national mall

National Zoo

We were lucky to stay in an Airbnb just a 15 minute walk to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo. Colette’s favorite animal is a panda and she has been so excited for our stop in DC so she could meet her spirit animal. Bei Bei did not disappoint her, she actually gave us quite a show. She climbed up a tree, out on a branch which I was afraid would break with her weight, then did some type of flip roll on the branch before settling then getting down. So fun! She stole the show at the zoo but there were many great things such as the Zoo is FREE, it’s also a beautiful place to walk through (an Arborist’s paradise) and of course the animals are amazing. We were lucky to be here just before Halloween so we were able to see decorations for Boo at the Zoo.

Colette loves sea turtles almost as much as pandas

animal sculptures always Lennox’s favorite

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The National Museum African American History and Culture

We weren’t able to secure tickets for this museum before our stay in DC so we tried the 6:30 am same day tickets, the type fast and cross your fingers method, and it was successful!!!! The tickets are for a specific time so at 2:00 we were able to enter this amazing building after staring in awe from the outside. It is one of the most beautiful buildings I’ve ever seen. The architectural scale and lines themselves are brilliant on their own but when you see the iron texture, so ornate yet modern it makes a perfect package. Once in the museum you make your way to an elevator/time machine that slowly lowers you below the ground. The ride down is meant to take you on a journey back in time to the beginning of slavery. The ride down also sets the tone, which is decidedly heavy. But as you start to walk up and out of the basement, you move forward in time, to a more positive future. To say this is a solemn heavy exhibit does not do this part of the museum justice, it is a heartwrenching journey and slowly you walk the path through time and progress. I will say it was not easy to take the time and appreciate as much of this part of the museum with 3 kids along. We were here in the afternoon, which means we had probably already walked 4 miles. The kids don’t understand the enormity of this time in history and I was really conscious of not wanting to interrupt the experience of others. All in all we did the best to give the kids the basis of history while taking in what we could but I will definitely plan another adult only visit in the future. When you came above ground to the other levels of the museum you were embraced by African American art, music, culture, sports, community and so much more. Amazing exhibits and experiences, we only scratched the surface, imagine everything from Chuck Berry’s Cherry Red Cadillac to Jesse Owen’s track shoes. Overall, this museum is truly an incredible journey and a must see if in DC.

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The National Mall

Colette had a different vision of “The Mall” but I hope she ended up loving this one even more. We made our way to as many memorials/monuments as we could manage and each one is amazing in its own right. All possess such grandeur while also being welcoming and accessible to all which is remarkable. To wander through history and glimpse at the icons and events that molded our country is a moving experience. My favorite was the FDR (Franklin Delano Roosevelt) Memorial, such a beautiful natural space which told the story of Roosevelt and his 12 years of the presidency from the Great Depression to World War II and Elenor’s contributions to human rights. The dog even has a statue! We also were able to tour the Capital building. The rotunda at the Capital takes your breath away, such a beautiful space. At the Washington Monument, which is closed for renovation, the kids were sworn in as Junior Rangers which is always a cool experience for them and a proud moment for us. The program is amazing and I think I learn as much as they do doing the workbooks. One thing about visiting Washington DC is take great walking shoes, I think we averaged about 7 miles a day! That makes a good nights sleep especially for the little ones.