What to do if you have more than one day in Washington D.C.

The National Zoological Park is one of the world's premiere zoos. A leader in the field of captive breeding, the National Zoo has rare animals like Hsing-Hsing, the only giant panda in America. Exhibits like Amazonia, where an entire rainforest ecosystem has been created, attempt to show animals in their natural setting. The grounds themselves, designed by Frederick Law Olmstead (who also designed NY's Central Park) are pretty and well maintained. If you've never been to a major zoo, this is a golden opportunity.

Only a fifteen minute walk from the White House, the headquarters of the National Geographic Society is filled with interactive displays and presentations that will bring out your spirit for discovery. Visit Earth Station One, the 72-seat amphitheater that simulates an orbital flight 23,000 miles above the surface of the planet, or check out the temporary exhibits in the Explorers Hall.

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing tour is one of the more popular attractions in Washington. All of the paper currency in America originated in this building, so visitors can see the presses that print over $450 million a day. Security is tight and there are no interactive displays, but he tour is still fun. Where else can you see a $1 million stack of $10 bills, or see how much your height is worth in $100 bills.

The National Archives is where visitors to Washington can see some of  the original documents that formed a nation. Some of the documents on display are the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Louisiana Purchase and the Bill of Rights. The National Archives also has some historically significant items on display like the rifle Lee Harvey Oswald used to assassinate President Kennedy. Visitors can trace their family history in the Archive's genealogy department.

The Capital Children's Museum is a hands-on museum filled with activities for children aged 2 - 12. Younger kids can romp around in the City Scenes room, or blow bubbles of every size and shape in the Bubble room. Older kids will enjoy some of the Capital Children's Museum's more technical facilities like the computer lab or the animation center, where kids can create their own cartoon complete with sound effects and voice-overs.  

The Corcoran Gallery of Art is Washington's oldest art collection. The main focus is on American Art, but some European masterpieces by artists like Renoir and Monet are included. The American collection has examples of 18th century portraiture and The Hudson River School all the way to the 20th century masters like Stella and Lichtenstein. With over 11,000 works in it's collection, art enthusiasts will love the Corcoran.