Washington, DC: International Spy Museum

A blend of slick design, "experiential" displays, and real spy gadgets reveals the secret and sordid world of espionage and covert operations.

Worth the trip. Be prepared to spend hours trying to look at everything all while solving a crime.

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.