Take Airtran to D.C. for $74 O/W for summer family vacations

Plan an action-packed family getaway to Washington, D.C. this summer. This is one destination that won’t disappoint even the crabbiest traveler!

Start by flying into the nation’s capital with new sale rates from AirTran. One-way rates start from $74 when you buy tickets by April 9. A ten-day or more advance notice of travel is required. Sale prices are based on Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday travel. Rates are $84 on these days and including Friday (Sunday travel at regular rates from $109. http://www.airtran.com

Next, book overnight accommodations at the new and very hip Aloft Washington National Harbor - located in DC’s new waterfront community, 15 minutes from downtown. The area’s inland avenues are lined with chic shops, an array of dining choices and endless day-to-night entertainment. This Starwood brand offers bright and high design spaces at a low cost. Guest perks include modern, loft-inspired design rooms, a pool, free Wi-Fi throughout, and 42” LCD TV.

During July and August, families will be welcomed at weekend rates as low as $139 on Friday, Saturday nights. Select weekend nights start from $169 when the property opens in April.

Small guests will love Splash - the indoor pool and pool tables and other games in the communal lobby/living room area. A kid-friendly lobby pantry provides healthy snacks.

The hotel offers a camp designed for families visiting D.C. (for 2-12 years of age) with a goody bag for kids at check-in and child-sized air mattresses.

http://tinyurl.com/dylgnk

Is the family wild about the First Family? Check out several suggestions on where in the city President and his First Ladies have visited or shopped (or where they are welcomed 24/7 for a free meal)!

One idea might be to visit Newseum, a museum of the news located on Pennsylvania Avenue. The exhibit, First Dogs: American Presidents and Their Pets, showcasing former first pets. Sasha and Malia recently visited the exhibition, which even has a placeholder for the pup the Obamas will welcome to their family. http://tinyurl.com/bjahcd

Another useful, and official city Web site lists “100 Free (or Nearly Free) Things to Do in DC” - http://tinyurl.com/6b2xt6

Through April 2, save 10 percent on the purchase of a Washington, D.C. Power Pass - a one-, two-, three- or five-day super admission pass for the top sights, tours and museums in Washington DC:

DC Ducks Boat Tour

Discovery Creek Children’s Museum, The Stables at Glen Echo Park

Dulles Golf Center & Sports Park (choose 1 of 3 activities)

Dumbarton House

Full Day Washington DC Bike Rental

Guided Washington DC Walking Tour

International Spy Museum - a highlight for older kids!

Madame Tussauds

Marian Koshland Science Museum

George Washington’s Estate & Gardens of Mount Vernon

Old Town Trolley Tour

Potomac River Cruises

Stephen Decatur House

The Kreeger Museum

The Newseum

The Textile Museum

Tudor Place Historic House and Garden *

Washington DC Audio Guides (choice of 3)

Washington DC TV and Movie Sites Bus Tour

Woodrow Wilson House

Savings at Macy’s DC area stores and at Tysons Corner Center

Sale rates for a two-day adult ticket are $99; $79 for children ages 2-12. A three-day pass is sale-priced at $112.50 adults; $94.50 kids. http://www.visiticket.com

Take the slow ride home on an Amtrak train. Reserved seats on the Crescent service from D.C.’s downtown Union Station to Atlanta’s midtown train station are $297 inclusive for two adults, two children. Bring along backpack activities and snacks for the 13-hour, 49-min. ride.

Watch for kid’s ride free Amtrak promotions for summer months. Or, buy the new release DVD of Disney’s Pinocchio. Inside is a Amtrak Kids Ride Free Offer coupon (one free child’s rail fare ticket for children ages 2-15 years traveling with a regular full adult paid rail fare). Tickets must be issued together and by May 31. Valid for Oct. 1-Jan. 31 travel. http://www.amtrak.com