Animals
National Aquarium Take a break from history and politics and duck inside the Commerce building to find this hidden attraction; watch as sharks and piranhas devour their prey at the daily feeding shows; grab hold of crabs, sea urchins and other slimy marine creatures in the touch tank. 14th & Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, D.C.; +1 202 482 2825. Fee.
National Zoological Park Meet the zoo's most famous resident, Tai Shan, the panda cub born on site, visit the ape habitat and watch playful orang utans swing by overhead, admire South America's only bear, the spectacled bear in the Amazonia habitat. 3001 Connecticut Ave., NW, Washington, D.C.; +1 202 673 4800.
Culture
The Anacostia Community Museum Check out a variety of rotating galleries that explore African American culture, heritage, and history; attend a special event; learn all about one of D.C.'s first suburbs, Anacostia. 1901 Fort Place, SE, Washington, D.C.; +1 202 633 4820.
Art Museum of the Americas Take in a variety of multimedia pieces from contemporary Latin American artists, part of the Organization of American States' collection of nearly 2,000 objects, many artists being exhibited here for the first time outside their home countries; attend a hands-on interactive family workshop. 201 18th St., NW, Washington, D.C.; +1 202 458 6016.
Corcoran Gallery of Art Admire European masterpieces from American and European icons like Degas, Delacroix, Monet, Hopper, Picasso, Rodin, Warhol, Peale, Whistler, and Rembrandt or discover the works of a new generation of masters from the Corcoran College of Art & Design; visit on a Saturday to catch an interactive tour and artist-led creative activity. 500 17th St., NW, Washington, D.C.; +1 202 639 1700. Fee.
Daughters of the American Revolution Museum Travel back in time, from the 17th to early 20th centuries, as you visit rooms decorated in period style, including an 1860s Californian adobe parlor and a toy-filled New Hampshire attic; join a docent-led tour to learn about the life and times of ordinary Americans. 1776 D St., NW, Washington, D.C.; +1 202 628 1776.
Freer-Sackler Galleries Explore thousands of years of Asian history and culture, examine tea bowls from 16th century Japan, decipher millennium-old Islamic manuscripts, marvel at the paper-thin Chinese porcelain from the Ming dynasty. Sackler: 1050 Independence Ave.; Freer: Jefferson Dr. at 12th St., the galleries are connected by an underground exhibition space, Washington, D.C.; +1 202 633 4880.
Hirshhorn Museum Step inside a world of refracted light and twisted landscapes at the national museum for modern and contemporary art; see the works of Picasso, de Kooning, and Warhol; wander the outdoor sculpture garden among structures by Rodin, Matisse, Calder, and others. Independence Ave. & 7th St. SW., Washington, D.C.; +1 202 633 1000.
International Spy Museum Find out if you have what it takes to be a real secret agent when you test your surveillance skills at the interactive School for Spies; examine pinhole cameras, microdot films, lipstick pistols, and disguise techniques at the Tools of the Trade displays; learn about celebrity undercover agents like Josephine Baker, and about the sacrifices of less famous operatives who died in the field. 800 F St., NW, Washington, D.C.; +1 866 779 6873. Fee.
The Kreeger Museum Wander through this intriguing modernist exterior before you enter this private museum of modern art; admire the highlight pieces from masters like Picasso, Gauguin, Munch, Cezanne, and Miró; constantly changing exhibits bring in world-class pieces from contemporary artists. 2401 Foxhall Rd., NW, Washington, D.C.; +1 877 337 3050. Fee.
Library of Congress Explore the nation's library, the largest in the world, home to 138 million books, records, photos, and maps; pick up a Discovery Guide as soon as you arrive to best explore the Jefferson building and learn about its history and architecture. 101 Independence Ave., SE, Washington, D.C.; +1 202 707 8000.
National Gallery of Art Marvel at a da Vinci portrait or a Michelangelo sculpture; visit the East Building for the contemporary collections, including masterpieces from Picasso, Miró, Pollack, Warhol, and others; go on The Great Picture Hunt in the West Building to find diverse works of art and certain hidden details within each painting or sculpture. Between 3rd and 7th Streets at Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, D.C.; +1 202 737 4215.
National Geographic Society Visit the home of the iconic magazine and check out ever-changing exhibits inside the Explorers Hall museum and within the M Street building's courtyard; catch a lecture, concert, or film through NG Live! series; head to the gift shop to stock up on special National Geographic publications and other souvenirs. 1145 17th St., NW, Washington, D.C.; +1 202 857 7588.
National Museum of African Art Immerse yourself in the art and culture of America's African heritage at this diverse collection of archives, photography, and artwork; view sculpture from Benin and ancient artifacts from the ancient Nubian city of Kerma alongside contemporary paintings and mixed media presentations. 950 Independence Ave., SW., Washington, D.C.; +1 202 633 4600.
National Museum of American History Get up close to an eclectic mix of America's cultural, political, and scientific history from Dorothy's slippers to Kermit the Frog to the original Star Spangled Banner that inspired the lyrics of our National Anthem; ride an antique bike, take a DNA fingerprint, harness a life-sized mule, or learn about Buffalo hide painting in one of the Hands On History rooms. Constitution Ave. & 14th St. NW, Washington, D.C.; +1 202 633 1000.
National Museum of the American Indian Learn how to say hello in 150 native languages at the Welcome Wall; take in a documentary film at the Lelawi Theater; make sure to grab a native treats, like plantain chips and bison steak, at the museum's noteworthy Mitsitam Native Foods Café. 4th St. & Independence Ave., SW, Washington, D.C.; +1 202 633 1000.
National Museum of Women in the Arts Explore the works of Georgia O'Keeffe, Frida Kahlo, and many other women from the often overlooked female side of the art world; enjoy some rarely seen works by women from the Renaissance; attend a family festival or literary of musical event. 1250 New York Ave., NW, Washington, D.C.; +1 202 783 5000. Fee.
National Portrait Gallery Admire the famous Gilbert Stuart "Lansdowne" portrait of George Washington in the American Presidents exhibition or Degas' portrait of painter Mary Cassatt; the museum has over 19,000 images of influential Americans. 8th & F St., NW, Washington, D.C.; +1 202 633 1000.
Octagon Museum Visit this oddly shaped and misnamed six-sided house in the heart of the city, which was the temporary home to President Madison from 1817 to 1828; the building is full of exhibits explaining Washington history and exploring architectural themes. 1799 New York Ave., NW, Washington, D.C.; +1 202 638 3221. Fee.
Phillips Collection Linger over masterpieces from Cézanne, van Gogh, Renoir, Rothko, Klee, and Degas at America's first museum of modern art; this stunning collection of magnum opuses fill this inviting museum, staffed by knowledgeable and friendly art students. Interactive computer programs help educate users about the different artists and styles present in the museum. 1600 21st St., NW, Washington, D.C.; +1 202 387 2151. Fee.
Renwick Gallery Marvel at the gallery's vast collection of American artwork, take in the palatial 19th-century Grand Salon, admire paintings by Plains Indians that adorn the walls and the meticulously crafted Shaker chairs, discover encrusted jewelry made for wealthy Gilded Age industrialists. 1661 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, D.C.; +1 202 633 2850.
Entertainment
Folger Shakespeare Library Attend a performance; pore over rare manuscripts and Shakespeare collections; create new instruments and a song to go with them at the interactive Music in Early Modern England exhibit; learn about the world of Queen Elizabeth and Shakespeare's influence on American life at the special kids'-only section on the library's website. 201 E. Capitol St., SE, Washington, D.C.; +1 202 544 4600.
Kennedy Center Enter through the grand Hall of Nations, lined with flags from every country who helped build the center; take a guided tour through the massive Grand Foyer, illuminated by 18 one-ton crystal chandeliers; stay around until 6 P.M. when you can catch a free show every day at the Millennium Stage, or plan ahead and buy tickets for a performance by the National Philharmonic; wander onto a terrace overlooking the Potomac for a great view. Intersection of New Hampshire Ave., NW and Rock Creek Parkway, Washington, D.C.; 800 444 1324. Fee.
History
Capitol Building Observe America's deliberative body at work by observing Congress when in session; tour the magnificent building, inspired by the Roman Pantheon; glimpse the portraits and sculptures of powerful Americans; look up to see the vibrant fresco by Constantino Brumidi that decorates the inside of the Rotunda Dome; stop by the Capitol Visitors Center, on the capitol's east side, full of a slew of amenities including a gallery, theaters, cafeteria, and gift shops. East end of the Mall, Washington, D.C.; +1 202 225 6827.
Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land Admire the Byzantine architecture of this historic building, take a guided tour of the grottos and catacombs that form a web underneath the structure, enjoy a relaxing stroll in the gardens beneath the blooming cherry blossoms. 1400 Quincy St., NE, Washington, D.C.; +1 202 526 6800.
Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial Walk through four outdoor "rooms" that commemorate periods in FDR's presidency; located on the western edge of the Tidal Basin, the memorial contains statues of the 32nd president in his wheelchair, shown in bronze as he was rarely depicted in life. Ohio Drive between the Tidal Basin and Potomac River, Washington, D.C.; +1 202 426 6841.
Frederick Douglass National Historic Site Uncover the sacrifices made by one of America's great early civil rights leaders at his restored Anacostia home; see Douglass' bedroom just as he left it; visit his library to learn what the great thinker was reading before his death. 1411 W. St., SE, Washington, D.C.; +1 202 426 5961.
Korean War Veterans Memorial Walk around the 19 stainless steel soldiers frozen in battlefield position in the southwest corner of the Mall; notice the sea of faces watching you from the granite wall that flanks the larger-than-life statues; take in the full weight of the memorial's inscription, "Freedom Isn't Free." Independence Ave. at the Lincoln Memorial, Washington, D.C.; +1 202 426 6841.
Lincoln Memorial Take a break in the shade of old Abe, who presides over the west end of the Mall from his stately pillared vantage point; enjoy a spectacular view of the Reflecting Pool, the World War II Memorial, and the Washington Monument from the front steps; meditate on the nation's history under the stern gaze of its 16th president. Independence Ave. and 23rd St., Washington, D.C.; +1 202 426 6841.
National Air and Space Museum Imagine piloting the original Wright flyer as you peer at it high above you; scope out the Space capsules, fighter jets, and high-speed test planes that dot the museum's interior; throw your head back in the massive IMAX theater and experience being behind the controls of a jumbo jet. Independence Ave. & 6th St., SW., Washington, D.C.; +1 202 633 1000.
The National Archives Marvel at the founding documents of America, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Declaration of Independence; these awe-inspiring pieces of paper float in a bullet-proof case of helium and water vapor below the looming rotunda; visit the Public Vaults section of the Archives to see rotating exhibits from the archive's vast collections, including the first issue of Mad magazine. Constitution Ave., NW, between 7th and 9th Streets, NW, Washington, D.C.; +1 202 501 5000.
National Building Museum Uncover the history behind the federal architecture that decorates the city at the Washington: City and Symbol exhibit; don a hard hat and tool belt while you build a brick wall at the Building Zone or toy with the bulldozers in the Construction Zone. 401 F St., NW, Washington, D.C.; +1 202 272 2448. Fee.
National Postal Museum Peruse rare and misprinted stamps, like the 1918 "Inverted Jenny" biplane at the Philatelic Gallery; see different mail carrying technologies that trace the development of the American Postal System at the Moving the Mail exhibit. 2 Massachusetts Ave., NE, Washington, D.C.; +1 202 633 5555.
Newseum Find out if you have what it takes to be a reporter in the fast-paced news world at the NBC News Interactive Newsroom; explore the unique challenges faced by journalists in the aftermath of September 11th at the Chronicling an Attack on America exhibit; watch movies, read articles, and see displays that trace journalism's contributions to democracy. 555 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, D.C.; 888 NEWSEUM. Fee.
The Supreme Court Enter the court through the impressive Corinthian pillars that frame the door, tour the lobby where you will see busts of former justices and colorful judicial frescos, sit in on oral arguments with older kids to learn how America's highest judicial body conducts business. 1 1st St., NE, Washington, D.C.; +1 202 479 3211.
Thomas Jefferson Memorial Enjoy the quiet of the Jefferson Memorial, located across the Tidal Basin from the Mall and the rest of its must-see attractions; admire the huge bronze figure of one of our Founding Fathers; read selections from some of his writings that are inscribed on the walls; visit in the spring to admire the surrounding cherry blossom trees in bloom and rent a paddle boat to whiz about the Tidal Basin from spring to fall. Ohio Drive SW & East Basin Drive SW, Washington, D.C.; +1 202 426 6841.
U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing Gaze at the printing presses, cutting, and sorting machines that produce the nation's currency; watch as approximately 38 million bank notes are printed each day. 14th & C St. S.W., Washington, D.C.; 866 874 2330.
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Reflect on one of humanities greatest tragedies at this hauntingly immersive museum, receive an "identification card” on entrance and learn of your fate as you trace the path of real victims, listen to recorded oral histories from survivors and see a real boxcar that moved prisoners to Dachau and other death camps. 100 Raoul Wallenberg Place, SW, Washington, D.C.; +1 202 488 0400.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Catch your reflection in the Wall, a black granite gash rising out of the ground in the northwest corner of the Mall; run your fingers over the engraved names of almost 60,000 Vietnam casualties and remember their sacrifices without thought to politics, as the memorial's designer Maya Lin intended. 21st St. and Constitution Ave., Washington, D.C.; +1 202 426 6841.
Washington Monument Ride to the top of the Washington Monument, shaped like an Egyptian obelisk, for a commanding view of the District and surrounding areas; circle the base below and strain your neck to take in all 555+ feet of this standout on the D.C. skyline. A visit to the top of the monument is free but requires a ticket, which can be obtained from the kiosk near its base starting at 8:30 A.M. or online. 15th St. and Madison Drive, Washington, D.C.; +1 202 426 6841.
Washington National Cathedral Take a guided tour through this gothic architectural masterpiece; peer up at the flying buttresses, eerie gargoyles, and artistic stained glass windows that decorate the building; climb to the Pilgrim gallery for a panoramic view of the city; take a moment to relax among the tea roses in the Bishop's Garden. Massachusetts and Wisconsin Aves., NW, Washington, D.C.; +1 202 537 6200.
The White House Wander into the threshold of every President since John Adams, see rooms where some of the world's most important decisions were made. Tours are limited in availability and must be requested through one's member of Congress, so plan ahead and register early. 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, D.C.; +1 202 456 7041.
World War II Memorial Admire the areas on either side of the mammoth memorial that commemorate the Pacific and Atlantic theaters; walk around the outer circle, which contains a metal wreath for each state and U.S. territory; check out the bronze friezes that depict detailed scenes from the home front during the war; watch the water of the fountains play in the sunlight. 17th St. between Constitution Ave. and Independence Ave., Washington, D.C.; +1 202 426 6841.
Nature
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Walk the forested path along this placid 184.5-mile channel along the Potomac River; visit during the warmer months to take a guided tour of the canal on a barge pulled by mules; fishing, camping, and picnics are lovely when the cherry blossoms are in bloom. Georgetown Visitors Center: 1057 Thomas Jefferson St., NW, Washington, D.C.; +1 202 653 5190. Fee.
Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens Escape the crowds in the nation's Capitol for a respite amid water lilies and monarch butterflies; visit during spring to find the whole park alive with cherry blossoms, magnolias, and other colorful flora. Anacostia Ave. & Douglas St., NE, Washington, D.C.; +1 202 426 6905.
Rock Creek Park Watch as bees make honey at the Nature Center, follow a ranger on a guided hike through this urban wilderness, scan the night sky as it flies past you in the planetarium, set up for a picnic along side the banks of burbling Rock Creek, catch a summer concert at the Carter Barron Amphitheatre. Planetarium: 5200 Glover Rd., NW, Washington, D.C.; +1 202 895 6000.
Theodore Roosevelt Island National Park Cross the pedestrian bridge over the Potomac River from Rosslyn, VA, to explore this island memorial dedicated to our 26th president and his legacy of conservation; roam the island's trails; visit the Roosevelt Statute. Accessible only from northbound lanes on the George Washington Memorial Parkway. +1 703 289 2500.
U.S. Botanic Gardens Explore the Butterfly, Rose, and First Ladies Water gardens; experience a tropical rain forest inside the conservatory; marvel at the colorful orchid garden; learn from exhibits explaining which plants are key ingredients in everyday consumer items. 100 Maryland Ave. SW, Washington, D.C.; +1 202 225 8333.
The U.S. National Arboretum Creep through a bamboo forest in the Japanese woodlands, admire the carefully sculpted trees in the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum, venture into the National Herb garden for a pleasant assault on your senses. 3501 New York Ave., NE, Washington, D.C.; +1 202 245 2726.
Science
The Marian Koshland Science Museum Learn the science behind the news at rotating exhibits; discover how DNA is helping to solve crimes at the genetics exhibit, meet Bessy the Cow and learn how the methane she emits contributes to global warming. Corner of 6th & E St., NW, Washington, D.C.; +1 888 567 4526. Fee.
National Museum of Natural History Cower beneath the 87-foot Diplodocus that reigns supreme over Dinosaur Hall, learn how yams are prepared in Ghana at the African Voices gallery, learn what makes a mammal a mammal at the Hall of Mammals, watch a tarantula feeding at the Orkin Insect Zoo; in the winter, go ice skating at the rink in the sculpture garden between the Natural History museum and the National Gallery of Art. Constitution Ave. & 10th St., NW, Washington, D.C.; +1 202 633 1000.