Zoos are a great place for families to visit any time of year and offer an unforgettable learning experience about our world’s amazing wildlife. Listed alphabetically, the following 10 zoos are among the best on the East Coast of the USA. Visit one of these for a memorable encounter that will inspire future generations with wonder and respect for the natural world.

Bronx Zoo

The Bronx Zoo in New York is the biggest urban zoo in the world

At 265 acres, the Bronx Zoo in New York is the biggest urban zoo in the world. Their naturalistic habitats are home to over 600 species of creatures in fantastic exhibits including Tiger Mountain, JungleWorld, the Congo Gorilla Forest, African Plains, Madagascar! and the Baboon Reserve. Their award-winning Children’s Zoo boasts three acres of hands-on activities that help children learn all about animals and their habitats and includes a petting zoo. The zoo also features a Bug Carousel, camel rides, a Zoo Shuttle with unlimited rides per ticket, a 4-D Theater, and the Wild Asia Monorail that takes visitors on a guided tour where elephants, rhinos, tigers and other wildlife frolic in the forests, riverbanks and pastures of their habitats. Daily animal feedings and training demonstrations offer unforgettable encounters as well. The Bronx Zoo is located at Bronx River Parkway at Fordham Road in Bronx, New York 10470. For more information visit www.bronxzoo.com

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Safari tours at Disney's Animal Kingdom are a wonderful way to view many of the animals at the park, like this elephant

As part of the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, Disney’s Animal Kingdom encompasses 500 lush acres and over 1,700 animals from 250 species. There are seven themed areas surrounding the park’s Tree of Life - a 14-story sculpted thematic park centerpiece –  with exhibits, expeditions and safaris that offer close encounters with the animals. Pulsating entertainment includes musical stage performances, parades, and fantastic shows like Flights of Wonder that features 20 bird species including macaws, hawks and eagles. Several rides whirl guests through themed adventures like the Kali River Rapids rafts, the Expedition Everest coaster, the TriceraTop Spin, the Wildlife Express Train and more. A shaded petting zoo lets children learn more about a variety of animals including llamas, sheep, goats and chickens. Kids can also run, climb, slide or dig for fossils at the playground with a shaded dig site called The Boneyard. Disney’s Animal Kingdom is located at 2901 Osceola Parkway in Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830. For more information visit www.disneyworld.disney.go.com (under “Parks” tab at top)

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

Train rides are one of the delights featured at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

With over 1,800 exotic animals and 1,000 diverse plants, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens in Jacksonville, Florida offers families an exciting wildlife adventure. Some of the many naturalistic exhibits are the Great Apes, the Plains of East Africa, the River Valley Aviary, the Giraffe Overlook, Wild Florida, and the Range of the Jaguar that is home to one of the nation’s largest collections of these gorgeous cats. Its botanical gardens are a passionate testament to nature’s beauty, and a sanctuary for strolling. The zoo offers behind-the-scenes tours, lush garden tours, keeper talks, bird watching, train rides, and a delightful wildlife carousel. A play park with splash ground lets children run, jump, climb and play through mazes and a variety of nature-themed apparatus. They can also pet animals such as pygmy goats in the animal care contact yard, explore several tree houses, do arts and crafts and other activities in the Discovery Building, and much more. The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is located at 370 Zoo Parkway in Jacksonville, Florida 32218. For more information visit www.jacksonvillezoo.org

The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore

Guests can feed the giraffes for a nominal fee at The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore

With its opening in 1876, The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, Maryland is the third oldest zoo in the nation, and is home to over 2,000 animals. African Journey is the zoo’s largest area with numerous exhibits where animals indigenous to Africa can be seen. Watch cheetahs, gazelle, warthogs, elephants, rhinos, zebras, lions and more in naturalistic habitats. Go on camel rides or feed giraffes at the feeding station for a nominal fee. In Polar Bear Watch, guests can explore the tundra setting with arctic foxes, snowy owls, ravens and polar bears with a large underwater viewing area to see the bears swim. The Maryland Wilderness featuring The Children’s Zoo boasts many interactive exhibits that inspire children to crawl, climb and jump like the animals displayed – all native to Maryland – and includes a walk-through aviary, cave, petting area with farmyard critters, and much more. The zoo also has a few carnival-style rides, a train, a carousel, a variety of tours, animal encounters and educational keeper talks. The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore is located at 1876 Mansion House Drive in Baltimore, Maryland 21217. For more information visit www.marylandzoo.org

Philadelphia Zoo

State-of-the-art exhibits at the Philadelphia Zoo let visitors see many animals like this very regal lion up close through tall windows

The Philadelphia Zoo in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is the nation’s first and oldest zoo, having opened after the American Civil War. Over 1,300 animals – many of them rare and endangered – live on the 42-acres in habitats that allow visitors to see and experience the animals up close.  Get face-to-face with big cats from around the world including tigers, lions, leopards and jaguars through tall glass windows rather than across deep moats. Watch gorillas as they meander through stunning lush gardens. There are bears, birds, bugs, reptiles, aquatic animals and so much more. Children will love the variety of rides and activities such as the Amazon Rainforest Carousel, camel and pony rides, swan boats, train rides, hand-feeding lorikeets, and the Channel 6 Zooballoon that offers panoramic views at a soaring 400 feet. The Children’s Zoo allows kids to pet and feed familiar furry and feathered farm friends, and get a closer look at creepy crawlies at Backyard Bugs, while they learn about the many creatures that share our planet. The Philadelphia Zoo is located at 3400 West Girard Avenue in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104. For more information visit www.philadelphiazoo.org

Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium

These sea lions and over 4,000 animals live at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium

With its fantastic combination of zoo and aquarium, the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania features 77 acres with over 4,000 animals.  Guests can see lions, elephants, zebras and ostriches roam among the plains and animals of the African Savanna exhibits. There are over 90 primates in the indoor/outdoor Tropical Forest complex. The Asian Forest is home to snow leopards, tigers, a Komodo dragon and other fascinating creatures. Visitors can get a close look at polar bears, sea otters and sand tiger sharks in the Water’s Edge exhibit with its two underwater tunnels. The PPG Aquarium boasts over 4,000 exotic fish, an open ocean tank, coral reef, stingray tunnel and more. Children will love exploring the Kid’s Kingdom with its petting zoo, animal encounters, playful sea lion shows, reptile house, playground and many interactive exhibits where they can learn all about the animals. Train and carousel rides (Memorial Day through Labor day – weather permitting) top off an exciting visit here. The Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium is located at 1 Wild Place in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15206. For more information visit www.pittsburghzoo.org

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

Pretty penguins frolicking at the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

Over 2,000 animals live at Columbia, South Carolina’s 170-acre Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, while its lush exotic and native plants – including perennials, vines, fragrant flowers and more – are all enchantingly displayed among waterfalls, scenic river views and tranquil pathways that inspire a wonder for nature. Some of the animal exhibits include the African Plains with giraffes, zebras and ostriches; Large Mammals with lions, tigers, bears and baboons; Australian Animals with koalas, a walk-through lorikeet aviary, kangaroos and wallabies; and the Ndoki Forest with elephants, monkeys, gorillas and meerkats. The award-winning Aquarium Reptile Complex features fish, amphibians, invertebrates and reptiles along with daily diving presentations. The popular Riverbanks Farm lets children get a closer look at farm animals while learning about farm life. This wonderful zoo also offers pony rides, an Endangered Species Carousel, and a 3-D Adventure Theater with exciting shows. They are located at 500 Wildlife Parkway in Columbia, South Carolina 29210. For more information visit www.riverbanks.org

Smithsonian National Zoological Park

Graceful cheetahs lounging at the National Zoo

Founded in 1889, the National Zoological Park in Washington, DC is one of the oldest zoos in the USA. There are about 2,000 animals from 400 species including its popular giant pandas (one of only four such centers housing giant pandas in the USA), Asian elephants, great apes, big cats, birds, small mammals, aquatic animals, amphibians, reptiles, insects and a host of endangered species which comprise about a quarter of the animals there. Exciting daily programs include feeding demonstrations, animal training, and keeper presentations where visitors can learn more about the fascinating animals, what they eat, and how they behave. The Kids’ Farm engages children with hands-on activities and a petting barn where they can learn about a variety of animals including goats, hogs, cows, alpacas and donkeys. There is also a playground area and Pizza Garden where they can discover the origins of ingredients that make a pizza. The National Zoo offers free admission and is located at 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW in Washington, DC 20008. For more information visit www.nationalzoo.si.edu

Zoo Atlanta

Zoo Atlanta is one of only four zoos in the nation with giant pandas

Zoo Atlanta in Atlanta, Georgia is home to more than 1,300 animals representative of over 220 species residing in about 40 lush acres of realistic wildlife habitats. Like the Smithsonian National Zoological Park, it too was founded in 1889 and is Atlanta’s oldest cultural venue. Some of the exhibit highlights include the Asian Forest and the Ford African Rain Forest with the nation’s biggest zoological collection of orangutans and gorillas, a giant panda conservation, and the African Plains and Mzima Springs where black rhinos, giraffe, lions, zebras, meerkats, ostriches and other animals roam a five-acre savanna like the African plains. Children will be delighted with KIDZone where they can explore the children’s zoo with spacious petting zoo and outback station, ride the Endangered Species Carousel, scale the Rock Climber wall, embark on educational train rides, and romp around in the outdoor and indoor play areas. The zoo also features live shows, presentations and feedings, including friendly parakeet feedings by guests. Zoo Atlanta is located at 800 Cherokee Avenue SE in Atlanta, Georgia 30315. For more information visit www.zooatlanta.org

Zoo Miami

Zoo Miami has camel rides among its many enticements

The Zoo Miami in Miami, Florida is the only tropical zoo in the continental United States, and one of the country’s largest zoos with over 300 developed acres. It has more than 100 exhibits with over 2,000 animals living in spacious naturalistic habitats among lush tropical landscaping. The exhibits feature animals native to Africa, Asia, the Amazon and Australia with everything from tigers and tortoises to lions and leopards, to anacondas, anteaters and much more. The large amphitheater features exciting wildlife shows, while keeper talks and feedings can be seen throughout the park. The air-conditioned Zoofari Monorail provides guests with great views and narrated tours about the animals. The Children’s Zoo offers up-close and personal interaction with many smaller animals. Familiar barnyard animals like goats, sheep and horses await children at the Wacky Barn. Kids can also take camel rides or enjoy the Wildlife Carousel with its assortment of endangered animals. Zoo Miami is located at 1 Zoo Boulevard in Miami, Florida 33177. For more information visit www.miamimetrozoo.com

All of these concerns are very contemporary of course. Even ten years ago, families didn’t consider the cleaning products, recycling policies, or earth sustainability in hotel or resort choices. Renting hybrid vehicles instead of gas-guzzling mini-vans wasn’t really part of the vacation planning process. But now such considerations are there. Parental awareness of safety hazards for their children simply have to include cleaning chemicals and potentially toxic furnishings. And, as a parent, speaking personally, I know that the environment I leave behind will belong to my children and their children. So whenever possible, we try to support environmentally conscious hotels, when our budget and travel locations allow.

There’s a sea of green-certification policies out there, indicating just how safe and earth friendly hotels, restaurants, and destinations actually are. It can be confusing, daunting, and expensive to negotiate these policies. So we always look at basic sustainable design and with chain hotels, policy commitments to the environment.

We love staying in boutique properties like this Ojai, CA hotel - and appreciate chemical free cleaning and organic food sourcing.

Eco Friendly Kimpton Hotels

On our recent summer East Coast trip, we discovered some wonderful in-roads have been made in a variety of chains and locations. We were particularly delighted with the Kimpton Hotels properties we visited in Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., both of which utilized the kind of general green-guidelines we like our family to follow, and which will keep you and your little ones safe, healthy, and happy when traveling.  Read about our stay at the Kimpton helix in Washington D.C.

One thing we always look for that these properties made possible is a wealth of natural light. We dislike old-style chain hotels with enclosed court yards and no access to sunlight and fresh air, or very limited access through one small back window. Kimpton’s feature a direct sight-line to the outdoors through large, light-giving windows, and make a pledge that ninety percent of the spaces on their properties have this light access. Offering this really brightens a room and your child’s day; it also means that fifteen percent of lighting power has been easily reduced – and the chain stresses that it utilizes high efficiency flourescent lighting to reduce electricity waste still further. This also means less of those high-heat bulbs that can burn curious toddler fingers. Best of all, for us, Kimpton has used paint, sealants and furniture coatings that are designed to meet volatile organic compound standards – meaning no residual toxic odors in their decorating. For us, using eco-friendly non-toxic housekeeping chemicals was a key bonus as well. It’s nice to know that the hotel dresser your child is running his or her tiny hands over has not been just hosed down with a toxic chemical compound. We also liked the chain’s decision to support organic food growers and whenever possible, locally sourced food items.

Recycling bin at the Kimpton Hotel in Philly.

Eco Friendly Sheraton Hotels

Like Kimpton, Sheraton Hotels offers recycling bins in the rooms, stresses linen and towel re-use during a stay, and has made a concerted effort to switch to Energy Star energy saving appliances in its hotels. On our recent trip to Raleigh North Carolina, we stayed at the Raleigh Sheraton in downtown which fully used green housekeeping methods and had big, bright windows letting in natural light and air.  Room service breakfast included organic, stone-ground oatmeal and local free-range eggs. Sheraton Tampa Westshore did not feature impressive natural lighting however, and we could not find that particular property’s policy on housekeeping products or food sourcing, which at least at their breakfast buffet did not have a farm-fresh feel to the offerings. You may want to check with individual properties yourself, if a hotel chain does not have complete or inclusive policy statements on its website.

Boutique Properties

Aside from chain hotels, you’ll want to contact individual hotels to find out their specific policies on the independent accommodation scene. The boutique hotel The Lennox, in Boston, featured in-room recycling and provided information on the environmentally and child friendly cleaning products used in plain sight; they were clearly working hard to live up to current green standards. The older boutique property of the Roger Smith Hotel in New York did not offer any indication as to cleaning products, energy saving, or recyling; we had to ask and found out that they are working to provide energy-reducing lighting, and do actively practice water saving techniques. There was no information about cleaning chemicals available, however.  You can read more about our stay at this hotel and our off the beaten track family visit in New York City. Many bed and breakfast options now feature information about their belief in local sourced, organic foods and organic cleaning products; older properties will not be likely to have updated wall paint or carpeting however, so bear that in mind if this is important to you.

In short: read websites, call ahead, and stay green and clean in your family travels. And when you are about to offer your child a bite of one of those shiny apples so many hotel desks offer at check-in? Consider asking if that apple is organic, and a healthy choice – if not, you might want to peel the skin before offering that tasty bite.

As the capital of the USA, Washington D.C. is a vibrant destination known for its memorials, to its monuments and museums as well as a prominent center for the performing arts and music. The museums are especially intriguing, and a wonderful place for families to learn about history, art, culture and science. Listed alphabetically, the following 5 museums are open daily throughout the year (except for December 25). Additionally, all the Smithsonian museums boast free admission, so there is no excuse not to visit.

National Geographic Museum

The Terra Cotta Warriors was one of the fantastic traveling exhibits showcased at the National Geographic Museum

Located at the Washington D.C. National Geographic Society headquarters, the National Geographic Museum is a wonderful little gallery with high-tech interactive exhibits and stunning photography on nature and world cultures. Diverse temporary and ongoing exhibits showcase a variety of fascinating subjects from the big cats of our planet – including lions, tigers, leopards, cheetahs and jaguars – to the beautiful and mysterious depths of our oceans, to a captivating study on insects and animals that includes strange and amazing facts that are especially appealing to children. Concerts, films, lectures and family events are also featured in the Grosvenor Auditorium. For more information visit their website at http://events.nationalgeographic.com/events/locations/center/museum/

Smithsonian American Art Museum

The Smithsonian American Art Museum's vast collection spans three centuries

Spanning three centuries of American culture and imagination, the Smithsonian American Art Museum features over 7,000 artists in its vast collection from colonial times to present day, including photography, paintings, sculpture, and decorative arts and crafts. It also hosts a variety of programs including weekly art workshops, children’s scavenger hunts, interactive games, tours and musical performances. See works from world-renowned masters such as John Singer Sargent, Mary Cassatt and Georgia O’Keeffe. The museum’s main building is a national historic landmark, and an exquisite example of Greek Revival architecture. For more information visit their website at www.americanart.si.edu

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum

The National Air & Space Museum has the world’s largest collection of historic air and spacecraft

With the world’s most expansive collection of historic air and spacecraft, the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum is one of the leading hubs of all aspects of aviation and space flight, planetary science, and geophysics and geology. Hundreds of displayed artifacts can be seen at the National Mall building in Washington, D.C. including the Apollo 11 command module, space suits worn by the astronauts, touchable lunar rocks, the original 1903 Wright Flyer, fighter planes from World War II, and so much more.  Children will love the interactive simulator rides where they can embark on a voyage through the universe, engage in air-to-air combat aboard an F-4 Phantom II jet fighter, and orbit around the International Space Station. An IMAX theater and planetarium complete this spectacular museum. For more information visit their website at www.nasm.si.edu

Smithsonian National Museum of American History

Vintage artifacts offer a view of America's past at the National Museum of American History

Over three million objects embodying the American legacy – from culture and sociology, to technology, science and military history  – are showcased at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History.  Its extensive collection brings history to life and includes items such as an Alexander Graham Bell telephone, a Samuel Morse telegraph, flags, trains, gowns worn by the First Ladies, locomotives, tools, the ruby slippers worn by Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, the boxing gloves of Muhammad Ali, presidential objects, historical textiles, famous sheet music and more. Events such as films, performances, gallery lectures and tours, and demonstrations such as quilting and lacing making offer enrichment opportunities. For more information visit their website at www.americanhistory.si.edu

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

Dinosaurs at the National Museum of Natural History

The most visited of the Smithsonian museums, the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History is one of the world’s premier natural history museums. It has fantastic permanent and visiting exhibitions, guided hands-on programs, and an IMAX theater with exciting and educational shows. See the dazzling blue Hope Diamond weighing over 45 carats. Learn about dinosaurs, early humans and amazing creatures of the ocean. An insect zoo showcases live insects and includes daily feedings and hands-on activities that are certain to delight children. The Discovery Room and Discovery Stations at the museum allow for closer examination and manipulation of fossils and artifacts. A Butterfly Pavilion with exotic plants lets guests discover these stunning winged jewels of nature.  For more information visit their website at www.mnh.si.edu

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Washington DC Museums and Monuments – Beyond the Smithsonian
Smithsonian Museum Washington DC – Packed with Family Attractions
Touring Washington, D.C. by Day and Night with Family

Washington DC Helix Room with two Double Beds

We loved the Helix, and the staff’s fine service and the fun atmosphere – as well as the reasonable pricing – truly made our visit. From the moment we walked in, with bags and guitar, fresh from Union Station and with only a few hours to spare before my daughter’s gig, to the moment we left, in a sedan car commissioned to take us to our distant, but great value rental car location, the staff was helpful, kind, and genuinely interested in all of needs. Although not the most luxurious of our hotel rooms on this trip, we were happier here than at just about any other location; and the rooms are whimsical, well sized and appointed.

We loved the hotel’s pop art design, created by Hollywood’s own Mike Moore. Sleek and shiny, with plenty of bright colors that will lure the little ones – who won’t like a mirrored Barbie and Ken image, or bright lime green and orange patterns in the lobby? The hotel was conveniently located to my daughter’s performance venue in nearby Dupont Circle, in adjoining Logan Circle. There was a Whole Foods and a CVS – great for us – two blocks away, and the Logan Tavern restaurant, also two blocks away was a real find. The hotel itself offered a nice buffet breakfast in the morning, and a great happy hour at night in the lounge, which was also decorated in the appealing op-art style.

Why was the happy hour great? Well, we walk in, we’re hot and tired after running around Philadelphia and catching our train, we only have two hours to ourselves, and our large extended family is treated to: sparkling wine, house made and very tasty fruit-rich sangria, lemonade for the little ones, and mini-grilled cheeses that were delicious. And when they ran out? They made us more when we asked for them! Additionally, the staff sent us cupcakes and milk, and a fruit plate as a welcoming gift after hearing a little about our travels and our schedule. Hard to beat that kind of service. And when we needed umbrellas – storm clouds followed us up and down the east coast – the door staff was happy to get them for us, and get us cab service, as well. Check out was swift, and with a car waiting for us, the staff showed the driver where to wait, helped us promptly with our bags, and remembered where we were headed next and wished us well. Again – service was exemplary.

No, we didn't stay at the White House, but we were not a far walk away.

Tourists more interested in the Washington Monuments and the Smithsonian than in proximity to a Dupont Circle bar will also appreciate the hotel’s convenience to the McPherson Square Metro four blocks away. It’s not that long a walk to the Mall; however after cramming an entire weeks worth of sightseeing into one day, we took the subway. The neighborhood is mostly residential and quiet around the hotel, and the two nightlife/dining and shopping areas – Logan Circle and the larger Dupont Circle area – are both fine for late night strolls.

Our kids immediately liked entering the hotel through curtains rather than a door that swept aside to reveal the lobby. They also liked the Christmas lights glittering in color coordinated reds and blues on the outdoor patio, the tots welcome package of kids toys and playing cards, and in the room, more gauzy curtains that can privatize the double beds. Larger families seeking one, rather than several individual double bed rooms, can opt for rooms with bunk beds.

Retro Decor Helix Master Bedroom

The flat screen TVs and brightly covered chairs, ottomans and lamp shades give the room a nice modern feel, but the overall vibe is retro ‘70′s with the lime greens and the orange metallic bathroom counter and chartreuse honor bar. Kimpton In Touch members (membership free) get a $10 honor bar credit, which is a nice touch for a late night candy or juice for the kids. The only caveat is that our double room’s bathroom was on the small side.

With our family’s varied diet, the Whole Foods nearby was perfect for one evening meal, but the second evening we wanted a real restaurant experience, even though it was late after my daughter’s gig. Perfect for all ages – there were babies rocking to sleep in their strollers at a neighboring table although it was 11 pm – with all day dining up until midnight, was the Logan Tavern. This warm, dark and friendly pub features a full restaurant menu that accommodated all diets at a reasonable price. And it was delicious. The Tavern’s staff also went beyond the call of duty, exhorting us to wait out a storm with delicious fresh fruit and chocolate souffle deserts – which they unexpectedly gave us gratis. That chocolate souffle is among the best I’ve ever had – as were the scallops I had as my entree. From salmon to kid friendly boneless chicken, burgers – including a veggie option, fresh organic salads and micro-brews for the adults, this restaurant was a great find. Yes, there is late night dining that welcomes kids that isn’t a Denny’s in the District of Columbia.

Sitting on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial just before a twilight thunderstorm.

We stayed at Logan Circle at the Kimpton Helix, and our first stop on a Sunday morning was to grab some healthy breakfast fare from the Whole Foods a few blocks away. Always a good stop for a muffin, scone, fresh juice or fruit item, while Whole Foods can be expensive for a grocery store, it’s a great bargain compared to restaurants, and it’s fast and relatively healthy. Sated, our first stop was a childhood haunt of mine, the gorgeous St. Matthew’s Cathedral, just down the street from our hotel, and where my parents wed. Not a major tourist attraction, but noted in a variety of guidebooks, the amazing mosaics and small, chapels within this massive, beautiful church make this a lovely stop. From there it was a short stroll to the Farragut north subway stop, which we took to Capitol Hill, for a low key stroll through another family favorite, the United States Botanical Garden. The Capitol building itself was closed on this steamy summer morning, but we were able to walk around the grounds, snap some photos, and then walk over to the National Gallery of Art.

The peaceful fountains inside the rotunda of the main building are a great introduction to well laid out galleries that branch off from there. There is enough variety – sculpture, 14th century art, impressionist work – to keep all family members happy and the stroller set visually occupied. Best of all, when it’s time for lunch, there’s the cafeteria in the modern wing. This is a surprisingly pleasant and un-institutional space, with a tiered fountain and lots of light. There’s a gelato bar and coffee bar, and best of all the food is actually good quality, if on the pricey side. We were able to get a full range of food to satisfy everyone, and again, quickly – salads, pizza, pasta, and fish dishes all on the menu.

Back on the Mall with the Capitol behind us and the Monument ahead, we stopped for a great, kid friendly stroll in the Sculpture Garden adjoining the National Gallery. From silver branch trees to a small house that looks three dimensional at certain angles, kids of all ages have a lot to enjoy visually.

Next stop: the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History - the enormous taxidermied elephant in the foyer is always fun, but one of our favorites was the exhibit that compared us to our simian ancestors; a short film was fascinating and a good place for a breather before exploring the glittering gems and minerals upstairs. Best of all: life size brass apes for us human apes to sit next to and laugh at the family resemblance.

The new exhibit featuring the flag that inspired Francis Scott Key was itself inspiring.

Moving on down the mall, the Smithsonian National Museum of American History has a new, don’t-miss exhibit: the restored flag from the battle of 1812 that inspired Frances Scott Key to write the Star Spangled Banner. Multi-media displays lead into a darkened room with the flag reverently displayed,  something that hushed everyone in our group.

We took another quick food break: ice cream sandwiches and popsicles from a street vendor, before walking to the Washington Monument. We opted against taking the elevator to the top, instead spent some relaxing moments sitting on the smooth marble benches surrounding the monument, and enjoying the shifting perspective: up close you can’t see that triangular point, it looks like a very tall white chimney. The kids were fascinated by this view, and everyone enjoyed a chance to both rest and stretch our legs without walking too far.

Always stirring to see the Lincoln Memorial - day, night, or twilight.

And that was a good thing, because now it was onward to the Lincoln Memorial, with stops at the haunting Vietnam War Memorial and the World War Memorials, divided, on either side of the mall, between the Pacific and the European theater battles. At twilight, these memorials honoring those who fought in America’s wars were especially moving. Our kids reverently read the names of the fallen on the Vietnam Memorial wall before moving on toward Abraham Lincoln’s watchful gaze.

We made it to the top, enjoyed our look at Lincoln, and stayed to watch the sunset from the steps of the memorial. We were rewarded not only by the setting sun’s bright orange descent, but by an exciting evening thunderstorm that sent us scurrying for cover beneath the memorial but passed quickly, cooling the steamy evening.

One last stop: the White House. Lit up, windows glowing, we wondered what the President was having for dinner. We were hungry ourselves. Fortunately we were able to snack on some very tasty hummus and taboule, courtesy of our neighborhood Whole Foods again – back at the hotel before my daughter’s gig at the Black Fox Lounge in Dupont Circle  (you can hear some of the songs she played at www.nicolelexidavis.com); the little ones napped, and were rested and ready for a late dinner after the show.  Did my feet hurt? Yes. Was my inner tourist fulfilled? Times ten. Did the heat or long day take its toll – no, and I credit these three important family travel tips regardless of your circumstances: first, don’t wait until you’re starving to eat, and choose healthy but quick – you can find these options rather than fast food, if you plan ahead just a bit. Second, pace yourself. Build in rest breaks right at the sights you want to see – a film in a museum, a bench by a monument – these served us well. And third, give in to the luxury of getting off your feet when you must – at the end of the day after the subway and the long walks, we took a cab back to the hotel, and it was worth every penny.

We recommend stayting at the Hotel Palomar Washington DC, in the conveniently located Dupont Circle.  It’s in a great neighborhood where you’ll be sharing stroller space with local residents instead of solid tourist crowds. Near the hotel is the Phillips Collection, a moderate sized art museum that’s stroller friendly, featuring impressionists like Gaugin and Van Gogh in its permanent collection. It’s great for a short visit. Or take a browse through the large kids section at Kramer Books around the corner. Adjoining the store is the Afterwords Cafe, with a reasonably priced full menu including tasty salads and sandwiches. In summer months, the hotel’s out door pool is unique in such an urban location; no matter what the season we found the rooms spacious and the fun, hip colorful decor enjoyable. The kids also loved the free Wii games and lemonade in the lobby. 

One of the Washington area’s newest attractions is the only spy museum in the United States. The International Spy Museum houses over two hundred spy tricks and technologies from invisible ink to tiny cameras you can fit anywhere. There’s also historical presentations concerning how and why these various devices were developed and used from the eras of George Washington to the Cold War. Maybe best of all: the James Bond car. The museum shop has some fun, unique spy- worthy gifts, and for a food and foot-resting break, there are two restaurants, the Spy City Cafe and Zola. 

On the other end of the technology scale there are the natural wonders in the US Botanic Garden on Capitol Hill. The garden has an especially sweet spot for children: the children’s garden lets kids explore hands on gardening with watering cans and spades and plants to plant. If the weather allows, there are outdoor tables for picnicking near by. Whatever the weather, this indoor botanical wonderland has jungle plants and orchids, cactus gardens and seasonal floral displays. The meandering paths through the glass enclosed structure have the classic, relaxing feel of the Victorian era. We were all charmed by the beautiful, fragrant offerings. 

The Lincoln Memorial is an impressive sight at the opposite end of the mall from the Capitol building.

Just behind the Botanic Garden is one of Washington’s main attractions, the US Capitol Building, and the meeting chambers for the Senate and the House of Representatives. An iconic structure, it anchors this end of the National Mall, a long expanse of grass, reflecting pools, and pathways that leads past the Smithsonian buildings and the National Gallery of Art up to the Washington Monument and beyond it to the Lincoln Memorial.

A family warning: just because you can see all of these amazing buildings, memorials, and monuments does not mean you should try to take them in all in one day. It’s a long walk for little feet between attractions, and even the stroller crowd needs a little down time. See it, drive past, stroll around it and experience the sites one or two at a time. And then take the time for a sweet treat: there are two nationally and deservedly famous cupcake purveyors in the D.C. area. One of our favorites is Georgetown Cupcake, with enormous, decorated treats. Another is Hello Cupcake in Dupont Circle. Both offer a place to sit down, relax,  and get a delicious sugar fix. 

If you’ve had a relaxing meander through the Botanical Garden, and the kids are up for it, do spend some time at the Capitol. This neo classic landmark is a huge structure, with over five hundred rooms on five levels. On the first floor there’s congressional offices, while the second floor houses the chambers of the House and Senate. Where you’ll want to focus with little ones is under the dome in the central rotunda, the circular area with a gallery of art work depicting American history and events. Older kids and adults will enjoy the weekday proceedings of Congress when in session from a viewing area on the third floor, but you’ll have to obtain passes at the visitor’s center to observe.

You can also take a tour of the Capitol building. These tours are free and offered first come, first serve from 8:45 to 3:30 pm daily except Sunday. 

The U.S. Capitol is an amazing site for the kids.

In 2008, the Capitol Visitor Center opened, and here in this state of the art facility, visitors can view collections from the Library of Congress and National Archives, and kids can touch a scale model of the Capitol Dome. Live video feeds of the action taking place in the House and Senate are exhibited, and there’s an interesting short film that explains the history of the building and offers political and historical insight into the workings of Congress. The center makes the Capitol building experience more hands on and accessible to visitors.

On another day, you’ll want to explore the other end of the National Mall – the Washington Monument. Our kids learned about the construction of the monument and enjoyed the view from the top and the elevator ride to get there. Although the monument is the tallest structure in Washington, it’s just over five hundred and fifty five feet high. Inside this monument to our nation’s first president, the structure has 193 memorial stones on the east and west walls, donated from patriotic and civic groups world wide. 

Honoring another beloved United States President, further down the mall from the Monument is Lincoln Memorial. Fronted by an expansive reflecting pool and a great view of the Monument they’ve just seen, your kids will love scrambling up the steps to view the awesome, massive statue of Abraham Lincoln. The Lincoln Memorial is open after dark, and seeing this beautiful monument lit up and sparkling with light is a real treat, and very memorable for the whole family.

Finding the right accommodation for your family can be more problematic than locating all those fabulous attractions, with many choices taking you either outside the city center or featuring a business-first environment. We were thrilled with the Hotel Palomar Washington DC, a clean, modern, interesting spot in trendy Dupont Circle. Just because Dupont Circle is trendy, never fear, it’s a great location for the kids with restaurants of all kinds a few steps away and an easy access subway ride to all the DC landmarks. Best of all, it’s a short walk to Georgetown, Washington’s premier shopping and strolling enclave with brick side walks and old fashioned brick and stone row houses, capacious trees, and the pleasant campus of Georgetown University, all strung out near the picturesque Potomac River.

It’s an easy trip from the hotel to the National Zoo part of a scenic, shaded National Park and administered by the Smithsonian Institution. In case you didn’t know it, the Smithsonian is the world’s single largest museum complex, with nineteen museums, the zoo, and a variety of research facilities under its umbrella. Every Smithsonian run venue, including the zoo, is free. With one hundred and sixty-three acres set in lush Rock Creek National Park, seeing all of the animals in the zoo will take hours. There are lions and tigers and bears, oh my, plus giant pandas, white tigers, and extensive simian exhibits. We loved the baby animals, including tiger and cheetah cubs, and the beautiful spots for picnicking and resting between wildlife sightings.

The Natural History Museum – a great part of the Smithsonian complex.

The National Museum of Natural History and the National Air and Space Museum are also part of the Smithsonian complex. The National Museum of Natural History is great fun for kids with its extensive displays of dinosaur skeletons, natural gems and minerals – including the reputedly cursed Hope Diamond, dioramas of early man, an insect zoo, and a coral reef. There’s an IMAX movie theater too. Our favorite exhibits are the gems and minerals. There’s not a more impressive collection of geologic wonders in the US, in our slightly biased opinion.

The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum offers another enormous collection – this one containing historic air and spacecraft spread out over twenty-two exhibition galleries. Here you’ll see the original Wright Brother’s plane, the 1903 Flyer, as well as the “Spirit of St. Louis.”And kids can get a look inside the Apollo 11 command module.

The Smithsonian’s Discovery Theater offers great kid-friendly performances in their main location next to the Smithsonian Castle at Riley Center on the National Mall as well as at the Natural History Museum and at the Round House Theater in suburban Silver Spring, Maryland. The theater has frequent showings of fairy stories and folk tales like Rumplestilskin and Hansel and Gretel, as well as Native American and Afro-American tales. The theater uses puppet shows, storytellers, dance and music. The programs are always imaginatively presented and professionally mounted.

The Smithsonian castle – an icon in the Smithsonian complex

More museum wonders await children at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. Here you’ll find literally over three million American historical and cultural artifacts from the present back to the War of Independence. We loved how spiffy this museum looks since its 2008 renovation. Highlights include the fashions worn by this country’s First Ladies, a stunning exhibit of the original Star-Spangled Banner, and President Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. We liked the carriages, stage coaches, ships, and a Chicago Transit Car among other forms of transport exhibited too, and the interactive America on the Move exhibit which explores the history of U.S. transportation from 1870 to the present.

The children will really enjoy  the Spark! Lab, another interactive exhibit allowing a hands-on approach to science and invention. This museum also frequently sponsors free public programs ranging from gospel choir performances to story-telling festivals. We saw a great performance of folk and blues artists, taking a much needed sit-down break to listen to songs written by Woody Guthrie and Muddy Waters.

This brings me to a caveat about enjoying the free museums, exhibits, and culture offered throughout Washington DC: pace yourselves. The cultural offerings are so extensive, and the price – free – always right, and it’s tempting to pack in as many museums, exhibits, and shows as you fit in a day. It’s much more relaxing to stick with one or two museums in a day, take a stroll around Dupont Circle or Georgetown, and call it a day. Washington DC often requires more time than a family would think, in order to enjoy all it has to offer. While the museums and attractions are clustered closely together, your little ones will get tired and cranky and be unable to appreciate the wonders assembled for their enjoyment if you try to pack too much in.

Likewise, I’ll save more information about the Washington area in my next article: Washington DC Museums and Monuments – Beyond the Smithsonian. Until then, enjoy the monuments and monumental collections of Washington, D.C.’s Smithsonian museums.