Washington DC- Advice Please

[J62]

Can anyone advise us how to make the most of a 4 day stay in Washington DC with 2 boys ages 9 and 5. We are based at Ritz Carlton (nr Foggy Bottom?). What are main attractions and how safe/easy is it to get around? Does anyone know the Ritz Carlton and is it child friendly? Also, any ideas how/where we can spend a second week? Thank you.

The underground system that serves the Washington area called the Metro is both fast and efficient. When the train is due to arrive the platform lights flash on and off. The metro lines are stated by colour; you have the red line, orange line, blue line, green line and yellow line. It is fine to use, have used it many times with our son during the day and early evening and have encountered no problems.

Washington DC itself has a zoo (metro stop Woodley Park Zoo), the Smithsonian museums; the NASM (National air and space museum) is good for children. Washington also has a Duck Tour (which ia a WW2 vehicle that travels on both land and water). This is a good thing for children to do as well.

Shopping wise the mall at Tysons Corner near West Falls Church is worth a visit. A bus service runs to the mall from West Falls Church metro stop.

The Dorking Kindersley guide book to Washington DC is well worth a read.

HTH

What about going to New York for the second week?.

That's really helpful + will order DK guide. We were thinking we would like to see some of surrounding area but will consider New York idea. Visited NY prior to having kids and it's amazing isn't it. Many thanks.

We really enjoyed Washington with the kids a couple of years ago( when they were 4,5,9 and 10) - The Smithsonian museums are all free (least I hope they still are) as is the zoo I think. We also went up the monument - free again but you have to queue for tickets then wait for your alloted time. No toilets at the top - ( I vividly remember my youngest shouting he needed a poo when we had just reached the top! Always the way!).
Public transport very good.
Think we went to Williamsburg before we went to Washington - an American version of Beamish if you know what I mean, just 4 times the size. Also went to Blue Ridge Mt area - did Luray Caves ( Like Cheddar caves only as usual 4 times as big and very impressive) and also did some rafting down a river nearby which was glorious. have got details tucked away in dusty journal if you need more info. Also caught coach to New York - we were told it wasn't child friendly but we had a good time there. have fun whatever you decide.

Many thanks spudz. It all sounds fab, very much the kind of activities we enjoy (will bear in mind toilet situation re: monument though!).