Get an intimate view of history at Washington, D.C.'s National Museum of American History. Featuring an array of touchstones, from military and political history to pop culture staples, this museum allows visitors to travel back through time in a sense.

The collections encompass a range of fascinating subject matter. The advertising collection goes through the history of persuasive items meant to entice Americans. The currency collection shows how money has changed America, and how currency itself has changed since the inception of the country. The agriculture exhibit puts the emphasis on the role farmer’s play in our society, while the popular entertainment collection showcases an array of distinctly American personalities who’ve hit it big over the years.

Visit the museum's website to find out more!

National Museum of American History
1400 Constitution Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20004
(202) 357-1300
http://americanhistory.si.edu/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/national-museum-of-american-history-washington

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Les Chatfield

Connect with nature at the Rock Creek Park Nature Center and Planetarium, which serves as the visitor center to Rock Creek Park. Visitors of all ages will enjoy the free exhibits on native wildlife, as well as watching turtles and reptiles that now call the center home. The Discovery Room offers interactive environmental education for young children through kids in middle school.

The Nature Center houses a free planetarium that offers both children and adult programming, including a Seasonal Night Sky presentation on the weekend – check their website for times and special features. If you love wishing upon a star, come by for an evening stargazing session once a month in the Spring, Summer and Fall.

Short, self-guided nature trails surround the visitors’ center, but there are over 32 miles of trails throughout the park – many which wind along the shady creek.

Rock Creek Park Nature Center and Planetarium
5200 Glover Road NW
Washington, DC 20015
(202) 895-6070
www.nps.gov/rocr/planyourvisit/naturecenter.htm
www.yelp.com/biz/rock-creek-park-nature-center-washington

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr/jabberwock

We wish you and your loved ones all a very happy and safe holiday season.