Where to Play on the Weekdays: August 15-19

Scoping the wetlands for wildlife at Huntely Meadows Park

For some of us, this is the last week of summer break before school starts up again. Where did the time go? It’s been a great summer for us, pieced together by camps, our own fun outings, vacation, and a few neat ventures, which I plan to share soon.  In the meantime, enjoy these final days of summer with the kids.

Here are ideas for where to do that this week, August 15-19:

Monday – Kiddie rides, carnival games, pig races, farm animals, fried dough…  If you didn’t make it to one of the county fairs this weekend, you can still get in on the fun at the Montgomery County Fair, which runs through Saturday. More info is available here, and you can also read a KFDC review of last year’s fair.

Tuesday – It’s Art à la Cart at the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Kids ages 7 – 12 are encouraged to exercise their creativity with brushes and palettes, bison horns, bottle caps, quilt squares, and more tools available in interactive carts among the galleries from 1-4pm.  Admission is free.

Wednesday – Visit the animals at the National Zoo and be sure to check the daily calendar to see when you can catch feedings, elephant training demos, kids’ farm talks, and more.  Later on, take the little ones to a special Baby Loves Disco happy hour at the Rock & Roll Hotel.  The dancing fun starts at 5pm; admission is $20/person or $60/four people.

Thursday – Go for a summer wagon ride at Huntley Meadows Park in Alexandria. Naturalists lead passengers on 90-minute excursions at 9:30am and 5pm–register to ride online ($6/county residents, $8/non-resident).  If those times don’t work, explore the woods and wetlands on your own (for free).  Turtle, bird, frog, and butterfly sightings are practically guaranteed.

Friday – It’s a Family Fair in Georgetown at Tudor Place and Dumbarton House, where guests can enjoy the end of summer with crafts, games, and sweet treats.  Register in advance online; admission is $8/member children, $10/non-member children, $5/accompanying adult.