Tag Archives: 2022 DC Places to Go

You’re Never Too Old (or Cool) for a Visit to the National Zoo

 

Too old (or cool) for the zoo? Never!  We proved this a few weeks ago when our family — yes, even the two teens — went to the National Zoo.  It started off as Sasha and I deciding what to do on a nice day. She didn’t have soccer or other plans with friends, so I snagged the opportunity while I could.   I suggested a hike, but she said, “Nah.”   So, I asked somewhat randomly, “How about the zoo?” thinking I’d probably get a thumbs down and a response that it’s for little kids.  But she instead surprised me with an enthusiastic, “Okay!”

When we mentioned our plan to Owen and Levi, they unexpectedly wanted to join, too.  Though looking back,  it was silly of me to assume they wouldn’t want to go.  The zoo isn’t just for young children… I mean, Levi and I used to go before we even had kids.

The National Zoo is a great place for anyone to enjoy a day out.  Besides just visiting the residents — and there are so many different species! — you can catch animal demos, like elephant feedings and reptile meetings.  When the kids were younger, they’d enjoy spins on the carousel. It’s also really nice to just stroll the grounds and even enjoy a picnic (BYO or buy food from concession stands there).

A surprise visitor in the elephant habitat

It had been since pre-Covid that most of us had been to the Zoo. (Owen had been on a photography field trip with school, but that was it.) Some things are a bit different now, so I thought this would be a good opportunity to share current logistics, upcoming events, and a few tips for visiting.

And, by the way, we saw loads of people there without young children, from couples of all ages to adult friends on an outing…  and even groups of teens.

* * * 

 

Passes
Timed-entry passes have been required for entry to the National Zoo since it reopened after Covid. They can be reserved in advance online. And don’t fret if you like to pop in to places if you’re in the area… passes don’t seem to sell out, and there are signs with QR code displays at the entrances, so you can get online with your phone and register for passes right there (but you can’t just walk in without passes). And admission to the Zoo is still free.

Parking
While admission to the Zoo is free, parking in the lot on site is $30 per car. Parking passes can be purchased in advance online. Note that cars can no longer access the parking lot from Beach Drive. The only vehicle entrance is at 3100 Connecticut Ave. NW.

KFDC Tip: If you don’t need to park that close and want to save the $30, you can look for street parking nearby. We found a spot on Adams Mill Road NW and walked to the back entrance at Harvard Street Bridge just off Beach Drive. Of course, you can avoid parking altogether by taking Metro (Woodley Park is the closest stop) and walking a few blocks down Connecticut to the Zoo.

Hours
The Zoo is open daily, with the exception of Christmas Day, though hours vary by time of year. Summer hours (July 1 – September 30) are 8am – 6pm with last admittance at 5pm. Winter hours (October 1 – June 30) are 8am – 4pm with last admittance at 3pm.

KFDC Tip: Go early during warmer months if you can for more animals sightings, as some retreat to their indoor areas on hot days.

Events
The National Zoo hosts several annual events that are fun to attend. It’s worth keeping an eye on their Events page to see what’s coming up.
* Boo at the Zoo, the annual Halloween fest, is back in person this year on October 28, 29, and 30 — and it’s super fun for young kids (we went several time when the kids were little).
* ZooLights is the annual animal-themed holiday light display. It’s free and always very popular.
* Easter Monday always takes place the day after Easter welcoming the public for an egg hunt, live entertainment, and special activities (2023 info TBA).
* Adult events like Brew at the Zoo are occasionally hosted at the zoo.
* Events to celebrate animal birthdays, zoo anniversaries, and more come up throughout the year and are always fun times to visit.

Planning
The Zoo is a big place, and it can take a long time to walk the whole thing, especially if you like to spend a decent amount of time watching the animals and/or you’re with little ones with little legs. It’s not a bad idea to look at the map before you go and strategize on animal visits based on location. Also check the Daily Animal Demos schedule so you can factor that in to your timing.

Concessions
For lunch or snacks, concession stands and a few food trucks are located throughout the Zoo selling burgers, chicken tenders, hot dogs, pizza, pretzels, popcorn, etc. plus sweet treats. As mentioned above, you can also BYO — there are tables where you can sit down to eat as well as some grassy spots.

More to know
* Paved paths are very stroller friendly.
* Some fun beyond the animals: Speedwell Conservation Carousel ($4), Me and the Bee Playground, The Good of the Hive Mural, and the Squirt Zone (in summer).
* There is a limit on the number of people allowed inside the animal houses, so there could be a short wait to go in.
* The Visitor Center near the Connecticut Ave entrance usually has an exhibit on display and a gift shop with lots of cute items.
* There are two more gift shops near the pandas and lions, plus a few kiosks around the park.
* If you’re so inclined, the Vintage Views food (drink) truck offers cocktails and beer along with coffee and lemonade.

Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Where: Woodley Park, DC
When: Daily, except for December 25
Admission: Free with timed-entry passes

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Filed under 2022, DC, Outdoor, Weekdays, Weekend

Inside Info: Indoor Places Open During COVID

Social distancing indoors at the National Gallery of Art

 

 
 

 

More and more indoor places around the DC area are figuring out how to safely open their doors to visitors again. I’ve been to a couple of Smithsonian museums and felt very comfortable and safe with the extra measures taken for COVID — and was very happy to wander the galleries and enjoy art in person once again.  As weather gets colder and our itch for outings that aren’t outdoors grows, having some go-to indoor spots will be appreciated by many.  (But, of course, everyone should do what they’re comfortable with during this unusual and uncertain time!)  Here’s a handy list of them, and I’ll continually add to it as more places reopen.  Happy revisiting! 

 

DC

National Gallery of Art
When: Daily, 11am – 4pm
Where: 6th Street & Constitution Ave NW | National Mall
Admission: Free, no passes required
COVID policies

National Museum of African American History and Culture
When: Daily, 10am – 5:30pm
Where: 1400 Constitution Ave NW | National Mall
Admission: Free with timed-entry passes
COVID policies

National Museum of Natural History
When: Daily, 10am – 5:30pm
Where: 8th & G Streets NW | Penn Quarter
Admission: Free, no passes required
COVID policies

National Air & Space Museum
When: Closed for renovations until October 2022
Where: 655 Jefferson Drive, SW | National Mall, DC
Admission: Free, no passes required
COVID policies

National Portrait Gallery & American Art Museum 
When: Tuesday – Sunday, 11:30am – 7pm
Where: 8th & G Streets NW | Penn Quarter
Admission: Free, no passes required
COVID policies

National Postal Museum
When: Daily, 10am – 5:30pm
Where: 2 Massachusetts Ave. NE | Union Station Area, DC
Admission: Free
COVID policies

Hirshhorn Museum
When: Tuesday – Sunday, 10am – 5:30pm
Where: 7th St. & Independence Ave. SW | National Mall, DC
Admission: Free, no passes required
COVID policies

Renwick Gallery 
When: Temporarily Closed
Where: Pennsylvania Ave at 17th Street NW | Downtown DC
Admission: Free, no passes required
COVID policies

National Museum of American History 
When: Daily, 10am – 5:30pm
Where: 1300 Constitution Avenue NW | National Mall
Admission: Free, no passes required
COVID policies

National Museum of the American Indian 
When: Tuesday – Sunday, 10am – 5:30pm
Where: 4th Street & Independence Avenue SW | National Mall
Admission: Free, no passes required
COVID policies

National Museum of African Art
When: Daily (except Tuesday), 10am – 5:30pm
Where: 950 Independence Avenue, SW
Admission: Free, no passes required
Covid policies

National Museum of Asian Art (Freer | Sackler)
When: Daily (except Tuesday), 10am – 5:30pm
Where: 900 Independence Ave, SW | National Mall, DC
Admission: Free, no passes required
COVID policies

Arts & Industries Building
When: Daily (except Tuesday), 10am – 5:30pm & Fri/Sat, 10am – 7pm
Where: 900 Jefferson Drive SW | National Mall, DC
Admission: Free, no passes required
COVID policies

Anacostia Community Museum
When: Wednesday – Saturday, 11am – 4pm
Where: 1901 Fort Place SE | Anacostia, DC
Admission: Free, no passes required
COVID policies

National Children’s Museum
When: Thursday – Sunday, 9:30am – 12:30pm & 1:30-4:30pm
Where: 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW | Downtown DC
Admission: $15.95/ages 1+ for two-hour timed session
COVID policies

International Spy Museum 
When: Daily, 9am – 7pm
Where: 700 L’Enfant Plaza SW | Southwest DC
Admission: $24.95/ adult, $16.95/age 7-12, free/6 & under | purchase online
COVID policies

Washington Monument
When: Starting July 14, 9am – 5pm daily
Where: 2 15th Street, NW
Admission: Free with timed-entry tickets (small online service fee)
Covid policies

ARTECHOUSE
When: Monday – Thursday, 12-8pm & Friday – Sunday, 10am – 10pm
Where: 1238 Maryland Ave SW | Southwest DC
Admission: $24/adult, $20/senior & first responder, $17/age 4-14, free/under 4 (purchase online for $5 off)
COVID policies

National Museum of Women in the Arts 
When: Monday – Saturday, 10am -5pm & Sunday, 12-5pm
Closed for renovations
Where: 1250 New York Ave NW | Downtown DC
Admission: $10/adult, free/child – timed entry tickets required
COVID policies

Kennedy Center Grand Foyer and The REACH 
When: Fri 4-8pm, Sat 12-6pm, Sun 12-6pm
Where: 2700 F Street NW | Foggy Bottom
Admission: Free and passes are not required for this short walk-thru
COVID policies

Mansion on O Street 
When: Daily, 11am – 3pm
Where: 2020 O Street NW | Dupont Circle
Admission: Tours start at $25 — online reservations required
COVID policies

Ford’s Theatre
When: Wednesday – Monday, 9am – 5pm
Where: 511 10th Street NW | Penn Quarter
Admission: $3 – reserve timed tickets online here
COVID policies

Phillips Collection (See more about the museum)
When: Thursday – Sunday, 11am – 6pm
Where: 1600 21st Street NW | Dupont Circle
Admission: $16/adult, free for kids – reserve in advance
COVID policies

Planet Word
When: Thursday – Saturday, 10am – 5pm
Where: 925 13th Street NW | Downtown DC
Admission: Free timed entry passes required
COVID policies

National Building Museum
Where: 401 F Street NW | Judiciary Square, DC
When: Friday – Monday, 11am – 4pm
Admission: $10/adult, $7/child (free for members)
COVID policies
[Note: It’s free to hang out in the Great Hall, most exhibits require admission.]

Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building
When: Thursday – Saturday, 10am – 4:30pm
Where: First Street SE, btwn Indie Ave & East Capitol St.
Admission: Free with timed-entry passes
Covid policies

National Museum of Asian Art/Freer Gallery
When: Wednesday – Sunday, 11am – 4pm
Where: Jefferson Drive and 12th Street, SW
Admission: Free, no passes required
Covid policies

The Lane Social Club
When: Reservations for Open Play
Where: 1408 Okie Street NE
Admission: $15
COVID policies

Kreeger Museum 
When: Tues – Sat, 10-10:50am/11-11:50am/2-2:50pm/3-3:50pm
When: 2401 Foxhall Road | Foxhall-Palisades, DC
Admission: $10 suggested donation for adults
Covid Policies

Tudor Place 
Where: 1644 31st Street NW | Georgetown, DC
When:  Saturday & Sunday, 12-4pm
Admission: Free with timed-entry passes (donations accepted)
Covid policies

Dumbarton House
Where: 2715 Q Street NW | Georgetown, DC
When: Friday – Sunday, 10am – 3pm
Admission: $10/adult, free for children
Covid policies
[Note: The wonderful Dumbarton Oaks Garden is also open. Timed-entry passes required.]

Museum of the Bible
When: Thursday – Monday, 10am – 5pm
Where: 400 4th Street SW
Admission: $20-25/adult, 10-15/age 7-17, free/6 & under
COVID policies

 

MARYLAND

Maryland Science Center
When: Friday, 10am – 4pm | Saturday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Where: 601 Light Street | Baltimore
Admission: $25.95/adult, $19.95/age 3-13
COVID policies

Port Discovery
When: Wednesday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Where: 35 Market Place | Baltimore
Admission: $17.95 advance purchase required
COVID policies

B&O Railroad Museum
When: Monday – Saturday, 10am – 4pm & Sunday, 11am – 4pm
Where: 901 West Pratt Street | Baltimore
Admission: $20/adult, $17/senior, $12/ages 2-12
COVID policies

National Aquarium
When: Sun-Thurs 9am – 5pm | Fri 9am – 8pm | Sat 9am – 6pm
Where: 501 E Pratt Street | Baltimore
Admission: $39.95/adult, $29.95/age 3-11, free/2 & under
COVID policies

American Visionary Art Museum
When: Wednesday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Where: 800 Key Highway | Baltimore
Admission: $15.95/adult, $13.95/senior, $9.95/age 7-17, free/6 & under
COVID policies

Baltimore Museum of Industry
When: Friday – Saturday, 9am – 3pm
Where: 1415 Key Highway | Baltimore
Admission: $12/adult, $7/youth, free/under 6
COVID policies

College Park Aviation Museum
When: Tuesday – Sunday, 10am – 4pm
Where: 1985 Corporal Frank Scott Drive | College Park
Admission: Reserve in advance | $5/adult, $4/senior, $2/child
COVID policies

Watkins Nature Center
When: Tuesday – Sunday, 11am – 4pm
Where: 301 Watkins Park Drive | Upper Marlboro, MD
Admission: Free, but advance reservations required
Covid policies

Calvert Marine Museum
When: Daily, 10am – 5pm
Where: 14200 Solomons Island Road | Solomons
Admission: $9/adult, $7/senior, $4/child — reserve two-hour time-slot
COVID policies

Pinstripes – Bistro, Bocce, & Bowling 
When: Mon-Thurs 12-9pm/Fri 12-10pm/Sat 10am-10pm/Sun 10am-9pm
Where: 11920 Grand Park Ave | North Bethesda
Admission: Varies by game, # of people
COVID policies

Glenstone
When: Indoor areas Thursday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Where: 12100 Glen Road | Potomac, MD
Admission: Free with timed-entry tickets
Covid Policies
[Note: There is also an outdoor area that shouldn’t be missed.]

ClimbZone
When: Mon-Wed 12-7pm | Fri 12-8pm | Sat-Sun 11am – 8pm
Where: 13200 MidAtlantic Blvd Suite 130 | Laurel
Admission: $15/age 2-5, $25/age 6+ for 2 hours — reserve online
COVID policies

Zava Zone
When: Thursday – Monday, hour vary by day
Where: 40 Southlawn Court | Rockville
Admission: Starts at $21.50/hour
COVID policies

Baltimore Museum of Art
When: Wednesday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Where: 10 Art Museum Drive | Baltimore
Admission: Free with timed entry passes
COVID policies

Walters Art Museum
When: Wednesday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Where: 600 N. Charles Street | Baltimore
Admission: Free
COVID policies

 

VIRGINIA

Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center 
When: Daily, 10am – 5:30pm
Where: 14390 Air and Space Museum Parkway | Chantilly
Admission: Free, no passes required
COVID policies

Mount Vernon – Museum & Mansion
When: Daily, 9am – 5pm
Where: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway | Mount Vernon
Admission: $20/adult, $12/age 6-16, free/under 6
COVID policies

Super, Awesome, & Amazing at the St. James
When: Monday 10am – 7pm Saturday & Sunday 9am – 7pm
Where: 6805 Industrial Road | Springfield
Admission: $13/hour, $23/2 hours
COVID policies

Zava Zone
When: Thursday – Monday, hour vary by day
Where: 45685 Oakbrook Court Suite 110 | Sterling
Admission: Starts at $12/hour
COVID policies

Flight Trampoline Park
When: Daily, times vary by day
Where: 7200 Fullerton Road | Springfield
Admission: Starts at $14
COVID policies

Buddie Ford Nature Center
When: Thursday – Saturday, 11am – 4pm
Where: 5750 Sanger Avenue | Alexandria, VA
Admission: Free
COVID policies

National Museum of the Marine Corps
Where: 18900 Jefferson Davis Highway | Triangle, VA
When: Daily, 9am – 5pm
Admission: Free
COVID policies

Looking for indoor places that are especially great with little kids?  Check out this KFDC post!

 

 

 

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Filed under 2020, All ages, Coronavirus, COVID-19, DC, Educational, Exhibit, Free, Indoor Play, Maryland, Museums, Reopened, Social Distancing, Virginia, Weekdays, Weekend