If your kids are like my kids, they’re getting a hefty dose of American history at school these days. Oh, yes, we’ve done the American flag craft project, learned the Preamble to the Constitution and recited the presidents in order (although we always forget about Millard Fillmore). ’Nuff said.  So if Veterans Day is a free day for your kids (it is for mine), why not get an up-close-and-personal history lesson right in the nation’s capital?

First things first – book your travel as soon as possible. Since Veterans Day is this Thursday, you might want to make a long weekend of it. Surely the kids’ principal can’t object to some on-the-ground learning, right?

For your stay, consider a suites hotel, both for the value and convenience. Homewood Suites by Hilton has a great property right in the heart of downtown Washington D.C., and there are several more Homewoods in nearby suburbs. Your family will appreciate the ability to spread out, relax and watch different movies on different TVs in different rooms. (No, you don’t want to go overboard on the togetherness thing.) The free hot breakfast will fill the kids up for lots of exploring and history-learning – if they don’t race back up to the comfy beds in the suite right after breakfast, that is.

Next, make a plan. Call your congressman or senator and arrange for a Capitol tour; they’ll set it right up, usually with a member of their staff as a guide. Reserve a spot on the DC Ducks Tour, a land and water ride your kids won’t forget (and they’ll see the sights even while they’re quacking). Pick a time to tour the Library of Congress, and tell the kids they have to read every single book in the largest library in the world. Watch them grimace, and then smile when you tell them that you’re OK with just their finished book reports.

Looking to have some real fun? Head to the Smithsonian museums. The National Zoo and the Air and Space Museum are fun for all, and, better yet they’re free! The zoo is home to giant pandas, as well as the usual elephants and lions. (My kids can’t get enough.) At the Air and Space Museum, kids can see real rockets and aircraft and learn about how to become an astronaut. Neat!

For dining options, don’t miss Ledo’s Pizza, where Washington insiders chow down on thin crust, square pies. Mei Wah is everyone’s favorite authentic Chinese restaurant and it’s super family-friendly.  And Georgetown cupcakes will leave you swooning (and coming back for another dozen or two).

At the end of your long weekend, consider making the trek to Arlington National Cemetery, where an 11 a.m. service on this special day honors our nation’s veterans. Kids can tour the cemetery and learn about America’s great heroes – from the Kennedys to the Unknown Soldier – and get a real feeling for what this day is all about.