Tag Archives: Best Things to Do Around DC this Spring

Spring Things to Get Excited About Around DC

 

Spring is always a much anticipated time of year.  The emergence from cold, wintry weather, the return of color to the landscape, and the end of hats and gloves and clunky boots and extra layers are some of the reasons why.  It’s also when many of DC’s best events and activities occur or restart for the warm months.  And this year, spring’s arrival may be even more eagerly awaited, as several beloved big events that were cancelled or held virtually for the last two years will back IRL.  From big blooms and their celebrations to new exhibits and reopenings to neighborhood live entertainment to baseball and soccer to warm weather recreation to a first-time-ever opportunity, there are a lot of things to get excited about around DC this spring.  Here’s a round-up of them to help you plan for it all.  Happy (almost) Spring!

 

The Blossom Kite Festival will be back this year!

National Cherry Blossom Festival
Where: Around the DC Area
When: March 20 – April 17
Admission: Varies by activity

The National Cherry Blossom Festival, running March 20 – April 12 this year, presents all kinds of fun and enriching activities over a few weeks every spring. (Well, except for the past couple of springs.) After being cancelled in 2020, then limited in 2021, the full Festival will return with all of its signature events — the Blossom Kite Festival, National Cherry Blossom Parade, Sakura Matsuri, and Petalpalooza — plus many more blossom inspired happenings around the area.  This post rounds up those particularly great for families.

Last year’s azalea bloom at the National Arboretum

Bloom Town
Where: Around the DC Area
When: Varies by locale
Admission: Varies by locale

We all know about the cherry blossoms that brighten up the land and cityscape during the season.  But there are even more big blooms to enjoy around the DC area, and they’re literally coming up soon. Magnolias, bluebells, azaleas, tulips, and roses are what you can stop, smell, see, and relish in the loveliness of during spring. This KFDC post has details on where and when to enjoy them at their best.

 

Cheer on the United at Audi FIeld!

Vamos United!
Where: Around the DC Area
When: Started late February
Admission: Varies

So, the MLS season actually kicked off during winter in February, but spring will be a great time to catch some action on the pitch, as the weather warms up.   While there are good concessions at the stadium, you can also make a longer outing of it, and grab a bit to eat before or after games. There are lots good dining options in the Capitol Riverfront area a short walk away.

 

Immerse in digital spring flowers at PIXELBLOOM

PIXELBLOOM
Where: ARTECHOUSE | Southwest DC
When: March 12 – June 5
Admission: $20-25/adult, $14/age 4-15, free/under 4

The exhibits at ARTECHOUSE often reflect the season in some way, and for the fifth year, they are highlighting spring by celebrating the cherry blossoms with a gorgeous digital exhibit that immerses you in the blooms. Floor to ceiling projections, plus interactive elements make this one beautiful, engaging, and fun to experience! Get more of a glimpse of it here.

 

NoMa in Bloom
Where: Around the NoMa neighborhood, DC
When: March 20 – April 17
Admission: Free (but plan on some purchases)

The NoMa BID is celebrating the return of spring with all kinds of activities and events over a few weeks — with something for all ages. From the family-friendly first annual NoMa in Bloom Festival on March 26 at Alethia Tanner Park to art and light displays to special cherry-themed food and drink specials at NoMa bars and restaurants, see what’s coming up to enjoy.

 

Family QT at the lovely Victura Park

Victura Park Reopens
Where: The REACH | Kennedy Center, DC
When: Starting March 17 | Weds-Fri, 4-8pm & Sat-Sun 12-8pm
Admission: Free

The family-friendly outdoor pop-up and wine garden at The REACH at the Kennedy Center is reopening after closing for winter. Food and drinks are available to enjoy in an area set up with picnic tables.  And this season, they are adding an indoor dining area for rainy days or if you just want some shade. They’re kicking things off with a weekend of Saint Patrick’s inspired food, drinks, and some surprises, and there will be an Art Market March 26-27.   While you’re there, be sure to explore the beautiful grounds, stop in The REACH Buildings (reserve a session in the Moonshot Studio on weekends), stroll the Kennedy Center terrace, and take in sweeping views of the Potomac. Hours will be Wednesday – Friday 4-8pm, and Saturday/Sunday 12-8pm.  Getting there by bike is a perfect way to go to avoid parking.  But if you drive, you can park in the KC garage (though pricey) or try to find street parking nearby.

 

Enjoy the season — and a fun challenge! — in the trees

Adventure in the Trees
Where: Adventure Park at Sandy Spring
When: Starting March 19
Admission: Starts at $45/adult, $16/child

The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring has reopens for the season, offering its thrilling aerial forest experience again. Navigating ropes courses up in the trees is a super fun and challenging way to spend a day.  There are 15 trails of varying levels of difficulty, all of them with ziplines, and almost 200 challenge bridges — something for everyone! Extra safety measures are in place for Covid, including required advance reservations, so be sure to book ahead.  Read about one of our past experiences at the Adventure Park.  (There have been many more since then!)

 

Entertain the idea of a gift to a stellar show

Show Time
Where: Theatres Around DC
When: Various dates
Admission: Varies by show

The new season brings new live entertainment to local stages, and there are some great shows coming to town. A few to check out (something for every age):
RENT – The 25th Anniversary Farewell Tour at National Theatre
Come From Away at National Theatre
Mean Girls at the Kennedy Center
Poop the Musical at Adventure Theatre

 

Yayoi Kusama’s Phalli’s Field infinity room will be back

Yayoi Kusama Returns
Where: Hirshhorn Museum | National Mall, DC
When: April 1 – November 27
Admission: Free

Back in 2017, Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirrors exhibition at the Hirshhorn was the hot ticket to score. The presentation of five infinity rooms — immersive installations that transformed small rooms into boundless wonderlands with brilliant, imaginative sculptures and mirror-lined walls — caused quite a frenzy among art enthusiasts, Instagram fiends, and what seemed like everyone else, for that matter.  Her work was supposed to be back in 2020, but, well, we all know how that went. It’s finally going to happen this spring: Some of Kusama’s works, including two infinity rooms, are coming back to the museum for an exhibit called One with Eternity. Free same-day Timed Passes will be distributed daily at the Museum starting at 9:30am throughout the run of the upcoming exhibition. Fingers crossed it will be easier to get them this time!

 

There’s no place like a fairy & gnome home

Fairies in the Garden
Where: Annmarie Sculpture Garden | Lusby, MD
When: April 1 – September 5
Admission: $5 suggested donation

The annual magicalicious exhibit of fairy and gnome houses at Annmarie begins in spring. As if the sculpture garden in Calvert County wasn’t already wonderful, this annual display adds extra delight to a visit there with a collection of handmade fairy and gnome homes scattered throughout the grounds. It’s fantastic to see anytime, but the annual festival to celebrate them takes place April 24 this year.  This is a place kids of all ages — and even the kid in us adults — will love. Read more about Annmarie Sculpture Garden in this KFDC post and this one.

 

Let’s fill those seats back up at Nats Park this season!

Baseball is Back!
Where: Nationals Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Starting April 7
Admission: Varies

Things were a bit shaky there for the MLB for awhile, but the lockout is ending, and Opening Day is now April 7!  The Nats will play their home opener against the Mets, and the rest of the season will follow as scheduled.  If you’ve been reading KFDC awhile, then you know I highly recommend Nats games as a great way to spend a family day out. I discussed it in a very early KFDC post, include ballgames in Weekend Round-Ups whenever they play at home, have endorsed the Jr. Nationals Kids Club for years, and know it all well enough to have plenty of tips for spending less on a day at the ballpark.  This is all to say, check your Natitude (and the just announced promo schedule)– and get it ready for spring ball!

 

Whirl around at Watkins Regional Park

Go for a Spin
Where: Various locations around the area
When: Varying dates
Admission: Varies by locale

Spring is when many of the carousels and mini trains open for the season, and there are a bunch around the area where you an go for whirl or a ride. Some particularly good places to go:   Montgomery Parks’ Cabin John Train and Wheaton Train and Carousel open on April 2. Clemyjontri Park welcomes guests to whirl starting April 3.  And Glen Echo Park’s beautiful Dentzel Carousel also spins again on April 30.  At Watkins Regional Park, the carousel and mini train (and mini golf) open May 7.  Read more about Cabin John Regional Park in Bethesda here, Wheaton Regional Park here, Clemyjontri Park here, and Watkins Regional Park here.

 

See the inside for the first time (Photo: Wiki Commons)

Welcome, Dorothy!
Where: Washington DC Temple | Kensington, MD
When: Starting April 28
Admission: Free

Those who really know this area well may have an idea of  that title refers to. For those that don’t, “Surrender, Dorothy” was spray painted on an overpass visible from the Beltway, just before the enormous straight-out-of-Oz looking Washington DC Temple. So many of us have wondered for years what the church, with its grand, imposing exterior, looks like on the inside. Well, now we can find out! The public will be welcome for tours for the first time ever starting late April.  All are welcome, just reserve tickets in advance — there are plenty available.

 

A souvenir from a past French Market

Bon Jour, Georgetown!
Where: Book Hill Neighborhood | Georgetown, DC
When: April 29 – May 1
Admission: Free

The Georgetown French Market returns to the Book Hill neighborhood bringing the signature European open air market back for its 19th year.  More than 25 Georgetown boutiques, antique shops, restaurants, galleries, and more will be featured. But it’s not all about the shopping!  Kids will enjoy the strolling mimes, hands-on activities, live music, and French cuisine from Georgetown cafes and restaurants. Visit the website to see the schedule of events and list of participating shops.

 

Flowers & fun at the National Cathedral

Flower Mart
Where: National Cathedral | Northwest DC
When: May 6-7
Admission: Free

This festival ran for 80 years until its two-year hiatus due to Covid. But it’s back — and a super fun, fab way to spend a spring day! Plant sales, floral and horticultural displays, and boutique booths will likely be of more interest to grown-ups. But there is music and entertainment, games and carnival rides, tasty foods, the All Hallows Guild antique carousel, and many more fun activities to delight kids as well. While you’re there, be sure to visit the Beauvoir Playground, too! Read more about Flower Mart and the National Cathedral in this KFDC post.

 

Enjoy global culture at the Around the World Embassy Tour

Around the World Embassy Tour 
Where: Local Embassies | Dupont Circle, DC
When: May 7
Admission: Free

Cultural Tourism DC’s awesome Around the World Embassy Tour will be back this spring! This event, one of my favorites of spring,  is like a local passport to countries around the world as  embassies from Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Oceania open their doors to the public.  It’s a free showcase of art, music, traditional dress, and culinary delights from nations across the globe. (It’s also your chance to check out the interiors of those mansions along Mass Ave & International Drive that you usually just admire from the street.) Read about one of our past  globetrotting-in-DC experiences and get a glimpse of what to expect.  And note that there will also be an EU Embassy Tour on May 14!

 

Strawberries at Schlagel Farm, always the first to open for the picking season

Take Your Pick
Where: Farms around the DC Area
When: Varies by locale
Admission: Varies by locale

The pick-your-own season begins in late April/early May when strawberries are ripe and ready for harvest.  Several area farms welcome guests to come pick them, and some offer even more fun. This round-up of PYO places around the area has more details (note that this year’s dates are still TBA).  And it’s always a good idea to check websites or call ahead to confirm availability the day you plan to go. Sunscreen and hat also recommended.

 

A grand new space for KID Museum coming in May

Grand Opening
Where: KID Museum | Bethesda Metro Center, MD
When: May 22
Admission: TBA

KID Museum, which for years provided innovative, hands-on learning experiences for kids at the Davis Library in Bethesda, is opening a new flagship site at Bethesda Metro Center. The 28,000-square-foot facility will offer the same kinds of experiences that encourage invention, creativity, experimentation, and discovery — but on a larger scale in a bigger space. Kids ages 4-14 can explore coding, robotics, engineering design, and hands-on maker learning in the new state-of-the-art makerspace starting late May. The Grand Opening celebration on May 22 will be a fun-filled day of making at the new site — and that will continue beyond the first day.  Get more of an idea of what KID Museum is all about in this KFDC post.

 

Paddling the Potomac from Fletcher’s Cove

Go with the Flow
Where: Waterways around the DC area
When: Varies by place
Admission: Varies by place

With warmer weather comes opportunities to enjoy time on the water, and you can rent kayaks, canoes, and other vessels to paddle at a bunch of places around the area. Boating in DC now runs many of the boathouses in the District and nearby. Some locations begin operating in early April, others open in May, so be sure to check the website for opening dates.  A few places within the NoVA Parks system are offering boat rentals now. And if you don’t want to do the work of paddling (though I highly recommend it), enjoy a Water Taxi ride — there are several  options for places to catch it! See this post for a round-up of places to go with the flow, and read more about a couple of our paddling adventures around the area here and here.

 

Family nature/dog walk at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens

Opt Outside
Where: Around the DC Area
When: Ongoing
Admission: Varies by locale

This one is very general and also pretty obvious, but take advantage of the outdoors — spring is sublime in DC!  Get back to those places and activities you missed all winter and, of course, discover some new ones. These posts are full of ideas to help with that:
The Best Places in the DC Area to Enjoy a Beautiful Day Outdoors with the Kids
Walks in the Woods
Ride On: Bike Routes for Everyone Around DC
Serenity Now: 10 Places to Find Peace and Calm in DC

 

What spring things are you most excited about?

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Filed under 2022, DC, Maryland, Seasonal, Special Event, Spring, Virginia

Spring Things to Get Excited About Around the DC Area (Beyond the Cherry Blosssoms)

 

Spring used to be a time when there were so many awesome events and activities around the area, it was sometimes hard to choose which to do.  While Covid has changed that this year, there still are plenty of exciting happenings — museum re-openings, sports seasons beginning, special exhibitions, flower blooms (beyond the cherry blossoms, which have passed the peak), berry picking, and more. Here are some things to get excited about this season, some mentioned already, some of them new, but now all in one place to help your planning. Happy Spring!

 

Interact with language at Planet Word

Planet Word
Where: | Downtown DC
When: Started April 1, Thursday – Saturday, 10am – 5pm
Admission: Free

The museum dedicated to language opened briefly last fall before closing due to rising Covid rates, and they started welcoming visitors again on April 1. Three levels full of interactive and immersive exhibits engage, educate, entertain, and delight. 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. Free, timed-entry passes are available and must be reserved in advance through the website.

 

New signage at the ballpark

Baseball is Back
Where: Around the DC Area
When: Started April 6
Admission: Varies

The Nats season got off to an interesting start with the first series against the Mets  postponed for Covid-related reasons. Such is the times.  But it has now officially begun (with a walk-off from Soto!), and a limited number of fans, all Nats Plus ticket holders, will be welcome back to the ballpark for games. Most of us, though, will be watching the televised version, but we can do that out of the house at restaurants and bars around DC that have outdoor seating. Eater DC has a list of places for it, several of them family-friendly. Of course, rooting for our home team from home is fun, too.  Host a backyard viewing party — this post may be about a winter set up, but a bunch of the tips are spring-worthy, too.  Update!  The Nats are now offering single game tickets to the general public, including for every game throughout the upcoming homestand April 15-18 vs Arizona and April 19-21 vs. St. Louis. Tickets start at just $14 and will be sold in socially distanced pods of 1 to 6 tickets.

 

Enjoy the season in the trees

Adventure in the Trees
Where: Adventure Park at Sandy Spring
When: Ongoing, opened in March
Admission: Starts at $45/adult, $16/child

The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring has reopened for the season, offering its thrilling aerial forest experience again. Navigating ropes courses up in the trees is a super fun and challenging way to spend a day.  There are 15 trails of varying levels of difficulty, all of them with ziplines, and almost 200 challenge bridges — something for everyone! Extra safety measures are in place for Covid, including required advance reservations, so be sure to book ahead.  Read about one of our past experiences at the Adventure Park.  (There have been many more since then!)

 

Take a soundwalk around the Wolf Trap grounds

SOUNDWALK
Where: Wolf Trap | Vienna, VA
When: April 6 – September 6
Admission: Free

This free, public “sound-art” at Wolf Trap sounds like a unique way to enjoy springtime (and summer) outdoors. The GPS-enabled work created by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Ellen Reid, uses music to illuminate the natural environment. SOUNDWALK has been tailor-made for Wolf Trap and created to encourage calm, reflection, and introspection. It can be experienced while following social distancing guidelines. (PS: Did you know the performing arts venue is also a National Park?)

 

Marvel at the Great Hall again

National Building Museum Reopens
Where: 401 F Street NW | Judiciary Square, DC
When: Starting April 9, Friday – Sunday, 11am – 4pm
Admission: $10/adult, $7/child (free for members)

After a veerrry long wait, the National Building Museum is reopening! (Remember, it was closed for renovations pre-Covid?) The museum’s exhibits and shop will be open weekends, and of course you can roam the magnificent Great Hall, one of the most stunning spaces in DC, again. Popular, ongoing exhibitions House & Home and Animals, Collected are back, plus a couple of  important and timely exhibitions, Gun Violence Memorial Project and Justice is Beauty: The Work of MASS Design Group will be on view.

 

A beautiful installation at a past Georgetown Glow

Glow With It
Where: Georgetown, DC
When: Starting April 9, on view daily
Admission: Free

See Georgetown in a whole new, cool light — literally! Georgetown Glow, the annual exhibition that usually takes place during the holiday season, was rescheduled for this spring. See the neighborhood sparkle with modern light art installations throughout the bustling community. Works will be on display in both public and privately-owned spaces. You can take the fam to dinner, then go for a stroll to check them all out. Artworks will be viewable by day, but obviously much brighter at night! Special talks and walks will be available, too. Get a glimpse of a past Glow here.

 

Bluebells at Riverbend, the best local place to enjoy the periwinkle blooms

Bloom Town
Where: Around the DC Area
When: Varies by locale
Admission: Varies by locale

The cherry blossoms aren’t the only flowers in town! There are more big blooms to enjoy around the DC area, and they’re literally coming up soon. Bluebells, azaleas, tulips, and roses are what you can stop, smell, see, and relish in the loveliness of during spring. This post has details and when and where to catch them at their best.

 

A fairy house find in the Annmarie woods

Fairies in the Garden
Where: Annmarie Sculpture Garden | Lusby, MD
When: April 9 – September 6
Admission: $5 suggested donation

The annual magicalicious exhibit of fairy and gnome houses begins in spring. As if the sculpture garden in Calvert County wasn’t already wonderful, this annual display adds extra delight to a visit there with its display of handmade fairy and gnome homes scattered throughout the grounds. (The annual festival to celebrate them is still happening, but now you must reserve tickets in advance online.)  This is a place kids of all ages — and even the kid in us adults — will love. There are even more creative works and activities in the Arts Building if you’re comfortable going inside. Read more about Annmarie Sculpture Garden in this KFDC post and this one.

 

The Pop-Up Wine Garden at The REACH is returning

Victura Park Opens
Where: The REACH | Kennedy Center, DC
When: Starting April 9, Friday – Sunday
Admission: Free

The family-friendly outdoor pop-up and wine garden at The REACH, the Kennedy Center expansion, is reopening. Food and drinks are available to enjoy in an area set up with picnic tables. We visited several times in the fall, and it’s always a fun, lively vibe.  Be sure to explore the beautiful grounds, stop in The REACH Buildings (if open), stroll the Kennedy Center terrace, and take in sweeping views of the Potomac. Hours are Fridays 4-9pm, and Saturday and Sundays 12-9pm.  Get a glimpse of it in my highlights on IG, and getting there by bike is a perfect way to go to avoid parking.  But if you drive, you can park in the KC garage (though pricey) or try to find street parking nearby.

 

All aboard for a mini train ride!

Go for a Train or Carousel Spin
Where: Cabin John & Wheaton Regional Parks, MD
When: Starting April 9
Admission: $2.50

All aboard! Montgomery Park’s Cabin John Train and Wheaton Train and Carousel are opening for the season. Go for a spin around the parks on replicas of the 1863 C.P. Huntington, a 4-2-4T steam locomotive. Or enjoy a whirl on the beautiful Ovid Hazen Wells Carousel featuring 33 jumping horses, three zebras, and two chariots! Read more about Cabin John Regional Park in Bethesda here and Wheaton Regional Park here.

 

A paddle excursion on the Potomac

Go with the Flow
Where: Waterways around the DC area
When: Varies by place
Admission: Varies by place

With warmer weather comes opportunities to enjoy time on the water, and you can rent kayaks, canoes, and other vessels to paddle at a bunch of places around the area. Boating in DC now runs many of the boathouses in the District and nearby. The Wharf location is open, and Key Bridge, Fletcher’s, and Thompson are opening very soon, National Harbor later. A few places within the NoVA Parks system are also offering boat rentals now. And if you don’t want to do the work of paddling (though I highly recommend it!), enjoy a Water Taxi ride — there are several  options for places to catch it! See this post for a round-up of places to go with the flow, and read more about a couple of our paddling adventures around the area here and here.

 

The Tudor Place gardens and historic house are reopening

Tudor Place Reopens
Where: Georgetown, DC
When: Starting April 10, Saturday & Sunday, 12-4pm
Admission: Free with timed-entry passes

The Historic House & Garden in the heart of Georgetown will once again welcome guests on weekends. A model of Federal-period architecture in the nation’s capital, Tudor Place shares the stories of multiple generations of Martha Washington’s descendants and the enslaved workers and servants who lived and worked here. With over 18,000 objects, including the largest Washington Collection outside of Mount Vernon, Tudor Place sits on over five acres. Admission is free with a ticket, and note that one ticket offers three options: 1) Self-guided tour of the Historic House 2) Garden visit or 3) both.

 

Take an artsy, socially distanced stroll around Adams Morgan

AdMo Art Walk
Where: Around Adams Morgan, DC
When: April 12 – May 14
Admission: Free

You’ll be able to think of Adams Morgan as your own personal art gallery, thanks to this free, new way to experience art brought to you by the Adams Morgan Partnership BID, the DC Arts Center, local artists, and neighborhood businesses! Walk the streets of Adams Morgan and admire an impressive selection of artworks displayed in various storefronts in a self-guided tour starting April 12. While many events are currently paused, this allows everyone to explore on their own and experience the diverse and cultural arts scene throughout Adams Morgan.

 

DC United will welcome fans back to Audi Field!

Vamos United
Where: Around the DC Area
When: Starting April 16
Admission: Varies

The MLS season kicks off mid-April, and DC United will play its first match on April 17. Fans still won’t Fan will be welcome be back at Audi Field with new social distancing measures in place for Covid. And like baseball, you can also plan to watch games at different places around the area. Many of the restaurants and bars that show the Nats will also have screens dedicated to soccer.  And if you aren’t up for watching elsewhere, gear up to sport your United spirit at home!

 

Strawberry picking is a seasonal fave

Take Your Pick
Where: Farms around the DC Area
When: Varies by locale
Admission: Varies by locale

The pick-your-own season begins in late April/early May when strawberries are ripe and ready for harvest.  Several area farms welcome guests to come pick them, and some offer even more fun. This round-up of PYO places around the area has more details.  And it’s always a good idea to check websites or call ahead to confirm availability the day you plan to go. Sunscreen and hat also recommended.

 

Hang out and enjoy spring at The Yards

Opt Outside
Where: Around the DC Area
When: Ongoing
Admission: Varies by locale

This one is very general and also pretty obvious, but take advantage of the outdoors! Spring is sublime in DC, plus many outside pursuits are great for social distancing. Get back to those places you missed all winter and, of course, discover some new ones. This huge round-up of places to hang outdoors will help with that.

 

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Filed under 2021, All ages, Coronavirus, COVID-19, DC, Maryland, Special Event, Spring, Virginia