Destination - Washington D.C.

Before your arrive in DC call 1-877-444-6777 or go to www.recreation.gov to make your reservations to visit the Washington Monument.

Does your little girl insist on sleeping in her tiara? Is her room decked out in royal attire? Send us a photo and she could win the Ultimate Princess Celebration at Walt DIsney World Resort! http://family.go.com/princess-picture-contest/

The public may visit the Thomas Jefferson Memorial 24 hours a day. However Rangers are on duty to answer questions from 9:30 A.M. to 11:30 P.M. daily.

Family.com is now on Twitter! If you use Twitter you can follow us @Familydotcom. Check it out and tweet! http://twitter.com/familydotcom

September 10 - October 1, head down to Canal Park for free movies on Thursday nights. This week's film is "Star Wars". http://www.capitolriverfront.org/_linkout.pxp?evid=453&url=www.capitolriverfront.org%2F_files%2Fdocs%2Ffallmovie.pdf

Dust off your photo albums or fire up those digital cameras to uncover your best cheesy smile photo for a chance to win free groceries for a year! From goofy to cute, submitting is easy as long as it's cheesy! http://family.go.com/kraft-smile-center-contest/

If you're visiting DC this weekend, know that the National Airport Metro station will be closed until Tuesday. Shuttle bus service will be provided to get Metro riders to the airport.

The model of Star Trek's U.S.S. Enterprise, used in the filming of the original TV series, is on display in the Museum Store at the National Air and Space Museum.

Our friend, Jim, posted some pictures from the elephant festival at the National Zoo. You should definintely check them out: http://family.go.com/community/groups/destination---washington-dc-grp/elephants-on-parade-9071/

Most attractions in Washington, DC are free - the memorials, museums, and monuments - but many do require reservations so plan ahead!