Washington D.C. is an extremely kid friendly city, with a parade of sights, free museums, national monuments and plenty of parks for kids to run through. If you are planning on a family trip to our nation’s capitol, there are several things that kids will want to take note of. Try some of these fun activities with kids to get them excited about what they are going to be seeing and doing, and to learn more about Washington D.C.
Wvwn if you aren't planning a trip anytime soon this makes a great learning activity and great addition to any curriculum.
Learn About Washington D.C.’s Flag
Washington D.C. is not a state capitol, but the capital of our country and therefore considered a District. The flag is actually based on George Washington’s family coat of arms with repeating red and white stripes and red stars across the top. Help children create a flag magnet that they can keep as a souvenir of their trip. Use the flag printout to help children create their own flag.
Supplies:
Rectangular Magnet, can be purchased at craft store or recycle business card magnets
Construction Paper
Scissors
Markers
Glue Stick
Instructions:
Trace out the shape of the magnet onto a sheet of construction paper, cut out magnet shape and glue flag shape onto magnet. Create flag using paper or markers.
Learn About the Washington Monument
The Washington Monument is the city’s most prominent landmark because it towers over the city and is visible from miles around. The monument was built to honor our first president, George Washington and took almost 100 years to build. To help children get an idea of what the Washington Monument looks like, they can make their own out of paper.
Washington Monument Template Link
Supplies
Construction Paper
Tape Scissors
Monument template
Instructions:
Use the template to trace and cutout the Washington Monument. Fold on the indicated lines and tape to secure.
Give Your Own Key to the City
Washington DC has the distinction of giving the keys to the city to every important dignitary or head of state that comes to visit, and because it is the capital of our country, a lot of keys are given out every year. Let children decide who they think deserves a key to the city for a good deed, on account of their job, or just because they like them. Have children create a key to the city to give away.
Link to Official Symbols of the City
Supplies:
Aluminum Foil
Yarn
Instructions:
Use a sheet of aluminum foil to shape the long handle of a key and a loop to turn the key. Tie a string to the key so that whoever is deemed worthy of the key to the city can wear it around his or her neck.
Learn About the Official Capital Flower
Every state has a flower that has been chosen to represent it. Washington D.C. also has a flower, even though it is not a state. The American beauty rose is a beautiful flower that represents our country well. Children can easily make their own rose to display with pride and learn about the other flowers that states call their own.
Supplies
Construction Paper
Pencil
Scissors
Craft Stick
Glue or Tape
Instructions:
Cut out round spiral rose according to tutorial. Roll up paper rose and secure with tape. Attach your paper rose to a craft stick and keep or give to someone.
We had fun with this little mini unit. Here is what our project looked like when done.
Living so close to DC we have made several trips to DC for the day. The kids love it and so do we! You can follow us on Instagram to to see our trips! Here are a few pictures
A photo posted by Danielle, The Frugal Navy Wife (@frugalnavywife) on
She got tired of walking to the metro station!! #dc #washingtondc
A photo posted by Danielle, The Frugal Navy Wife (@frugalnavywife) on
A photo posted by Danielle, The Frugal Navy Wife (@frugalnavywife) on
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