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The Washington Ballet was founded in 1976 by the great American ballet pioneer Mary Day, this group is considered to be one of the nation's finest ballet companies. The performers push themselves to the limit to deliver the highest caliber of artistic expression and entertainment in such famous titles as the Nutcracker, Alice in Wonderland and the Great Gatsby, to name but a few. So buy your tickets, get dressed up, and enjoy a truly dazzling evening with the Washington Ballet.

Ford's Theatre has a built-in drama all its own. This is where John Wilkes Booth shot President Abraham Lincoln, and that unsettling episode still resonates in the structure today. Take a tour that retraces the incident, and you can also get a look at some of the interesting backstage areas. And if you are visiting for a performance, the excellent acoustics and inviting seating arrangement will ensure that whether you are watching a play or a musical production, the entertainment takes on a deeper significance when you consider that you are sitting within some truly historic walls.

When you're in Washington, DC, there's nothing average about anything you do. Even taking a little break from your day at the National Gallery Sculpture Garden is nothing you'd expect from an ordinary park anywhere else in the country. The garden attraction features several amazing sculptures created by such well-known artists as Joan Miro and Roy Lichtenstein. The fountain is another focal point, and you can take in the fresh air as you enjoy a snack from the nearby Pavilion Cafe.

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!