Located on the Pacific Northwest coast of the United States, the state capital offers many attractions. Washington&rsquos rich heritage can be felt throughout its many landmarks, including the iconic Space Needle, which offers panoramic views of the city&rsquos striking skyline. History enthusiasts will relish exploring the impressive National Mall, home to renowned monuments such as the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. Beyond its historical significance, Washington also presents itself as a welcoming and family-friendly location. The city boasts numerous interactive museums, such as the Smithsonian Institution, where children can explore the wonders of science, art, and history.
Visit The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial (commonly known as the &ldquoFDR Memorial&rdquo) honours the 32nd president of the United States. The exhibit has four rooms, each representing a different term that the president served as commander-in-chief. Additionally, there are bronze sculptures of the president, First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and their photogenic dog, Fala.
Visit The National Mall Museums
The National Mall features a great, family-friendly line-up of free museums to go with its monuments and memorials. Choose from various experiences, from showing the kids classic art to marvelling at the wonders of aviation and our natural world. Check out the many open museums, including the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the National Portrait Gallery, the Smithsonian American Art Museum and its Renwick Gallery, the National Gallery of Art and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. In this area, you will also have the option to visit the Smithsonian&rsquos National Zoo.
Visit The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
Opened in 2003, the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center is a partner facility to the National Air and Space Museum. Located at 14390 Air and Space Museum Parkway in Chantilly, just minutes from Washington Dulles International Airport, the Center consists of two hangars&mdashthe Boeing Aviation Hangar and the James S. McDonnell Space Hangar&mdashwhich house dozens of aircraft and spacecraft. Some of the most notable include the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, a Concorde and the space shuttle &ldquoDiscovery.&rdquo
Check Out The National Portrait Gallery&rsquos &lsquoChampions&rsquo Exhibit
Everyone in the family can enjoy visiting the National Portrait Gallery, which is free to enter and learn about some of the greatest athletes in American history. Through portraits, artefacts, memorabilia and video, you can marvel at feats by some of the most dynamic sports figures the country has ever seen, stars that transcended sports and became part of the country&rsquos story.
Witness The Power Of Language At Planet Word
This exciting museum offers a language immersion experience for the whole family. Planet Word features an array of galleries, including Words Matter, which showcases how language can impact lives. The Spoken World amazes visitors by highlighting the diversity of languages around the globe through speakers and signers of 31 different languages. The museum also features Speaking Willow, an interactive sound installation by artist Rafael Lozano-Hemmer.
Marvel At The Hirshhorn Museum&rsquos Sculpture Garden
The Hirshhorn Museum displays some of the most unique artworks in modern and contemporary art, including painting, sculpture and photography. When visiting, check out its whimsical Sculpture Garden, open daily from 10 am &ndash 430 pm. The 1.3-acre garden is sunk 6-14 feet below street level and features work from multiple artists, including Auguste Rodin and David Smith.
Take A Nature Walk At Rock Creek Park
Rock Creek Park in DC spans 1,754 acres of National Park Service land stretching from northwest DC into Maryland and is a beloved destination for outdoor enthusiasts in the city. Lush greenery, miles of trails and picnic areas and gorgeous forestry make this space a must-see for families looking to add recreation to their DC visit.
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