Category: Adventure Reports

Categories
Washington DC

Gravelly Point & the Jefferson Memorial

When we visited: August 2013

Ages of children: 7, 5, 3

Don’t forget to bring: Picnic blanket & dinner, bikes, bike lock, toy planes

Just north of the Reagan International Airport in Washington DC, there is a small park called Gravelly Point. The park sits right at the end of the runway, giving you a spectacular view of the planes as they take off and land. Every few minutes, you’ll get an up close and personal experience with an airplane. You will either see the planes taking off, or the planes landing, depending on how the airport is routing air traffic. (I suppose this depends on wind patterns.)

We heard about the park, and decided it sounded like a great outing with our kids. We gathered a picnic dinner and threw the bikes in the back of the newly acquired truck, and headed out. The park did not disappoint, and we had a great show as we ate our dinner. Just know the because they planes are so close, they are also very LOUD.

We received a tip from local friends that the bike ride from Gravelly Point to the Jefferson Memorial is a short one, great for kids, and is one of the easiest ways to get to the memorial. The Jefferson Memorial is situated on the other side of the tidal basin from the bulk of the monuments, and there’s no parking at or near it making it the least accessible monument  at the National Mall. After dinner  we set off on our bikes, riding north on the Mt. Vernon Bike Trail. The bike trail continues to Arlington National Cemetery, but you want to take the fork that leads over the George Mason Memorial Bridge.

This ride at 3 miles (round trip) , was about the right length for Andrew (5) on a bike,  a little easy for Rachel (7), and Cara (3) rode in the CoPilot seat with Jess. With the exception of one street crossing, the entire path is separated from car traffic and safe for kids. It is an active bike path, so have a talk with your kids about proper path etiquette (stay to the right, pass only when safe, announce passing, and ride in a straight line).

At the memorial, we found a rack to lock our bikes with a long bike lock I carried in a backpack, and then headed into the memorial.

As with the Lincoln Memorial, the light inside the Jefferson Memorial is beautiful. After you have walked around a bit, don’t forget to take the elevator or stairs below to view the exhibits and visit the gift shop. There are also ranger talks every hour and these guys really know their stuff. Its always a pleasure to hear what they have to say.

We enjoyed our stay so much we left a little late, and it was getting dark on our ride back to the truck.

To give you an idea of what watching the planes is like, check out this video shot at a different day, but same location:

Categories
National Parks Virginia

Great Falls National Park – Virginia

We almost didn’t go. It was one of those lazy moments where staying inside was easier than leaving, but I’m so glad we went. It was another testament to our theory that all it takes to have a great adventure day is to muster up the energy to leave your house.

When we visited: Sept 2013

Ages of kids: 8, 5, 3

Don’t forget to bring: pens for the Junior Ranger Book, picnic lunch, good walking shoes

Located only 15 miles from Washington DC, Great Falls NP is full of beauty and history. Shortly after the end of the Revolutionary War, George Washington set about to make the Potomac River navigable from the East-Coast and transatlantic trade to the headwaters of the Ohio River. In order to do so, cargo ships needed to bypass Great Falls where the river drops over 80 feet in less than a mile. Indentured servants, hired hands, and slaves rented from local farmers spent 17 years constructing the series of canal locks that would allow the cargo ships passage around the jagged rocks.
Ruins of Canal Locks at Great Falls National ParkAt the park today, there are 3 viewing platforms a short walk from the visitors center where you can see the majestic falls. There are picnic areas, exhibits, and nature trails to explore the ruins of both Matildaville (the town that grew up to support the Potowmac Canal company who was building the locks), and the locks themselves.

Great Falls National ParkWhen we arrived, we picked up our Junior Ranger Books at the Visitor Center Front desk and were off! One of my favorite things about the Junior Ranger program is the direction it gives to your visit. You are not aimlessly wandering around, but have a purpose and even as an adult, I learn so much while helping my kids with their activities. This Junior Ranger booklet is perfect. It is designed to be completed in about an hour, is very laid out in order if you follow their map, and was not too difficult even for my 5 year old. Just be careful. The map inside the Jr. Ranger book is not quite to scale and we ended up hiking an extra mile or so along a path until we realized we had to backtrack. Luckily it was beautiful, so it wasn’t all bad. We were just hungry as this was pre-lunch. Make sure to grab a “real” map from the Visitor Center as well. 🙂

Mather Gorge Great Falls National ParkWe had packed in a picnic lunch and enjoyed a break from our booklet while we ate on one of the many picnic tables provided. The time of year was also perfect. Fall had just started to come to Virginia, the leaves were turning, the air was crisp, and our day couldn’t have been more perfect. We spent about 2.5 hours at the park from 10:30am until about 1pm.

Definitely a must visit if you are in the area. What about you? What is the last National Park you visited?

 

Categories
National Parks Virginia Washington DC

Jones Point National Park – Alexandria, VA

When we visited: Oct 2013

Ages of Children When We visited: 8,6,3

In all of the greater Washington DC area, Jones Point National Park is my favorite place. The architectural beauty of the bridge combined with the incredible use of traditionally unclaimed space sings to my soul. We discovered this off the beaten path little National Park during our Mt. Vernon Bike Date. Sitting just outside Old Town Alexandria, the Mt. Vernon Bike Trail runs right through it. I still recall riding along, turning a corner and practically stopping dead in my tracks because of the view. It lies underneath the Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge, a bridge we had crossed a few times as it is a common path for reaching National Harbor (among other places), and I’m sure most people don’t notice the little patch of green as they hurry about their busy lives.

This area along the Potomac River was a critical piece of history as one of Alexandria’s main shipbuilding, manufacturing, and transportation locations. There is a gravel interpretive trail that explains the different areas, the ships that were built, and why the industry was so critical to the nation. Located along the river is also the Jones Point Lighthouse, the last remaining riverine lighthouse in Virginia. You can’t go inside, but around the grounds are explanations of the original boundaries of Washington DC, and even one of the original cornerstone markers. When Washington DC was created, surveyors mapped out an area that was 10 miles square placing cornerstones first and then adding additional ones every mile along the border. Many can still be seen today, although most are in people’s yards or other awkward to get to places. This particular cornerstone (also the first one placed) is underground but you can view it through an observation window.

My favorite part about this little park, however, is how peaceful it is. Tucked underneath a bridge, but without the sounds of traffic, the Potomac river laps at the fishing pier and children laugh as they play on one of the 2 play structures. And if you go in the evening, the light streaming through the trees is divine. I highly recommend taking a picnic and spending an evening here with your family.

 

Categories
Tips & Tricks Washington DC

5 Tips for Visiting the US Capitol with Young Kids

A trip to the US Capitol while visiting Washington DC is definitely a must do. The building is both architecturally & historically significant and with just a little advance planning you can make the experience a good one for both you and your kids. We put together 5 tips for visiting the Capitol with young children.

When we visited: Oct 2013

Ages of Children: 8,6,3

Ceiling of the US Capitol Rotunda

1. Schedule with your Senator

This is by far my number one suggestion. Of course, it also means that you have to plan ahead as most offices suggest that you submit your request at least a few weeks in advance. Mike Lee, who is one of Utah’s Senators, has an easy to navigate website with “Visit DC” right on the homepage. You fill out the online form with your available dates and which tours you’d like and one of the interns will get back with you via email or phone to set you up. In addition to the Capitol, you can also request tours for the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, the Library of Congress, the Supreme Court and the National Archives. Just note that you’ll meet your guide at the Senate Office Building, NOT at the Capitol itself.

The advantage of doing this is that your tour group is simply… you. Your guide can tailor the experience to suit your family’s needs. Ours skipped the video presentation (not enough time and we’d have to wait 20 minutes in the Visitor Center), and condensed a lot of the material so the adults still received interesting information and the kid’s attention spans weren’t maxed out.

2. Where to Park

Always a tricky question. We got lucky (although we got lucky a lot parking in downtown DC) and found spots for both us AND our friends on Constitution Avenue near 3rd St. We paid with the Park Mobile app and walked approximately .5 mile to our Senator’s office. All of the parking closer to the Senate Office Buildings and the Capitol building are permit only so plan on a bit of a walk no matter what and bring a stroller if your kids tire easily.

Alternatively, the Senate Office Buildings are only a .5 mile walk from the Capitol South metro station.

3. Ride the underground Train

Another perk of scheduling with your Senator is that you  walk over to the Capitol via the underground tunnels and there is a TRAIN. What kid doesn’t love a train ride? Granted it is super short, but all the kids loved it. Our guide informed us that when Congress is in session (and debating an important piece of legislation), many of the Senators go back and forth between their office and the Capitol all day. While a train ride may seem a bit on the lazy side, walking that .5 mile over 20 times a day would definitely take its toll.

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4. No Food or Drink Allowed

You can’t even take it in with you and just not eat it. If you have any food or water in your bags you’ll have to throw it out. Luckily, our Senator’s office informed us of this BEFORE we got to security. We stuffed all of our food and water into one backpack and left it with the interns at the office.

This is where parking close came in handy – once the tour was completed, dad ran to the truck and grabbed our cooler with lunch and we picnicked on the Capitol lawn.

5. Find your state’s statues

Each state was allowed to contribute 2 statues and all have done so (make your kids do the math to find the total number). Many are scattered throughout the Capitol and a fair number are located in Statuary Hall. Unfortunately, my kids weren’t as interested in a statue scavenger hunt as I hoped they’d be but they are still fun to find.

Utah has a statue of Filo T. Farnsworth (American inventor & pioneer) located in the Visitor’s Center, and also Brigham Young (Mormon prophet & pioneer who led the Saints to Utah) located in Statuary Hall.

Have you visited the United States Capitol? What was your favorite part?

Categories
Virginia

3 Things Not to Miss While Touring Monticello with Young Children

Tips for Visiting Thomas Jeffersons Historic Home with young children. You definitely do not want to miss this educational opportunity!

When we visited: October 2013

Ages of Children: 8, 6, 3

First off, the mansion tour. This doesn’t count on my list, because I think its obviously the main reason you want to go. But just for fun, I’ll give you a quick run down of how our experience went.

Mansion Tour

Buy tickets at the visitor center and then take the shuttle bus up to the mansion. It is recommended to get on the shuttle at least 20 minutes earlier than your scheduled tour time in order to not be late. The shuttles ran continuously and often, and at most we waited 5 minutes to board.

Once on the mountain top, there are plenty of staff to direct you to the proper waiting location. You can definitely go up early and explore before your tour, but we timed things pretty close and saved everything else for after.

I loved the tour. Andrew (6) had a stomach ache and ended up in the back of most of the rooms lying quietly on the floor. I wasn’t sure he was listening, but it surprised me how much he actually learned. Our tour guide was nice, efficient, very open to questions, and even interacted the children on the tour asking them age appropriate questions to keep them engaged.

I loved that we had a group of 20 or so and a dedicated guide that moved with us from room to room. I felt we moved quickly enough and there were enough interesting objects and anecdotes about each room to keep my kids listening. One thing I noticed as we passed other groups inside the mansion was that not all tour guides gave the same information. Definitely motivation to go back as I feel like I could learn something new depending on the guide.

Rachel (8) was attentive and interested and loved the wine elevator and the spinning serving door. We mostly just had to corral Cara (3). You only get to see the main floor (which I thought was plenty) but my kids were disappointed they didn’t get to go upstairs. Monticello does offer Behind the Scenes Tours if that is something you are really wanting to see.

There are no photographs permitted inside the house as many of the pieces (art or otherwise) displayed are on a loan and they do not have the rights to let people photograph them. Definitely don’t forget your camera though because the grounds and area around the mansion are stunning.

The Cellar

Underneath the mansion is the cellar area. This is where my kids really got a feel for how busy, interconnected, and complex running an estate really was. Plus, we were underground in a tunnel. What kid doesn’t love that? They have restored the wine cellar, kitchen, smokehouse, and slave quarters.

There’s a small crossroads section where kids can see “Saturday” from the clock in the entryway, as well as try using old fashion keys, iron, and other hands on activities. They really loved this area so definitely don’t miss it. We probably spent 20 minutes or so exploring the area underneath the mansion. In every room there are signs detailing what the room was used for and generally which slaves or servants used those rooms.

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Griffin Discovery Room

My kid’s favorite part was the hands on Griffin Discovery Room  located below the Cafe in the main visitor area.  It really gave my children a way to connect with Thomas Jefferson on their level. They have reproductions of Jefferson’s in-the-wall bed, his polygraph machine, slave quarters, and even a cipher wheel so they can decode a secret message!

You can also use one of their limited capability computers to architecturally design your own house and then email it to friends and family. We easily spent an hour here, and I had to drag the kids out. I definitely recommend visiting here AFTER your house tour, so your kids will connect what they saw in the house with what they can touch and feel here.

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Slavery at Monticello Tour

Okay, so Cara took a nap on grandma, and Rachel & Andrew weren’t particularly riveted, but this was by far MY favorite part. Normally the slave tour guide will walk you down Mulberry Row while narrating and discussing the various slaves, their jobs, and their stories. It was pouring rain, so thankfully we stayed under the roofed porch outside the mountain top gift shop. The only thing that would have made it better were more benches.

Our guide was funny, interesting, engaging, and a joy to listen to. Luckily we did this last and the kids were tired as they had a full day of running around and playing and were okay to just sit for 45 minutes.

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Definitely a win and highly recommended.

Tips & Tricks:

– Parking is free. Hallelujah. Its also not that far of a walk to and from the Visitor Center (the Mountain Top, however, is by shuttle bus), so if you forgot something, or need to leave jackets in the car they can easily be retrieved.

– Pack a lunch. If you need ideas, see some of our favorites here. Definitely saves on cost and there are convenient outdoor (yet under a patio roof) tables to sit at. We did, however, spring for some $1 hot chocolates at the cafe. Mmmm…. SO worth it.

– Visit the museum shop. As a rule, we don’t generally buy souvenirs (no place to really put them) but my kids like to look anyway. They found plastic enlargements of the nickel and immediately recognized Monticello on the back. Homeschool for the win.

– Don’t be afraid to take the shuttle twice. We did it. Mansion tour, back down for lunch and the Griffin Room, then back up for the Slavery Tour. It all depends on your timing, but my kids loved riding the shuttle anyway, so why not?

– You can stop and get off the shuttle to see Jefferson’s Grave. Or you can just view it through the bus window like we did. Have I mentioned it was pouring rain?

– That leads to, don’t be afraid of the weather! The gift shop sells umbrellas (we forgot ours) and there is quite a lot to do indoors! I think we probably would’ve spent more time out exploring the grounds (and taking photos – lets be honest) but we stayed pretty snug under our umbrellas and didn’t let it get to us too much.

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-The Monticello website is amazing. Truly they have done a great job with providing information for visitors to really get to know Jefferson. They have an entire section dedicated to Visiting with Kids (I love it when companies and organizations do that!) with suggestions like, “Look for themes in the house” and “Look for plants with unusual shapes, scents or behavior”. They also have a .pdf Guide for Young Learners you can download or print and go over with your kids prior to your visit. I find that educating my kids on WHY we are going and WHAT is important usually helps them engage while they are visiting.

That’s it! Did I miss anything? Have you been to Monticello? What was your favorite part?