Things to Do With Teenagers in Washington, D.C.
Visiting Washington, D.C., with teens will be an educational and entertaining experience. Students will have studied enough United States history to understand the structure and functions of the various governmental bodies and the historical events that brought them to life. The city itself is spectacular with its long sight lines from the U.S. Capitol to the Washington Monument and broad avenues lined by monuments and museums. When sightseeing alone begins to wear teens down, amazing restaurants and spectacular picnic spots await.
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Museums
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Museums line both sides of the National Mall and include the National Air and Space Museum, the National Gallery of Art, the National Museum of American History and the Smithsonian Institution. If your teenagers think money grows on trees, you can show them where it actually does come from at the Bureau of Printing and Engraving. Visitors can watch freshly minted sheets of paper bills come rolling off the printing presses. A visit to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum often tops the list of important sights for families with teens and school groups. It is a moving and inspiring look into a painful era in history. The International Spy Museum uncovers the dark world of espionage and intrigue with interactive exhibits and a GPS-guided spy mission through the streets of Washington, D.C.
Government Buildings and Monuments
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As our nation̵7;s capital, Washington, D.C., belongs to all Americans. Teens with an interest in political science and history can arrange tours of the Capitol and the White House by writing to their U.S. senator or congressional representative. The Pentagon offers 60-minute long tours, but requires reservations. With the exception of the Washington Monument, Washington̵7;s famous monuments are open all year and require no reservations. Spending a warm day walking from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial to read the names on the wall of the Vietnam Memorial and on to the new Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial can encourage reflection on our turbulent history and promising future.
Food
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Teens need fuel to keep them moving to all of D.C.̵7;s offerings and they will not be disappointed. While touring museums on the National Mall, stop by the Mistitam Café at the Museum of the American Indian. The fresh, seasonal ingredients and American Indian recipes make for a memorable break. When the weather calls for a picnic with pals, the Tidal Basin and the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial are inviting, peaceful spots. For a fast food fix, the food vendors around all major attractions are always eager to oblige.
Tours
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After a day of walking around Washington, D.C., your teens might be appreciative of one of the city̵7;s many tour opportunities. Boat tours on the Potomac travel to George Washington̵7;s beloved home, Mount Vernon. With its beautiful, open public spaces, Washington, D.C., is perfect for bicycle and Segway tours. Several operators offer different routes and tour lengths. Open-air bus tours can be a fine way to see the city̵7;s monuments at night.
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