*From our teen correspondent, Brooke, in our monthly series, Teen Travel Chat.
I had never thought of Washington D.C. as a fun place to spend a vacation during the cold winter months, mostly because it is not tropical and there are no palm trees that await you once you arrive. To me, a vacation is somewhere warm…with pools, beaches, and palm trees. However, traveling to D.C. gave me a whole new appreciation for all of the nation’s rich history that the city shares with its visitors.
I traveled to D.C. with my classmates during the eighth grade. We took our trip during the brutal, winter months that leave D.C. covered in snow and ice. I personally recommend traveling to D.C. in the warmer months so you do not have to deal with the harsh, cold weather like I did (unless you’re up for that and that’s your thing, and if so, I have major respect for you). Despite the cold temperatures, Washington, D.C. was a really fun and enlightening experience. I got to travel on my own for the first time without my parents, and I also learned an incredible amount of information while being there.
Because I was traveling to D.C. with my classmates, we did not get to choose what sites we got to visit. Instead, we had an itinerary which mapped out what we would do and where we would go each day of the trip. Of the extensive itinerary, the sites I really enjoyed were: The Shear Madness show (at the JHK Center for Performing Arts), the Newseum, the White House, Arlington National Cemetery, the Vietnam War Veterans Memorial, the National Mall, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, the Lincoln Memorial and reflecting pool, and Ford’s Theatre. Since I like history, I found the museums to be really neat. While the Holocaust Museum is definitely not an exciting or happy thing to walk through and to think about, I am very glad I went to because I got to delve deeper into the history of Holocaust and grow more of an understanding of it than I had before.
I recommend taking a trip to Washington, D.C. for everyone at least once to learn about all the history that is located there. With an immense number of things to do, I think everyone will be able to find at least one thing they enjoy whether it be shopping at the National Mall or going to the museums. D.C. is packed with museums, historical buildings, monuments, memorials, parks, art, and gorgeous scenery, especially when the cherry blossom trees bloom with pretty pink flowers in the springtime.
The Newseum
If traveling to D.C. with kids, I highly recommend the Newseum in D.C. It is extremely informative with all sorts of topics and exhibits. There are a lot of films, pictures, and news articles to feast your eyes on that are really compelling. There is even an interactive newsroom where you can film your own news broadcast like the pros do! Another thing I thought was really cool was the I-Witness 4D Time Travel Adventure film in the theatre inside the Newseum. The film is creative and easy to understand. And as an audience member, you may feel like you are actually a part of the film – depending on what type of film is being shown – by experiencing some rain or wind just for an example. This 4D film is something to definitely make sure you include during your visit! Kids and adults would both be able to find something to do at the Newseum. If you have kids especially, this place is ideal for them because the kids do not have to be kept quiet and they can participate in the interactive exhibits and have a blast. With five floors of diverse activities and exhibits, you will not be disappointed.
Shear Madness
Along with Newseum, I recommend going to see the show Shear Madness at the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts. This show is unique in that the outcome of the show is never the same as previous shows, which makes every person’s experience unique. The plot changes depending on the audience! The actors are super talented and you can tell that they really enjoy performing. This show is hilarious and will be a great activity to take in with the whole family.
Arlington National Cemetery
During my trip to D.C., I, along with a selected few other students, were granted the honor to lay the wreath at the Arlington National Cemetery. This was such a humbling and memorable experience. The cemetery itself is breathtaking. Walking through what seemed to be thousands and thousands of gravestones, I felt very thankful for all of the people that risked their lives for my country, and for me. I felt extremely appreciative to the people who were no longer here because they were fighting for their country, as well as to those who are fighting right now. Now, although this place might not be the first thing someone thinks to do when they are going on a trip or vacation, I do recommend going here. It was a very special experience for me that I am I glad I had and that I will always remember.
Washington, D.C. was definitely a different kind of trip for me. It did not consist of relaxing at the pool, doing fun activities like zip lining, or enjoying a refreshing virgin piña colada. But it was full of learning, excitement, and wonder. I got to learn, go to museums (which I enjoy), see the White House for the first time in real life, and stand at the same spot Martin Luther King Jr. stood at during his “I Have a Dream” speech. I had the opportunity to laugh during the Shear Madness show, lay a wreath at Arlington National Cemetery, make a news broadcast with my friends, and take in all that was new to me. Out of the things I did in D.C., I did not cover it all; I did not cover even half. D.C. has such a large variety of things to do and places to see, and I want to go back to continue my adventure in Washington, D.C.
I am Brooke Lauryn. I am a high school student with diverse interests. I enjoy being a member of my high school band and marching at Friday night football games, along with participating in basketball and track & field. I appreciate art and music and learning about other cultures. I love spending time with my family and friends. Since I was a child I have always enjoyed traveling, and I look forward to sharing some of my favorite places and “cool” things to do with you.
I used to live not too far from Washington D.C and had the pleasure of seeing all these things often. I recently went back and saw the MLK memorial and more and had a great time. That was really awesome that she had the opportunity to lay down the wreath.
I’ve only traveled through Washington DC and had one short look around it. So much to see and do and a great place for a family trip.
I REALLY ENJOYED READING YOUR POST.I LIVE IN UK SO I HAD A DREAMY TOUR TO WASHINGTON FROM HERE THROUGH YOUR POST.THNX FOR SHARING
I would love to travel to the UK someday! Thanks for reading my post. Glad you enjoyed the quick tour. 🙂
I have actually never visited Washington D.C. Everytime we are going by there, we are in a mad rush to get somewhere. My Granddaughter may be moving close to there for her job…. so I bet I will get to go soon.
I’ve been to DC several times but have never been to the newseum. Sounds like a museum that my children will love. I look forward to visiting next time I am there. I also plan to see Sheer Madness next time I am in town. I hope you continue to travel and see the world.
I think your children will enjoy the museum and Shear Madness! Thanks for reading. Are those your kids in your profile picture? They are adorable!
Hi, Brooke! What a great article! My favorite vacations are usually tropical islands with palm trees, too, but this post made me want to visit Washington, DC. Haven’t been there in years.
There is so much to see and do in Washington D.C.. You hit a lot of my favorite spots to visit, I could spend at least a week at a time there it never gets old.
We have taken our teenager to Washington DC several times. She absolutely loves it – we could all spend days and days just at the Smithsonian!
I’ll definitely have to check out the Smithsonian next time! Sounds like it is really interesting and something I would enjoy.
I love that you have a series from the teen perspective. I’ve traveled many places around the country and beyond, but have actually never been to D.C. It is definitely some place I plan on taking my son when he gets a bit older and can truly appreciate the history.
Washington DC is one of my favourite states I have visited her in the USA. It is so historical with so many incredible museum and monuments to see!
This has always been on my list of places to visit. Will need to take a trip out there when my kids are older. xoxo
I love DC and really miss my city! It is has a lot of great attractions, glad you could explore and appreciate is that much more.
I’ve never been to the historical parts of dc.. I have a friend who lives there though. I can’t wait until my son is old enough to be interested in history/museums.
Great post Brooke. Always good to see young people appreciate such a historic place.
My city! Glad you enjoyed your visit here and got to see so many sites, especially MLK!
I lived in DC for a while and got to visit a few of the Monuments but it is always great to read someone else’s experience. Loved Brooke’s post.
D.C. is definitely on my vacation list for places to visit. The history is indeed so rich that I’m sure I will enjoy it 🙂
I love the teen feature. I live in the DC area and I’m used to the harsh weather. I don’t do tourism during the cold months. That just isn’t my cup of tea. lol I do get out a lot during the spring, summer and fall months.
We don’t have beaches and beautiful trees but there is so much culture and history here.
Love this! I’m from DC and I don’t like the cold LOL. Although there are a lot of museums I have yet to visit, I’ve experienced all of the ones listed here. I haven’t seen Shear Madness probably since high school but remember it being a great show.
I’ve checked out exhibits in DC but have never checked these out. I’m adding to my must see list.
We haven’t been to Washington DC yet but we hope to visit there soon. My kids really want to see what’s out there.
Great review of Washington DC from a teens perspective. I’ve never been to DC but it’s on my list of places to visit. I feel like everyone should visit DC at least once in their life.
I grew up in DC and I always love it when people highlight my city! It’s a great place to learn all sorts of history. I keep coming back to see all the new memorials and revisit old ones!
I have never been to Washington D.C. but would love to travel there at least once in my life. Thanks for sharing a few places that should be checked out while there.
I also believe DC is a place to try and visit at least once in a lifetime, too. Thanks for reading!
I have only been to the Maryland close to DC area once, but I really want to go again and actually visit DC and see some of these historic attractions and venues first hand.
We took a trip to visit my friend in Philly before we got married. It was summer, and we would spend 4th of July there so we decided to go and celebrate in our nation’s capitol. It was one of the coolest things we have ever done! We visited many of these same monuments and watched the fireworks on the capitol building stairs. It rained on us and it was wonderful!
That is such an amazing and memorable experience! I would love to do that if I go back during the 4th of July.
When I was in middle school, I visited DC a couple of times. I loved the Newseum! The best part was doing a weather report with the green screen behind me. Glad you had fun on your trip!
We love taking our kids to DC and find that the museums are a great cold weather destination. Thanks for sharing your tips!
i have always wanted to visit Washington. especially after reading your post. i love the photos and thank for sharing the tips.
Oh, you would love to travel to DC! 🙂 It’s really rich in history. Since we live in a neighboring state, we always bring our visitors there and they are always delighted. 🙂