5 Family-Friendly Places to Visit: D.C. Edition

Sure, it gets a bad rep in the press, but Washington, D.C. is actually a really beautiful place that also just happens to have politicians living in it. It's also an extremely tourist-friendly destination. 

Whether you're new to town or planning a trip, you will eventually visit the Washington Monument, the Air & Space Museum and the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. Below, are the five places you must visit to get the D.C. experience and really have something to write home about.

1. The National Arboretum

Established in 1927, the United States National Arboretum is composed of 446 acres of land with over 9 miles of roadways. Whether you're a nature buff, a budding botanist or just an outdoorsy type of person, the Arboretum has something for you. 

The National Capitol Columns- USNA website

Wherever you choose to go, you'll find something beautiful and interesting but the Bonsai & Penjing Museum, the National Capitol Columns and the Azalea Collections are specially noteworthy. 

Like almost everything in region, the Arboretum is metro accessible, but you'll really want to have a friend bring you or event rent a car so that you can explore more. Wear comfortable shoes as you'll probably walk a lot and be sure to pack a lunch. There are plenty of eating areas where the whole family can rest and absorb nature.

Admission to the Arboretum is free. It closes only December 25th. 

2. Paddle Boats in the Tidal Basin

Paddle boating on the Tidal Basin is a great family activity that will keep you busy for an hour without making too much of an effort. If you've never been before, you should know that it is not as easy as it looks, so it can also be a good bonding exercise. If you're the competitive type, get two boats and race in the safety of the Basin while enjoying people and monument watching.

In summer, be sure to bring water and a hat. 

Prices for Summer 2011 are $12/hr for a two person boat or $19/hr for a four person boat. Closes for Winter after Columbus Day.

3. Get lost in the stacks of the Library of Congress

You don't have to be a bibliophile to appreciate everything the Library of Congress has to offer. Not only does the LoC offer an extensive collection, it also host tours, concerts and more. Show up during visiting hours to take one of their free tours or check out their calendar of events to catch a special show. 

Library of Congress
Creative Commons: saturnism

Admission to the Library of Congress is free.

4. Take a break in the Kogod Courtyard

Housed in the Donald W. Reynolds Center for American Art and Portraiture, the Kogod Courtyard is a beautiful space on its own right. While you are there, you'll want to visit the National Portrait Gallery and the adjoining Smithsonian American Art Museum. Both are filled with one of a kind works and stories. 

The Kogod Courtyard itself offers a respite in the city's Penn Quarter, just a few blocks away from the National Mall. Just sit at one of the tables and enjoy a respite from your vacation.

Kogod Courtyward
Creative Commons: cliff1066™

Admission to the Kogod Courtyard is free. Wi-Fi available.

5. Kennedy Center

Did you know that the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is open to the public on daily basis? The architecture of the center itself is worth a visit, but the Kennedy Center also offers free tours and free programs on its modern Millennium Stage. World-class performers often perform on the Millennium stage and future scheduled performers include Charles Covington Jr., Beauty & Melody Orchestra of Sichuan, and the International Young Artist Piano Competition.

Creative Commons: Kyle Rush

Admission to Kennedy Center tours and Millennium Stage performances are free. 

Become a Better Traveler

Nothing says "Ask me a question!" like a smile

Smiling at another person can be a sign of approval, affection or just simple friendliness. It is a gift that asks only to be accepted. A smile is not to be confused with the leer from the would-be-Cassanova or the smirk from the high-and-mighty among the rest of us mere mortals. Unlike those, a smile usually merits simply a smile or a nod back: Yes, I saw it too. Yes, I see you.
For a traveler, a smile is a universal currency. Although how it's received can vary widely according to location, in most social settings, a smile is your first hello.

Find the unexpected, and you'll always have a reason to smile. 

Lost? Unsure?

Washington, D. C. is a tourist mecca. Being a local here means either breezing past visitors standing in front of the metro with a confused look on their faces or stopping to share it's color-coded ease. The people I usually stop to help are the ones who stop gazing long enough to look around, smile and cast a friendly eye. Likewise, when I travel, I try to smile at people I meet much more often than I would at home. Nothing could be worse for the disoriented traveler than to be in an unknown city, lost and looking like you'd rather not talk.
The world is full of people and places, smile and you're more likely to meet some and see the other. If you're nervous about meeting strangers, just remember they are just friend you haven't met.