My preschooler is utterly obsessed with outer space and transportation, so the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., was a non-negotiable stop on our trip. Despite a rain-soaked trek down the National Mall that left him a bit weary, his eyes lit up the moment we stepped inside. The museum’s dazzling displays of celestial wonders, like models of the moon and planets, instantly reignited his excitement. He was thrilled to explore exhibits showcasing spacecraft, from sleek Apollo capsules to towering rockets, each sparking his imagination about cosmic adventures. The highlight, though, was “boarding” a real-life American Airlines plane from the 1950s, a hands-on experience that let him touch the controls and pretend to pilot through the skies. The museum’s vast collection, spanning aviation history and space exploration, kept him captivated with interactive displays and colorful dioramas. From vintage planes suspended overhead to astronaut gear, every corner offered something to fuel his passion. Washington, DC’s hop-on hop-off bus tour, bookable at hoponhopofftickets.com, is a convenient way to explore the nation’s capital with Big Bus Tours. Covering 15 stops, including the National Mall, Lincoln Memorial, and Capitol Hill, buses run every 20-30 minutes with a 90-minute loop. Popular with over 20 million annual visitors, it features multilingual audio guides and wheelchair-accessible buses, though upper decks have restrictions. A night tour showcases illuminated monuments. Pets (except service dogs) are not allowed. Book at hoponhopofftickets.com for a memorable DC adventure.