Where to Play on the Weekdays: April 16-20

Monday – Check out your local library! Drop in for story time, sing-a-longs, arts & crafts, and other activities, or just go to browse for books. See this post from the very early KFDC days for a little background and quick links to libraries around the area. Hours vary by location, admission is free. (Update: A KFDC readers just pointed out some libraries are closed in observance of Emancipation Day. For more ideas of things to do on the rainy day, check out The Great Indoors post.)

In the afternoon and evening, travel back in time with the National Park Service for Emancipation Day at Lincoln Park on Capitol Hill. Relive the moment in DC’s history when Frederick Douglass gave his famous keynote address in Lincoln Park during the 1876 Emancipation statue dedication. The fun-filled day will honor Douglass’ legacy, celebrate and explore the significance of Emancipation Day, and highlight the importance of historic Lincoln Park. This will all take place from 2-8pm. Admission is free.

Tuesday – Catch a performance of Arts on the Horizon’s Outside the Lines at The Lab of Convergence in Alexandria, VA. The show about two pen pals, Bud and Vi, who brighten each other’s lives from afar, is recommended for ages 2-5. Showtime is 10:30am, and tickets are $9.

Wednesday – Go over the rainbow and beyond at Watkins Regional Park. There is so much for all ages to enjoy. The adorable Wizard of Oz themed playground will keep little ones frolicking for hours. You can also visit the animals at Old Maryland Farm, then head to the Watkins Nature Center to view some cool creatures and birds. Along with animals inside, look for frogs in the pond right outside and do some bird watching and visit the owls, then hike the short trails nearby. Park hours are dawn to dusk, 9am – 4pm at the Farm, and 8:30am – 5pm at the Nature Center. Admission is free.

Thursday – Enjoy a hike and a dose of history all at once at Roosevelt Islandt. The trails are easy for little legs to tramp, and you can explore the Memorial Plaza to learn about the legacy of President Theodore Roosevelt. The entrance to the park is located right off the GW Parkway, just past the Roosevelt Bridge, and accessible only from the northbound lanes. Hours are 6am – 10pm, and admission is free. Get a little more of the KFDC take on it in this post about local walks in the woods with kids.

Friday – Rock out with Alex and the Kaleidoscope at Discovery Theater, located in the Smithsonian Ripley Center (next to the Freer|Sackler Gallery). Emmy Award-winning children’s arts educator Alex Mitnick will be your musical guide for an Earth Day celebration of the treasures of the planet. Show times are 10:15am & 11:30am (Friday, too!). Enjoy some outdoor time after the concert — roam the lovely Haupt Garden right behind the Smithsonian Castle, ride the carousel on the National Mall, and/or see art al fresco in the Hirshhorn and National Gallery of Art Sculpture.