Take a tour: The Capitol is a great place to visit, even during its “facelift”
Monday – Start the week with Storytime with Ms. Laura at Kinder Haus Toys. The Clarendon shop host readings for children every Monday and Friday at 10:30am. Arrive early or linger after to browse the great selection of toys and books.
Tuesday – Take a tour of the Capitol. Even if you can’t get on a guided tour day-of, there still are interesting exhibits and statues to see in the Visitor’s Center, which is open 8:30am – 4:30pm daily. Both admission to the Center and tours are free. And something fun to do as well: Walk the tunnels between the Capitol and Library of Congress to show the kiddos a “secret” way to get from building to building.
Wednesday – Visit Hermione! No, not Harry Potter’s friend, but an exact replica of the ship that brought the Marquis de Lafayette to George Washington with news of full French aid in 1780. The ship has sailed nearly 4,000 miles from France to commemorate the historic voyage and will be docked at the Alexandria Marina June 10-12. Visitors can take tours and enjoy pier-side activities like 18th century craft demos, costumed characters, and music performances. A limited number of FREE tickets will be distributed at 8:30am and 12pm each day at the dock for timed-entry tours. The ship will be open for tours Wednesday 11am – 4pm, Thursday 9am – 4pm, and Friday 9am – 7pm, but the rest of the activities will run 9am – 7pm each day.
Thursday – As the temps rise, stay cool at Georgetown Waterfront Park. Let the kids run through the sprays of the interactive fountain, play on the grassy areas and the in-ground labyrinth, and watch the boats and ducks go by on the river. After (or before, depending on when you go), grab a bite to eat at one of the many nearby eateries.
Friday – Rock out with local kids’ fave Rocknocerous at Jammin’ Java. Plan to eat while you’re there — the full lunch menu will be available. Showtime is 10:30am, doors open at 10am. Tickets are $5.
