Washington D.C. Family Vacations

Washington D.C. is an ideal place to take a family vacation, offering more free, fun, and educational attractions than there are members of the Senate. The "district" was originally founded in 1791, and named after two prominent men: President George Washington and Christopher Columbus (referring to the District of Columbia). Kids find it fascinating to discover that DC is not a state, nor is it part of any state (Maryland donated the land for it). Instead, it is a federal district created to be the home of our federal government.

And while Washington is often called "The Capital of the Free World," what many people don't know is it is also the capital of free family-friendly attractions. Visit Washington.org and peruse the list of "Free (and almost free) Things to Do in DC" which includes performance venues and numerous Smithsonian museums.

Washington is also a city chock full of monuments, museums, and distinctive neighborhoods. And "Washingtonians" (as the locals are called) are an international and educated bunch. Fifteen percent of DC residents speak a language other than English at home, and 12 percent are foreign-born. Add to that the more than 150 foreign embassies located here (some of which are open for varying special events and families can have a bit of an international experience, no passport required.

In addition, sports lovers can find many games to cheer on, especially with the 2005 return of Major League Baseball (the former Montreal Expos are now the Washington Nationals). Check the Nats' Web site for information on open pre-game practices, a good place for kids to try to get autographs.

National's Park Fun Fact: "More than half the crowd will walk straight off of the street into their seats, without ever climbing elevators, escalators, ramps or stairs because the field is 24 feet below street level and the main concourse is at the same height as the sidewalk."

The Verizon Center, located downtown close to several new museums, is home to the NBA's Washington Wizards, WNBA's Washington Mystics, and professional hockey team, Washington Capitals. Soccer fans can catch DC United at RFK Stadium, former home of the NFL's Redskins.