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.
