Washington DC Metro

The Metro is NOT under construction where you will be using it...they are expanding the metro from West Falls Church to Dulles Airport...

If you tell us/me where you are staying and when you will be here - it might help out too...what you are interested in...there's sooo much to do here!

Also - July is VERY HOT and HUMID here - please be prepared for that - July and August are our hottest months...and most crowded as well...it will get in the high 90s and low 100's with 70 to 80% humidity - I am NOT talking you out of coming - I am TRYING to prepare you for what you will encounter...

1. the Smart Card is the best thing to do...I would put $40 on each card as the fares are higher during non-commuting hours and since you will be here for 6 days - that should be plenty. You don't have to order them in advance - you can buy them right there at any metro station.

2. I don't see where metro lines are delayed...this is a TEMPORARY thing..my husband commutes on the metro EVERY DAY and has for 9 years...you are freaking over something that is going on RIGHT NOW and not while you are here..

3. I would TRUST OUR METRO!!! It has gotten me and my family to baseball games, Arlington Cemetery, the National Mall, Capitol Hill and the Smithsonian...like CLOCKWORK!!

4. You will not be able to take the metro to the Udvar-Hazy Smithsonian as it's off Route 28 South and is NOT metro accessible.

Depending upon where you are staying in DC (STAY OUT OF SOUTH EAST AND NORTH EAST - my personal opinion for living her fore 15 years)...everything is metro accessible - you are letting preconceived or even current (the day you are looking at the metro system) cloud your judgment..

The metro is easy to navigate. My best friend flies into Reagan, hops on the metro and I pick her up at East Falls Church.

The Newsuem is metro accessible (off Rosslyn) and a short walk. This gives a great history of television and news...

The Reflecting Pool is being revamped/renovated...doesn't mean you can't see the Lincoln Memorial or the Tidal Basin...there is still a ton to do...

This is the National Park website - try this and see what there is to do from this point of view...
http://www.nps.gov/nacc/index.htm

my Mom & older son just came back from DC. They used Metro exclusively & each had their own cards. I have no idea how much you should preload! Sorry....

but I will say they have had 2 comments about the trip: they loved it & would go back in a heartbeat.....but in the spring or fall, never again in the summer. Too many people, too many kids, & waaaaay too hot.

Metro, even with delays is the best way to see DC.

How much to load your cards? Really depends on the time of day you plan to travel (peak v. off-peak) and how often/far you ride. Double check, but I believe you may need a card for each family member. I was there a month ago for work and a family tried to "hand the card back" to other family members and the Metro police made them go back and buy their own tickets. Personally, I would underload it just in case you do not use it all--it's easy to reload at the kiosks.

As for the reflecting pool, it's disappointing but much needed repair work. There's so much more to do that you'll barely notice it after you see the other amazing sites. Ford's Theater is impressive if you haven't been there in the past 3 years since it reopened after the remodel; however, the Peterson House was under construction when I was there in May.

As for what to be aware of--July is HOT and steamy in DC. Pack lots of sunscreen, travel in groups and put your wallet in your front pocket.

The National Park Service runs many of the places you think of when you think "DC." Check out their website as well... and call ahead with any questions you have.

National Mall & Memorial Parks
http://www.nps.gov/nacc/index.htm

National Mall
http://www.nps.gov/mall/index.htm

District of Columbia
http://www.nps.gov/state/dc/index.htm?program=parks

National Capital Parks - East
http://www.nps.gov/nace/index.htm

METRO is doing maintenens on some weekends. A delay is not the end of the world. It is still the best way to get around town. Yes the Reflecting Pool is being renovated ( it was in really bad shape and needed the renovation) and but there are so many other things to see and do around here. On a personal note...I have been living in SE for almost 20 years with hubby and kid and we are very happy here. Not the prettiest area but it is home with tons of good people around, however there are areas even I will not set foot in no matter how long I been here.

Honestly when the three of us went to DC this past April I found it just as cheap and more relaxing - less walking and stress of all getting on together to take the cab. It cost me $16 on way to leave my hotel in Virginia - Days Inn about 5 miles out and take the three of us to the main down town from there you can walk to see almost everything -- not the national cathedral/ zoo which we did one after the other to save money - By the time we each took a bus and then the metro it was about the same money but I walked less and went directly to the place.
Once on the metro the doors closed with one kid in one kid almost in and me outside - thankfull a really tall strong man pryed the door open so I could be with my child and we were very close together - scared me
the kids loved the metro I thought it took a lot of time and by the time you go in and out it was cheaper for a group to take the cab -- individuals the metro is great
good luck
by the way if you want to see the inside of the washington monument you have to be there before 7 am to get in line to get the free tickets for later that day. I got there at 7 and our time in was 2:30 that afternoon -
also if you want to tour the pentagon you have to go on line and register at leat 9 days prior to the tour
the whitehouse I hear takes 6 months
air and space smithsonian the most loved by kids
the aquariam you have to pay for cheap about $8 impressive
My kids 10 and 17 nephew loved the museum of crime and punishment - costly and the spy museum - cost - dont eat there expensive basically a kids meal like mcdonalds cost 32 for the three of us - we ate mainly at mcdonalds and subway and saved tons
Went to a great restaurant named Nicks overlooking the Kennedy center it was on the peir - expensive 4 of us with desserts and drink $160. but that was a splurge since we had ate so cheaply rest of the week .
The ford theater is free but you need to get tickets early too or see about getting them befor your trip.
enjoy
It is a nice place with lots of free stuff you can do
vendor suveniors are cheaper than the museums

The metro around the DC area is fantastic. The first time I used it was about four years ago. I had never used public transportation EVER before I was there. We were so confused...we went up to the lady at the gate and said "I need help. I'm from Ohio." :D The lady was very helpful, explained everything to this idiot tourist, and sent us on our way. We quickly became expert metro travelers. Don't worry! You guys will be fine!
Trust me, if you had seen the reflecting pool, you would be welcoming this redo!!