Paul C Hayden Jr & Sons Inc

Walking tours would be great if weren't for all that walking. Luckily, there's A Tour De Force: Guided Tours of Washington to the rescue! See some of the city's most popular sites like the White House, the US Capitol and the Lincoln and Vietnam Memorials, all from the comfort of a Segway cycle. You'll be supplied with a helmet and a Segway scooter as well as all the information you need to truly absorb and appreciate the incredible sites that make Washington such a vital place in so many ways. And, you'll see it all without tiring out your feet.

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.

The Washington Wizards are a professional basketball team based in Washington, DC and were previously known as the Washington Bullets. They play in the National Basketball Association (NBA). The team first hit the court in the late 1960s and has seen its share of victories, especially in what is known as the Miracle Season of 1977-78. However, the sports team weathered some tougher times, especially in the late 90s as the team saw its worst performance streak in its history. Still, the games are attended by a faithful legion of fans and the addition of some new players has only bolstered the team's momentum.

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!