Sasha's first spray park foray in Arlington two years ago.
Monday – Go for a swim under the open sky. As of today, outdoor public pools are open on weekdays for the season (though be sure to check schedules for pools within the DC Department of Parks & Recreation; all are closed one day a week for maintenance). For outdoor pools in Montgomery County, go here. And for pools in Alexandria, go here. *If weather doesn’t permit, head to an indoor public pool instead. Find them here, here, here, and here. (And if you’ve got other public pools to recommend, outdoors and in, feel free to do so in the comments.)
Tuesday – The strawberry season has just about ended, but you can still have a “berry” (aagh… had to!) good time picking your own fruits at local farms. Blueberries, blackberries and more fresh produce are ripe for the picking at many places. This post from last summer lists farms with pick-your-own opportunities. And it never hurts to check websites or call ahead to make sure the pickings are good.
Wednesday – The heat is going to be ON, and I’m not just talking about the NBA finals. Good timing, as the Regal Summer Movie Fest begins this week. Every Tuesday and Wednesday through the summer, participating theaters will show kids’ movies for just a dollar. Go here to see what’s playing at a theater near you.
Thursday – Make a splash at a local sprayground. Like the outdoor pools, DC DPR splash parks are now open on weekdays for the summer! You can also play in the fountains at Georgetown Waterfront Park and Yards Park. Or head to Arlington where Lyon Village Park, Hayes Park, and Drew Park are local favorites.
Friday – Celebrate Choctaw Days at the National Museum of the American Indian, where the festivals are always wonderful, imo. The celebration will actually begin Wednesday and run through Saturday, featuring traditional performances in the Potomac Atrium, storytelling programs, art displays, tribal cooking demos, and more. While you’re at the museum, take the kids to the imagiNATIONS Activity Center for even more hands-on fun.
Thank you so much for this post. I was wondering if there were any outdoor places around here. we moved from a place with those water splash areas and my kids loved them.
There is also an outdoor splash park up in Germantown, I believe. We’ve never been so I don’t know the details.
Hi!
I just wanted to make sure you knew about the Del Ray Music Fest. this Saturday from 10-10. http://www.delraymusicfestival.com/
There are free live bands all day Saturday plus kid’s activities, etc. Each evening this week, there are live bands along Mt. Vernon Ave. — including a few kids shows. I’m positive you knew about this already but we saw some great shows last night so I’m excited to share today. 🙂
Thank you again for keeping us so informed and busy!
-Julie
Thanks, Julie! It is on my list, but I always appreciate a heads-up. (I have missed things before. )
I just wanted to say that you are saving my life in terms of summer diversions with your current and archived posts. Thank you for being such an amazing and endless resource!