If your gang needs a little brain food during their break, check out these great spots for learning.

WASHINGTON, D.C.

WHERE YOU'LL STAY: At the Holiday Inn on the Hill
THE HOOK: Our nation's capital is a true learning adventure, and there's no dandier time to visit than spring break. In February, there's ice-skating on the National Mall; from mid-March on, D.C. is adazzle with colorful blooms. Around Easter weekend, take advantage of low hotel rates; on the Monday after Easter, check out the Easter Egg Roll on the White House lawn (for information, visit the White House's Web site). Year-round, Smithsonian Institution museums are free, the U.S. Mint is full of mind-boggling stacks of bills, and the National Zoo is always worth a visit. Read our story An Introduction to Washington, D.C. for more information on great things to do.
BONUS POINTS: The Holiday Inn is centrally located, and kids eat free at the hotel.
THE TAB: The rate is about $104.99 - 250 per night on weekends for a family of four. (Tip: Check out the Holideals Internet rate a few days before you go.) It is a good idea to call (202) 638-1616 or visit Holiday Inn since the rates do changes frequently.

FLORIDA'S SPACE COAST

WHERE IT IS: Titusville, Florida
THE HOOK: Seventy-two miles of pristine beaches and the Kennedy Space Center, a colossal learning playground for the galactically inclined. At the Center's new exhibit, Exploration in the New Millennium, kids can touch a piece of Mars; at the adjoining Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, they can spy manatees, alligators, wild pigs, gopher tortoises, and migratory birds. The refuge closes 24 hours before a shuttle launch; for a schedule, call (321) 867-4636 or visit NASA, but keep in mind that launches are often postponed.
BONUS POINTS: The Florida Marlins train in March at the Space Coast Stadium. Call (305)626-7400 for ticket prices.
THE TAB: Camping costs $10 at Canaveral National Seashore, a 24-mile swath of shell-studded sand. Due to the recent hurricane activity, the beach is not available for camping, but the surrounding islands are open. Call (386) 428-3384 or visit National Park Service. For information on area hotels, call (800) USA-1969 or visit Space Coast. (Tip: Check for Internet deals before you book; Ramada Inn offers a rate of $99 per room and $129 per suite for March and most of April at Ramada Kennedy Space Center.) A Kennedy Space Center entry badge is $37 for adults and $22 for kids ages 3 to 11; it includes IMAX admission, the Astronaut Hall of Fame and the Interactive Space-Flight simulators . Call (321) 452-2121 or visit Kennedy Space Center.

TRAVELER'S TIP: For a cultural excursion, plan a weekend in a big city near you. Snag a deal at a hotel chain (many offer weekend packages to lure nonbusiness travelers) and catch up on what's new at museums, concert halls, zoos, and galleries.

Diane Bair and Pamela Wright are frequent contributors to FAMILYFUN, and they're Family.com's Family Travel Experts.

Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Originally published in March 2002, updated February 2005.