Where to Play on the Weekdays: January 23-27

Visit the stables at the Rock Creek Horse Center

Monday – Keep the momentum from the weekend going and visit the National Museum of Women in the Arts. See the current “Wanderer/Wonderer: Pop-Ups” exhibition and more wonderful art from the permanent collection. Hours are 10am – 5pm, and admission is $10/adult, free for ages 18 and under. Note: This museum is sophisticated for young children, but I do think there’s always something for every age to appreciate on some level. 🙂

Tuesday – Volunteer at the DC Diaper Bank, one of the best places in the area to actively give back with your kids. There are still spots left to sign up and help out with diaper bundling, organizing, and inventory this week. And if they fill up, then sign up for a later date and check out The Great Indoors list to find another activity for the day.

Wednesday – Go to Story Time in the ReSource Room at the National Archives. The monthly series welcomes children aged 3-5 with accompanying adults to enjoy a book reading, participate in group activities, and create a craft — all with a well timed Rosie the Riveter theme. The session takes place 10-11am in the Boeing Learning Center. Admission is free.

Thursday – Learn about the area’s wildlife, enjoy hands-on activities in the Nature Center, take a hike, and visit horses at Rock Creek Park. The Nature Center is open Wednesday – Sunday, 9am – 5pm, and admission is free. You can also visit the equine residents at the nearby Horse Center for free – hours are 10am – 6pm. (Unfortunately, pony rides are not offered on weekdays this time of year, but staff at the stables always welcome visitors.)

In the evening, the JO Wilson Elementary School PTA is hosting their 3rd Annual Summer Camp Fair! It’s a chance to visit over 30 camp exhibitors representing a wide variety of summer activities, ranging from traditional camps to academic, arts, music, sports, early childhood, and special interest camps. There will also be opportunities to sign up for camp sessions and drawings to win free weeks at camps! The Fair is from 6-8pm, and admission is free. JO Wilson Elementary is located at 660 K St. NE on Capitol Hill.

Friday – See a show on strings at The Puppet Co. where Goldilocks is the current Main Stage production. Showtime is 11am, and tickets are $12. Plan to stay after to picnic (BYO or buy from the Praline Cafe on premises) and romp on the Glen Echo Park playground.