U.S. Capitol Visitor Center
add photosThe recently opened Capitol Visitor Center is a great starting point for viewing exhibitions about the history of the Capitol Building and for taking a guided tour. Tours are free and can be arranged ahead of time. This is a great activity for large groups, school field trips, or families.
4 Reviews for U.S. Capitol Visitor Center
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00 families found this helpful
"Capitol"
The US Capitol is so full of history. When we went we contacted our State Representative and were given a guided tour when we arrived. He showed us all around the Capitol and told us so many things about it. The pictures in the center of the Capitol are so amazing.
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0 families found this helpful
"Great information"
The U.S. Capitol Vistor's Center is a great place to start when you take your trip to DC! They give out lots of information on all their surrounding tourist spots, plus have loads of education. Your children may need to be a little older to fully appreciate it.
0 families found this helpful
"Good for older kids"
Be prepared to walk after finding a spot to park. And be prepared to walk up hill to get there. Handicapped parking hard to find as well. Long walk but you can get a security golf cart to drive you up the hill. Great eating area. Very cool guides. However be sure to sign up for a tour well in advance via the website. Not free. Costs $25 pp.
'10
2 families found this helpful
"Classic Site to Visit"
The first thing you need to know is that the visitor center enterance is in the back of the Capitol (so not on the side with the reflecting pool). Once you get back there (it is a nice walk) you have to get in line for tickets for a tour.
The tour starts with a very well done video. The tour is basic and short, but it is worth it. Come to think of it the brevity of it makes it even more kid friendly!
There are ways to manuver your stroller, but if you can avoid bringing it inside I think you'll enjoy yourself more.
If you have a friend that works in the Capitol building make sure to contact them a head of time, they can get you into the Senate's house - which is even more cool if they are in session. I believe you can also contact your local representative's office and/or senators office and ask for a tour while you are in town.
We saw the hall way that Obama stood in, waiting to be announced at the inaguration...very cool.
Being from Cali we loved seeing the enterance to Nancy Pelosi's (Speaker of House and 3rd in line to be president) door way.
The adults the loved the history and it unique enough to hold kids attention, even if they care nothing for the historical side.
Out front is a great photo op in almost every direction you look!
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