Capitol Hill Area
There are 28 museums—with everything from dinosaurs to rockets to modern art—around the monument-laden National Mall, and almost all are free. If your agenda includes the Air and Space Museum, go before 10 a.m. to avoid the crowds, but first fuel up with breakfast among the politicos, from the farmers' stalls at Capitol Hill's Eastern Market (Seventh Street and North Carolina Avenue). Pick up a Smithsonian guide—available at every museum—to select a few more stops. Three blocks away is the United States Botanic Garden; further north, in the Penn Quarter, you'll find the National Portrait Gallery, plus great cafés and shops. After sunset, ride around Constitution and Independence avenues to see the monuments dreamily lit up.
RESTAURANTS
Jaleo
Grab a bright mosaic table and order classic tapas like croquetas de pollo and patatas bravas. 480 Seventh St. NW, (202) 628-7949.
Mitsitam Café
Housed in the National Museum of the American Indian, the cafeteria serves traditional Native American foods, named by region. Try the Mesoamerica quinoa salad.
Fourth St. and Independence Ave. SW, (202) 633-1000.
Eastern Market
Pick up fresh fruit, homemade bread, pastries, and artisanal cheeses in one of the city's oldest farmers' markets for a picnic on the Mall. 7th St. and North Carolina Ave. SE, (202) 544-0083.
STORES
Fairy Godmother
This kids' bookstore inside a cozy house has titles from floor to ceiling (and the staff has read them all). 319 Seventh St. SE, (202) 547-5474.
Pua
The eco-friendly scarves, dresses, and quilts are designed by the owners and made in Nepal and India.
701 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, (202) 347-4543.
National Building Museum Gift Shop
Find an impressive selection of architecture books, Lamy fountain pens, 3-D-model puzzles, and chic recycled handbags. 401 F St. NW, (202) 272-7706.
ACTIVITIES
Washington Monument
Reserve tickets ($1.50 each) to take the elevator or 897 steps to the top. 15th St. between Constitution Ave. and Independence Ave. NW, (202) 426-6841.
International Spy Museum
The dark, narrow warrens and Cold War–era paraphernalia will fascinate older kids (and you). 800 F St. NW, (202) 393-7798.
Newseum
Older kids might be excited to learn about the who, what, where, how and why behind the media—both now and then—in a high-tech space. Be sure to see the eight panels of the Berlin Wall. 555 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, (888) 639-7386.
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Check the schedule before your visit to get tickets for an early evening music, theater, or dance performance. Also check out the Family Theater. 2700 F St. NW, (202) 467-4700.
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