Playing in the Children's Gardens at River Farm
Monday – Explore the history of mail at the National Postal Museum. It’s a perfect outing for all ages — the museum isn’t very big and overwhelming, there are numerous interactive exhibits to keep young guests engaged, and it’s off-the-Mall location makes for an uncrowded venue. Open 10am – 5:30pm. Admission is free.
Tuesday – Go for a spin on the Chesapeake Carousel, take a train ride through the woods, play mini golf, hike the trails, and visit the Old Maryland Farm animals at Watkins Regional Park in Upper Marlboro, Md. If it rains (or even if it doesn’t), take shelter and see the birds and reptiles at the Watkins Nature Center. The rides are open 10am – 7pm, the farm 9am – 4pm, and the Nature Center 8:30am – 5pm. Admission to the park is free; the rides cost $1.75/person and mini golf is $4.50/person Get more background on Watkins in this post from awhile back.
Wednesday – Explore the grounds and play in the gardens, specifically the Children’s Gardens, at River Farm. The American Horticulture Society’s headquarters overlooking the Potomac River in Alexandria are as lovely as they are fun. Hours are 9am – 5pm. Admission is free, but donations are welcome.
Thursday – Be among the first audiences to attend this summer’s Backyard Theater for Children at Strathmore. A cappella rockers, Snowday, are performing at 9:30am and 11:30am. Tickets are $8.
Friday – Venture to the National Air & Space Museum for Mars Day. The annual celebration of the Red Planet will feature hands-on activities, talks with scientists from the museum and NASA, and more. Hours are 10am – 3pm, admission is free.
