Get on the L train at the American History Museum
Monday – Join National Park Service Rangers at the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site for the new Reading Ranger series. Geared toward children under 5 and their caregivers, the weekly sessions include a fun and educational story time as well as a craft activity. Start time is 10:30am, and admission is free. The Mary McLeod Bethune Council House is located at 1318 Vermont Avenue NW.
Tuesday – Show the kiddos relics from the nation’s past at the National Museum of American History. One of the most popular exhibits with children is America on the Move, a history of transportation in the U.S. featuring some of the earliest automobiles,locomotives, and an old Chicago Transit Authority car that they can actually climb aboard. Toys and games, items from pop culture past, sports memorabilia, and the star spangled banner will also grab little ones’ attention. The museum is open from 10am – 5:30pm. Admission is free.
Wednesday – Roam the enchanting gardens at Dumbarton Oaks in Georgetown. The grounds don’t open to the public until 2pm, but you can play at nearby Montrose Park or grab a bite to eat on M Street beforehand. I promise, it’s worth waiting for the afternoon visit. And admission is free to both — there’s never an entry fee at Montrose, and Dumbarton waives it from November 1 – March 14.
Thursday – Let little ones burn some energy during an open gym session at Sport Bounce of Loundon, where a massive roomful of giant inflatables is a blast for kids. Open gym time is 10-11:30am, and admission is $10/ages 2 and up, $6/18-23 months. And while open gym occurs every weekday, the time varies, so be sure to check the schedule if you go a different day.
Friday – Take a toe-tapping trip to the Bayou at Adventure Theatre, where their newest production Petite Rouge, A Cajun Red Riding Hood is running through March 8. Showtime is 10:30am. Tickets are $19.
