Closest major city:
Washington, D.C.

State:
District of Columbia

Appropriate age group(s):
Preschool and Younger
Elementary School
Middle School
High School & Beyond

Best time to visit:
Weekends, Holidays, Summer

Time needed for trip:
Full day

Description:
Washington D.C. is a great place to spend time as a family, and there are plenty of free ways to enjoy the outdoors. Getting your exercise is easy. You can spend an entire day at the National Mall playing frisbee, jogging or just walking and enjoying the two-mile park that stretches from the Capitol to the Washington Monument. Families that enjoy biking, hiking or in-line skating can do so along the Potomac River or in Rock Creek Park, which has over 1,000 acres of trails and scenic picnic spots. Pick up a local paper and find out where the next free concert is taking place, such as the lunchtime concerts on Freedom Plaza. Over the 4th of July you can enjoy a spectacular display of fireworks on the National Mall. Watch ongoing chess matches in Dupont Circle. Have fun ice skating on the Reflecting Pool. Enjoy over 6,000 cherry blossoms in full bloom. And don't go home before you take a twilight walk to the top of the U.S. Capitol steps for an incredible view of the city and to enjoy the Jefferson and Lincoln Memorials lit up at night. For more information regarding your vacation to Washington, D.C., visit www.washington.org.