two day itinerary

I will be travelling to DC next week for 2 1/2 days with my 13 and 11 year old. We will be staying at the Crystal Gateway Marriot. I am looking for advice re: an itinerary- what are the best things to see (to keep everyone interested and learning) and in what order. I believe the hotel is on the metro-line and am also unsure about what to purchase as far as metro passes go. I have read a few metro topics but none seem to have the same short-term situation that I am looking at. Any advice is greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

SMCM

two day itinerary

1.Yes, the hotel is on the metro line.

2. www.wmata.com for the map so you can see it.

3. You can just purchase a regular farecard at any metro station, you will see the kiosk for the purchases. Each person will need their own. You are here for 2 days, so I would put at least $10.00 on each card. You can always add money to the card or get a new one. The money will be deducted once you get out of the station.

4. If you just stick to the basic tourist attractions, you or the kids shouldn%26#39;t get bored.

5. (www.si.edu) this is the website for the Smithsonian Museums. Almost all of them are within walking distance of each other. They are mostly on the Smithsonian Metro Station Line (Orange/Blue Line). All of these museums are free. Very educational and can be interesting for the kids ages. American Indian Museum, Air %26amp; Space Museum, African Art Museum, American History Museum, Natural history museum,

6.Also the Holocaust Museum should be ok for their ages. They should both understand the history of it all before hand. It%26#39;s not free however. It%26#39;s in the mall area but a little off the path of the other museums.

7. Bureau of Engraving and Printing. They might like the money making thing.

8. Monuments. Are all free. Just walk up to them and take some pictures and move to the next one.

9. You could probably knock out all of the museums and monuments in one full day of those that are located on the mall location. Most people do it. Just get started early.

10. You could do the tourmobile thing, www.tourmobile.com or www.oldtowntrolley.com. You get on the bus and they take you around the city. There are different routes. Old town Trolley takes you downtown and into Georgetown. Check their websites for rates and the times. They depart at Union Station (on the metro line)

Hope this helps. Did you have any other questions.

benefits from computer viruses