“Mom, where is the Declaration of Independence”?
“In Washington D.C.”
“Well why didn’t I see it when we were there”?
This was an actual conversation I had with my 11-year-old daughter a few months ago. It was prompted by her watching National Treasure a million times. I had to remind her that she did indeed have the opportunity to view the Declaration of Independence at the National Archives. But she had declined to go, deciding instead to sit outside the building and try to eat from every food truck she saw.
Spring Break season is upon us. Spring Break can be a great time to plan a short family vacation. You too can answer amusing questions about the Declaration of Independence!
A great Spring Break location which might not be on your radar but should be is Washington DC.
Washington DC might be a little chilly depending on how your children’s Spring Break calendar runs but it is ideal due to all of the free Smithsonian museums. You might also be able to catch the cherry blossom festival activities. http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/. The kite flying activities surrounding the cherry blossom festival are fun for family members of all ages.
The Smithsonian boasts 19 museums, a garden, and a zoo. Your child might not be interested in all of the museums, but I am sure there is at least one museum that will spark his/her interest. The Museum of Natural History, The Air and Space Museum, The African American Museum, The Native American Museum, and the Smithsonian Zoo are probably your best bets. https://www.si.edu/museums
Another great reason to go to DC is to see all the national monuments. Visiting national monuments can take up a considerable amount of time and by the time you get back to your lodgings, your children will be out like a light! (You probably won’t be far behind either.)
There are so many things to do in Washington. All of the activities are not free but there are enough free activities to last a week on Spring Break. I also encourage you to visit the Holocaust Museum and the White House. To get a White House Tour can be challenging but not impossible. Submit your request 3 months ahead of the date of arrival as tours are first-come-first-serve. Requests have to be made by a member of Congress. You can find your representative contact information here https://www.house.gov/representatives. Tickets to the Holocaust museum are required to see the permanent exhibition during certain parts of the year. You can get more information here https://www.ushmm.org/information/visit-the-museum/admission-tickets
If the above wasn’t enough incentive for you to put Washington D.C. on your radar for Spring Break, then the abundance of food trucks around the National Mall should have you packing your suitcases right now. I promise you D.C. is a Spring Break destination that will never disappoint.
