Laurie is on her way out to LA this afternoon, but I will try and help you out with a few things.

The most important thing is to bring comfortable shoes. DC is a town for walking (and Baltimore is to soom extent.

I'll do Baltimore first because it is easier (and smaller). The best thing to see is the Inner Harbour. If you are there on a game day you can always get tickets to the Oriole's (the stadium is great even for us non-baseball people).

Regarding tickets for the Monument... I would definitely advice getting them in advance if you can. Because then you don't have to wait in line as long.

I would also recommend seeing the National Holocaust Museum. One can not say this place is "fun", but it is one of the most moving museums I have ever seen.

The kids might also be interested in the Spy Museum. Unfortunately this one of the few museums in town that is not free but it is very good.

I always find that just walking on the Mall is nice (especially if it is nice outside). The Vietnam, Korean, and Lincoln Memorials are altogether at one end. Then the Congress is at the other end, with many of the Smithsonian Museums in between (or off the Mall a few blocks)

Cheryl