Visit DC: Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum

While in DC we visited the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. With over 8 million visitors a year, the museum offers a variety of exhibits focusing on aeronautical and spaceflight artifacts. From jets and rockets to hot air balloons and unmanned aerial vehicles, guests will be in awe of all there is to see.

It's not everyday that most people can get up close to a fighter jet, stand next to missiles, or touch moon rock!

The kids enjoyed seeing all the different types of aircraft, and there were all sorts of hands-on exhibits to keep the kids engaged and entertained.  Through these displays they learned about all sorts of air and space scientific terms.

There were also a variety of games, simulators, props, and so much more the kids could play with while learning at the same time!
 
From the earliest types of planes, to the incredible modes of transportation used in space, it was neat to see all the different types of air and spacecraft, and learn about how advances in air and space technology have resulted in the evolution of this industry.

National Air and Space Museum
600 Independence Ave SW

Washington, DC 20560
(202) 633-2214

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Visit DC: International Spy Museum

I love a good spy movie, but after visiting the International Spy Museum in Washington, DC, my interest (and paranoia!) in espionage only grew.

The International Spy Museum hosts a variety of exhibits focusing on the history, objects, processes, and people who have participated and influenced the world of espionage.

A visit to the International Spy Museum begins with Covers & Legends, where each guest must assume an identity.

Upon "entry," you'll be asked certain questions, and given more facts to memorize to "depart," so live your cover well!

We also watched a short film that briefly covered real-life spies.

After the film, we explored a number of exhibits, many of which were interactive, that gave us a closer look at the tools and people integral to this undercover world.

The exhibits were so intriguing.  I was amazed at how sophisticated the equipment spies used were in real life!

James Bond fans will love the Exquisitely Evil: 50 Years of Bond Villains exhibit!

I had no idea how much espionage played (and continues to play) such a huge role in our world.

I learned so much at the International Spy Museum - from the various reasons why people turn to espionage, to the prominent figures that delve into spying (I was surprised to learn about so many celebrities and historical figures who were involved in spying), and the major world events that were a result of spying.

The kids loved the museum too, especially all of the hands-on exhibits!  They enjoyed seeing if they could spot the spies and had fun trying to decipher codes.

Each child was given a "Top Secret Family Missions" scavenger hunt booklet, in which they had to search for clues at various exhibits and complete different tasks, like crawling through a duct very quietly and identifying the language spoken in a conversation.

Their favorite activity was the "Dead Drop Mission," where they had to find 5 dead drops (secret locations) with a code word to make a message.

Looking for the code word at one of the dead drops

The International Spy Museum is such a great place for all ages!

International Spy Museum
800 F St NW

Washington, DC 20004
(202) 393-7798

Mahalo to the sponsor for the complimentary admission.

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