Discover why Washington D.C. is  a great place for a family vacation.

Jan24

Are your kids full of questions about being President after watching the Inauguration this Monday? The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History is a great place to learn about the U.S. Presidency and see all of the dresses the First Ladies wore to the inaugural balls. The National Portrait Gallery is also a good place to visit. There you will see the official portraits of all of the U.S. Presidents.

The National Museum of American History

The Presidential exhibit at the museum, “The American Presidency: A Glorious Burden,” will give your child a view into the lives of the 43 U.S. Presidents. Through over 900 artifacts, such as letters to the President written by children, political cartoons and old news reels, you will learn about the most powerful job in the world.

The First Ladies exhibit not only features the beautiful dresses worn by the first ladies to the inaugural balls, but also offers a history of the important role first ladies have played in our nation’s history as advocate, campaigner and official hostess. You won’t see the red dress Michelle Obama wore to the Inaugural Ball on Monday as the museum only collects the dress from the first Inauguration, but you will see the white and silver dress she wore four years ago.

  • Hours: 10:00 am – 5:30 pm
  • Location: The National Mall, 14th Street and Constitution Avenue, N.W
  • Metro Stop: Smithsonian on the Red line
  • Admission is free.
  • Strollers are permitted.

National Portrait Gallery

The National Portrait Gallery has a complete collection of portraits of all 43 U.S. Presidents. This permanent exhibit is located on the 2nd floor. It is so interesting to see the different styles of the portraits and how those reflect the individual’s personality. See how many President’s you and your child recognize and start a discussion about the important role each man played in our nation’s history.

  • Hours: 11:30 am – 7:00 pm
  • Location: This museum is part of the Smithsonian, but is not located on the National Mall. It is just a few blocks away though at 8th and F streets, NW.
  • Metro Stop: Gallery Place/Chinatown on the Yellow, Green and Red line
  • Admission is free.
  • Strollers are permitted.

Our city is alive with history and if you’re lucky your child will learn something without even realizing it!

 

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