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Family & Pets

Washington, D.C.’s Best Stuff For Young Kids (5-8)

January 26, 2011 6:50 PM

Some of Washington, D.C.’s best stuff for young kids (5-8) are also some of the most popular attractions in town for people of all ages. – Kathryn McKay

(credit: http://www.mountvernon.org)

Bureau of Engraving and Printing

14th and C St. S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20228
(202) 874-2330
www.moneyfactory.gov

Finally proof for kids that money doesn’t grow on trees – or parents! Watching millions roll of the presses can be a fun experience among Washington, D.C.’s best stuff for five- to eight-year-olds. After all, they’re old enough to get an allowance and spend it.

D.C. Ducks

Union Station (main entrance)
Massachusetts Ave.
Washington, D.C. 20002
202-966-3825
www.dcducks.com

It may not be worth the money for kids younger than age five to take this tour in an amphibious vehicle. And by the time kids are teens, acting silly on a bright boat called a duck might seem a bit embarrassing. But touring the town over land and sea in a duck boat, while bowing on yellow whistles that look like duck bills is certainly among Washington, D.C.’s best stuff for young kids (5-8). Tours run April to October.

Mount Vernon

South end of George Washington Memorial Pkwy.
Mount Vernon, Va. 22309
(703) 780-2000
www.mountvernon.org

Did you know that the president known as first in war and first in peace lived in place that could be called first in fun? For five- to eight-year-olds (with or without younger or older siblings), visiting George Washington’s Mount Vernon can be one of the best things to do in the Washington area. Located 16 miles south of Washington, D.C., Mount Vernon offers so many things kids like to do such as play dress up, watch cool movies and see farm animals. Plus, the kids who are so used to wiggling their own teeth get to see Washington’s false teeth! Open daily.

National Air and Space Museum

Independence Ave. and 6th St. S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20560
(202) 633-2214
www.nasm.si.edu

Activities that might have been overwhelming or impossible when they were younger, such as watching an IMAX movie or folding a paper airplane by themselves, are fun for kids ages five through eight. Some of Washington, D.C.’s best stuff for young kids can be found at this massive museum devoted to air and space exploration. As an added treat, pick up a bag of freeze-dried ice cream just like the astronauts eat! Open daily.