Tons of places do a traditional Thanksgiving dinner or nice buffet. Most places understand this is a family holiday, so it's fine to bring kids. Check out OpenTable -- they usually list Thanksgiving options. Offhand, I know Georgia Brown's, the Four Seasons, and Old Ebbitt are popular on Thanksgiving.

The zoo is open on Thanksgiving. It's never that crowded, especially in the morning. The other Smithsonians are open as well: http://www.si.edu/Visit/Hours. Tiring out the kids and eating Chinese food are pretty much the perfect Thanksgiving!

We may be left without plans at the last minute due to DH's work schedule. That's OK with me, and the kids are too young to notice. What are our options that day? We can have chinese food and go to a playground I suppose? What is even open? TIA!