Orvis Co

The National Book Festival attracts both writers and readers of some of the world's best-loved books. Several award-winning authors head to the National Mall for this event every September to be on hand for autograph signing and seminar appearances. The kids will love meeting some of the characters from some of their favorite books as they come to life here and are available for photos.

Considering how much history there is in Washington and its surrounding areas, taking a walking tour will get you even closer to these venues and help you gain an even deeper insight to the lives of the people that shaped history. The Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center schedules various informative and detailed guided walking tours of historic Fairfax. Some of the highlights along the way include a handful of the city's oldest structures like the Gunnell House that dates back to 1830, the Old Fairfax Jail that originated back in 1891 and the Moore House that was originally constructed in 1840.

Referred to as "America's attic," the National Museum of American History offers an unprecedented collection of items that numbers to nearly three million entries. Everything from Dorothy's ruby red slippers, to one of the first Kermit the Frog puppets, to Julia Child's kitchen, to an astounding 34-foot Star Spangled Banner, are just a few of the numerous highlights. The kids will love the interactive displays, especially the ones that encourage invention and creativity.