Washington, DC: International Spy Museum

At the Spy Museum, our extended family of 15 played "Operation Spy" -- it was a big hit for all of us (ages 15 to 83 years old). It's an audio / video / multimedia experience, including an actor/guide who may throw you hints, or throw you off, depending on your team's dynamics.

The surroundings change as the game progresses. Players move through several rooms, including a bus depot, war room, tunnel, office and surveillance van. Each room has a spy puzzle, e.g. surveillance, sleuthing, safe-cracking, to name a few, that must be solved by the team.

Depending on your skill and teamwork, there are six possible endings. Teams are scored from 1 (low) to 5 (high).

The Spy at Night/Operation Spy and the Spy in the City package add-ons are amazingly fun. The Spy in the City tour even takes you past a couple of attractions listed on RoadsideAmerica.com.

Bring a camera even if you can't use it in the museum, which is the only negative.

The Spy Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of real (and, on, occasion, TV and movie) espionage and the people involved in it. There are lectures, films, book-signings, and family activities related to espionage featuring people involved in espionage and those who study and write about them. There are hands-on exhibits, all kinds of memorabilia from the Cold War, and a lot of really great gadgets that were used in actual espionage.