followed lay out.
5. The National Archives Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,488 reviews
Repository where the most important historical documents of the United States are held, such as the original Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights, Constitution and the 1297 version of the Magna Carta.
Reviewed By Noraatc - Sudbury, United States
Luckily, we were at the North Entrance early enough to beat school kids on their field trips and had a perfect chance to see all four pages of the US Constitution, the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights as well as one of the best preserved copies of the Magna Carta donated to the Archives by David Rubenstein, the co-founder of the Carlyle Group. That’s one generous gift! We had been very fortunate to see another copy of the Magna Carta in Salisbury Cathedral in England. There are so many other fascinating documents reflecting various pages of our history, so depending on your personal interests, it might not be a short visit. TIP 1 (for all): do arrive early - when we were leaving, there was a really long line at the entrance. TIP 2 (for kids): Not sure if two military helicopters on both sides of the facade are still there. At the time of our visit shortly after Veterans Day, the veterans were welcoming both kids and adults to get inside the helicopters and explore. Children were very excited to sit in the real helicopters, play with controls and chat with the veterans.
6. Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11,849 reviews
Emotionally stirring memorial pays tribute to the men and women who served in one of America's most controversial wars.
Reviewed By SimbaFamily
It was very nicely done and just beautiful lots of staff around to help you find names etc. everyone there was proud of their job and helpful to people trying to find loved ones names.
7. Ford's Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,278 reviews
The site of the April 14, 1865, assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, Ford's Theatre is a working theatre, historical monument, world-class museum and learning center. The theatre produces musicals and plays reflecting the unique, diverse character of American life. With its inspiring theatrical productions, live historic interpretation, and rich collection of artifacts, Ford’s is the premier destination in the nation’s capital to explore and celebrate the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln. A daytime visit can include the museum, theatre, Petersen House (the house where Lincoln died) and Aftermath Exhibits at the Center for Education and Leadership. Advance tickets are required (convenience fee). From September to May, Ford’s presents evening and matinee productions of renowned plays, vibrant musicals, and newly commissioned works that captivate and entertain while examining political and social issues related to Lincoln’s life and legacy.
Reviewed By V3583ELjennifers
I have been to DC many times but not taken the opportunity to visit Ford's Theater before now. The museum and park sevice tours are open to the public, tickets based on donations (at the visitors choice), and provide a combination of self guided museum tour and a ranger talk about the last day of Lincoln's life. The tour includes a visit to the house where Lincoln died, and a center for education exhibit on Lincoln's legacy. Take the time to see this site.
8. Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12,205 reviews
Established in 1910 and located on the National Mall, this prestigious museum, part of the Smithsonian Institution, holds the world's most extensive collection of natural history specimens and human artifacts including the remains of dinosaurs and tools used by early man.
Reviewed By keithww81 - Philadelphia, United States
Great museum full of wonderful exhibits on dinosaurs and prehistoric creatures, gems and minerals, early Human artifacts and ancestry, animals and insects (including taxidermy specimens and fossils), mummies, and more! Best of all, entrance is FREE! I particularly like the gem and mineral collection. So amazing and beautiful.
9. Tidal Basin
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,670 reviews
Springtime in Washington means the explosion of white-pink clouds of cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin.
Reviewed By Jazz7837 - Philadelphia, United States
Whether it's the Cherry Blossom festival or the middle of winter the Tidal Basin is a great to relax and look out at the Potomac River. You can walk along the shore or sit on many of the benches that are along the path. Nice place to bring a date to walk off your meal.
10. Washington Monument
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9,309 reviews
The Washington Monument elevator is closed until spring 2019.
Reviewed By DCN2012 - New York City, United States
As a native Washingtonian, I've had the privilege of seeing this iconic monument stand tall throughout my life and so many historic events. Even during the much needed year plus renovation (several years ago), gave it a 'must see - can't wait' allure. The Washington Monument has a presence of its own; pristine, regal, official and inviting. For a unique, one of a kind adventure, walk up and see the Nation's Capital from an unparalleled perspective. Of course, there are many people and activity inside and out but that's all a part of what enhances the overall experience. Grab the fam, the crew or just you, it takes you up and that's a good thing.
