Since we’ve been highlighting multiple ways to explore DC through Dana’s posts about Touring the White House, Choosing Kid-Friendly DC Tours, and DC Kid-Friendly Museums (to name a few) — I thought I’d jump on the bandwagon.

Last spring, I tried to hunt down some new ways to explore Washington DC with my kids as they’ve been there many times. This is the follow …

The White House is recognized around the world. Home of the President of the United States, it’s the closest thing the US has to an official castle. But unless you’re a princess, visiting is not a ball. Is the effort worth the reward?

When I decided to take the kids to the Nation’s Capital, I knew I had to try. In my mind, visiting Washington DC and not going to the White House would be like going to Paris and not going to the top of the Eiffel Tower.

Our summer trip to Washington, DC was designed to be an introduction, not a whirlwind tour. We only spent a few days. My thinking, as the girls get older and more and more US history comes their way, DC would be timely.

I knew the trip would be a learning experience, but overall I wanted it to make sure it was fun. When planning the trip, one of the hardest things was figuring out what the kids and I would truly enjoy; I didn’t want the entire trip to come off as a giant history lesson.

One of the toughest parts about traveling in Washington DC with kids is that there’s so much to see and do. Even when you narrow down the “must see” there’s still a great deal of physical ground to cover.

Getting to and from so many monuments and memorials takes time and can wear on travelers young and old. So when I discovered Bike and Roll, I ran, or should I say rolled, with it.

I love planning family trips. Short and long, near and far. But when I started working on Washington, DC with the kids, I have to admit it took me a while to get into it. There’s a mind boggling number of choices for families headed to DC, especially when it comes to museums.

The nation’s capital could also be called the museum capital. The Smithsonian Institution is comprised of 19 museums and the National Zoological Park.

Last winter my 7th grade daughter brought home information about the school trip to Washington, DC. She wanted to go, but said she’d rather do DC with the family instead of her friends. Once the shock wore off, I started planning almost instantly. Being organized is the key to exploring DC with the kids.

Plan Ahead & Reserve, Reserve, Reserve

Unless your kids are fans of waiting in long lines, do your homework. Have a family discussion, decide what you’d like to do and get busy …

My research for our latest DC adventure began a month ago. Exploring Washington DC with kids is simply better with a plan. I’m all for winging it when traveling, but the amount of time spent on your feet while touring DC can easily turn a good trip into a bad one.

However, with a little pre-trip work, you can organize what you want to see by general location and manage the distance you need to walk. Remember that most sites also require you to be …

The timing of school spring break holidays are all over the map this year. That’s a good thing when it comes to travel planning as it means it may not be as difficult to book a trip now for an April vacation.

Need inspiration?

My list of favorite 2011 spring break ideas for families …

With Spring Break coming up for many families, visiting Washington DC with kids has been a hot topic of conversation—with great reason. DC is perfect with kids and right now it’s even better because the city is in bloom. From cherry blossoms to daffodils, it’s beautiful.

We covered Washington DC with kids extensively in the Fall including top family travel resources, favorite Washington DC attractions with kids, and Washington DC family travel tips.

This post wraps up our Washington DC week. After the Resource Guide and Favorite Family Activities, practical strategies are necessary to maximize time in the Capitol without running your kids into the ground. I remember times growing up when the marathon days at the Smithsonian became boring—it was enough to keep me away from museums for a long while.

That’s not the effect we’re going for. So how do you visit multiple DC sights, but keep the family engaged?