Beyond the National Mall - 3 Ways to Enjoy DC this Summer

Summer is in full swing and as the days get hotter, it’s a wonderful time to visit what I consider to be some of DC’s most interesting attractions. As a bonus, they are all inside, so its perfect for those dog days of summer. Although the city is filled with the fabulous and free Smithsonian complex of museums, I think these three gems are worth the price of admission.  

1.   Hit the BEACH in the city. Did you know that the National Building Museum hosts a “Summer Block Party?” Kids will love to visit the newly opened “BEACH”  where they can “swim” in an ocean made from almost a million plastic balls.  Special summer treats will be available for purchase from the local Union Kitchen Snack Bar. The museum is a fantastic place to cool off this time of year, with lots of hands on activities for builders of all ages. Summer Block Party events are happening through Labor Day. Visit their website for information regarding summer hours and admission fees. The museum is easily accessible from the Judiciary Square metro station. 

2.   Hot off the Press, the “Newseum Summer Fun Deal is Back.”  For every adult admission purchased to the Newseum, up to 4 kids under the age of 18 are admitted free! This is an inexpensive way to visit what I consider one of the coolest museums in DC.  Last summer I took advantage of this amazing deal and took 4 teenagers for the price of one adult ticket.  The unique exhibits, like an actual piece of the Berlin Wall, along with an interactive newsroom and 4-D movies are fun for kids of all ages, but I do think the museum is probably best suited for kids 10 and older.

3.   Go On an Archaeological Quest.  Visit the “Indiana Jones and the Adventure of Archaeology” exhibit at the National Geographic Museum in DC.  Visitors will get immersed with props from the movies along with real artifacts from the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology. Admission includes a hand-held device which will guide you through your archaeological quest. You’ll find lots of unique gifts in the museum store, so don’t forget to stop in before you leave. The museum is located near 17th and M Streets, and has easy access from the metro. The exhibit runs through January 3, 2016, and tickets can be purchased on-line. This is definitely on our list of family outings for the month of August.