For families looking for a new vacation spot, we have an unexpected suggestion: Visit a city. From glittering skyscrapers to colorful street vendors, the urban scene buzzes with energy and excitement. In our travels, we've discovered that visiting a city with kids doesn't have to be an expensive or difficult proposition. Our favorite places are beautiful and easy to navigate. They offer countless activities for rainy and sunny days, loads of freebies, beautiful public parks and fascinating ethnic and historic neighborhoods.

There's no doubt we think cities are special. But don't just take our word for it. We hope our written adventures will inspire you to hit the road with your family and experience the wonder of our favorite twinkling skylines, including the best big-city bargain, Washington, D.C.

DISCOVER THE NATION'S CAPITOL

For families on a budget, Washington, D.C., is the closest you can get to a free vacation. Most of the city's 70 major sites and attractions are free, and it's easy to get around on the clean, safe Metro subway. What's more, hotel rates drop on weekends, during holidays, and in late July and August when Congress is in recess, making those appealing times for families to visit our nation's greatest monuments and museums.

WHY FAMILIES LOVE IT

It's a terrific place to satisfy a child's curiosity. At the Bureau of Engraving & Printing, kids can watch stacks of cash being made. Admission is free. Call 202-874-3019. Our families found the long lines to tour the White House and the Washington Monument were not worth the wait. We'd advise admiring those structures from the outside, then heading for the Lincoln Memorial.

A LOCAL FAVORITE

You can't beat the prices and convenient downtown location of Sholl's Colonial Cafeteria, which has been serving up hearty home-style meals since 1928. Call 301-947-8261.

BEST MUSEUMS

The Smithsonian's National Air & Space Museum has a large collection of airplanes, rockets and space modules, including the Wright brothers' flier. The Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History, the most visited of its kind in the world, has an Insect Zoo, spectacular dinosaur exhibits, and a kids' Discovery Room. Admission to both museums is free. Call 202-357-2700.

TOP OUTDOOR FUN

Rock Creek Park has 1,754 acres of trails and prime picnic spots. Call 202-895-6000.

DON'T LEAVE TOWN WITHOUT

Enjoying nighttime views of the Jefferson and Lincoln memorials, surrounded by the Smithsonian museums.

YOU COULD SPEND A WHOLE DAY

At the National Mall, a two-mile park that stretches from the Capitol to the Washington Monument.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Call the Convention & Visitors Association at 202-789-7000, or click here.

Diane Bair and Pamela Wright write from their office in Newburyport, Massachusetts.

Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Updated August 2005.