The DC Traveler

A buddy of mine has a couple teenagers and asked for a few ideas of fun things to do with them.  As a parent, he tells me that planning an outing and finding something both he and his kids enjoy can be tough. He mentioned his kids find attractions such as museums “totally boring”.

So I thought about for a while and came up with a few things parents with older kids might enjoy.  
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If the kids are into sports, try the ESPN Zone.

They often have appearances by local sports celebs. On Wednesday, Jan. 30th, at 7:00 p.m., for example Washington Capitals’ defenseman Mike Green will answer questions and sign autographs.

Watch a game on one of the 300 hi-def televisions, play an arcade game, listen in on a live radio sports show broadcast form the Zone, or just grab lunch.  With 8 different burgers and the Ultimate Tailgate appetizer  – Buffalo and BBQ Wings, sliders, chicken fingers, BBQ ribs and spinach & artichoke dip, there’s something for almost any teenager.

ESPN Zone
555 12th St NW
Washington, DC (map it)
202-783-3776

• Hours – Daily 11:30 a.m. – 11:00 p.m., until midnight on Friday & Saturday
• Metro – Metro Center – Blue, Orange, Red lines, then a 2 block walk.

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Let your teen experience the thrill of flying.

Spend about 30 minutes in the air  with a certified instructor co-piloting a single engine 4-seat plane.  After a 20-minute briefing and filing a flight plan, one of the two of you can sit in the co-pilot’s seat and fly with the instructor, while the other take photos or silently screams.

Offered by Dulles Aviation, and located at Dulles airport, you can take an introductory flying lesson for only $69.00 (two people max.).

• Hours – Daily, with reservations, subject to weather conditions.
• For info or reservations – Call Dulles Aviation, 10501 Observation Road, Manassas, VA, 703- 361-2171

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Are they into music?

And what teenager isn’t?  Promise them lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe, if they take a tour of Ford’s Theatre with you, just next door.

At the Hard Rock, they can see:

• President Bill Clinton’s saxophone that he played at his Inaugural Ball in 1993.
• Stage wear from Gwen Stefani, 50’s rocker Buddy Holly and Queen’s Freddie Mercury.
• Stacked-heel boots, fangs, black leg wraps and cape, and a chain chest piece from Gene Simmons of KISS.
• Guitars used by Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page, Pete Townsend of The Who, a Les Paul played by Lenny Kravitz, a Marilyn Manson bass and one from former Van Halen front-man, Sammy Hagar.

Hard Rock Cafe
999 E. Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20004 (map it)

• Hours – Daily – 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday until midnight
• Metro – Federal Triangle – Blue and Orange lines – then a 3-block walk.

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If global warming, the environment or outdoor adventure is on their list, visit the National Geographic Museum at Explorers Hall.

With regularly changing temporary exhibitions as well as permanent displays visitors can explore global cultures, natural history, animal science and ongoing National Geographic Society projects.

National Geographic
1145 17th Street NW, at M Street
Washington, DC 
202-857-7588

• Admission – free.
• Hours – Daily – 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. except Sundays – opens at 10:00 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Metro – Farragut North – Red line and Farragut West – Blue and Orange, both within a couple blocks.

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If they enjoy television and radio (at least until the Newseum opens), take them to hear and tour the Voice of America.

The global TV and radio service provides free 45-minute guided tours on weekdays. Tours including behind-the-scenes looks at the VOA newsroom and broadcast studios during live shows.

The Voice of America
330 Independence Ave. SW
Washington, D.C.  20237

• Hours – Tours offered weekdays only, at Noon and 3:00 p.m.   
• Metro – Federal Center – Blue and Orange lines , then a 2-block walk

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Want some retro fun?

At Strike Bethesda, 1960s Austin Powers retro meets techno bowling. The neon lighting, big screen TVs and pop music add to the scene.

• Hours – Opens daily at 5:00 p.m., but after 9:00 p.m. (8:00 on Mondays) it’s 21 and over only.
• Metro – Friendship Heights – Red line, then a 10 minute walk.

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Images – courtesy of the respective sites

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