By Jose C., Teen Portal Staff Writer
It’s August, only a few more weeks left to go until school starts; you might be thinking that you have absolutely nothing to do but your summer assignments. But you probably haven’t even considered checking out some of the area’s museums (No, I’m not talking about the overcrowded Smithsonian, where your parents have dragged you since you were a kid). There are many other, less known, museums that that are great fun to visit, and not filled with little kids and their parents. Here are a few I know about:
Want to see life-like wax statues of famous figures like Tiger Woods, Barack Obama, Angelina Jolie, Beyonce or Abe Lincoln? These statues may appeal to you, even if you do not have a passion for art. The Madame Tussauds Wax Museum is the place where you can see famous figures from the past and present, including sports stars, musicians, political figures, world leaders and historical figures. Replicas such as one of the Oval Office are there for "dreaming of the future," along with workshops on how the pros make the life-like statues. Located in the historic Woodies Building in the Penn Quarter, admission is $13 for residents of the surrounding area.
Perhaps you had to read "Crime and Punishment" for your English class. While I do not know what the book is about, I do know about the National Museum of Crime and Punishment in Northwest D.C. Detailing the history of crime and the resulting punishment throughout the years, the museum has various hands-on activities to tingle your excitement. From the pirates of the great seas to today’s hackers, witness how crime is done and the ways that law enforcement deals with criminals, including a full-scale police station and even the set of America's Most Wanted. Admission is $17.95, but tickets have to be brought ahead of time, as they are time and date specific. I recommend ordering them a day or two before you head there.
While we are on the case of crime, let's head over to one of the hottest museums in Washington D.C. The International Spy Museum in Northwest D.C. deals with the history of espionage, from the KGB’s secret weapons to kill, to the Navajo Codebreakers, instrumental in defeating the Japanese in World War II. Learn the weapons, tactics, moves and the life of a spy. The museum also has a few programs, some free and other’s paid, dealing with authors or former spies. $15 for the general admission to the museum, with various programs costing extra.
Everyone loves fish, right? Big ones, small ones, round ones, long ones -- they are all beautiful. Well, did you know that D.C. has an aquarium? The National Aquarium of Washington D.C. holds over 200 different types of swimming organisms, from sharks to crabs to piranhas. Although it might be small, it is divided into four exhibits, each one with information on the fish and the habitat in general. For only $7, enjoy colorful fish, and if you get there at the right time, watch the shark feeding.
Enjoy history? More specifically, the history the Civil War and Abraham Lincoln? Then visit the Ford's Theater Museum and explore Lincoln's life and his assassination, along with various milestones of the Civil War. Currently located under Ford's Theater, see John Booth’s pistol used to kill the 16th president, among other mementos of his life. The theater also runs shows at various times of the year. Admission to the museum is free, but it is a timed entry.
And if these don’t interest you, don’t forget about the many non-Smithsonian museums and exhibits such as the National Geographic Museum, the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, the Washington Navy Yard, among many, many others. So visit these great museums, before you won’t be able to when you are in school or head off to college.
