Washington DC always has lots going on, but this year, with an exciting new administration and Americans' renewed interest in government, policy making and getting up close and personal with the First Family, we anticipate a tourist surge in the mid-Atlantic region. And let's not ignore the impact of "Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian," the Ben Stiller sequel to the enormously popular romp in New York's American Museum of Natural History. It's sure to attract families curious about the movie making behind it, so filming locations, themed hotel packages and special evening programs are being featured at the custom microsite Washington.org and in brochures distributed by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA).

Of course, Washington has lots more than movie sets to recommend it as a great value family destination. Here's FTF's roundup of some neat exhibits showing free of charge at some of the country's most interesting museum collections.

National Archives
Constitution Ave. NW
between 7th & 9th St.
Washington, DC 20408
866/272-6272
To celebrate their 75th anniversary, the National Archives presents "Big!" featuring big records, big events, and big ideas. A special highlight of the exhibition is the first printing of the Declaration of Independence, produced on the night of (no, not "Museum"!) July 4-5, 1776, considered one of the greatest treasures in the holdings. The exhibit runs through January 3, 2010.

Abraham Lincoln’s 200th birthday took place on February 12, 2009, and since then Washington DC has been hailing one of the country's most influential presidents. Museums and other venues have special celebrations and events to commemorate this occasion.

The National Portrait Gallery
Eighth and F Streets, NW
Washington D.C., 20001
202/633-8300
"One Life: The Mask of Lincoln", explores Lincoln’s photographic portraits and how he used them to guide and show himself to Americans; this exhibit is on display till July 5, 2009. The NPG has also acquired Shepard Fairey’s famous portrait of President Barack Obama, an image of "Hope" that has come to symbolize a new era in American politics.

National Museum of American History
National Mall
14th Street and Constitution Avenue, N.W.,
Washington, D.C.
202/633-1000
"Abraham Lincoln: An Extraordinary Life" puts this historical figure on display using possessions and treasures, such as his famous top hat, that everyone will enjoy seeing. It's an ongoing exhibit on the Smithsonian's 3rd floor and before you come, ask your school-age kids to go online to the Smithsonian's Kids Activity website and learn more about this president for themselves.

Nation Museum of American History
“First Ladies at the Smithsonian”
This exhibit allows viewers to take a closer look at the first women of the White House, their lives and how they influenced history. Inaugural gowns and personal possessions will be on display, including the first inaugural gown worn by Helen Taft in 1912.  “The American Presidency: A Glorious Burden”
explores the past 200 years of presidential history, visitors will learn about the 43 men who made our nation what it is today. National treasures and presidential collections will be displayed to give viewers an understanding of the presidential life. In “The Scurlock Studio and Black Washington: Picturing the Promise,” see how Addison Scurlock and his two sons captured the history of African American life in this photographic exhibit.

Library of Congress
1st Street S.E., between Independence Avenue and East Capitol Street
202/707-8000
“Exploring the Early Americas”
Visitors can experience and learn about the interaction between the first settlers of the United States and the Native Americans, as well as discover the changes that would influence the birth of our nation. "Creating the United States" offers viewers the opportunity to go back in time and imagine the process through which our country emerged. Visitors can examine the compromise and creativity in the documents and ideas that make up the foundation of the United States.

Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum
1901 Fort Place, SE
Washington, D.C. 20020
202/633-4820
“Separate and Unequaled: Black Baseball in the District of Columbia”
This true American sport was once played on segregated fields and this exhibit outlines the history of where it started and where it is today. Visitors will discover the African American baseball community and what it meant, and still means, to Americans today.

And what about fine dining? Well the nation's capital is one of the first ever to organize a Kids Restarunt Week. From June 13-June 21, families with young children will have the opportunity to enjoy fine family dining at some of the town's best restaurants, including Art & Soul, Asia Nine, Beacon Street Bar & Grill, Cafe du Parc, Firefly, Juniper at the Fairmont, Mie N Yu, M Street Bar & Grill, Palette at Loews, The Hay-Adams and Zola. This event is sposored by Cookie and Gourmet magazines and promises a "great opportunity for children to have fun trying new foods while learning to make healthy choices that will last a lifetime," says Nancy Berger Cardone, VP/Publisher of Gourmet. Participating restaurants will offer special discounts and fixed-price menus with dinner seating from 5pm-7pm. Kids 11 and under will pay their age, while adults and children 12 and over will pay $29 each. Learn more about it at kidsrestaurantweek.com.

For dozens of other events and lots more information, visit Experience DC.