Watch

"Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" -- Featuring great scenes of the Capitol building and Senate floor, this classic film tells of a small-town leader picked to fill a Senate seat -- and the realities he learns about the politics of politics. (School Age and Up)

"Protocol" -- Goldie Hawn stars as a waitress who unintentionally catches a bullet meant for someone else and becomes the newest member on the D.C. scene. (School Age and Up)

"Dave" -- When the president falls sick, his lookalike -- the humble owner of a temp agency -- is asked to stand in. Suddenly the White House seems a whole lot different. (Pre-Teens and Up)

"Forrest Gump" -- After seeing Tom Hanks as a Vietnam vet and Robin Wright Penn as a protesting hippie on the Mall, you'll want to visit the Vietnam Memorial then relax on the Mall with a game of frisbee. (Pre-Teens and Up)

"All the President's Men" -- Based on actual events, this classic gives a look at the Washington power scene during the Watergate scandal (and a wonderful history lesson, to boot). (Teens)

Eat

Senate Bean Soup -- This bipartisan bowl is a staple on the Senate cafeteria menu.

Patriotic Potato Salad -- Enjoy an all-American picnic with this spud salad as the colorful centerpiece.

Read

"The Toad on Capitol Hill" by Esther Brady -- The British attack on Washington takes everyone by surprise in 1812 in this story told through the eyes of a young girl adjusting to her newly grown family. (Ages 9 to 12)

"Travels with Max to Washington, D.C." by Nancy Ann Van Wie -- Kids can't help but learn some of the city's history with these highly entertaining facts, puzzles, pictures, and riddles. (Ages 9 to 12)

"The President's Daughter" by Ellen Emerson White -- Find out what it's like to be a kid in the White House when 16-year-old Meghan's mother gets a new job (President of the United States) and the family has to move into a new house (the White House). (Ages 12 to 17)

"Fodor's Around Washington, D.C. with Kids" -- A local mom handpicked the neat kid-friendly things in this guide, packed with enough activities to fill 68 days. (All Ages)

Make

Tissue Paper Flowers -- Recreate Washington's annual cherry blossom celebration.

Stars-and-Stripes T-Shirts -- Kids can play Betsy Ross and design their own American flag.