Allowance money takes on a whole new meaning at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, which has been printing U.S. currency since 1877. Your kids can watch millions of newly created dollars whiz by on their way to treasury stops across the country. This free, 40-minute tour of the production facility helps explain how money is made, and you can see the transformation from large, blank sheets of paper to crisp bills. Afterward, kids can search for “Lucky 7" dollar bills or purchase rare $2 bills from the gift shop.

Walk in the shoes of America's first president during this educational adventure in Alexandria, Va., the home of George Washington. Clues and historical facts about this seaport town and the patriots who helped shape a young America are scattered throughout the row houses and brick streets, giving you the feeling as if you've stepped back in time (it is called Old Town for a reason!). The approximately 45-minute, self-guided adventure makes a great competition for families, who can split up and race to see who solves everything first!

An architectural marvel, this museum has plenty to keep adults entertained, but it's the kid-friendly aspects that makes this D.C.'s “secret" hot spot for little ones. The Building Zone is perfect for ages 2-6, who can create towers and walls while wearing tool belts and hard hats. Older kids and families can learn about architecture and structure through a variety of interactive tool kits that spotlight a particular segment of the museum or design.

Learn the tools of the espionage trade through a variety of hands-on activities and detailed exhibits that dive deep into the undercover world of secrets and lies. Featuring the largest collection of international espionage documents and artifacts on public display, families will get to learn how the spy trade shaped the world both past and present. Kids can put what they learned into practice with two interactive experiences: Operation Spy, a one-hour, action-packed mission, and Spy in the City, a trip through D.C. via the eyes of an agent using a GPS tour. Best for kids ages 7 and up.

Stop the presses! Discover the excitement and importance of journalism at one of D.C.'s newest museums. Outside, see today's front-page news from all 50 states. Inside, older kids can appreciate powerful, Pulitzer Prize-winning photographs, and younger kids can learn about the White House's First Dogs. The entire family can touch a piece a history with the Berlin Wall Gallery. Then, young reporters-in-training can make some news of their own in the Interactive Newsroom. There they will find the tools and techniques needed to write a front-page story. They'll even be able to read a news report from a teleprompter and watch the broadcast afterward.