Tag Archives: DC Indoor Play Areas

January 19, 2015 · 9:17 pm

Where to Play on the Weekdays: January 20-23

Catch a cool, educational film (and wear some rad glasses) at an IMAX movie

Tuesday – With relatively warmer temps on the way, plan for some outdoor and indoor time at Potomac Overlook Park in Arlington. Hike the short trails and let the kids romp on the playground, then visit the nature center where you can see live animals, plus some brand new exhibits within the “Energerium,” that offer visitors a fun, accessible way to learn energy basics and how they can help create sustainable energy solutions. Hours are 10am – 5pm. Admission is free.

Wednesday – Go see a movie on the really big screen. You’ve got your choice of several IMAX films playing right now: Island of Lemurs: Madagascar 3D, Titans of the Ice Age 3D, Jerusalem 3D, and Mysteries of the Unseen World 3D are all playing at the Natural History Museum’s Johnson IMAX Theater. And the Air & Space Museum’s Lockheed Martin IMAX Theater presents Hidden Universe 3D, D-Day 3D: Normandy 1944, Hubble 3D, and To Fly! Tickets are $9/adults, $8/seniors, $7.50/youth. Be sure to check schedules for showtimes. And, of course, plan for some time before or after to explore the museum, too.

Thursday – Burn off some winter energy at an Open Jump at Pump It Up in Lanham, Md. Children and accompanying adults are invited to bounce in the giant inflatables from 10am – 12pm. If you can’t get there that early, go for Family Open Jump from 5-7pm or find sessions on different days or at other area Pump It Up locations.

Friday – Jam out at the Smithsonian as Discovery Theater presents Karen K & the Jitterbugs as part of their “Tot Rock: Jammin’ at the Smithsonian” series. As this post goes live, tickets are still available for the 11:30am show. Tickets are $8/adults, $6/ages 2 and up, $3/children under 2.

Where to Play on the Weekdays: January 5-9

sasha_bday

These weekday recs come with a special shout out to my girl, who turns the big 6 this week. After all, she’s one of my very favorite people to join in on these DC adventures — and one of my very favorite people, period. So, as you read through these ideas, know they are also endorsed and inspired by one silly, kind, spunky, hugely adored little girl. Happy Week! And a very Happy Birthday to my sweet Sashi.

Monday – Go for Story Time at the National Postal Museum, the new program that includes a book reading, plus other activities for little ones in the museum’s education space. Stay after to explore the rest of the museum — it’s full of interactive exhibits that all ages can enjoy. Story time is at 10:30am and repeated at 11am. Admission is free.

Tuesday – Let the kids burn some energy at Dynamite Gymnastics Center in Rockville. Tumbling mats, trampolines, the jungle crawl (a huge tunnel to run through), and more equipment will keep them active during Open Gym time. Sessions take place 12-12:50pm and 3-3:50pm. Admission is $8/child, $12/participating adults.

Wednesday – Get a nature fix indoors at Watkins Nature Center. There, you can see and learn about birds, reptiles, and other creatures that inhabit the surrounding area. If weather permits, head over to Old Maryland Farm where ponies, cows, chickens, rabbits, and other animals live. The Nature Center is open 8:30am – 5pm, the Farm 9am – 4pm. Admission to both is free.

Thursday – Catch a performance of Inside Out at Imagination Stage. At this interactive show about two children using their imaginations to turn their room into a wonderland of mess, little audience members will discover the joy of turning things inside out. Stay after for a “free play” session featuring items used in the play. Showtime is 11:45am. Tickets are $12.

Friday – Locate secret doors, see outrageously fabulous themed rooms, and browse a trove of secondhand treasures on a tour of The Mansion on O Street. The Dupont Circle landmark is a mansion, museum, restaurant, vintage store, and hotel all in one — and visitors are welcome to explore it all. Open daily 11am – 4pm. Self-guided tours start at $10.

Where to Play on the Weekdays: December 22-26

See the fantastic train display at the Botanic Garden through January 4

Monday – Bounce on over to Flight Trampoline Park in Springfield for a super fun jump session. Be sure to check the schedule, as times vary by age. And admission varies by time, but starts at $11. I recommend buying tickets and filling out waivers in advance to avoid lines when you get there.

Tuesday – Make your way up to Baltimore to visit the Maryland Science Center, where your crew can explore a variety of cool hands-on exhibits, play in the Kids Room, see an IMAX movie, and much more. Hours are 10am – 5pm. Admission is $18.95/adults, $15.95/ages 3+, free for 2 and under. (I suggest checking out their membership options — if your family visits just three times in a year, it’s worth it. Plus, there’s reciprocity with other museums around the country.)

Wednesday – Watch Santa have some fun on the water before his big night out. For the 29th year, Santa will water ski his way up the Potomac along with knee boarding reindeer, flying elves, the jet-skiing Grinch, and Frosty the Snowman in a dinghy! You can view it all from the waterfront in Old Town Alexandria at 1pm sharp – the best viewing spots will be between King and Oronoco Streets.

Thursday – Have a very merry Christmas… and enjoy some activities out of the house, too. The Botanic Garden and Mount Vernon are open. You can bundle up and get out for a hike. Or do what’s a tradition for many who don’t celebrate Christmas and go out for Chinese food and a movie.

Friday – Devise a plan to explore the intriguing world of espionage at the International Spy Museum. Since it would best be enjoyed by school-aged kids and older, Winter Break is a great time to go. Hours are 8:30am – 7pm. Admission is $21.95/adult and $15.95/child, but you can get discounted tickets through Goldstar.