The Mission
– Spy for a Day
You can’t help but want to live the life of James Bond 007,
or at least get on his good side. While Hollywood
makes everything look easy, the life of a spy is not exactly a walk in the park
(or a drive in an Aston Martin along the beach). I have problems remembering
details of my one life while a spy has to remember details of multiple lives.
Not remembering what I had for breakfast yesterday isn’t a life or death issue,
when a spy forgets something, or makes a slip, they could very well endanger
not only themselves, but an entire country.
The International Spy Museum in Washington DC (chosen because DC has more
spies than anywhere else!) is the perfect place to not only learn about the
actual spy gadgets, bugs, cameras, vehicles and weapons that are used by
agencies the world over, including the CIA and KGB, but to also test your own
spy skills. Interactive stations throughout the museum will put your
observation, analysis and surveillance skills through the ringer. Operation Spy is an interactive exhibit for
children and adults ages 12 and older. The exhibit includes sound and lighting
effects to go along with the physical and mental challenges of a short spy
mission.
The best part about the Spy Museum
is that adults will really enjoy it as well! Exhibits include a KGB pistol that
looks like a tube of lipstick (that’s on my Christmas list) and a rectal tool
kit (that’s NOT on my Christmas list) (and yes, it is exactly what it sounds
like.) Car junkies will love James Bond’s Aston Martin DB5, and history buffs
will be interested in the Cold War exhibit “War of the Spies”. The gift shop
will delight parents as well with educational and interactive gifts including a
codes and ciphers kit, edible papers, and invisible pens that are always
amusing (at least the first ten or so times).
If you are looking for a really special event, the Spy
Museum offers three different versions of a Scavenger Hunt that help you
navigate through the museum, all while learning spy techniques like code
breaking, and problem solving. Teams are set up for your group and each is
given a special bag of spy tricks to help you answer the questions on the
scavenger hunt. Private after hours events are also available. These options
range from $950 to $9000 depending on the number of guests. Birthday parties
are also available for children 9-13 years old. The party includes a private
room, Top Secret Folio with tools for a team scavenger hunt, birthday cake and
beverages along with paper products (all spy themed of course!), admission for
everyone and goody bags, for $1500 for up to 15 kids and 3 adults.
The Stats
800 F St NW,
Washington DC 20004
202-EYE-Spy-U or 1-866-779-6873
http://www.spymuseum.org
9am-7pm
General Admission
Adults (12-64) $18
Seniors (65+), Active Duty Military & Intel Community
$17
Child (5-11) $15
Children under 5, FREE
Operation Spy Admission
Adults (12 and up) $14
Combination Admission
Adults (12 and up) $25
Family Memberships - $175