visit DC
Washington, DC has a lot of historical and cultural attractions for people of all ages. To help you plan your trip, we’ve put together a brief list of interesting sites in or around DC, as well as laws and other relevant information.
Driving Safety info:
http://www.ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/bystate/dc.html
Breastfeeding laws:
http://www.ncsl.org/issues-research/health/breastfeeding-state-laws.aspx#d
Metro:
You need a pass or farecard to ride both the Metrorail and the Metrobus. All Metrorail passes are gate-activated. The faregate activates the pass the first time it is used and prints the last valid date on the pass. Farecards contain a set value. Trip values are subtracted from the farecard upon exiting the station.
Up to two children, 4 years and younger, ride free with each adult paying full fare. Children 5 and older pay adult fares.
Different types of fare cards available: http://wmata.com/fares/purchase/passes.cfm
Attractions
Some places of interest and information about them. NOTE: If you want to see the White House or Pentagon, contact your Congressperson NOW. Non-US citizens need to contact their embassy in Washington, DC to arrange a tour.
| Place | Metro train Accessible/Exit | Cost | Description/Link | Notes (from a local perspective) |
| Smithsonian Museums | Most are. Check to be sure. | free | http://si.edu/Museums | Link for helpful information when visiting with kids. http://si.edu/visit/kids |
| Smithsonian Zoo | Yes—see notes | Admission is free. Parking is limited. $20, on site, or by meter on the street. | http://si.edu/Museums/national-zoo | If taking the metro, get off at the stop above the zoo, CLEVELAND PARK station, and walk DOWN the hill. To get back to the metro, walk DOWN the hill to WOODLEY PARK/ZOO station. |
| National Aquarium in Washington DC | Yes—Federal Triangle | Adults: $9.95 | Limited in space, it is a good place to take young children. Home to 250 species. | |
| Children 3-11: | ||||
| $4.95 | ||||
| The Carousel on the National Mall | Yes—Smithsonian | ??? | This carousel goes around rather fast. Not a leisurely ride. Totally makes me motion sick. Must accompany children under 5. | |
| Eastern Market | Yes—Eastern Market | free | http://www.easternmarket-dc.org/ | One of my favorite weekend places to visit. |
| National Arboretum | Yes—Federal Center SW | Free; there is a cost if you want to ride the tram | ||
| On Board DC Tours | Yes—Federal Triangle | varies | http://www.onboarddctours.com/ | |
| Manassas National Battlefield Park | No | $3/ good for 3 days, ages 16+ | http://www.nps.gov/mana/index.htm | |
| Mount Vernon | No | Adults: $15 | http://www.mountvernon.org/ | |
| Children 6-11: | ||||
| $7 | ||||
| White House Tours | Yes—Faragut North | free | http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/tours-and-events | START NOW if you want to get a tour. |
| Pentagon Tours | Yes—Pentagon | free | http://pentagon.osd.mil/tour-selection.html | START NOW if you want to get a tour. |