Arrr… the pirate ship playground at Anacostia Park
1. Anacostia Park, an often overlooked locale in southeast DC, is full of opportunities for fun and recreation. You can walk, bike, and run along the path that stretches along the river. There are three playgrounds, including one that looks like a pirate ship. You can lace up your rollerblades and skates and hit the skating pavilion. Large grass fields are perfect for ball play or Frisbee. There are tennis and basketball courts, too. And it’s all located right along the Anacostia, offering lovely views of the river and the new Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge (expected to reach completion in 2021). Read more about the park in this KFDC post (but note that a few facilities mentioned are not available now due to Covid).
2. Need some family New Year’s plans? First Night Alexandria, the annual, largest family-focused New Year’s Eve event in the region is ON — though different for 2020. The event full of live music that usually takes places at several venues will be a Drive-Up Concert instead. Load up the car to celebrate the arrival of 2021 — sing along, dance, and enjoy a night filled with classic hits, local food trucks, and exciting giveaways. Tickets are $60/vehicle, $75/vehicle for a VIP package (premium parking, extra swag bag goodies, and more). If you don’t want to drive up, a virtual experience is also available for $20.
3. Eight family-friendly TV series to watch.
4. Washington Post’s top food trends from 2020. What were some of your favorite food fads?
5. This American Life recently celebrated its 25th Anniversary by sharing some classic episodes. Break-Up, about songs for post-relationship, is an especially good listen.
Anacostia Park is a national park so if you see problems contact the National Park Service. If the NPS doesn’t respond call Congress Member Eleanor Holmes Norton’s office.
There are exercise machines around the Pirate Ship so the parents can get their exercise while the kids run and play on the Pirate Ship