
Wandering the grounds at Dumbarton Oaks Gardens — admission is free in the winter
Tuesday – The weather is going to take a turn for the warmer, so get out and enjoy it! My recommendation is for Old Maryland Farm at Watkins Regional Park, where you can visit llamas, ponies, cows, chickens, ducks, peacocks, and rabbits. But if that outing doesn’t suit, the post about the best outdoor places in the area has many more suggestions.
Wednesday – Roam the exquisite gardens at Dumbarton Oaks in Georgetown. The grounds don’t open to the public until 2pm, but you can play at nearby Montrose Park or grab a bite to eat on M Street beforehand. I promise, it’s worth waiting for the afternoon visit. And admission is free to both — there’s never an entry fee at Montrose, and Dumbarton waives theirs during late fall and winter.
Thursday – Catch a colorful magic show with The Great Zucchini at Jammin’ Java. Doors open at 10am and the fun begins at 10:30am. General admission tickets are $5.
Friday – Show the kiddos relics from the nation’s past and even some from your childhood at the National Museum of American History, where collections include some of the best toys and games of the old days. Other fun exhibits include the First Ladies’ ball gowns and America on the Move, a history of transportation in the U.S. featuring some of the earliest automobiles, a train car, and an old street car that guests can actually climb aboard. The museum is open from 10am – 5:30pm. Admission is free.