Even the littlest museum-goers can appreciate the art at the National Gallery
Monday – Spend the day in a colorful place: The National Gallery of Art. The East Building, full of modern art with bold colors and cool designs, is often most appealing to kids. After viewing art, take a walk/ride on the moving sidewalk for a dazzling light show, to boot. Hours are 10am – 5:30pm. Admission is free.
Tuesday – Join Disney Junior at Yards Park as they bring role-modeling messages of its acclaimed animated series “Doc McStuffins” in the form of The Doc Mobile, a free event that invites children ages 2-7 for a day of fun, health-related activities. Guests can perform a “check-up” on their own toys, play in “Stuffy’s Imagination Playground, ” get active in “Doc’s Stretch & Flex” area, learn about the importance of drinking water at “Lenny’s Hydration Station, ” and find out how to create a healthy balanced plate at “Doc’s Picnic Time.” The event runs from 10am – 4pm. UPDATE: Due to the ongoing police investigation in the Washington Navy Yard area, the scheduled “Doc McStuffins’ Doc Mobile” visit has been cancelled. For alternate plans, see this post with tons of “Everyday Play” ideas.
Wednesday – Experience the amazing “Wings of Fancy” butterfly garden at Brookside Gardens before it closes after this weekend. While you’re there, stroll the beautiful grounds, play in the Children’s Garden, see turtles in the pond. Admission to the park is free, but it’s $6/adults and $4/ages 3-12 for the butterflies. Hours are 10am – 4pm in the butterfly exhibit, 9am – 5pm at the Visitor Center, and sunrise to sunset for the grounds. This post has background about Brookside and the butterflies.
Thursday – Have some musical fun as the Discovery Theater presents Unos, dos, tres… con ANDRE! The bilingual show recommended for children ages 2-6 takes place at 10am and 11:15am. Tickets are $3-8. The Discovery Theater is located in the Smithsonian’s Ripley Center.
Friday – Visit the National Arboretum on one of the two weekdays it’s open to the public since budget cuts prompted its closing Tuesdays-Thursdays. Go for nature walks through the woods, visit the Washington Youth Garden, romp in open green spaces and at the old Capitol columns, and enjoy one of the loveliest places in the city. Hours are 8am – 5pm, and admission is free. Later on, join the Fall Enrollment Party at My Gym Children’s Fitness Center in Burke, Va. From 3-8pm, enjoy activities for families as you get a look at what’s new this season. There will be a performance by Mr. Knick Knack; appearances by Disney Princesses, Buzz Lightyear, and Woody; yummy treats; special offers on classes and parties; and more. The Center is located at 9566 Burke Road in Village Center I (next to Giant).
