Smithsonian Question and Baltimore Aquarium Question

I don't remember that much about DC but can tell you that the Baltimore Aquarium is one of the best aquariums I have ever been to. It is a really great place, and it is open pretty late in the evenings on weekends, but it can get crowded.

I thought that the Cheesecake Factory near the aquarium was one of best I have been to, also, with great seafood. There are many places to get blue crab and I would suggest walking around to find a place that is cheap and convenient. They are all near the aquarium.

The Metro is very convenient--but unlike some cities, each traveler will have to have their own pass... even the little ones. Google DC Metro online to give you an idea of your expenses and routes. If you can plan your Metro trips during "non-peak hours" you'll spend less on your fare. But Metro is the way to go... skip the taxis because you'll get stuck in traffic and they charge per person in addition to miles/time.

The Smithsonian is free. You will have to pass through security/metal detectors--double check their website on restricted items. No worries about walking out when you're done. (Natural History is on the far end on the Washington Monument side). The original Star-Bangled Banner is on display in the American History Museum (right next to the Natural History) right now.

The vendors are located all over and are easy to find. Hot dogs, pretzels, etc. There is even a "mini" McDonald's located near the newest Smithsonian--the Native American Museum (at the far end on the Capitol side).

I have friends who live in Baltimore and many coworkers that travel there frequently, but somehow I have managed to miss actually going there. Sorry.

I'm afraid I can't help you with Baltimore since I've never been there, or the metro since we've always used family cars. The Natural History Museum was awesome and there's a tour. I think you might be able to make it through a good chunk of the museum in your time frame, at least judging by my massive family's speed when we had a WWII vet in a wheelchair (Grandpa) and 2 small children with us. There's not a problem with turning around and walking out. You'll get regular museum cafeteria food which I don't remember being too high priced.

The nearest Metro stop for that museum is National Archives and then it is a good walk down the Avenue to get there. Every museum has some sort of Food court and it is really good and not too expencive and beats eating a hot dog. The best food court is at the Air and Space in my opinion. My daughter and I always end up there when we have our " Lunch and a museum " outing. I wish you lots of fun and good luck. EDIT the museums open at 10 am. Yes I know Federal Triangle is another Metro stop but then you have to hike throught the court at the Ronald Reagan building and then take a right and walk 1/2 mile to the next corner with a traffic light only to walk back 1/2 mile after you crossed the street to get to the museum. Been there done that. After living here for 18 years and going to museums all up and down the National Mall I know which way is best to go.

Couple of quick things...Someone suggested eatiing a picnic on the Metro. Only if you want to get thrown off Metro. No food or drink allowed in the Metro trains or platforms, for the good reason that it attracts rats. National Archives is not your only Metro stop option; Federal Triangle is close to the museum. Check the "line" you're on carefully. They're color coded and easy to use.

Carts are plentiful near the museums BUT are strictly hot dogs etc. There is a cafeteria in the Natural History Museum with a variety of pretty good food and it's a nice facility but it is expensive -- all the museum restaurants here are quite pricey. As someone noted, Native American museum's restaurant is really expensive for a quick family lunch but Natural History's is more than you may want to pay--check it out. You might have time to go to the Old Post Office Pavilion (about a one minute walk, one block from museum) where they have a food court of different food vendors (Chinese, sandwiches, etc.) Not sure how pricey that has become.

As you go into Natural History, stop immediately at an information desk, get a map of the museum and decide what to see. Two hours is very limited and you want to see what the kids would like best. They may like the mammal hall and the dinosaur hall. There is a kids' hands-on room that most folks don't know about! The room's hours are kind of funky and limited so ask right away at the info desk if it's open when you're there. With such a short time in the museum you might want to skip it, though. Ask the info person if there are any special exhibits or hands-on events that particular morning. I would skip seeing an IMAX film if you only have two hours; it will eat most of your time there.

In Baltimore, the aquarium dolphin show is great last time we saw it. Aquarium can get VERY crowded, to the point you are moving along in a huge mass of people and kind of "forced" along past things by the sheer size of the crowd, so be aware of that and hang onto the kids if it's one of those days. The earlier you go, the better -- I'd be there before it opens. Ticket lines can also be extremely long -- see if you can get them in advance so you can walk straight into the building and avoid the ticket line.

Be careful about Baltimore hotel locations. Like DC, Baltimore is a great town with some very bad areas. Look on TripAdvisor.com for hotel reviews regarding locations. Super-cheap probably means not in a great area. There are big chains right by the popular Inner Harbor area near the aquarium (Days Inn is one) but I don't know about rates in that area. Baltimore is fantastic -- the Maryland Zoo there is very good (has animals DC's doesn't), there are museums about Babe Ruth and Edgar Allan Poe...There is a "children's museum" that is less a museum than a play place but the kids might like it and it's near the aquarium....Look in your AAA travel guide!

my Mom & oldest son just left DC! They said the one lesson they learned was to allow double time for each planned activity....based on the crowds. They absolutely loved the Nat'l History museum & said they could have easily spent days there. Lunch yesterday was at the Native American Museum & woo-hooo, it was expensive! Mom had wild turkey, some hash, & a vegie.....& it was $21. My son had buffalo steak, the same hash, & a fern/wildflower salad.....& his was $31 !! Wow....but they were going for a "bang" , not for convenience food.

They used Metro for all of their traveling, & really enjoyed it. Baltimore is not on their itinerary, because they're now headed to Boston. My son hears Samuel Adams calling his name.....well, that & a cruise out in the harbor!

I agree with the ladies below and would like to add to be sure everyone wears their most comfortable tennis shoes and socks, even if it doesnt go with your outfit because all that walking will cause blisters and tired feet. Bring bandaids and extra socks for the kids. Metro is super fast and easy to use. You won't have a problem leaving mid-way or however far you get. The snacks are plentiful and fairly cheap but bring cash. The bigger concern is getting distracted on the mall - there are the Vietnam, Korea, WWII memorials an all the monuments and museums. I love the Baltimore aquarium but if forced to choose, would choose to stay in one spot (DC) for entire day) and see the memorials. However, Baltimore aquarium is awesome. Baseball stadium nearby if you have time/schedule allows. Instead of going to the carts after museum, you could also pack a picnic and eat on the metro. Have fun!