John E Barry Plbg Htg Corp

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!

The National Gallery of Art offers everything you ever wanted to know about art and presents an incredible amount of it all in one place. The Gallery's numerous exhibits and attractions stretch from the Middle Ages all the way to today. Works by da Vinci, Rembrandt, Raphael and Titian, among others, are all here. The facility proudly exhibits over 3,000 paintings, 2,000 pieces of sculpture and over 100,000 prints, drawings and other interesting pieces. Also, don't forget to spend a little time in the Sculpture Garden that can be found at the corner of 7th and Madison.

The National Building Museum presents several fascinating exhibits that cover architecture, construction and engineering. And while several of the country's most famous structures are spotlighted, the actual museum building itself is an exhibit in its own right. This amazing venue features massive columns, a picturesque fountain and a highly decorated ceiling that reaches 15 stories upward. Several interactive exhibits are part of the many highlights, including temporary exhibits that focus on the development of ghettos, roads, factories, parks and more. If it was built, the chances are its story is within the walls of this incredible museum.

Take the plunge just a few minutes away from the heart of downtown Washington, DC by enjoying the various water sports and activities you can find at Theodore Roosevelt Island. Tackle the Potomac's Great Falls or enjoy some good exercise rowing a canoe or kayak. You can bring your own boat or rent one at Thompson Boat Center or Jack's Boathouse near the Georgetown Waterfront.