In the Natural History Museum’s Butterly Pavilion, where admission is free on Tuesdays
Monday – Visit the animals, roam the peaceful grounds, and possibly join in a children’s program at Oxon Hill Farm. Hours are 8am – 4:30pm, and admission is free.
Tuesday – Head to one of DC’s most tried and true for kids: The National Museum of Natural History. With exhibits to indulge all kinds of interests, you really can’t go wrong. Gawk at the beasts in the Hall of Mammals, hold live creatures in the Insect Zoo, learn about early humans, watch an IMAX movie, and be sure to take advantage of FREE entry on Tuesdays to the Butterfly Pavilion! (Tip: Get tickets when you arrive, since entry is timed, and yours may not begin right away.) Admission to the museum is free, but films are $9. The museum is open 10am – 5:30pm.
Wednesday – Let little ones burn some energy during an open gym session at Sport Bounce of Loundon, where a massive roomful of giant inflatables is a blast for kids. Open gym time is 10-11:30am, and admission is $10/ages 2 and up, $6/18-23 months. And while open gym occurs every weekday, the time varies, so be sure to check the schedule if you go a different day.
Thursday – Sign up for a class especially for preschoolers (ages 2-5) at Hillwood Estate, Museum, and Gardens. Explore a new mansion room or garden each week through make believe, art projects, and imaginative play. During the three-session Fanciful Heroes series, children might hunt for dragons, discover animals and fantastical creatures, or prepare for a royal ball while exploring the glamorous world of kings and queens. The series is $30 per child with one accompanying adult, or you can pay $12 per class ($10/members). Classes are 10:30-11:15am on September 11, 18, & 25.
Friday – Go apple picking! There are plenty of area farms that open their orchards to guests. This list of them was posted awhile back, but all of the locales are still recommended, and links and dates have been updated. I always recommend calling ahead to be sure the pickings are good that day.
