We have been to various types of vacation with our kids ranging from visiting the happiest place on earth, floating on the big ship to the carribean, or playing in the sand by the beach. But one of the best place to vacation with kids is actually our capital city – Washington DC. There are endless possibilities for things to do with kids that our week long vacation couldn’t fit it all.
When I asked Mr. Z what was his favorite place during our visit to DC, his answer was ‘the train museum‘. He meant the National Museum of American History. I didn’t think he would remember because we only spent just over an hour there.
It was our third stop for that day. Yes, it was a lot when you traveling with kids. But with a short break for ice cream, the kids found their hidden energy to explore the museum after all.
I knew that we won’t have enough energy to explore the whole museum or even wait in line to check out the famous exhibits. So after a quick walk through Spark Lab. We headed straight to American On the Move exhibit.
This fun and interactive exhibit take us on the journey through American transportation history. Knowing Mr. Z’s love of all things trains, it’s a sure bet that this will keep him entertained.
We walked through the history of locomotives in America. Kids loved that they could touch, sit or push the button. They enjoyed the fact that they could ride the bus even though it wasn’t moving.
Mr. Z spent quite some times studying the train models displaying through out the exhibit. I think he was planning his own train trip one day. Or maybe he was thinking about the sleeper car that we enjoyed in Chattanooga.
Miss J and Mr. Rojo loved to pretend to be one of the passengers waiting to get on the cable car.
We ended our visit with a little shopping at the gift shop and then headed back to the hotel for a good R & R.
If you plan to visit this museum with your kids, don’t forget to download the family guide for this exhibit.
Check out other travelers’ Photo Friday at Delicious Baby.
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I love interactive museums’ exhibits, you can always be sure kids love them too. I also use little treats to get a little more energy out of my little one especially during short trips. The picture of the kids eating ice cream is great they look so happy!
This is one of the few museums that we have not been to in DC. I LOVE DC! It is perfect for kids and adults alike and there is so much to do that everyone can find something! We do the same thing you did-pick a couple of museums and pick the exhibits that the kids will enjoy. It keeps them moving and you don’t hear are we done yet as often!
We so have to get to DC soon for a family trip… too many places on our bucket list!
Sounds like a fun adventure. If you’re ever out as far as Utah we went to promintory point once and watched the re-enactment of the golden spike when the two railroads were joined. If you have a young train lover this would be a great place to visit.
Love that last picture! What a fun trip. DC is such a wonderful place for families to explore.
Love the picture with the ice creams, they look so into them. Interactive museums are fun, NZ has a terrific one in Wellington Te Papa, I use to love going their with my friends kids, they would take off and do their thing and I’d just sit and watch. Good post.
I grew up in DC…that city has an endless amount of things t see and do.
I love the last picture. It is so cute! I can’t wait to take my kids to DC when they get old enough to endure hours of Mommy dragging them through museums. I love DC!
Great info. Can’t wait to visit DC!
We definitely want to visit D.C. on a trip. It’s not too far from us, and there is just so much to do!
The kids look like they had a great time!
It’s amazing, I’ve been to DC a bunch of times and never been to this museum! Now I have to go back and bring my son:)
So true about how an ice cream stop can jump start their energy! Great photos and details about getting the most out of DC museums.
I love that you captured the kids beaming with their snowcones. Those are enough to give anyone a bit of energy for more exploring!
Sounds like a great time. It’s been years since I’ve been to D.C.
Amy- Great coverage on DC. The pictures crack me up! Thanks for the online family guide. It’s so helpful to have those ahead of time.