My 7 yr. old son is suddenly fascinated by presidential history. I was thinking we could combine a trip to my parents outside DC with a tour of the White House (plus lots of other presidential stuff-like the Lincoln and Jefferson memorials, Mount Vernon, etc.) but the White House website says tour groups of 10 or more can make a reservation through their congressional representative.
Does that mean just random families of less than 10 can’t go on a tour? Tell me what you did?
You can take the tour by just showing up that day, but it might mean a loooooooooong wait, and it’s possible that there’ll be no room for you that day. Your best bet is to get tickets from your Member of Congress or one of your U.S. senators.
A previous thread to which I posted: White House Tour - what a waste - The BBQ Pit - Straight Dope Message Board
If your folks have lived near D.C. for a while, there’s a good chance they know someone in the Executive Office of the President (which is a misnomer – it’s thousands of people) who might be able to set up a tour for you. That’s how I’ve gotten in.
–Cliffy
I went on the White House tour recently with a group of 5th graders. They seemed more impressed by the secret service guys posing solemnly in suits and sunglasses than by any of the few rooms you’re allowed to visit. But at the end of the tour you exit onto the White House’s familiar back entrance, and during the inauguration coverage I was able to point out that spot to my son.