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Celebrate the incoming president at almost any time of year with the many family attractions and fun touring options in the nation's capital.

It's a sophisticated, international city of culture and high style. Parks and commons are beautifully landscaped. A national festival, parade, street fair, or flea market takes place every weekend. Hotels are comfortable and reasonably priced, and excellent ethnic restaurants are plentiful and cheap. Public transportation is safe, inexpensive and fun. Despite a childhood of tedious educational trips to our nation's capital, Washington D.C. has become one of my favorite family destinations.

What have we learned from eight trips with family, friends, and both sets of grandparents, in the past three years?

Family Touring

The capital's gone crazy when it comes to getting around. We love DC Ducks (202/832-9800), the group whose WW II amphibious vehicles waddle by the Mall and into the Potomac on a guided 90-minute romp around town. DC Ducks closes for the winter months, and re-opens in mid-March.

Old Town Trolley Tours (202/832-9800) circle the D.C. tourist area, and are a welcome choice for parents or grandparents touring with energetic toddlers. In Georgetown, the C&O Canal Barge Rides (202/653-5190) are hauled up and back a narrow canal by teams of mules, steered by costumed guides. Odyssey Cruises' (866/306-2469) 600-passenger vessel offers dining, dancing, and brunch along the Potomac.

Tiny Traveler Travel Tips 

Plan your itinerary carefully, to accommodate all the family's interests and the short attention span of younger children. Although most museums are open daily, most federal buildings and government tours are closed weekends and national holidays.

Contact your travel agent or the Washington, D.C. Convention and Tourism Corporation (800/422-8644) for more information about attractions, transportation, special events, and lodging.