Tag Archives: DC Pools

Where to Play on the Weekdays: June 19-23

See the only Da Vinci in the U.S. at the National Gallery of Art!





Monday – Catch a performance of Junie B. Jones is Not a Crook at Adventure Theatre. The show recommended for all ages starts at 10:30am. Tickets are $19.50. If weather allows, plan to picnic and play at Glen Echo Park afterwards. BYO food or purchase lunch at the Praline Cafe there.

Tuesday – Visit the U.S. Botanic Garden, where there is so much for all ages to enjoy indoors and out. Let little ones flex their green thumbs in the newly renovated Children’s Garden — they can water and plant, and play with lots of new features. Explore the different plant collections, too — walk amid tropical rainforest, desert, and woodland flora. Then take a stroll through the lovely National Garden outside. Hours are 10am – 5pm. Admission is free. Read more about the USBG here and here.

Wednesday – Celebrate the first official day of summer with a quintessential seasonal activity: Swimming! Jump in at a public pool, which as of this week are open daily through Labor Day. Even better, they’re free (or a small fee if you’re not a resident of the District or county where it’s located). Check out the 2017 Summer Guide for links to public pools in the area and be sure to note open swim times, as they may vary from pool to pool.

P.S. Registration for Artful Conversations, the National Gallery of Art’s program for ages 8-11 starting July 7, opens at 12pm.

Thursday – Explore the woods and wetlands of Huntley Meadows Park in Alexandria. Look for little creatures as you hike — turtles, frogs, fish, and birds are practically guaranteed wildlife sightings — and take in sweeping vistas of the marshland. Be sure to stop in the Visitors Center, where there are several interactive exhibits about the surrounding environment. Open daily from dawn to dusk. Admission is free. Sunscreen and hat recommended.

Friday – Get an art fix at the National Gallery of Art! The East Building is full of contemporary works with bold colors and captivating designs. Be sure to stop in the Alexander Calder room on the 4th floor, where mobiles of all shapes and sizes will dazzle, and don’t miss the giant blue rooster on the roof. The West Building houses more classical pieces, the collections featuring many of the masters, including the only Leonardo da Vinci painting on public view in the U.S.! Hours are 10am – 5:30pm. Admission is free.


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Filed under 2017, All ages, Art, DC, Educational, Exhibit, Free, Indoor Play, Live Entertainment, Maryland, Museums, Nature, Outdoor, Seasonal, Summer, Theatre, Virginia, Weekdays

Where to Play on the Weekdays: July 29-August 2

On the loose at the beautiful Meadowlark Botanical Gardens

On the loose at the beautiful Meadowlark Botanical Garden



The KFDC crew is on vacation, so this week is going to be light on posts. You can count on the Weekend Round-Up for sure, but for other updates, check the KidFriendly DC Facebook page. Have a great Mon-Fri!

Monday – Enjoy what the Capital Weather Gang predicts will be a “magnificent Monday” at the Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna. With acres of beautiful grounds, ponds full of turtles and fish, a Korean Bell Garden, and plenty of other horticultural delights, it’s a great place for an outing with the kids. Hours are 10am – 8pm. Admission is $5/adults, $2.50 for ages 7-17 and 55 and up, free for kids 6 and under.

Tuesday – Get wet and stay refreshed at an outdoor pool, waterpark, or sprayground. The Summer 2013 guide has links to many local places where it’s all about being in the water.

Wednesday – See Lions and Tigers and Bears (oh, my!) at the National Geographic Museum’s newest photo exhibit. The free display showcases the majestic predators through Nat Geo’s always amazing images. Make a day of it and visit the Real Pirates exhibit while you’re there. Admission is $11/adults, $9/ages 5-12, free for under 5. Hours are 10am – 6pm.

Thursday – Take the little ones to Eastern Market, where they can shake those sillies out with Mr. Skip and the Boogies Babes. Showtime is 10:30am. Admission is $5/child, free for siblings 6 months and under.

Friday – Head on down to the county fair! Thursday and Friday are preview days at the 4-H Fairfax Fair and will feature carnival rides, amusements, and treats (plus it’s less crowded on weekdays). Held at Frying Pan Farm Park, hours are 10am – 3pm both days and 5-10pm on Friday as well. Day-of event tickets are $25, and you can download a $5 off coupon here.

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Filed under All ages, Animals, Annual, DC, Educational, Exhibit, Farm, Free, Live Entertainment, Maryland, Museums, Music, Nature, Outdoor, Park, Seasonal, Summer, Virginia, Weekdays