Where to Play on the Weekdays: December 10-14

Monday – Play, learn, and explore at the National Museum of American History! Wegmans Wonderplace, the activity center designed especially for children 0-6 years old, is full of fun and interesting features that cater to curious young visitors. If you’re with older kids, check out the Spark!Lab right next door. Hours at Wegmans Wonderplace are 10am – 4pm, and free admission is on a first come, first served basis, so there may be a short wait to get in. If that’s the case, there’s a whole museum to explore in the meantime!

Tuesday – Let the kids burn some energy in a Gymnastics Workshop at Prince George’s Sports & Learning Complex. It might sound dtructured, but it’s really more of open play with soft mats, balance beams, trampolines, a rope swing and foam pit, and soft climbing apparatus for little one to explore in a fun and safe environment. The hour-long session begins at 11:30am (on Wednesdays, too). Admission is $7. Read a KFDC write-up about it here.

Wednesday – Enjoy some art off the beaten museum path at The Phillips Collection. View the current Nordic Expressions exhibit as well as the many great permanent works. And be sure to stop in the Family Gallery, where specially-selected artworks are displayed at children’s eye-level with kid-tested conversation prompts right on the walls. Hours are 10am – 5pm, and admission is $12/adult, free for children. Read more about the Dupont Circle gallery in this KFDC post and this one.

Thursday – Explore the local environment at Buddie Ford Nature Center. The facility in Alexandria houses fascinating exhibits (including live creatures!), hands-on activities, and a staff of friendly and knowledgeable naturalists that all ages will appreciate. If weather permits, take the fun outdoors afterwards with a short hike at the adjacent Dora Kelley Nature Park. Buddie Ford hours are 10am – 5pm (Wednesday – Saturday, 1-5pm Sunday). Admission is free.

Friday – See a performance of My Father’s Dragon at Synetic Theatre — their productions, often mostly wordless, are always beautiful and enchanting. Showtime is 11am, and tickets are $20.