Washington, DC Destination Guide

National Museum of Natural History

Skip the stuffed animals and lifeless dioramas. Instead, go straight to the second floor. That's where Mom can ogle the legendary 45-carat Hope Diamond, while the kids get bug-eyed watching the Insect Zoo's live tarantulas and giant millipedes. For another kind of bite, make a pit stop at the Atrium Cafe, where you'll find reasonably priced salads and sandwiches. Estimated visit time: 30 minutes for exhibits, 30 minutes at the cafe.