The White House isn't just where the President lives; it's also the People's House! This means it's open to the public and it's a must-do when visiting DC. You won't be able to visit all areas of the White House but you can visit the East Wing and the residence with some advance preparation. Contact your Congressional representative at least 21 days in advance of your visit to schedule a tour.

Visit the Smithsonian's Air & Space Museum to get an up-close look at rockets, space science, and hands-on exhibits about how things fly. Open 364 days a year, admission is always free.

The National Museum of Natural History is the most visited museum in DC. Home to an impressive collection of dinosaurs and the famous Hope diamond, admission is free.

At the United States Botanic Garden you can experience the jungle, the desert and see rare and endangered plants under one roof. Be sure to check out the outdoor Children's Garden and the canopy walk that give you a bird's eye view of the plants.

The National Arboretum is a huge oasis in the city. The highlight for many visitors is seeing the old columns from the Capitol Columns dating from the 1800s now sitting in a grassy knoll. Don't miss the extensive bonsai exhibit and state trees. 

Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens is an expansive garden featuring lotus blooms and lilies. Don't miss the boardwalk trail that is stroller-friendly at this National Park.

No trip to Washington, DC is complete without a visit to the National Mall to see the monuments. See the monuments for free by foot or book a tour by Segway, bike, or trolley. The monuments are magical at night so consider visiting after sundown if your kids can stay up past dark.

The U St. corridor was once known as the Black Broadway District. Flanked by Howard Theatre on the east end and 14th St. on the west, this neighborhood was DC's cultural epicenter from the early 1900s to the mid '60s. Explore this cultural stomping ground by starting at Howard Theatre, the iconic stage where legends like Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holliday and Nat King Cole got their start.

Support this legendary landmark and you'll be treating yourself to a piece of history on a bun! Sink your teeth into the half-smoke at Ben’s Chili Bowl and you will be savoring perhaps the only food native to DC. It’s half pork-half beef and topped with a heaping of chili sauce. A longtime local favorite, the U Street location has been around since the 1950s, and even counts celebrities as fans, including Barack Obama.

Home to the nation's longest continually operating open-air fish market, The Wharf has transformed into one of D.C.'s most exciting waterfront destinations. The accessible riverfront, including four different themed piers, makes for a ton of family fun. The Wharf is conveniently located only four blocks from the National Mall.