Dumbarton Oaks Gardens are free to roam from November to March
Monday – Experiment with hands-on fun at the Children’s Science Center Lab at Fair Oaks Mall in Fairfax. Kids of all ages can explore a variety of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) concepts through fun, engaging interactive exhibits and activities. Hours are 10am – 6pm. Admission is $12 (under 2 are free).
Tuesday – Roam the enchanting 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 it from November 1 – mid-March.
Wednesday – Welcome winter with a walk in the woods (and some alliteration) at Great Falls. Whether you opt for the Maryland or Virginia side, you can’t go wrong. Take in spectacular views of the falls and rapids from several overlooks, hike easy trails along the river or through the woods, and stop in the Visitor Center — there’s one on each side — to learn more about the area’s history and wildlife.
Thursday – Go bowling. It’s a perfect activity for what’s forecast to be a rainy day. Take advantage of Kids Bowling at Pinstripes in Georgetown. From 10am – 12pm Monday – Thursday, ALL kids can bowl for $3 ($3/shoe rental) and parents are free (limit 4 kids per adult)! Eat while you bowl or stay after for lunch — they have a good kids menu and a pretty extensive main menu, too.
Friday – Get hyped for the holiday weekend! Pick one of many activities that happen this time of year: Check out a train display, catch a holiday show, ride trolleys, meet Santa, see an evening light display, and enjoy loads of other seasonal delights. The KFDC Holiday Guide has all the details on where to go and what to do.
I’ve gone to Pibstripes several times now and feel like I pay a different price each time. We went yesterday and paid $6 per kid ($3 to bowl and $3 for shoes). They now have a card for the kids. So each of them got a special treat (cookie, brownie or sundae).
Hi Rachel – Yes, they’ve changed their rates a few times, but the $3 to play, $3 rental has been the cost for awhile now. Apologies if my blurb above was misleading and you thought it was just $3 for the rental (I see how that might have been confusing!). And thanks for letting me know about the treat that comes with it – that part is new! 🙂