Residents of DC love hockey season, and with good reason. When the Washington Capitals hit the ice, the fans know they are in for a great display of speed and agility that is required to get that puck through the other team's goal. The professional sports team is a member of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League. "The Caps," as they are affectionately known, won the 1998 Stanley Cup Finals and have captured six division titles. The 2009-10 Capitals continued that tradition by taking home the franchise's first-ever President's Trophy for the team with the most points at the end of the regular season.
For a high-flying afternoon with the whole family, head out to the National Air and Space Museum. Part of the Smithsonian group of museums, this venue presents several life-size exhibits and attractions that only make them all the more dramatic. This is the Smithsonian's most visited museum largely due to the dozens of aircraft that are on display that include Lindbergh's aircraft to the Wright Brothers' Flyer and lots more.
Want to know where all the money comes from? Then get set to find out on one of Washington, DC's most popular tours when you visit the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. Some of the exhibits include bills that are no longer in circulation, counterfeit money and a staggering $100,000 bill, along with a presentation of how money is produced and printed. In keeping with fiscal responsibility, the tour is actually free but during peak summer months, admission tickets are given out on a first-come, first-served basis.
The National Book Festival attracts both writers and readers of some of the world's best-loved books. Several award-winning authors head to the National Mall for this event every September to be on hand for autograph signing and seminar appearances. The kids will love meeting some of the characters from some of their favorite books as they come to life here and are available for photos.