Checking the temporary trail map at Rock Creek Park
1. Kids and families are invited to create art related to Rock Creek Park. Starting today through December 16, they are hosting Creativity Day with a different theme every week. Every child who participates will earn a Junior Ranger sticker at least once, and if they participate every week, they’ll win a cool prize. This week’s theme is fall leaves — draw, paint, sketch, or otherwise create something representing your favorite fall leaf or leaves and post your art in the event. Be sure to check back every week and post your artwork in the corresponding event!
2. And speaking of Rock Creek, our local national park is a great place to enjoy outdoor recreation right here in the city. Layer up and hit the trail — we usually park at the Nature Center lot or by Peirce Mill, then hop on a trail from there. Some areas might be closed right now, but there are maps on trees indicating where to go. Admission to Rock Creek Park is free. And for more places to hit the trail, the round-up of walks in the woods is full of good recs. [Note: Links above offer more info about the Nature Center and Peirce Mill, but both are closed right now.]
3. A KFDC reader let me know about this new online resource created by her cousin: Map Your Holiday is a digital, interactive map that crowdsources holiday lights and other happenings, so folks know where to go to find safe ways to enjoy festive displays (including residential), markets, and more. The default map is based in Seattle where she lives, but you can add events to any area. (I added the outdoor flea market at Eastern Market as a test!)
4. Do you know about Acorns? It’s a neat, easy way to invest and save, offering bonuses when you buy certain brands or giving the option to invest “spare change” from credit card purchases. We’ve been signed up for a couple of years now and always designate the fund to something like an upcoming trip or holiday gift shopping. It’s cool to see how fast it grows! (PS: That’s my referral link that gives you a little starter gift.🙂)
5. The 25 Best Films of the 21st Century So Far — according to the New York Times. (Do you agree? I hadn’t even heard of some of them, but now am interested to check them out!)
