If you are looking for affordable summer things to do with your family, you will be more than happy to find out what Washington, DC has in store for you. Head off to the nation's capital and experience fun and excitement without breaking the bank.
Start your family summer vacation in Washington, DC by joining one of the numerous tours and cruises that the city offers. Discovering the city by land or by sea both seem very inviting. The DC Ducks Tour offer both land and water tour in one trip, without even having to change vehicles. Plus, the amphibious vehicle will definitely be a huge hit to your kids. The tour begins at the Union Station and takes the route past the monuments and museums of the National Mall while the captain narrates stories and historical facts. A few turns here and there later, the vehicle turns into a watercraft and splashes into the Potomac River for the water part of the tour.
Because children never get tired of animals, take the family to the National Zoological Park. The animals in the entire zoo live in very large and open enclosures, giving them the atmosphere of their natural habitat and, at the same time, making it possible for visitors to easily spot them. There are two trails in the zoo that you can follow: Olmsted Walk and Valley Trail. The Kid's Farm is perfect for families with very young kids as they observed different farm animals such as ducks, cows, chickens, goats, miniature donkeys and more. The Asia Trail, on the other hand, features sloth bears, fishing cats, Japanese salamanders and giant pandas.
Parents always want to take their children to places where they can have fun and at the same time, learn new things. Washington, DC's National Museum of Natural History has the Butterfly and Plants exhibit that illustrates the evolution of the butterflies. It is also a great place to somewhat cool off from the summer heat as the room temperature is far cooler than it is outside for the butterflies.
A trip to Washington, DC automatically means a visit to those famous landmarks – the Jefferson and Lincoln memorials. The majestic monuments of these two former US Presidents are constant fixtures in photo sessions of people visiting the city. There are also other monuments that you can go to with your family this summer: the Korean War Veterans Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the National World War II Memorial. It is best to visit these attractions early in the morning to beat the crowd and avoid the heat of the summer sun.
Get on a water adventure with your family for this summer vacation in Washington, DC. Head off to the Thompson Boat Center and rent out kayaks or canoes. Life jackets are provided by the boat center free of charge. It is a great way to experience the water at your own pace as you paddle around the Theodore Roosevelt Island and under the Francis Scott Key Bridge.
All the paddling will definitely have your family work up an appetite. Grab a bite at the very well-established Ben's Chili Bowl. Enjoy a great meal with your spouse and kids while you observe the photos of celebrities hanging on the wall.
Fun never ends at sunset. On the west front of the US Capitol, free entertainment awaits both Washington, DC locals and visitors on summer evenings. The military bands – US Navy Band, US Marine Band, US Air Force Band and US Army Band – provide spectacular musical performances for the whole family. Bring a lawn chair and a picnic basket as it is a great place to just relax with your family while listening to jazz and classical music. Occasionally, the bands perform well-known songs, Broadway show tunes and original movie soundtracks.
There are really so many things to do in Washington, DC. There is always something great to explore in every corner you turn. The best thing about these attractions and activities is that they come at a very low cost or, even better, free – exactly how you would want your summer things to do with your family to be!
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