Springtime at the National Arboretum
Happy Weekend!
Fast links for all kinds of DC fun:
* Spring Things to Get Excited About
* Local Hikes with Kids
* Best Outdoor Spots
* Peaceful Places
* Indoor Outings
* On the Water
* Bike Rides
Spring Drive-In Movie Series
Where: The Stack at Buzzard Point | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Friday, 8pm
Admission: $20/car
Pile into the family car to catch a flick in the city! This six-week drive-in series from the Capitol Riverfront BID features movies inspired by post-pandemic goals — traveling, concerts, house parties, Met Galas, and more. Each film session will be a fun, contact-free experience for all ages at an appropriate social distance. Even more, all funds will be donated to local charities. This weekend’s showing is Moana, and proceeds will benefit Van Ness Elementary School.
Drive-In, in NoVa
Where: Alexandria Drive-In Movie Theater | Alexandria, VA
When: Friday & Saturday, 8pm
Admission: $40/car
You can also catch a flick from the comfort of your car in Virginia, an ideal way to enjoy some entertainment out of the house and social distance. Mamma Mia will be on the big outdoor screen on Friday night, and Jurassic Park on Saturday. Food trucks will be there both nights offering savory and sweet concessions with online ordering through Goodfynd! Purchase movie tickets in advance!
Blooming Azaleas
Where: National Arboretum | Northeast DC
When: Throughout the weekend, 8am – 5pm
Admission: Free
The azalea bloom at the National Arboretum is very well known among flower enthusiasts, attracting visitors from all over every year. And for good reason: It’s absolutely gorgeous! Even more, the Arb is a great place to spend a day with the family; even when there are lots of visitors, there is plenty of space to spread out with something to enjoy in every area. Go here for scenes from the bloom and info for checking it out. [Update: The Arb is limiting visitors for crowd control — this bloom is a popular one! — so be aware there may be a wait to get in.]
Take a Hike
Where: Around the DC Area
When: Ongoing
Admission: Varies by locale
There’s a link above for a round-up of local hikes, but sometimes specific recs are helpful. A few places to hit the trail that will be nice this weekend: Pohick Bay Regional Park in Lorton, VA (paddling ops, too!); Turkey Run Park in McLean, VA; Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens in Northeast DC; Sugarloaf Mountain in Dickerson, MD (with a stop at The Comus Inn or Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard after), and Patapsco Valley State Park near Baltimore, MD.
Glow With It
Where: Georgetown, DC
When: Through June 27
Admission: Free
See Georgetown sparkle with modern light art installations. This free outdoor public art experience showcases eight innovative works around the neighborhood. They are visible during the day, but obviously shine more in the evenings. Take the fam to dinner, then go for a stroll to check them all out! Get a glimpse of a past light show here.
Lincoln’s Bike Ride
Where: President Lincoln’s Cottage | Petworth, DC
When: Saturday, 10am
Admission: $50
Join President Lincoln’s Cottage and the DC Cycling Concierge as they recreate Lincoln’s three-mile commute by bike from his Cottage in Petworth to the White House. The day will start with an introduction at President Lincoln’s Cottage (140 Rock Creek Church Road), followed by a guided cycling tour, retracing Lincoln’s commute. The tour will stop at places of note for bits of history and end at the White House. [Note: This sounds like a lot of riding through the city — parents are the best judges of whether their kids are up for it. Also, this will be happening again on May 1.]
Play Ball Drive-Thru
Where: Fletcher’s Field | Riverdale, MD
When: Saturday, 12-2pm
Admission: Free
Catch some Nats swag at this event from the Washington Nationals and Price George’s County Parks & Rec. To help encourage and promote youth baseball and softball participation, the Nats and Screech are giving away free plastic bats, balls, and other Nationals swag to young fans. Open to all children between the ages of 4-18, this socially-distant event will allow participants to remain in their cars and have the items passed through their car windows. Face coverings will be required. Fans should register here. Fletcher’s Field is located at 5200 Kenilworth Ave. in Riverdale, MD.
Farm Fun
Where: Farms around the DC Area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies
You don’t need a holiday or big festival to enjoy fun on some area farms. Great Country has a whole play area, farm market, and baby goats to visit. Clark’s Elioak delights with its old storybook park installations and mini rides for kids. And check out a recent post for ways to Bring the Fun Home… from DC Area Farms!
AdMo Art Walk
Where: Adams Morgan, DC
When: Through May 14
Admission: Free
Where many of us spent our 20s partying it up, is now like an art gallery for a few weeks. Walk the streets of Adams Morgan and admire an impressive selection of artworks displayed in various storefronts on a self-guided walking tour. Go here to see the participating businesses that will be showcasing the art and plan your stroll to see it all.
Saturday Morning Live! At The National
Where: The National Theatre Facebook Page
When: Saturday, 9:30am
Admission: Free
The National Theatre is excited to present Gonzo’s Multiverse episode four: Pepe, Pedro, and The Sun. Gonzo’s Multiverse explores the very small, the very large, and everything in between! Viewers will investigate the natural world through music, poetry, art, and some surprising new friends. This programming is best suited for children ages four through ten, but siblings and friends of other ages are always welcome to join the fun!
Hang Out
Where: Hains Point | Southwest DC
When: Ongoing
Admission: Free
Sometimes it’s nice to go someplace where you can just hang out for a few hours (not to mention, this gives me a chance to highlight an old post and cool place). At Hains Point, you can play, picnic, and enjoy the surrounding scenery where the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers converge. At East Potomac Park, head all the way down, almost to the tip of the park, to reach the playgrounds. They’re set amid a large grassy area with picnic tables and restrooms right there, too. The spot offers great views of the rivers and airplanes taking off and landing at DCA. You can make a longer day of it in the area and visit the nearby Tidal Basin to explore the Jefferson, Roosevelt, and MLK Memorials.
***MORE GOOD STUFF***
* What to Do After the Derek Chauvin Verdict
* Help clean up the Anacostia with Green Boats!
* Washingtonian mapped every place to eat and drink by the water in the DC area.
* Real Simple’s recs for the best new books to read in 2021 (so far).
* Not a new book, but I’ve been reading and enjoying Outline by Rachel Cusk.
* All 56 movies nominated for an Oscar this year, ranked.
* Wow.
