Tag Archives: DC Summer Break

August 14, 2016 · 5:30 pm

Where to Play on the Weekdays: August 15-19

Zip through the trees at the Adventure Park at Sandy Spring Adventure Park

Monday – Stay cool in the sprays and wading pool at Yards Park. The lovely recreational space in the Navy Yard is a perfect place to spend a summer day. Hang out in the grassy areas, stroll the boardwalk, take in the views, and have a picnic by the water or grab some lunch at one of the many new nearby eateries. Admission to the park is free.

Tuesday – Venture out to Solomons, MD, to the Calvert Marine Museum. Discover how the prehistoric past, natural environment, and maritime heritage come together to tell a unique story of the Chesapeake Bay. Fascinating exhibits, including display cases full of fossils and artifacts, live fish and other creatures, and a real lighthouse to tour are engaging for all ages. There are things to see both indoors and out, including beautiful scenic views. And you can bring along a picnic lunch to enjoy by the water. Hours are 10am – 5pm. Admission is $9/adult, $4/ages 5-12, free for 4 and under.

Wednesday – Get a close look at some fascinating creatures and hear funny animal stories and facts at a Reptiles Alive! show. Friendly and professional wildlife presenters will showcase a colorful variety of exotic species at MLK Library downtown. The show starts at 2pm, and admission is free.

Thursday – Get in on a DC “secret” in Upper Northwest. Amid a small wooded area at Palisades Park is The Glass Forest, a collection of sculptures made from natural and scrap materials that truly is a must-see! Be sure to make time to romp on the park’s playground while you’re there. Admission is free.

Friday – Hang out in the trees at the Adventure Park at Sandy Spring. Kids as young as 5-years-old can experience fun and adventure on the ropes courses and ziplines in the park’s aerial forest, the largest in North America. Children ages 5-6 are free with a paid accompanying adult and have access to two of the easier courses. Older kids can do even more. Hours are 9am – dusk, and admission is $39/ages 7-9, $48/ages 10-11, $53/ages 12 and older. And if you’re looking for fun with little ones… experience adventure on a smaller scale at the Cabin John Regional Park Playground. Kids can climb, swing, jump, slide, and run amid the lovely wooded setting, and the miniature train that guests can ride ($1.75/passenger) is a fun bonus.

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Filed under All ages, Animals, Art, DC, Educational, Exhibit, Free, Maryland, Museums, Nature, Outdoor, Park, Seasonal, Summer, Weekdays

Tagged as DC Area Parks, DC Attractions, DC Kids Activities, DC Kids Entertainment, DC Summer Break, DC Weekday Activities with Kids, Fun Things to do with Kids in Washington DC, Fun with Kids in Maryland, Kids Museums, Things to do with Kids in DC this Week, Weekdays August 15-19

August 7, 2016 · 7:01 pm

Where to Play on the Weekdays: August 8-12

Searching for shark teeth along the Potomac shore

Monday – Play paleontologist for a day at Purse State Park, where you can hunt for fossilized shark teeth and other fragments of prehistoric sea creatures. Be sure to check the tide table before you go (select Potomac River and Piney Point), as there’s not much beach at high tide. There are no concessions or facilities there, so plan accordingly. Admission is free.

Tuesday – See a movie for a buck! The Regal Summer Movie Express is still presenting family films for just $1 every Tuesday and Wednesday at participating theaters during the summer. See what’s playing at a theater near you — there are two movie choices every week. All movies start at 10am. In the afternoon, head to MLK Library, where Storyteller Baba C will entertain with his unique blend of interactive storytelling, narrative song, chants, and games celebrating the oral traditions of the African Diaspora. Starts at 4pm, and admission is free.

Wednesday – Explore the grounds and play in the gardens, particularly the Children’s Garden, at River Farm. The American Horticulture Society’s headquarters overlooking the Potomac River in Alexandria are as sublime as they are fun. Hours are 9am – 5pm. Admission is free, but donations are welcome.

Thursday – Spend a hot day inside a cool museum! Head to Chantilly for Air & Space exploration beyond the National Mall — the Steven F. Udvar Hazy Center showcases even more fascinating artifacts of flight. See all kinds of air and space crafts, pretend to pilot in a flight simulator, get hands-on in a discovery station, and much more. Hours are 10am – 5:30pm. Admission is free, but parking is $15.

Friday – Explore the high Potomac “seas” on a Boomerang Family Treasure Hunt Cruise. During the pirate adventure, you’ll help recover stolen treasure from scallywags who pilfered the ship’s booty. A couple of times are available several days a week. Cost is $20/passenger, but Goldstar and Certifikid often have ticket deals available.

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Filed under All ages, DC, Deal, Educational, Exhibit, Free, Maryland, Movies, Museums, Nature, Ongoing, Outdoor, Park, Seasonal, Summer, Virginia, Weekdays

Tagged as DC Area Parks, DC Attractions, DC Kids Activities, DC Kids Entertainment, DC Summer Break, DC Weekday Activities with Kids, Fun Things to do with Kids in Washington DC, Fun with Kids in Maryland, Fun with Kids in Northern Virginia, Kids Museums, Things to do with Kids in DC this Week, Weekdays August 8-12

July 31, 2016 · 5:02 pm

Where to Play on the Weekdays: August 1-5

Tinkering in the Spark!Lab at the American History Museum

Monday – Visit the National Museum of American History to check out the collections and enjoy some interactive fun. Show the kiddos relics from the nation’s past through all kinds of interesting exhibits, including the Innovation Wing where they can get hands-on in the Spark!Lab (ages 6-12) and Wegman’s Wonderplace (ages 0-6). Extended summer hours are 10am – 7:30pm. Admission is free.

Tuesday – Stop and smell the stinky plant at the U.S. Botanic Garden. The impressive corpse flower on display in the conservatory is expected to bloom Monday night and will be open for all to…experience. Word is the odor is at its strongest in the first hours after it opens, but the bloom is said to be spectacular. The USBG now has extended hours 10am – 8pm, and will be open until 11pm during peak bloom. Admission is free. And to stay updated on the plant’s status, view the live stream.

Wednesday – Wander, play, and relax at Green Spring Gardens in Alexandria. Be sure to stop in the Horticultural Center and pick up instructions for a kids’ scavenger hunt to add some extra fun to the outing. Hours are 9am – 4:30pm. Admission is free. Update: There is also a puppet show taking place at 10:30am — ($4/Fairfax county resident, $6/non-resident). Register for it here.

Thursday – Head on down to the 4-H fair! Running August 4-7, the first couple of days of the 68th 4-H Fairfax Fair & Carnival will feature rides, amusements, farm fun, and treats. Held at Frying Pan Farm Park, hours are 10am – 3pm both days and 5-10pm on Friday as well. (There are even more activities through the weekend!) Carnival ride tickets are $1 or 24 for $20 (most rides take 3-5). Unlimited carnival ride wristbands are $18 if you buy online in advance and $25 day-of.

Friday – Enjoy a day of Pokemon in the Park as Fairfax Supervisors and Fairfax Police host a day of fun activities at Burke Lake Park. Enjoy the beautiful scenery and playground, learn tips to help play the game safely from the FCPD, battle at the “PokéGym,” and take advantage of the “PokéLures” that will be activated continuously throughout the event. Every child also gets a free ice cream as well as a free minitrain or carousel ride. This all runs from 12-5pm. Admission is free.