Tour the exhibits and make some art at the National Portrait Gallery
Monday – Go wild at the National Zoo, as there’s barely a crowd on weekdays. Check the Daily Programs schedule to help plan your outing or pick your animal visits as you go. Grounds are open 6am – 8pm, exhibit building hours are 10am – 6pm. Admission is free, though parking in the Zoo lot for non-members is $22. I recommend taking Metro to Woodley Park or Cleveland Park stations, then walking the short distance to the Zoo. You can also try parking on Connecticut Avenue or a side street.
Tuesday – Enjoy a storytime session and the gorgeous weather at Stories from Strawberry Park in the Mosaic District. The series presents live interactive performances for children ages 10 and under every Tuesday 10-11am. While you’re there, let the kids play with the life-size chess set, check out Mosaic Yards, and/or grab a bite to eat at one of the many eateries. Admission is free.
Wednesday – Catch a performance of Caps for Sale during its limited engagement at Adventure Theatre before embarking on a national tour. Showtime is 10:30am. Tickets are $19.50, but Goldstar has discount seats available. After the show, hang out at Glen Echo Park for a picnic (BYO food or grab a bite from the cafe) and some fun on the playground.
Thursday – Watch the airplanes, kick a soccer ball, have a picnic, or just hang out at Gravelly Point. The park located right off the GW Parkway next to Ronald Reagan Airport is a great place to enjoy a nice day, offering views of the river and airplanes taking off or landing right overhead. (Warning: Some kids find that part exciting, others might be frightened by the loud noise and sight of an airplane coming right at them.) Admission is free.
Friday – Join the National Portrait Gallery for some creative fun at an Open Studio Friday session. All ages are welcome to explore a different art medium each week with all kinds of neat projects. Drop in anytime from 1-6pm. Go earlier or stay after to explore the museum’s collections, too! Museum hours are 11:30am – 7pm. Admission is free. Read more about the Penn Quarter gallery in this KFDC post.
