China House

Theodore Roosevelt was one of our nation's most beloved Presidents, but he also was an avid outdoorsman and one of the first advocates of conservation. To honor his passion and concern for the outdoors, the Theodore Roosevelt Island Park was established to not only recognize the efforts of this very public figure, but to also provide a natural setting that Teddy himself would have been proud of. A statue of him with two fountains surrounded by columns rightfully acknowledges his efforts to preserve our natural resources. The park itself is 91 acres of natural beauty that is accessible by footbridge from the parking lot, off the north-bound land of the George Washington Memorial.

Take the family on an incredible safari the next time you're in Washington, DC. How? By visiting the National Zoological Park that's part of the Smithsonian Institution. The kids will marvel at more than 5,000 animals that are presented in their natural habitats. The zoo sprawls out over 163 acres and includes informative displays and attractions placed throughout the grounds. Don't forget to see two of the zoo's most popular residents, Mei Xang and Tian Tian, the two giant pandas that are on loan from the China Wildlife Conservation Association. The kids will absolutely love it!

Touted as America's First Museum of American Art, the Phillips Collection is a museum that not only presents an impressive collection of exhibits that feature impressionist, post-impressionist and contemporary American art, it also boasts a rather intimate charm. That mood is perfect for a romantic afternoon date with that special someone. Stroll through the galleries and discuss your impressions of these works and see where the conversation (and the afternoon) goes from there.