Where to Play on the Weekdays: July 18-22

Monday – Pack imaginations and travel to the National Gallery for Stories in Art. Designed for children ages 4-7, the series explores Dutch art through stories and activities inspired by works in the museum. This session will focus on food in paintings. There are several time slots available — 10:30am, 11:30am, 12:30pm, and 1:30pm. Sign-in takes place in the West Building Rotunda, beginning at 10am and will continue until all spaces are filled. Admission is free.

Tuesday – Go over the rainbow and beyond at Watkins Regional Park. The adorable Wizard of Oz themed playground will have little ones frolicking for hours. Stop by Old Maryland Farm to visit the animals and spend time at Watkins Nature Center to view some cool creatures and birds. Go for a spin on the carousel or take a ride on the miniature train that winds through woods. Park hours are dawn to dusk, 9am – 4pm at the Farm, and 10am – 5:30pm at the Nature Center. Admission is free, but rides cost a small fee.

Wednesday – Roam around the lovely grounds, view wildlife in the ponds, and visit the Korean Bell Garden at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna. Admission is $5/adults, $2.50/ages 7-17 and seniors, free for ages 6 and under. Hours are 10am – 8pm.

Thursday – Hit the trail at Scott’s Run Nature Preserve. The Great Falls locale offers a nice dose of nature (and lots of shade!) in a short drive from the city, with paths that meander through lush woods, peaceful spots to hang out by the river, and great views of the Potomac. Open from just before sunrise to just after sunset. Admission is free. In the evening, catch a movie at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. The Films at the Stone summer series presents Zootopia at 8:15pm. Admission is free.

Friday – Join the fun Beatboxing with Mr. Max at Discovery Theater. Hear him make some crazy-good mouth music and help get the beat going, too. Showtimes are 10:30am and 12pm. Tickets are $3-8. (Note: There are also shows Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday)