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Let's hear it for a new-style winter getaway!

Here's your chance to explore a famous American city in a new way -- and support those there who count on our tourism dollars.

Welcome to Washington, D.C.,a city many families like to visit over President's Day weekend or on winter breaks.

It's just that this year as the partial government shutdown drags on -- it's now the longest in U.S. history -- many of the city's top attractions are shuttered. Forget the Smithsonian museums, as terrific as they are. You won't be able to visit the pandas at the National Zoo, either.

Open-air national parks, such as the National Mall and its monuments and memorials, remain open and accessible but with limited access. Most staffed services will be unavailable, including park ranger-led tours and memorial shops. That means you can visit the Lincoln Memorial, among others, you just won't be able to get the kids' questions answered or take them to the bathroom.

The good news: You will have plenty to see and do, including some sites and attractions you might not otherwise have had time for.

Even without the city's most popular attractions (you'll have to see the original Star Spangled Banner at the National Museum of American History and the historic planes at the National Air and Space Museum another trip), the kids (and you) are guaranteed to learn a lot of new things and have a good time in the process.

Local services, including the Metro and other public transportation, are operating as usual. (Definitively check out Union Station. Restaurants and shops will be especially glad for your business. Washington, D.C., has more than 2,200 places to eat.

Check out the new edition of my Kid’s Guide to Washington, D.C. for ideas and fun facts. Did you know there are more than 50 museums in Washington, D.C.? Did you know the National Aquarium in Baltimore (Yes, it's open during the shutdown) has a gigantic sting ray collection?

Here are 10 more ideas:

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