Take the family on an incredible safari the next time you're in Washington, DC. How? By visiting the National Zoological Park that's part of the Smithsonian Institution. The kids will marvel at more than 5,000 animals that are presented in their natural habitats. The zoo sprawls out over 163 acres and includes informative displays and attractions placed throughout the grounds. Don't forget to see two of the zoo's most popular residents, Mei Xang and Tian Tian, the two giant pandas that are on loan from the China Wildlife Conservation Association. The kids will absolutely love it!
The Capital Crescent Trail is one of the area's most popular. This 11-mile trail begins in Silver Spring, Maryland, curves westward through Maryland into Washington, DC and ends in the heart of historic Georgetown. Captivating, beautiful scenery marks this as an exceptional recreation trail for walking, hiking and biking.
The two of you deserve to put some artistic flair into your romantic time together, and there's no better place to do that than the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. America's memorial to President Kennedy keeps an artistic tradition alive that would have put a smile on the face of the beloved fallen leader. There are 7 different theaters in the venue that are always featuring such works as ballet, dance, opera, symphonic presentations and so much more. There are enough places on the grounds for the two of you to sit and enjoy each other's company before or after whatever production you have decided to take in.
The National Archives is the ultimate historical storage unit. Every significant document and tangible piece of history is cataloged and stored here. The site houses everything from the Declaration of Independence, to the Louisiana Purchase, to the Watergate tapes. When you walk in, you'll be struck by the fortuitous, 75-foot rotunda where the most treasured documents are on display. Maps, movies, photographs, texts and more are all here, and you can delve into your own research if you are looking for something in particular.