2020 | KidFriendly DC

Five Things for Today: November 17, 2020

1. It’s National Take a Hike Day, so don some layers and hit the trail! Some places that are free and easy to hike with kiddos, that will make for perfect adventures on this nice fall day: Roosevelt Island, Kingman Island, Riverbend Park, Potomac Overlook, Turkey Run, Scott’s Run, and Huntley Meadows. Find even more recs in this round-up of great local walks in the woods.

2. The new giant panda cub at the National Zoo is now 12 weeks old — and so cute! You can help name him by voting for one of three possible names. Select your favorite once per day through November 20. The name that receives the most votes will be bestowed on the cub November 23!

3. The Lane Social Club shared a couple of cool things recently: 1) Ideas for outdoor games to play even when it gets cold. 2) Playlists the whole family will *actually* enjoy.

4. It’s my birthday, and I can’t wait to celebrate with my family tonight and this deliciousness.

5. Grace, reason, dignity, and decency exemplified ❤️

Five Things for Today: November 16, 2020

Autumn splendor in the city at the Arb

1. I recommend it often, because it’s been one of my very favorite places in DC since before I even moved here almost 25 (!) years ago… the National Arboretum is an oasis of autumn splendor right now. Its 450 acres are brilliant with fall foliage, and the cool, crisp weather makes now a perfect time to wander it all. While the old National Capitol columns are always a big draw, I recommend exploring some of the less popular plant collections, like the conifers and dogwoods — it’s like strolling around a secret, magic garden. Pass the parking lot when you first drive in, and follow the roads further back, where there are smaller areas to park — from there you can access some especially lovely spots. Hours are 8am – 5pm daily, and admission is free. This IG story has pics from our visit there over the weekend. See more about the Arb here and here, and get even more recs for enjoying autumn around the area.

2. In case you missed it over the weekend, I just posted a review of Planet Word, the new museum all about language. In a gist: It’s a must-visit! Older kids, tweens and up (and that includes the kid in us adults), will get the most out of it, but elementary ages definitely could enjoy it, too. (With a lot of reading and concepts to comprehend, much of the museum probably would be lost on littler ones.) Free tickets are released on a rolling 30-day basis, BUT a limited number of walk-up tickets are also available. See the post for more details.

3. If there’s any great time to start using Rakuten, it’s now when you’re likely doing a lot of online holiday shopping — you can earn cash back for most purchases you make!

4. From NPR, audio excerpts from former President Barack Obama’s new memoir, A Promised Land, which will be released tomorrow.

5. A decade ❤️

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