Hey fellas,

I'm planning on taking my 9 year old son to DC for the 4th of July.  He's a history buff and is studying politics in school right now so it fits.  Last summer I took him to Disney world and he was upset because we weren't going to Washington instead.  Lol


So, what I need is some advice.  

I'd like to stay within walking distance of the fireworks show for the 4th.  What hotels are nearby and nice?  

Also, please give me some things to do and stuff we need to see.  I need a crash course.  

Thanks guys.  I'll keep bumping this for awhile if yall don't mind.  

Cheers

You might also try cross posting in the VA & MD HTFs.

List of places to watch fireworks from:

http://washington.org/DC-focus-on/top-spots-catch-fireworks

Hotels around the DC mall are very expensive.  You'd be best off staying at one around Crystal City and taking the metro.  Also are you flying or driving?

All your major Smithsonian museums are free but it's near impossible to catch all of them in one trip.  How long do you plan on being in town?

I live just across the river from DC so feel free to contact me with any questions.

I'd he is a civil war history buff head west to Manassas, VA, or north to antietam

Gettysburg is pretty close, too.