Five fun things to do before the end of the summer

The countdown to the end of summer has begun.  The water parks were fun, and we've visited every museum on the mall. Here are five suggestions for activities you may not have tried yet.


1.  Tour the Washington Monument

How long have you lived in metro DC and never visited the top of the Washington Monument? Go to the National Park Service's web site to make reservations. Tickets are free, but there is a $1.50 per ticket surcharge for booking on-line. 

2.  Ride the Canal boat at Great Falls
Pack a picnic, plan a hike, and get your tickets for the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal boat ride. The leisurely one hour trip takes you up and down the canal while a historic interpreter describes canal boat life from 100 years ago. The tickets are only $5 per person and should be purchased as soon as you arrive at the park. Just for fun, watch this video before you go. Shot by Thomas Edison himself in 1917, it shows a trip down the same C&O Canal.


3.  National Postal Museum
You don't have to be a philatelist to love this museum. This Smithsonian is kid-friendly because they make kids a priority with hands-on exhibits and special programming.  Speaking of special programming, Owney Days Family Festival is scheduled for August 6 and 7 (Friday and Saturday).


4. The United States Botanic Garden
It's sustainable, green, and local. It's the nation's Botanic Garden. Sign up for the Junior Botanist Program, receive a back pack of activities for your visit, and follow up afterwards at home.


5.   Potomac River Lunch Bunch Cruise
Try your sea legs with this special program from The Potomac River Boat Company. Beginning August 3, 2010, enjoy a picnic lunch cruise up and down the Potomac. Bring your own food or purchase from the snack shop. Offer details are here. The lunch cruise is Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. A separate Pirate Cruise is offered on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.


Bring a grandparent, he or she rides for free with this coupon.


Summer is almost over.  Make the most of it!