Enjoying the outdoors on the trail
Ah, the great outdoors. Most of us have been avoiding them the last few days, but we’ll soon reconnect as temps return to double digits — and just in time. There’s an entire day dedicated to celebrating outdoor recreation this weekend, along with many more events and pursuits taking place under the sun. Of course, there’s fun to be had in the AC, too. Here’s where it’s all happening, outside and in. Happy Weekend!
National Get Outdoors Day – All around the country there will be events celebrating the occasion with a day full of activities that encourage healthy, active outdoor fun. The DC-area celebration will take place at Kingman Island from 11am – 3pm on Saturday. The public is invited to try fishing, canoeing, rock climbing, mountain biking, golfing, and much more. There will also be face painting, live music, bird watching, costumed characters, flower planting, GPS activities, and a chance to win cool prizes. And it’s all free!
Celebrate Fairfax – Northern Virginia’s largest community festival is happening this Friday thru Sunday. Live music, carnival rides, children’s activities, art and food vendors, and much more will keep guests entertained throughout the weekend. For more details, including the musical line-up (The Bangles and Third Eye blind among them), see the Celebrate Fairfax website. Tickets are $12/adult, $5/youth, free for kids under 2.
Ride Like the Wind – The annual Air Force Cycling Classic is this Saturday and Sunday, and kids ages 4-9 can get in on the competition, too – there will be special races just for them along with the main event. The Saturday race will take place in Clarendon at 11:30am, and Sunday’s will be held in Crystal City at 11:15am. Multiple heats for different age groups will vary in distance; the older the kids, the further they ride. Participants must bring their own helmets and bikes, and trikes and big wheels are welcome, too. For details and to register online, visit the Air Force Cycling Classic website.
Pony Express Family Day – Saddle up for the 150th anniversary of the Pony Express on at the National Postal Museum on Saturday from 11am – 3pm. Hit the trail with tall tales, puppets, activities, and more. Admission to the event is free.
Summer Regulars – Free concerts, outdoor swimming, garden play, sprayground fun. Activities exclusive to the season can all be enjoyed this weekend. This post has the full scoop on these joys of summer.
Show Time – Be among the first to solve “The Great Dinosaur Mystery” at The Puppet Co. The Show just opened for its five-week run yesterday. Find out what else you can see on area stages in this post about the season’s live family entertainment.
More Outdoor Options – If you can’t make it to Kingman Island for the official gathering, you can still celebrate the outdoors on your own. This list will give you some ideas for al fresco fun with the kids.
Kingman Island Bluegrass Festival – A convenient locale of you’re going to the National Outdoors Day event on Saturday — head over to hear the music after the celebration. The free festival starts at 1pm, the bluegrass bands will be playing until 8pm. See the line-up on the Festival website.
Mr. Lincoln’s Air Force Family Day – One hundred and fifty years ago this month, Thaddeus Lowe demonstrated to President Lincoln how a gas-filled balloon might be used to spy on the enemy, thus helping the Union Army and establishing the earliest “air force.” The Air & Space Museum is marking the anniversary with a day of activities. On Saturday from 10am – 3pm, discover the secrets of espionage through tours and hands-on activities, construct balloons and binoculars, design a Civil War Balloon Corps Patch, and more.
Truck Touch at RFK – Kids love these events where they can explore some of the coolest wheels on the road. On Saturday from 9am – 2pm, experience the high-tech equipment and vehicles used to provide vital city services as they climb aboard, work the gears, honk the horn, and have a blast.
