+ Show Descriptions

902 Wythe Street, Alexandria, 703-838-4356

The Alexandria Black History Museum is composed of the museum, the Watson Reading Room and the African American Heritage Park. "The Alexandria Black History Museum's mission is to enrich the lives of Alexandria's residents and visitors, to foster tolerance and understanding among all cultures, and to stimulate appreciation for the diversity of the African American experience."

The museum offers family-friendly programming throughout the year. Admission is $2 per person, go to their website to get a 10% museum shop purchases coupon.

Please visit the website at Alexandria Black History Museum

1901 Fort Place, SE, Washington, 202.633.4820

"The Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum documents and interprets the effect of historical and contemporary social and cultural issues on communities."

The museum offers a variety of family-friendly activities throughout the course of the year. Consult their calendar for the latest information.

Please visit the website at Anacostia Community Museum

901 W. Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD, 21223, 410.752.2490

Make the B&O Railroad Museum your next stop. Take a nostalgic journey into America's past at the oldest continuously operated railroad facility in the world. Five historic buildings, more than 150 pieces of full size equipment on 37 acres, small objects collection and exhibits for all ages.

Our Kids Reader Comments

• "The B&O Railroad Museum, it is interesting, however it is not interesting enough for a toddler. It would be better to take your toddler when Thomas the Tank is there. Also, the train ride that you pay additional money for, is not worth it, if you are just riding the train for the experience. I think this is a place for a much older child." - Emily M.

Please visit the website at B&O Railroad Museum

12229 Bristow Rd., Bristow

Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre is a 28-acre site with five historic buildings that interprets the history of Brentsville (the county seat of Prince William during the Civil War) through three centuries. They offer guided tours, nature trails, special events and school programs. Call 703.365.7895 for more information.

Please visit the website at Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre

14th & C Streets, SW, Washington, 877-874-4114

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing is the largest producer of security documents in the United States. Tours are offered at their Washington, DC facility throughout the year. Call 1-866-874-2330 for updated information about tour hours and closures.

Please visit the website at Bureau of Engraving & Printing

6310 Georgetown Pike, McLean, VA, 703.442.7557

Claude Moore Colonial Farm recreates life on an 18th century tenant farm in colonial Virginia. See volunteers dressed in period clothes talk about tobacco farming, animal husbandry and life on the farm. Children of all ages enjoy learning at the Farm. "Claude Moore has expansive hiking trails and nature walks, a historic log cabin, many hands-on discoveries and a great picnic area. We especially enjoyed our playgroup's guided tour; it was very educational and child-friendly." Kathleen B.

Read the Our Kids Review.

Please visit the website at Claude Moore Colonial Farm

1985 Cpl. Frank Scott Drive, College Park, MD, 301.864.6029

Family-friendly, 27,000 square foot museum with interactive exhibits that tell the story of the College Park Airport, the world's oldest continuously operating airport. Features changing exhibits, programs such as aviation crafts, kite and model making, movie and a lecture series, birthday parties, and more.

Please visit the website at College Park Aviation Museum

10017 Colvin Run Rd., Great Falls

A visit to Colvin Run Mill puts you front and center with a historic mill built c.1811. Kids can see the massive waterwheel and gears that power the grinding process, take part in educational tours and classes or even have a birthday party on the beautiful grounds. Read the Our Kids Review.

Please visit the website at Colvin Run Mill

1776 D. Street, NW, Washington, DC 202.628.1776

The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Museum is a family-friendly museum with 31 period rooms, a touch area and 2 galleries. Family programs and summer camps are offered.

Please visit the website at DAR Museum

700 Army Navy Drive, Arlington, VA

The DEA Museum & Visitor's Center is the only museum in the country focused on drugs, drug abuse and drug law enforcement. The museum opened in May 1999 and features interactive kiosks, mini theater, literature corner and exhibit on the History of Illegal Drugs in America. Located in Pentagon City on Metro's Blue and Yellow lines, the museum is open 10am to 4pm, Tuesday through Friday. Groups welcomed, admission is free.

Please visit the website at DEA Museum & Visitor's Center

11200 Fairfax Station Road, Fairfax Station

The Fairfax Station Railroad Museum is a step back in time to the Civil War area. Make a visit and see the role it played during the Civil War.

Northern Virginia NTRAK has a permanent N scale layout in the caboose. In addition to the museum's offerings, there are annual events geared towards families, specifically model train displays. There is also an annual holiday train show.

Contact the museum at 703-425-9225. Read the Our Kids Review.

Please visit the website at Fairfax Station Railroad Museum

1301 York Road, Luthersville, MD, 410.321.7500

The mission of the Fire Museum of Maryland is to "collect, preserve, display and interpret historically significant apparatus and related artifacts, memorabilia and records of the fire service of the United States, and to educate the public about the history, people, equipment and techniques of the fire service, and about fire prevention and safety." Fifty fire trucks and other wheeled equipment are on display, along with gear and firehouse stuff. Yes, there is a fireman's pole, and no, you can't slide down it.

Please visit the website at Fire Museum of Maryland

201 East Capitol St., SE, Washington

Home to the world's largest and finest collections of Shakespeare materials, the Folger Shakespeare Library welcomes visitors of all ages. Family-friendly events are held throughout the year and you can visit their website for a special kids section.

Please visit the website at Folger Shakespeare Library

511 Tenth St, NW, Washington

The Ford's Theatre Museum "combines a
remarkable collection of historic artifacts with a variety of interactive exhibits to tell the story of Abraham Lincoln’s presidency. Using environmental recreations, videos and three-dimensional figures, the museum transports visitors to 19th-century Washington, where they can follow Lincoln from his arrival in Washington in 1861."

Read the Our Kids Review of the Center for Education and Leadership.

Please visit the website at Ford's Theatre Museum

1411 W Street SE, Washington, 202-426-5961

"The Frederick Douglass National Historic Site is dedicated to preserving the legacy of the most famous 19th century African American." The museum is open throughout the year (seasonal hours) and you can tour the home (reservations recommended), visit the grounds of the site and explore the visitors center.

Please visit the website at Frederick Douglass National Historic Site

9 S Summit Ave., Gaithersburg

The City of Gaithersburg Museum recently underwent renovations and features educational exhibit plus lots of information about the City's history.

They are open Thursday to Saturday from 10am to 2pm. Call 301.258.6160 for more information.

Please visit the website at Gaithersburg Community Museum

19 Maryland Ave., Annapolis

Hammond-Harwood House is the Jewel of Annapolis, the grandest Colonial house in town, preserved intact since 1774. It was the last project of the renowned architect William Buckland. In addition to its magnificent, perfectly preserved architecture inside and out, this National Historic Landmark contains an outstanding collection of John Shaw furniture and Charles Willson Peale paintings.

Please visit the website at Hammond-Harwood House

4155 Linnean Ave., NW, Washington

Offering family programs throughout the year, Hillwood Estate is a "hidden gem" in the city, one that you should take your children to at least once per year.

"Founded by American collector and heiress to the Post cereal empire Marjorie Merriweather Post, Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens is one of the premier art collector's museums in the United States. The museum features the most comprehensive collection of Russian imperial art outside of Russia and a world-renowned collection of eighteenth-century French decorative art and furnishings."

Please visit the website at Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens

P.O. Box 39, St. Mary's City, 800.762.1634

Historic St. Mary's City, site of the 4th permanent settlement in British North American is also home to the birthplace of religious toleration and Maryland's first capital. Visitors will see living history and archeology on their visit to this historic 17-century location.

Historic St. Mary's City offers a host of public programming to include a variety of family-friendly option. Read the Our Kids Review to learn more.

Please visit the website at Historic St. Mary's City

800 F St NW, Washington, DC, 20004, 202.393.7798

Can you decypher the sentence above? If so, be the first to send Our Kids the solution for a free year's subscription. If not, it is time to visit the International Spy Museum, "the only public museum in the world solely dedicated to the tradecraft, history, and contemporary role of espionage. The Museum's permanent exhibition presents the tradecraft of espionage through the stories of individuals and their missions, tools and techniques. Exhibits feature the largest collection of international espionage artifacts ever placed on public display."

Please visit the website at International Spy Museum
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15 Lloyd Street, Baltimore, MD, 410.732.6400

Founded in 1960 to save the historic Lloyd Street Synagogue, the Jewish Museum of Maryland bills itself as America's leading museum of regional Jewish history, culture and community. Two galleries present changing exhibits of objects and photographs of local and national interest. Jewish ties to Baltimore are strong and worth exploring. The first known Jewish colonists arrived in 1657 and by the early nineteenth century, large numbers of Jews from Bavaria and other German states settle in East Baltimore, which remained the center of Jewish life until suburban migration started in 1920s.

The museum highlights how Jewish life intersects with Baltimore's history and vice versa. Consider, for example, the arrival of spice maker Gustav Brunn and his family, who left Germany after Kristallnacht in 1938 and settled in Baltimore. Doing what he does best, Brunn started a new spice company and achieved everlasting OKW gratitude for creating "Old Bay" seasoning. A few years later in 1947, the S.S. President Warfield, an old Bay Line ship and later participant in the Normandy landings, departs Baltimore harbor. It has been secretly acquired, rebuilt, and outfitted by a group of Baltimore Zionists. After picking up a load of refugees in France, it sails for Palestine, is attacked by the British en route, and before reaching its goal, it unfurls a new name: Exodus 1947. The British force the refugees to return to Europe, but worldwide sympathy for the passengers and outrage over their treatment sets the stage for the birth of the state of Israel less than a year later.

Please visit the website at Jewish Museum of Maryland

18028 Central Park Circle, Boyds

The King Dairy Barn was formerly the James & Macie King Farm. Sold to the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission (MNCPPC) it has become a MOOseum, a dairy museum educating people about dairy farming and more.

Open Saturdays May to October from 10am to 4pm and the 4th Sunday of each month (from 1 to 4pm), kids will love learning more about the dairy industry. Admission is free to all visitors.

Group tours are available.

Read the Our Kids Review.

Please visit the website at King Dairy Barn - Mooseum

614 Oronoco Street, Alexandria

The Lee-Fendall House Museum and Garden was built in 1785 as an urban plantation house. The house has a history which includes visits from George Washington and other historical figures.

It is currently a museum that is open to the public six days a week and also hosts family-friendly events throughout the year. A small admission is charged for a guided tour of the museum.

Please visit the website at Lee-Fendall House Museum and Garden

101 Independence Ave, SE, Washington, 202-707-5000

The Library of Congress is the nation's oldest federal cultural institution and serves as the research arm of Congress. It is also the largest library in the world with resources for visitors of all ages.

Visit their Kids and Families section of their website for some great resources. They are host to the National Book Festival every fall as well as a plethora of other events.

Please visit the website at Library of Congress

21668 Heritage Farm Lane, Sterling, VA, 703.421.5322

Loudon County has a long and important agricultural heritage, and the new Loudon County Farm Museum documents it all through exhibits, photos, and oral histories. The museum takes on some of the down notes including slavery, sharecropping, war, and economic depression.

The museum focuses on the three centuries from 1720 to 2020; you've got to wonder what there will be left in a few years. Visit the Farm Museum to see what is gone already.

Science gets its due here too. Consider the story of "Round Oak Rag Apple Elevation", born 40 years ago on a Loudon farm. Elevation was named "Bull of the Century" by the Holstein International Association for his contribution to the dairy cattle industry.

"With over eight million descendants, Elevation's genes are represented in a significant percentage of the dairy cattle in the world today. Every person in the United States who drinks milk most likely has consumed a dairy product that was produced by a daughter, grand-daughter or distant relative of Elevation. Elevation's genes are so prominent throughout dairy herds that the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Bovine Genome Project for Dairy Cattle chose Elevation to represent the genetic sequence for the genus Bos."

Any county that can claim bull of the century is AOK in our book! Read the Our Kids Review.

Please visit the website at Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum

16 Loudoun Street, Leesburg, VA, 703.777.7427

Bringing history to life, the Loudoun Museum is sure to engage children of all ages. Loudoun County is one of the fastest-growing counties in the United States. Come to the museum to see exhibits that highlight its growth. The museum hosts family fun days four times throughout the year, has a discovery room where kids can see what it was like to live in a 19th century Quaker home and more.

Please visit the website at Loudoun Museum

1025 F Street, NW, Washington

Madame Tussauds DC wax museum offers a truly interactive experience. You are invited to meet America's political history makers, from the Founding Fathers to First Ladies. Run the country from the desk of the Oval Office. Sit in the theatre box with President Lincoln seconds before his fate. Sit on the bus with Rosa Parks to experience the beginning of the Civil Rights Movement. Go behind-the-scenes and learn the craft of wax modeling. Sing and dance with Beyonce and J-Lo. Get in the ring with Muhammad Ali or hit a home run with Babe Ruth.

Participate in educational seminars, use their free educational curriculum guide, take a "behind-the-scenes" workshop or take part in a scavenger hunt. Do this and more!

Please visit the website at Madame Tussauds DC

3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon

Visiting Mount Vernon is like taking a step back in time. Mount Vernon is George Washington's Estate and Gardens and is open 365 days a year.

Spend a day at this historic site and tour the Ford Orientation Center, the Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center, the Mansion, Gardens, Washington's Tomb and many more areas.

Mount Vernon offers so many programs suitable for families throughout the year. A highlight for the OK team is the Mount Vernon by Candlelight held during November & December as well as Christmas at Mount Vernon where you can tour the rarely-open third floor of the Mansion and learn how the Washingtons Celebrated Christmas.

Admission ranges from $7 to $15, annual passes and other packages are available. Purchase tickets online to avoid the lines at the Ticket Window (there is a $2 transaction fee) Read the Our Kids Review.

Please visit the website at Mount Vernon

700 Pennsylvania Ave, Washington, DC, 20408, 202.501.5000

The National Archives and Records Administration is "the official repository for all federal records judged to be of enduring value." That includes your grandfather's World War II service records, Nixon's Oval Office tapes, and several hundred million other documents. Holdings date from the 18th century to the present; you and your kids can save the other stuff for another day and zoom straight to the Rotunda to peep the Big Three: The Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Declaration of Independence. Parking is tight; try Metro's Green or Yellow lines.

Please visit the website at National Archives

1313 Bonifant Road, Colesville, MD, 301.384.6088

"Ride the Electric Cars" through scenic Northwest Branch Park at the National Capital Trolley Museum. Trolley rides, exhibits and displays tell the story of Washington's streetcars. In addition to the traditional indoor Museum exhibits and programs they also offer a 20 minute outdoor trolley ride. Read the Our Kids Review.

Please visit the website at National Capital Trolley Museum

14th Street & Constitution Ave., N.W., Washington, DC, 202.357.2700

Popular kids' exhibits at the National Museum of American History include early cars, trains, printing, and musical instruments. See a collection of Teddy bears (originally named for Theodore Roosevelt), Dorothy's ruby slippers, a five-story doll house, and the original Star-Spangled Banner. There's a lot to see and it may be crowded, so visit early in the morning and often, in small doses. Explore history, science and social issues with your hands and minds at the Hands on History Room and Hands on Science Center. The museum is currently undergoing some renovations and is due to be completed in 2015.

Read the Our Kids Review.

Please visit the website at National Museum of American History

575 7th St. NW, Washington

The newest museum in Washington, DC opens in May 2008. Experience Punishment: The Consequence of Crime, A Notorious History of American Crime, Crime Fighting, CSI Experience and America's Most Wanted.

Open daily from 10am to 6pm September through February and 9am to 7pm March through August. $17.95/adults; $14.95/seniors, military & law enforcement; $14.95/children; under 5 free. Admission tickets are hourly.

Please visit the website at National Museum of Crime & Punishment

10th Street & Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, DC, 202.357.2700

At the Museum of Natural History, popular kid destinations include the O. Orkin Insect Zoo, Hall of Gems and Minerals, Discovery Room, and Dinosaur-Fossil Hall. The largest (stuffed) African bush elephant in the world is located at the rotunda's center. If your kids like spiders and insects, then check out the tarantula feedings at the Insect Zoo. The Discovery Center houses hands-on-activities and a state-of-the art Johnson IMAX Theater. They limit visitors, so there may be a wait on weekends (get a free ticket for a given time and wander around the museum; monitored entrance). "With strollers, enter through Constitution Ave. (ramps, automatic doors). Cafeteria, although expensive, is a great place to take tired kids. Discovery Center has hands-on activities to keep kids busy and lets parents take a breather." (Thanks, Sandy!) Metro: Blue and Orange lines to Smithsonian. Read the Our Kids Review.

Our Kids Reader Comments

• "Smithsonian Mus. of Natural History - We LOVE the MONH! The exhibits are fresh, creative, and interactive. There is so much to see and do - Mammal Hall, Gems, the amazing Butterfly Exhibit, mummies, dinosaurs, moon rocks, and their giant famous elephant, among so so much more. Your kids will run from one amazing exhibit to another, and there’s also a room with limited hours where everything is hands on - kids can dress up in costumes, check out skeletons, examine insects, and just be engaged in fun and educational interactive exhibits. This is by far my 2 and 8 yo’s favorite museum. See if you can find the skeleton of a water-based dinosaur that contains the skeleton of another ancient fish - very cool!" - Chris P.

Please visit the website at National Museum of Natural History

4th St and Independence Ave SW, National Mall, Washington, DC, 20560, 202.633.1000

"The NMAI is the only national museum dedicated to the Native peoples of North, South, and Central America. Our educational mission is to preserve, present, and celebrate the Native cultures of the Americas...The hallmark of this museum is that all aspects of our exhibitions and programs are presented from the Native perspective-"in the Native voice." Check the website for various free family programs.

New in 2011 - the family-friendly imagINATIONS Activity Center which provides visitors a chance to explore through hands-on activities.

Please visit the website at National Museum of the American Indian

18900 Jefferson Davis Highway, Triangle, 1.877.635.1775

The National Museum of the Marine Corps opened in 2006 as a lasting tribute to the US Marines. "Situated on a 135-acre site adjacent to the Marine Corps base in Quantico, Virginia, the Museum’s soaring design evokes the image of the flag-raisers of Iwo Jima and beckons visitors to its 118,000-square-foot structure."

The museum has family-friendly activities to include a family day once a month. Consult their calendar of events for updated information.

Please visit the website at National Museum of the Marine Corps

608 Water Street, Baltimore

DC's loss is Baltimore's gain -- the National Pinball Museum has moved to Charm City where it showcases a collection of 850+ pinball machines with a twist. They strive to create a touch-play-learn environment that is educational, interactive and exciting.

The museum will open on January 14, 2012. Hours are noon to 8pm Fridays; 10am to 8pm Saturdays and noon to 6pm on Sundays. Admission, which includes unlimited game play are $10 for two hours; $15 for four hours and $20 all day.

Call 443.438.1241 for more information.

Please visit the website at National Pinball Museum

2 Massachusetts Avenue, NE, Washington, DC, 202.633.9360

Learn about the history of stamps and the postal system at the National Postal Museum, the Smithsonian's first class "repository for the largest, most comprehensive philatelic collection in the world, including 5.9 million objects." (Others were lost in the mail?)

The Discovery Center has fun Activity Kits, games that reflect museum topics, self-directed crafts and special monthly activity for families. Irony note: the Postal Museum is open seven days a week and is free. Metro: Red Line to Union Station.

Please visit the website at National Postal Museum

17th Street, between Constitution and Independence Avenues, Washington, 202-619-7222

The National World War II Memorial honors the 16 million who served our great country during the Second World War.

Situated between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial, this memorial is "a monument to the spirit, sacrifice, and commitment of the American people."

Please visit the website at National World War II Memorial

Washington Navy Yard, Washington, DC, 202.433.4882

The mission of the Naval Historical Center is "to enhance the Navy's effectiveness by preserving, analyzing and interpreting its hard-earned experience and history for the Navy and the American people." Given its location at the Washington Naval Yard, your entrance into the center will be hard-earned as well. Visitors are encouraged to visit the website to read security particulars. Green Line to Navy Yard; Orange and Blue Lines to Eastern Market (25 minute walks from each station).

Please visit the website at Naval Historical Center

555 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W. 888.NEWSEUM

The Newseum has just re-opened and is an amazing testament to journalism. "The Newseum — a 250,000-square-foot museum of news — offers visitors an experience that blends five centuries of news history with up-to-the-second technology and hands-on exhibits."

There are 14 main exhibition galleries, many interactive features for all ages, gift shops, a food court and The Source, a restaurant by Wolfgang Puck.

Admission is $20 (ages 13 to 64); $18 (65 and above); $13 (ages 7 to 12) and children 6 and under are free. Purchase your timed admission tickets online. Group rates are available.

Read the Our Kids Review.

Please visit the website at Newseum

413 Mill Street, Occoquan

The Occoquan Historical Society is a charitable non-for-profit organization. It runs the Mill House Museum, which offers a glimpse of items and artifacts that stretch back more than 200 years. The museum is open every day of the year (weather permitting) from 11am to 4pm except for Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

For families: they have a small children's touch table.

Please visit the website at Occoquan Historical Society Mill House Museum

Armed Forces Retirement Home, Washington

"The Robert H. Smith Visitor Education Center, adjacent to the Cottage, will feature related exhibits exploring the history of the Soldiers' Home, wartime Washington, DC, Lincoln as Commander-in-Chief and a special exhibit gallery."

"Located on a picturesque hilltop in Washington, DC, President Lincoln's Cottage is the most significant historic site directly associated with Lincoln's presidency aside from the White House. During the Civil War, President Lincoln and his family resided here from June to November of 1862, 1863 and 1864. All totaled, Lincoln lived here for a quarter of his presidency."

Please visit the website at President Lincoln's Cottage

830 E. Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD, 443.263.1800

Opened in 2005 with sponsorship from the State of Maryland, the museum highlights the struggles and accomplishments of African American Marylanders and serves to inspire us all.

Three galleries, three themes: African American Families and Communities in Maryland, Labor and the Black Experience, and Black Art and Intellect.

Born and raised in a rough Baltimore neighborhood, Lewis was a self-made man: he became a Wall Street lawyer and an expert practitioner of the leveraged buy-out. "Reginald Lewis accomplished more in half a century than most of us could ever deem imaginable. And his brilliant career was matched always by a warm and generous heart." Dinkins added, "It is said that '�service to others is the rent we pay on earth.'� Reg Lewis departed us paid in full." - David N. Denkins, former mayor of New York

Please visit the website at Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture

144 Constitution Avenue, NE, Washington, DC, 202.546.1210

"The Sewall-Belmont House and Museum, on Capitol Hill, explores the evolving role of women and their contributions to society through the continuing, and often untold, story of women's pursuit for equality." Check for family-friendly activities that occur throughout the year.

Please visit the website at Sewall-Belmont House & Museum

1st Street, NE & Maryland Avenue, NE, Washington, 202-479-3211

The Supreme Court of the United States is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 4:30pm. They offer a variety of educational programs and periodical exhibits. Call 202.479-3211 for updated information.

Please visit the website at Supreme Court of the United States

2320 S Street, NW, Washington, DC, 202.667.0441

"The Textile Museum expands public knowledge and appreciation – locally, nationally and internationally – of the artistic merits and cultural importance of the world’s textiles."

Drop in and explore the textile arts as a family during a free program called Family First Saturdays held year round at the Textile Museum. Programs include activities from scavenger hunts and hands-on projects to storytelling and more.

Please visit the website at Textile Museum

1200 U Street, NW, Washington, 202-667-2667

"Using photographs and documents, the African American Civil War Museum helps visitors understand the African American's heroic and largely unknown struggle for freedom for all."

Please visit the website at The African American Civil War Memorial

One Air Force Memorial Drive, Arlington

The Air Force Memorial is one of the newer memorials in the DC metro area. The memorial "honors the service and sacrifices of the men and women of the United States Air Force and its predecessor organizations."

The memorial is open daily, with various hours depending on the time of year.

Please visit the website at The Air Force Memorial

201 South Washington Street, Alexandria, VA, 703.838.4994

The Lyceum, originally a Civil War hospital, a private home, office building and the nation's first Bicentennial Center became Alexandria's History Museum in 1985.

The museum offers exhibitions, school programs, lectures, concerts and more to serve the local community. Admission is $2 and the Lyceum is open 7 days a week, excluding major holidays.

Please visit the website at The Lyceum

Marshall Drive, Arlington

The Iwo Jima Memorial, also known as the Marine Corps War Memorial is in Arlington, Virginia. The memorial "stands as a symbol of this grateful nation's esteem for the honored dead of the U.S. Marine Corps."

The memorial is open daily. In the summertime, the Marine Corps presents the Marine Sunset Review parade.

Please visit the website at The Marine Corps War Memorial

Annapolis, MD, 410.974.3400

Take your young lobbyists down to Annapolis for a tour of the Maryland State House, the oldest serving capitol building in the union. Look for and learn about the gigantic golden acorn at the top. If the docents or tourguides tell you (like the website) that the Continental Congress met there from November 1783 - August 1784, politely remind them that the United States had acheived independence by then, so it was actually the short-lived "Congress of the Confederation" that took up space in the Old Senate Chamber.)

Great looking building, stupendous dome, beautiful grounds. Go in spring.

Please visit the website at The Maryland State House

The Pentagon, Arlington

The Pentagon Memorial pays tribute to the 184 people whose lives were lost at the Pentagon and on American Airlines Flight 77, their families and all those who sacrifice so that we may live in freedom.

The Memorial is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Please consult their website for details on how to get to the memorial.

Please visit the website at The Pentagon Memorial

1644 31st Street NW, Washington, 202.965.0400

Tudor Place was built by Martha Washington’s granddaughter, Martha Custis Peter, and her husband, Thomas Peter, son of a successful Scottish tobacco merchant. Following the death of its last owner, Armistead Peter 3rd, the historic site opened to the public in 1988 under the stewardship of the Tudor Place Foundation. Tudor Place brings to life the cultural and social history of over 180 years of the Peter Family.

Tudor Place Historic House and Gardens is a beautiful place to visit with the family and they host a variety of family-friendly activities throughout the year. There is a small admission fee and they offer tours.

Please visit the website at Tudor Place Historic House and Garden Summer History Weeks

100 Raoul Wallenberg Place, SW, Washington, DC, 202.488.0400

The Holocaust Memorial Museum is "America's national institution for the documentation, study, and interpretation of Holocaust history, and serves as this country's memorial to the millions of people murdered during the Holocaust;" we include it here as an important resource for older children, rather than as a must see for the very young.

Please visit the website at United States Holocaust Museum

52 King George St, Annapolis, MD, 410.263.6933

Established in 1845, the United States Naval Academy is "the undergraduate college of the naval service (and) strives to accomplish its mission to develop midshipmen "morally, mentally, and physically.'" Alumni include 1 president, 2 cabinet members, 6 ambassadors, 19 Members of Congress, 2 Nobel Prize winners, 73 Medal of Honor recepients, and one OK great-grandfather.

Small ironies abound - Annapolis was selected by the Secretary of the Navy to protect midshipmen from "the temptations and distractions that necessarily connect with a large and populous city." The Naval Academy was founded on a 10-acre Army post named Fort Severn. The academy now covers 338 acres and is surely one of the most picturesque campuses in the world.

OK tip: if you play this one right and your kids decide to apply, you could end up saving $200,000 or so in tuition for each middie...Buy them a tee shirt at the visitor center!

Please visit the website at United States Naval Academy Visitor Center & Museum

First Street and East Capitol Street, NE, Washington

The U.S. Capitol Visitors Center is a new state-of-the-art facility built to showcase the U.S. Capitol. There is an exhibition gallery, two orientation theaters, a 550-seat cafeteria, two gift shops, and restrooms.

The Center is open from 8:30am to 4:30pm Monday through Saturday except for various holidays. Tours are conducted and are free, but advance reservations are required.

Please visit the website at US Capitol Visitors Center

3944 Cameron Street, Dumfries

Did you know that the town of Dumfries is the oldest chartered town in Virginia? Learn more at the Weems Botts Museum where you'll meet famous and learn about Virginia families including the Masons, Lees and Washingtons who frequented the town.

The museum is named after Mason Locke Weems and Benjamin Botts, both owners of the house at one point in time. Learn more on a tour offered Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm. Small admission fee is charged.

Please visit the website at Weems Botts Museum

9000 Richmond Highway, Alexandria, 703.780.4000

Woodlawn Plantation "is a gracious 126-acre estate that was originally part of George Washington’s Mount Vernon." Admission to the museum is $8.50/adults; $4/children.

Please visit the website at Woodlawn Plantation