Washington, D.C.'s Smithsonian Institution provides some of the most visited museums in the world, and they cover a wide variety of topics to suit any person's interests. Their vast collections have something for everyone, including the kids! Here are two of the best kid-friendly attractions in our nation's capital. Bonus: Both offer free admission!

Smithsonian National Zoological Park
Also known as the National Zoo, the Smithsonian National Zoological Park is home to more than 400 species of animals. They offer daily tours and interactive exhibits just about every day out of the year. Stop by the Asia Trail to see the famous giant pandas, clouded leopards, and sloth bears. Go on safari through the African Savanna exhibit to find cheetahs, Cape buffalo, black rhinos, and more. The National Zoo is dedicated to providing a fun learning experience for everyone who visits, so admission is always free!

Smithsonian Museum of Natural History
See for yourself why the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History is the most visited natural history museum in the world. The kids will never grow tired of the more than 126 million natural science specimens and cultural artifacts. Enjoy a guided tour that will take you back in time, or set your gaze upon the world famous Hope Diamond. The little ones will love to walk among mummies and grow their minds with one of the richest collections of historical artifacts in the world. The museum is open 364 days a year, and admission is free of charge.

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Kevin Dooley

The national parks in Washington, D.C. encompass both the rich history of our forefathers and the beauty of the land as it was centuries ago. Visit some of the most famous monuments in the world and stroll through the majestic forest, both of which are within reach of our nation’s capital.

National Mall and Memorial Parks
Popular landmarks like The Washington Monument, The Lincoln Memorial, and The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial are just a few of the famous destinations within National Mall and Memorial Parks, which are located in the heart of Washington, D.C. Visitors enjoy taking walking tours through the National Mall, guided bike tours starting at the Jefferson Memorial, or teeing off at the East Potomac Golf Course. All of the tours are free, and the park is open 24 hours a day.

Rock Creek Park
Rock Creek Park intersects the northwestern side of Washington, D.C., providing the beauty of nature as well as a range of public park amenities. It was one of the first National Parks in the country, and the park is known for how closely it brushes with the massive urban area that is our nation’s capital. See a show at the Fort Dupont Summer Theater, catch a concert at the Carter Barron Amphitheatre, or visit Linden Oak, the largest known white oak tree in the United States.

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For authentic Mexican cuisine and a pleasant ambiance in Ashburn, come to El Sol Azteca. When it comes to atmosphere, this place does it right. Everything from the tables and chairs to the colorful decorations on the walls make this a fun place to enjoy a meal, and there's even occasionally music to make an even more festive atmosphere.

If you want something from the bar, two popular drinks are the margarita or sangria, and the food for lunch and dinner is classically made from fresh ingredients. (Try the taco salad or the fajitas, both popular choices.)

El Sol Azteca is open Mondays through Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; and Sundays, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. The restaurant also features occasional specials on food and drink, so visit the website to learn more!

El Sol Azteca
42830 Creek View Plaza
Ashburn, VA 20147
(703) 724-1603
http://www.elsolazteca.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/el-sol-azteca-ashburn

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