Family Fun in the Capital Region

Washington DC

Depart from London on your direct flight to Washington's Dulles Airport and transfer to your hotel by taxi or airport shuttle.

Washington, DC is a cosmopolitan capital city, packed with many famous sights and free attractions and home to some of the world's best-known museums and galleries. Combine this with hip new restaurants and bars, stunning hotels, great nightlife, live music, theatres, charming neighbourhoods and terrific shopping options and you have a fantastic start to your trip through the Capital Region.

During your stay in this great city, be sure to include some of the following Sights and attractions that will entertain all the family.

International Spy Museum - a thrilling window onto the world of international espionage, Newseum - a vast interactive museum of news and journalism, Madame Tussauds, Smithsonian Institution's 14 museums which are all free. If that's not enough there's also the National Zoo, DC by Foot and the DC Ducks. For a great family evening out have an early supper and then hit 'Lucky Strikes' for that great American pastime a spot of bowling! Also out of the city, there is Six Flags America and Hurrican Harbor - just 30 minutes east of DC en route to Annapolis, this is a colossal theme park that is well worth the detour.

Baltimore

40 miles

After collecting your hire car and leaving Washington today you will now have a chance to get in on the charm of Baltimore where its not so much a place as an experience. For the grown ups and older children who want to do a spot of shopping, Baltimore has an astounding array of choices from upscale malls to antiques and designer shops. Also, check out the city's fantastic restaurants, and the "lively restored area of Fells Point, where many old bars and pubs have been restored. Here you can sample an astonishing array of cuisines, along with world-famous Chesapeake Bay cuisine.

Like it's bigger neighbour, the city has so much to do for families with Younger children and teenagers alike such as Port Discovery - an interactive children's museum designed by Walt Disney imagineers. SeeThe World Trade Centre and experience incredible views from the Top of the World Observation Deck. The National Aquarium has aquatic fun for all the family with it's daily dolphin shows. If you've time there's also Voyages of Discovery with it's simulated interactive dives under the sea and Geppi's Entertainment museum which takes you on a journey through three centuries of American toys. Finally, like Washington & Boston, Baltimore also gives you the chance to 'Ride the Ducks' on an entertaining 80-minute tour on land and water.

Annapolis

31 miles

Discover the "Yachting Capital of the USA" today - lovely Annapolis. The vibe is laid-back, the scenery is awe-inspiring and the local fare is seasoned with the flavours of the Chesapeake Bay. The narrow streets feature historic homes and restored buildings and the waterfront harbour in Annapolis allows for ship watching, harbuor cruises and the lively cafes and shops are in inviting place to relax. After all the excitement of the city the kids will still enjoy the sights of Annapolis with it's Walking tour that includes the impressive US Naval Academy and for younger children 'Pirate Adventures' a 75 minute adventure filled cruise. Other sailing cruises & kayak rentals are available too.

Chesapeake Bay

51 miles

Take two days to explore Maryland's Eastern Shore. Visit the beautiful Chesapeake harbor town of St. Michaels's. Here, you can feast on the local specialty, crab - whilst overlooking the small picturesque harbour. Browse through the town with its antique shops, ice cream parlours and cafes and simply sit back and enjoy the delightful ambiance of this quaint town. Visit Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum , hire bikes and explore on 2 wheels or alternatively go on a Crabbin' cruise.

Virginia Beach

196 miles

Stroll the 40 blocks of boardwalk or just relax on the vast expanse of soft sand. Virginia Beach is the world's longest pleasure beach! Grab a quick lesson in surfing the Atlantic on Sandridge Beach before you kayak Virginia's coastal waters on a search for dolphins. At night, the beachfront comes alive, as you sit with your cocktail on the boardwalk, watching the sunset, before enjoying a meal at one of the many restaurants.

If the kids tire of the beach there's the nearby Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Museum which allows a chance to touch stingrays, horseshoe crabs and others as well as the unmissable Harbor seal splash. Whale/Dolphin Watching Boat Trips are also available from here as well as Kayaking in Chesapeake Bay or Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge.

Williamsburg

60 miles

Don't miss Colonial Williamsburg, the most extensively restored 18th century town in the US. Nearby, the thrills and spills of Busch Gardens Williamsburg combines 17th-century charm with 21st-century technology to create an ultimate family experience and probably one of many highlights of the holiday for the younger members of the family! As well as the thrills and spills of Busch Gardens, Water Country USA also offers slippery slides galore. Please note both are seasonal. Don't forget Colonial Williamsburg - the world's largest living history museum if you've time to see some more of this fascinating and historic part of the region.

Charlottesville

120 miles

Travel through an area which Thomas Jefferson called the "Eden of the United States" You can visit his home, Monticello, atop a mountain in Albemarle County. It is described as one of the country's foremost architectural masterpieces. Today, Charlottesville is a charming college town with many shops, restaurants and tea rooms. If the kids have had enough of The amazing scenery there's the Virginia Discovery Museum - plenty of hands-on experience for children up to 13 years and Chris Green Lake Park Which offers swimming from a sandy beach area as well as canoeing.

Shenandoah Valley

61 miles

Today, your route takes you through lush rolling countryside, past gracious horse farms to the splendour of the Skyline Drive. Travel this National Scenic Byway, stopping at overlooks for views of the valley below. With more than 500 miles of hiking trails, you can relax and explore the lush forests, streams, waterfalls and wildflowers. Amble along a beautiful bridle path on a guided horseback ride. Visit Luray Caverns, the largest caverns on the east coast. Visit Luray Caverns and the Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum in Winchester with it's interactive exhibits. This area also gives the more Adventurous families to try some White water rafting and go on a Shenandoah National Park Ranger tour or try some hiking along the Appalachian Trail.

Washington DC

99 miles

After a leisurely start you will need to make you way back to Washington to drop off your car before you catch your flight home. However, the good news is there's still plenty of time to pay a visit to The National Air and Space Museum located near Dulles Airport. This is a must-see for every visitor to Washington and a great way to end a memorable holiday to this lovely part of America.