Football and an IMAX Movie on the National Mall
SUBMITTED BY: Pat Hoar
LAST UPDATED: November 22, 2004

One of the most underutilized resources in DC is the National Mall.

Peter L’Enfant designed the open space of “the Mall” for the people. He wanted the land to remain a "vast esplanade" where the "sort of places as may be attractive to the learned and afford diversion to the idle" existed. In that spirit, why not plan both a fun and educational afternoon on the Mall!

Grab a football or Frisbee and enjoy the open space. Or simply walk down the Mall and talk about its history, including the numerous marches and demonstrations that have taken place on the grounds. Or walk to the new WWII Memorial and talk about the sacrifices made by over 400,000 U.S citizens for freedom around the world.

Then head to the Natural History Museum or the Air & Space museum and watch an educational IMAX movie on dinosaurs or the International Space Station.

Directions

Driving

1. Take 395 N over the 14 th St Bridge
2. Stay to the left at the end of the bridge and follow to 14 th St
3. Take a left on Jefferson Dr.
4. You are now on the Mall – good luck parking!

Metro

1. Take the Orange or Blue Metro line to the Smithsonian stop.

Tips

1. Bring plenty of water for both big and little (you can always buy drinks from a vendor too)
2. Research the history of the Mall for your “history lecture”.

Related Resources

The National Mall
History of the National Mall
Smithsonian IMAX Movies
WWII Memorial
Metro Map

Email Pat Hoar with questions or feedback about this activity