Take the family on an incredible safari the next time you're in Washington, DC. How? By visiting the National Zoological Park that's part of the Smithsonian Institution. The kids will marvel at more than 5,000 animals that are presented in their natural habitats. The zoo sprawls out over 163 acres and includes informative displays and attractions placed throughout the grounds. Don't forget to see two of the zoo's most popular residents, Mei Xang and Tian Tian, the two giant pandas that are on loan from the China Wildlife Conservation Association. The kids will absolutely love it!
Considered by many to be the ultimate must-see museum in DC, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is nothing short of an emotional and educational experience. When you arrive, you are given an "identity card" of a real Holocaust victim that deeply personalizes your trip through the various exhibits. You'll view an astounding collection of film clips, photographs, artifacts and unflinching first-hand accounts. There's even an exhibit for the kids that treats the subject matter in a highly sensitive manner; this exhibition will inspire questions and answers that will no doubt lead to a better understanding of this horrible passage in our world's history.
The Lincoln Theatre is a show in and of itself. The truly stunning layout and architecture is something to behold, and the venue hosts several entertainment events year round. Whether they are seminars, dance recitals, plays or musical concerts, the Lincoln Theatre proves to be a classic and memorable backdrop against which any performer will no doubt put forth the best performance possible.
Deciding that you will take a day to see the Smithsonian Institution is allowing too little time, as the Institution is much wider in scope than you may have originally thought. It actually encapsulates 19 museums as well as the National Zoo, all home to must-see exhibits and attractions. Some of the more popular stops within the Smithsonian include the National Air and Space Museum, the national Museum of American History and the National Museum of the American Indian. The depth and breadth of everything here justifies the time and space that it takes to see it all.