Tag Archives: April 2025

1. There’s a glorious flower bloom in DC right now:  The azaleas at the National Aboretum are peaking, and I highly recommend going to see them.  Not only is it a beautiful showcase of the many varieties of the flower that grow there, it’s fun to hike the trails around Mount Hamilton, where the collection in located.  Get a glimpse of it here (and a past bloom here).  Of course, the rest of the Aboretum is always great to explore.  A few features kids will especially love:  The Washington Youth Garden, the Asian Collection with its “secret” path leading down to the Anacostia River, the stream in Fern Valley where it’s fun to look for frogs, the gazebo in the Conifer collection, and the fountain full of koi fish by the Visitors Center.  Read more about the Arboretum here, here, and here.

2. See a movie under the stars!  Several area outdoor film series are starting up very soon:  Movies on the Potomac at National Harbor (May 1), CiNoMatic at Alethia Tanner Park (May 7), Drive-In at Union Market (May 9), Rosslyn Cinema at Central Place Plaza (May 15), Cinematery at Congressional Cemetery (May 23), and even more will be launching for the summer.  More details about all of them will be in the annual Summer Guide coming soon.  In the meantime, see what’s playing and make plans for the May movies — some of them require tickets.

3. A new hands-on creative studio and mini retail shop recently opened at Westbard Square in Bethesda. District Dabble Lab offers everything from craft sessions, camps, and parties for children to workshops for all ages to open studio time for kids, tweens, and adults. Plus, they have a boutique stocked with DIY kits and local maker-made goods.

4. I recently shared this lululemon bag rec… and just found a good budget version of it.

5. Elmo drops a diss track…lol.

The adorable children’s section at Solid State Books

1. This Saturday is Independent Bookstore Day, and a fun way to celebrate is the DC Indie Bookstore Crawl. A bunch of local independent bookstores are participating — many of them offering special activities and discounts — and if you visit six of them (or more) and get a stamp at each on a passport you can pick up there,  you’ll get a prize!  See all the bookstores on a map here.

2. Tomorrow is Earth Day — a perfect time to highlight some beautiful natural areas around DC as well as a great activity to enjoy the spring weather.  The round-up of great places to hike with kids includes many local parks and more spots that showcase the amazing nature in our city and surrounding areas.

3. It’s also a good time to suggest an earth-friendly activity: Secondhand shopping.  Check out a whole route of great consignment shops in Old Town Alexandria, plus six great ways to secondhand shop online.

4. Need Mother’s Day gift ideas?  Here are some good ones — along with deals on them.

5. A photo tribute to Pope Francis.

Just a few more weeks to experience Renwick 1.8

1. A favorite work at the Renwick Gallery, Janet Echelman: 1.8 Renwick, is closing May 13 after a decade on display in the art museum.  It debuted as part of the extraordinary Wonder exhibition that enchanted so many of us during its run 2015-2016.  Go experience the sculpture that takes up a whole large room on the top floor of the Renwick — lay back and look up!  The Renwick is located at 17th & Pennsylvania NW, right across from the White House.  Hours are 10am – 5:30pm daily, and admission is free.

2.  A local teen who is an Ambassador Girl Scout helped create these pograms for kids and teens at this historic site as part of her Gold Award project, and they sound like great ways to discover a new place…

The Belmont Paul Women’s Equality National Monument focuses on immersing visitors in the history of the Women’s Suffrage Movement. There are many different ways that kids and teens can interact with the museum exhibits. The Suffrage Cat Program, for kids under 10, takes visitors on a Suffrage Cat Scavenger Hunt!  Participants will find paper cats throughout the museum and learn about suffrage history and advocacy at each stop.  Additionally, the Young Adult Program, for tweens and teens ages 11-18, involves an extended guided tour of the Belmont Paul Museum followed by a discussion in the library. Kids can also dive into the museum by becoming a Junior Suffragist. The Junior Suffragist Activity Book requires visitors to complete puzzles and other activities while exploring museum exhibits. Once kids have completed the packet, they receive a wooden Junior Suffragist Badge and take an oath conducted by a Park Ranger. Outside of museum-guided programs, kids can participate in a variety of suffrage-related crafts in the nation’s first feminist library.

3. Eater DC recommends 15 restaurants for Easter celebrations around DC.  And if you’re planning an Easter meal at home, here are some ideas for your menu.  Also, there have been a couple of additions to the round-up of Easter events and activities around the area, so check it out if you’re looking for some fun ways for the kids to celebrate.

4. Time to get outdoor spaces ready for warmer weather, and there are so many great items and ideas at World Market, like this furniture set, pretty planters,  cool lighting, and outdoor rugs (we have one from there, and it really completes our patio),

5. Tips for Decorating Easter Eggs 😉