It’s always free to visit Rock Creek Park
Happy Weekend! And thank you to all the veterans who have served and sacrificed.
Quick links to loads of ideas for ongoing & seasonal fun:
* Best Outdoors in the DC Area
* The Great Indoors
* Autumn Off the Farm
* Local Hikes with Kids
* Bike Rides
* Off-the-Beaten-Path Museums
* Peaceful Places
* Baltimore with Kids
Free Parking
Where: National parks around the area
When: Friday
Admission: FREE
It’s a day off from school for most students and the last fee free day of the year for national parks, which means there’s no entrance fee where they usually charge to get in. Take advantage of complimentary admission and hit the trail at Great Falls, Prince William Forest, Harpers Ferry, Shenandoah; take a ride on Skyline Drive to see the mountains covered in autumn colors; or head up to Baltimore to explore Fort McHenry. And our own very local national park, Rock Creek, is always free. Find even more parks to visit here.
Celebration for Native Veterans
Where: NMAI | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: Free
The National Museum of the American Indian is hosting this weekend-long celebration that includes the dedication of the National Native American Veterans Memorial on Friday (more here) along with more festivities for all ages on Saturday and Sunday. Enjoy performances by musical artists, a presentation of colors by the Native American Women Warriors, hands-on activities for all ages, films, and a veterans hospitality suite. Of course, the rest of the museum — particularly the imagiNATIONS activity space for kids — is wonderful to explore, too!
Mount Vernon Salutes Veterans
Where: Mount Vernon Estate | Mount Vernon, VA
When: Monday, 9am – 4pm
Admission: Free/military, $28/age 12+, $15/6-11, free/0-6
Special activities at George Washington’s former estate include a wreath laying ceremony, performances by the Harmony Heritage Singers and the United States Air Force Strings, music and history on the Bowling Green, and a chance to meet General Washington. Throughout the day, write a thank you letter to an active duty service member in the Vaughan Lobby. Honored guests are also invited to place a flower at Washington’s Tomb. (Above admission fees are for online; prices are slightly higher on site.)
Ready, Set, Stencil
Where: Kreeger Museum | Foxhall/Palisades, DC
When: Saturday, 10:30-11:30am
Admission: $15
Recommended for young artists ages 8-12, this workshop explores Artist Frank Stella’s Protractor Series. Many artists use stencils as tools in creating their artwork, and Stella used the protractor as a tool. A painting from this series, Flin-Flon VIII, is a part of the permanent collection now on view at the museum. Teaching artist Susan Hostetler will lead participants through a Stella-inspired workshop exploring and creating intriguing designs using a single tool, the protractor. No experience necessary, but participants should come prepared for a fun, colorful challenge! Parents and guardians are encouraged to remain onsite and explore the museum — read more about it in this KFDC post.
Tour the Memorials
Where: National Mall, DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
Observe Veterans Day on the actual day or over the weekend by visiting the sites that honor those who have served. Make the rounds on the Mall at your leisure — the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, World War II Memorial, and Korean War Memorial are all within easy walking distance. And while not on the National Mall, another obvious place for a Veterans Day Weekend outing (or a visit anytime) is Arlington Cemetery.
It’s Outdoor Ice Skating Season!
Where: Local ice skating rinks
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by rink
Want to glide under the sky? Several outdoor ice skating rinks in the area are welcoming guests to skate the day away. Veterans Plaza in Silver Spring, Rockville Town Square, Pentagon Row, and Reston Town Center are all open. This post has the scoop on all of them and more details (indoor venues, too), including bonus activities while you’re there.
Art on the Avenue
Where: Mt. Vernon Avenue in Del Ray | Alexandria, VA
When: Saturday, 10am – 6pm
Admission: Free
Rescheduled from October…celebrate the diversity of Alexandria’s Del Ray community at this multicultural arts festival. Numerous artists — jewelers, woodworkers, pottery makers, soap crafters, glass makers, painters, sculptors, fabric artists, and musicians — will have their work on display and for sale. And kids activities have always been a vital part of the festival — there will be crafts especially for young festival-goers to enjoy and take home. Food vendors will also be there offering hot dogs, BBQ, Indian fare, crab cakes, chocolate bananas dipped on a stick, and home made cider donuts.
Roam Free
Where: Dumbarton Oaks Gardens | Georgetown, DC
When: Throughout the weekend, 2-5pm
Admission: Free
One of my favorite KFDC Tips to impart because it’s one of my favorite places in DC: From November through mid-March, there is no fee to roam the beautiful, enchanting gardens at Dumbarton Oaks. Stroll among the various plats, find lovely tucked away places to sit, and get ready for delights as you turn every corner. Hours are limited, but you can make a longer day of it with play time at Montrose Park next door, a hike at Dumbarton Oaks Park right behind the gardens, or a bite to eat at one of of the many options in Georgetown. This KFDC post about Dumbarton also has some food recs and this one from earlier KFDC days has more info and scenes.
Bull Run Festival of Lights
Where: Bull Run Regional Park | Centreville, VA
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday evenings
Admission: $30/car
The early in the season opening offers more opprotunity to experience the Festival’s 2.5 miles illuminated by holiday light displays. As you drive the festival route, turn off your headlights and just follow the magical glow. And what elevates this light display is the holiday village and carnival that’s included in admission. Even more, from November 11-20, save $10 with the promo code early22 — valid every day including weekends. And from November 21- December 15 save $5 by going Monday through Thursday with the code lights22.
Winter Walk of Lights
Where: Meadowlark Botanical Gardens | Vienna, VA
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday, 5-10pm
Admission: $16-18/online, $20/on site, free/2 & under
The Winter Walk of Lights start dazzling in mid November, as the beautiful garden is transformed into a half-mile, walk of lights in the evenings. Revisit perennial favorites such as the animated Lakeside Lights, the Fountain of Lights, and the Holiday Nature Walk – and look for new displays each year. Put on your walking shoes and bring the family to experience a Northern Virginia festive tradition. Round out your visit by roasting marshmallows and sipping on hot beverages by the fire. (Available for purchase at S’more Snacks Shop).
Cool Hikes
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
Cooler weather is coming, making the air crisp and activity a little more exhilarating, so take advantage with some time on the trail. Peep the autumn leaves, tramp in places with scenic views, hike and explore history at interesting locales, and enjoy a day of active fun. This post has a a bunch of recommendations for good walks in the woods with the kids. Some hikes I particularly recommend right now: Roosevelt Island, Sky Meadows State Park, Sugarloaf Mountain, and Turkey Run Park.
(Geo)Cache in on Fun
Where: Around the Area
When: Anytime
Admission: Free
Take kids on a “treasure” hunt and have a little adventure along the way. Geocaching is a perfect way to be active and enjoy a day outdoors. Whether you search in the city or seek out a destination that requires a hike in the woods, locating the hidden cache will be a thrill for everyone. See this post about our first foray into the pursuit awhile back.
Hoops Time!
Where: Colleges around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Ticket prices vary
The college basketball season just started, and with so many universities in the area, there’s always some good hoops action going on — and it’s also a great time for families. Here are some games you can catch this weekend:
* Maryland women vs South Carolina on Friday at 6pm (Go, Terps!)
* GW men vs. Howard on Friday at 6pm
* GMU men vs Longwood U on Friday at 7pm
* Georgetown Men vs Green Bay on Saturday at 11am
* Georgetown Women vs Columbia on Sunday at 2pm
* GMU men vs American on Sunday at 4pm
Caps vs Lightning
Where: Capitol One Arena | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Friday, 7pm
Admission: Tickets start at $45
For sports action on ice, watch the Capitals on Friday evening as they host Tampa Bay. See the restaurant recs in the Wizards listing for a fam-friendly bite before the match. Plan on a pre-game meal in Penn Quarter — there are plenty of family-friendly places to go in the neighborhood. Some recs: Jaleo, Carmine’s, Reren, and Shake Shack.
Wizards this Weekend
Where: Capitol One Arena | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Saturday & Sunday, 6pm
Admission: Ticket prices vary
The Wizards are playing two games at home this weekend on Saturday and Sunday evenings. See them work their magic on the Utah Jazz and Memphis Grizzliess. Plan on a pre-game meal in Penn Quarter — see the above restaurant recs for a few options.
Market Days on the Hill
Where: Eastern Market | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: Free
Start your holiday shopping and enjoy a nice day out at Eastern Market’s outdoor weekend flea market. It’s a personal neighborhood fave any time of year, but especially pleasant to browse and stroll during the fall. Vendors sell a variety of wares — art, apparel, jewelry, home goods, and food. Inside the actual Eastern Market, food stalls offer all kinds of fresh fare, from meats and cheese to produce and baked goods to fish and flowers. Visit the market, grab a bite at one of many eateries (either right there or nearby), and take kiddos to the nearby Eastern Market Metro Park playground (Pennsylvania & 8th SE).
Museum Shop Holiday Market
Where: Strathmore | Bethesda, MD
When: Friday – Sunday, 10am – 6pm
Admission: Suggested donation of $10
Start your holiday gift shopping with DC’s museums. Strathmore’s Museum Shop Holiday Market brings together the area’s best museum and cultural shops for three festive days. Every present is part of a larger purpose as your purchase supports nonprofit museums and arts organizations in our community. Find unique gifts from the shops at Strathmore, Brookside Gardens, the Supreme Court Historical Society, Hillwood, The Phillips Collection, GWU Museum & The Textile Museum, President Lincoln’s Cottage, and Woodend Nature Shop.
Autumn Bonsai
Where: U.S. National Arboretum | Northeast DC
When: Through Monday
Admission: Free
Take your little people to see the little trees in their brilliant autumnal colors before the leaves fall away to reveal bare winter silhouettes. See red maples, yellow ginkgos, fruited trees, and more in the Bonsai Museum located within the National Arboretum — it’s a fantastic exhibition. Be sure to tour the big trees around the rest of the Arb while you’re there, too. It’s easily one of the best places in the city to do some leaf peeping. Get a glimpse in these scenes from one of our fall visits there.
Grupo Rompe Cajón!
Where: Highland Elementary School | Wheaton, MD
When: Saturday, 11am & Sunday, 2pm
Admission: Free
Interact Story Theatre’s Wheaton Family Theatre Series returns with new FREE performances for kids and families. Sing, clap, dance, and learn new rhythms and songs as Grupo Rompe Cajón brings the rich folkloric traditions of Peru’s coast to the DC community. Showcasing a variety of genres, including Festejo, Landó, and Zamacueca, their music features songs about celebration as well as the struggle for Afro-Peruvian freedom before slavery and equality since. Best for ages 4 and up.
S.P.I.E.S. 2: Flight of the Hawk
Where: Imagination Stage | Bethesda, MD
When: Through November 20
Tickets: $25
Join S.P.I.E.S. in person, where it is more interactive than ever! This follow-up to the online hit S.P.I.E.S. & the Lost Treasure of Atlantis combines live theatre and taped adventure scenes to create a collaborative and exciting experience where each audience gets to be the hero and solve the puzzles–and no two performances are alike. Recommended for ages 5-11.
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast
Where: Olney Theatre | Olney, MD
When: Through January 1
Tickets: $37-74
It’s opening weekend for Olney’s internationally acclaimed production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Be their guest along with several returning cast members and the rest of the gang in the Beast’s cursed castle for an escape to a world where beauty is more than skin deep and happily ever after is just a rose petal away.
Into the Woods
Where: Signature Theatre | Arlington, VA
When: Through January 29
Tickets: $40-109
Signature’s Theatre’s show just opened… Escape into a fantastical fairytale adventure where dreams come true, but not free. A trove of storybook characters’ paths intertwine as they chase their deepest desires through an enchanted forest. However, once they receive their happily ever after, the unintended consequences of granted wishes unravel their worlds. Weaving a euphoric score with a darkly humorous book, Into the Woods is a sophisticated musical twist on beloved childhood fables. Running time is approximately 2 hours 45 minutes, including one intermission. Parents should use discretion about what is age appropriate for their children.
Much Ado About Nothing
Where: Harman Hall | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Through December 11
Tickets: $59-115
Shakespeare Theatre Company presents a unique version of the Bard’s classic… The course of true love never did run smooth, especially when the ON AIR sign is lit. Shakespeare’s cherished romantic comedy lands in a cable newsroom, where sparring co-anchors Benedick and Beatrice trade barbs behind the news desk. This version of Much Ado About Nothing is promised to be the perfect blend of sparkling screwball comedy and revelatory romance. Recommended for teens and older.
National Harbor Nightly Tree Lighting
Where: National Harbor | Oxon Hill, MD
When: Saturday & Sunday, half hour after sunset
Admission: Free
Watch the brand new 60-foot tree come to life nightly with a breathtaking light show in the heart of the Waterfront District. Saturday is the first tree lighting, and it will take place every evening after that through December 31. The show runs on the half an hour from sunset to 9pm. The Stars and Stripes Fair will also take place on the first night.
The Nutcracker @ TheARC
Where: THEARC Theater | Anacostia, DC
When: Saturday & Sunday
Tickets: $30-60
This modified version of Washington Ballet’s The Nutcracker is perfect for little theatre goers with a scaled-down and shorter performances. Like the bigger production, it’s set in historic Georgetown with historical figures and whimsical touches. There are only four performances available, so snag your tickets!
Lucketts Holiday Open House<
Where: Lucketts Store | Leesburg, VA
When: Through December 11
Admission: $20-25
Join Lucketts for their fabulous Holiday Design House and decked out Store. A magical holiday event filled with Christmas shopping, fun holiday murals + photo vignettes, Vanish wine garden and more. Your ticket gets you entry to the Design House, a 19th century farmhouse that Lucketts transforms into a winter wonderland. All decor inside is available for purchase and additional surprises will take place throughout each weekend. [Note: Admission to the store and ground are free, just the Holiday house requires a ticket!]
Awesome Autumn Ideas
Where: Around the DC area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
Fall festival time has wound down, but there are plenty of other fantastic ways to enjoy the season around the area. This KFDC post has 10 suggestions for great places to go for fall adventures.
DC, Inside & Out
Where: Around the DC area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by adventure
With an extra day to play, you might be looking for even more options for fun things to do with the kids this weekend. If you’re looking for activities outdoors or inside, depending on the weather or simply your preference, these posts are chock full of evergreen pursuits:
The Best Places in the DC Area to Enjoy a Beautiful Day Outdoors with the Kids
The Great Indoors
***MORE GOOD STUFF***
* Be sure to check out the 2022 KFDC Guide to the Holiday Season Around DC and get tickets for events you know you want to attend as many sell out!
* Late season apples are still available for picking at some area farms.
* November/December book recs for kids.
* Speaking of books, this collection of poetry was released this week, and I can’t wait to read it. (Her first one is so good).
* This got a laugh on our family text thread.
* Oh my word, this HONY story is priceless!
