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Aagot Forum All-Star
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Posted: Sept 15 2015 at 3:19pm | IP Logged
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My husband has a 3 day business trip to DC in December. We have two teens (13 and 15) who could go with him but would need to entertain themselves on those days. For those of you familiar with DC, how feasible do you think that would be? Any great ideas on what to see. I would prefer to give them one to three places (in the same general area) to visit per day. They can handle public transportation and use gps etc.
It may sound completely naïve and irresponsible of me but I think that together they could really have a great time. Last year we did the same with our then 14 year old, in a foreign country no less. He loved it.
I am less worried about their personal safety than I am about someone reporting them for being "unaccompanied". How much of an issue do you think that would be? It will be the Thursday and Friday before Christmas week so maybe the schools are out then?
Feel free to tell me I am nuts or give ideas on what your teens would love to do in DC.
Thanks!
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JennGM Forum Moderator
Joined: Feb 07 2005 Location: Virginia
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Posted: Sept 16 2015 at 8:19am | IP Logged
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Have they ever been to DC before?
Smithsonian Museums are probably their best bet. You could spend all day just in one museum. So I would suggest that for a day or two. And don't forget the Postal Museum near Union Station.
My second suggestion would be to visit the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. A little away from that is the Franciscan Monastery, but there is no Metro; they would have to figure out the bus there, and it's not the best neighborhood. But the Shrine is huge, has a metro stop. Across the street is the Dominican House of Studies which has a beautiful chapel that might be worth a little peek.
You can arrange with your Congressman for White House and Capitol tours, and I would ask straight up if it would be okay for your teens to be on the field trip unaccompanied. It's those government places you start to question.
There are other places to see, of course, but those are the big ones that are generally safe, on the beaten path, and shouldn't raise too many eyebrows
__________________ Jennifer G. Miller
Wife to & ds1 '03 & ds2 '07
Family in Feast and Feria
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Aagot Forum All-Star
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Posted: Sept 16 2015 at 10:39am | IP Logged
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Thanks!
Yes, they have been to DC about 5 years ago but they only saw the Mall. So, the museums sound great! Self contained and one location. They can see the Shrine with their dad.
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jawgee Forum All-Star
Joined: May 02 2011 Location: New Hampshire
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Posted: Sept 16 2015 at 11:21am | IP Logged
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We went last year and did the Air & Space museum in DC and a open bus tour to see all of the sights.
We took the subway to the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception for mass on Sunday, and then we walked to the Franciscan Monastery (it's about a mile from there).
How fun! What a learning experience!
__________________ Monica
C (12/2001), N (11/2005), M (5/2008), J (8/2009) and three angels
The Catholic Cup on Facebook
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guitarnan Forum Moderator
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Posted: Sept 16 2015 at 2:49pm | IP Logged
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Natural History is a great museum, too, as Jenn says, and I would also suggest the Museum of American History.
In addition to Metro, there are a couple of bus routes on the DC Circulator line that can be quite handy. The National Mall Route hits Union Station (train station/Metro station) and many places on the Mall. It's $1 per ride, payable either in cash with exact change or via the same SmarTrip card they will need for the Metro.
__________________ Nancy in MD. Mom of ds (24) & dd (18); 31-year Navy wife, move coordinator and keeper of home fires. Writer and dance mom.
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jawgee Forum All-Star
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Posted: Sept 17 2015 at 6:08am | IP Logged
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The National Zoo - - I forgot to mention that!
__________________ Monica
C (12/2001), N (11/2005), M (5/2008), J (8/2009) and three angels
The Catholic Cup on Facebook
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Aagot Forum All-Star
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Posted: Sept 17 2015 at 4:42pm | IP Logged
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Thanks everyone for your great ideas. I knew I could count on you!
How do you think the weather and zoo would be mid December?
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guitarnan Forum Moderator
Joined: Feb 07 2005 Location: Maryland
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Posted: Sept 17 2015 at 5:54pm | IP Logged
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It will be chilly. It could rain. We usually don't get much snow until January, although exceptions can occur.
__________________ Nancy in MD. Mom of ds (24) & dd (18); 31-year Navy wife, move coordinator and keeper of home fires. Writer and dance mom.
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