Thus far, this is the list as I know it:
- Arlington National Cemetery. Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Changing of the Guard
- National Spy Museum
- The National Archives where our Declaration of Independence, Constitution, Bill of Rights and the 1297 version of the Magna Carta are all stored.
- Lincoln Memorial
- Jefferson Memorial
- Vietnam Wall (Family served in that war)
- We're planning on walking the mall
- Fireworks on the Mall for the Fourth
- We want to see the reading of the Declaration of Independence (supposed to be in-period costume)
We're arriving on the 2nd, leaving on the 5th, not how much more we can squeeze in. I've been told by several Freepers on this thread and in FRMail that Mount Vernon is a must-do. We'll probably do that on the 5th before we start our journey home.
All the suggestions on this thread have been awesome, looking forward to posting pics when we get back.
Forgot one: We’re taking youngest son to see the National Aquarium. He’s quite the young Jacques Cousteau, so that stop’s just for him.
You’ve an ambitious list!
I think your kids will be bored w/ Mt. Vernon...but it’s still a *must* IMO. Monticello is much more interesting.
Under the Ampitheatre at the Tomb, are public restrooms. If you have the *need*, use them B4 the ceremony, otherwise the lines will be tremendously long when things break-up.. Also, if it is *quiet* when you visit...your teenagers might be able to interact with the sentinels, whose changing/dressing rooms are there below the Ampitheatre. We met one young Honor Guard who took a lot of time to talk to my boys. It was very impressive.
Also, if you can get to the south gate of Fort Myer, you can probably talk your way to letting the guard let you in; [they are much more restrictive now]; you can see the stable for the horses that work the Caissons. The soldiers there are charming and very willing to give you a tour. If your kids like horses....they’ll love this experience. Not too many people know about this part of Arlington/Ft. Meyer.
I’m sending you a FReepmail on how to get into the Bureau of Engravings. Tickets for the day you go, are distributed *early* in the morning....once they are gone...you have to go back the next morning and try again. Very time consuming.
One more thought. If it is *HOT* ...think about taking a sidetrip to Luray Caverns...it’s a lovely drive from DC near Port Royal [charming town] . The temperature in Luray Caverns is a constant 54 °F year round....quite a relief from the city heat.
Have great fun!