The Smithsonian museums are under the umbrella of the Smithsonian Institution, the largest museum complex in the world. None of them charges an admission fee, and many include permanent or frequent exhibitions for children. One such museum is The National Air and Space Museum, which fascinates all age groups. The inspirational “Apollo to the Moon” gallery celebrates space flight, whereas the Albert Einstein Planetarium offers a spectacular interactive exhibit on how things fly (there is a charge for this show). For more information, visit their web site at www.nasm.si.edu.

Another place where children will be enthralled is the International Spy Museum. It features a retrospective on spy endeavors, from George Washington’s 1777 letter on organizing a spy network in New York to Sun Tzu’s Art of War. The museum’s mission is to educate the public about espionage by exhibiting code-breaking secrets, surveillance and tools of the spy. It also features a special kid’s spy event that is tailor made to stimulate children’s curiosity. For more information, visit www.spymuseum.org.

Of course, a visit to our nation’s capital would not be complete without the White House and Lincoln Memorial. The Lincoln Memorial brings history alive not only through the statue of Honest Abe (whose base is nearly 400 square feet), but by the Gettysburg Address and the second Inaugural Address having been engraved into the walls. The small museum in the basement exhibits clips of important historical events including the unforgettable “I have a dream” speech of Martin Luther King Jr. For more information, visit www.nps.gov/linc.

The Washington Cathedral is one of the most recognized churches in our country and the world, given its exceptional monolithic architecture and tower that’s 676 feet high at the top. It has been visited by countless prominent citizens from around the globe. Surprisingly, the inside of the Cathedral, from chairs to the pipe organ, is designed for 6-year-old children. Other attractions include the Pilgrim Observation Gallery and various weekend craft projects for children. The Pilgrim Program offers people an opportunity to escape from demanding daily routines and allow time for worship and reflection on their personal journeys. Pilgrims are guided through the Cathedral’s sacred spaces by a Pilgrimage Leader and a clergy member. For more information, visit www.cathedral.org.

The National Zoological Park has more than 5,000 wild creatures. Visitors enjoy a habitat of 160 acres that is home to pandas, elephants, hippos, giraffes, cheetahs, sea lions and much more. In the zoo lab, visitors of all ages can touch feathers, bones and skin, among other things. For more information, visit nationalzoo.si.edu.

Include a taste of ultimate sophistication and luxury by visiting Georgetown’s cobblestone streets for some elegant shopping and dining experiences. Georgetown is the home of the world’s most famous designer boutiques and upscale hotels, in addition to a large range of casual dining and shopping, thus making it a popular destination for families.

On the other side of the Atlantic Ocean, the “Sacred Rock” city of Athens, Greece’s capital, has been a destination for millions of visitors from around the globe. Athens is a vibrant metropolis with a rich history, breathtaking historical sites, great entertainment and warm hospitality to visitors of all ages. Athens has many preserved monuments from over 2,000 years ago and an ample variety of museums. The National Archeological Museum is ranked among the 10 best in the world. It has 48 rooms of exhibits dated from 1500 B.C.E. to the Byzantine Era, illuminated by state-of-the-art lighting. A 3,500-year-old funeral mask is one notable piece from the thousands of statues and artifacts encompassing Archaic sculpture, Classical Greek Art, Mycenaean Art, Wall Frescoes from Tyrins, Dodoni Art and Cycladic Art, all of which continue to draw admiration even from scientists and accomplished artists. For more information, visit www.culture.gr.

Another place of great interest is the Byzantine museum, which houses an exquisite collection of Byzantine icons, mosaics, sculptures, bibles, garments and other objects. All artifacts are deeply interrelated with the Greek Orthodox heritage and foster a high sense of cultural connection and appreciation. For more information, visit www.greece-athens.com.

Another temple with enormous significance is the Temple of Olympian Zeus, which was built in the 6th century B.C.E. Young visitors will imagine being in ancient Greece and witnessing Zeus’ or Hercules’ achievements.

No single article could possibly cover all of the important and popular destinations in this magnificent capital city of Athens. Future articles will further reveal the hidden treasures of “Sacred Rock” city. Ω