Families: 'Is there much for children to do in the US capital?'

Q We're heading for Florida this summer - along with half the British population - and the flight routing allows us to stop off in Washington DC. Can the city sustain a 14-year-old girl and a 12-year-old boy for a couple of days? And will it cost us a fortune?

Q We're heading for Florida this summer - along with half the British population - and the flight routing allows us to stop off in Washington DC. Can the city sustain a 14-year-old girl and a 12-year-old boy for a couple of days? And will it cost us a fortune?

Douglas Campbell, Manchester

A They don't call it the land of the free for nothing. America's capital city is bursting with fun things to do with children and much of it can be enjoyed without spending a dime. Most of the landmarks can be reached on foot. The Mall - a large green space with the National Monument at one end and the Capitol at the other - is the heart of the city and a good starting point for any trip.

For a bird's-eye view of the capital take the lift to the top of the Monument. Tickets are free but limited, so collect passes for a timed admission early. The Monument opens daily from 8am-11.45pm between April and September.

The Mall is lined with the magnificent Smithsonian museums and galleries. All are free. At the National Museum of Natural History (001 202 633 1000; www.mnh.si.edu) they can enjoy some hands-on fun in the Discovery Room and Insect Zoo. The Air and Space Museum (001 202 633 1000; www.nasm.si.edu) houses the world's largest collection of historic air and space craft. Both are open daily from 10am-5.30pm.

The National Zoo (001 202 673 4800; www.natzoo.si.edu) at 3001 Connecticut Avenue is a welcome break from historic DC - and, unlike most zoos around the world, admission is free. It's home to more than 400 species of animal, but the best-known residents are the giant pandas Tian Tian and Mei Xiang. It is also open long hours - 6am-8pm daily between April and November - which could be handy if your children are jetlagged and wake early.

After all that walking, your children will have worked up an appetite. For a taste of America try Ben's Chili Bowl (001 202 667 0909; www.benschili bowl.com) at 1213 U Street NW; the chili dogs are legendary. If you've any room left for desert, stroll a little way down U Street to the Love Café (001 202 265 9800 www.cakelove.com), for home-made cakes and cookies that will make young mouths water.

DC's vast expanse of parks and woodlands make parts of the city a rural wilderness. Rock Creek Park rambles right through the city and is just the spot for a walk or a picnic. For something more energetic, bike the Capital Crescent trail, an 11-mile stretch of former railroad that runs from chic Georgetown to Silver Spring in Maryland, and connects with the C&O Canal towpath. Both are car-free, so it's a safe way for children to explore the city on wheels. Hire bikes from Better Bikes (001 202 293 2080; www.betterbikesinc.com) the $38 (£20) 24-hour rental fee includes delivery and collection, a helmet, backpack and bike lock.

The Potomac River forms part of the border between DC and neighbours Maryland and Virginia. To explore the river in comfort, stroll down to the Washington Harbor at 31st and K Street and hop aboard one of the many boats offering sight-seeing tours. Capitol River Cruises (001 301 460 7447; www.capitolrivercruises.com) has a 45-minute river trip that leaves hourly from noon-9pm, April until October; $10 (£5.50) for adults, half-price for children.

End your trip with a splurge by visiting Six Flags America (001 301 249 1500; www.sixflags.com), a theme and water park in Largo, just 15 minutes outside DC. The park has more than 100 thrilling rides and stomach-turning chutes and slides. Tickets cost $39.99 (£21) for adults, $28.99 (£16) for children under 54 inches; those three and under go free. The park is open between April and September from 10.30am-8pm.