The National Zoo

The National Zoo can be a good opportunity to talk about ecosystems and different environments. The children should be encouraged to talk about the environments which are created for different animals, how they are different and the same. Which animals might live with the panda? How is the panda's home different from the giraffes? What are some characteristics about the giraffe that help it live in its environment? Once at home, the caregiver can help the children look at a globe or map and perhaps label places where different animals live.

Canal Ride in Georgetown

From The Washington Post:

"At the Georgetown Visitor Center, you can take an hour-long trip back in time on a replica of an 1800s canal boat, led by a park ranger. The mule-drawn Georgetown shows visitors the lifestyle of the canalers, passing along the old towpath and through a historic lift lock. The kids, or adults, can bring fruits or carrots to feed the mules.The boat usually operates from April until October.

During the summer months, the visitor center offers Georgetown walks every day at noon. Topics on these walks range from the architecture of Georgetown to Civil War history.

Activities for families and children are held each weekend -- nature walks, bike rides of Georgetown and "meet the mule" programs"