Swing by Montrose Park before a visit to Dumbarton Oaks
Monday – Take advantage of a seasonal activity while you still can, and go ice skating at the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden. Hours are 10am – 9pm, and cost is $8/adult, $7/child, $3/skate rental. Later on, head to Politics & Prose in Takoma Park for a celebration of all things Eric Carle. There will be an appearance by the Very Hungry Caterpillar himself, arriving in style with a decked out VW Bug (naturally!), to meet all of his fans. This will complement a special story time featuring a selection of Carle’s classic works. The fun starts at 3:15pm. Admission is free.
Tuesday – Spend the gorgeous day playing in Georgetown. Roam the enchanting gardens at Dumbarton Oaks, where admission is free for only another week. The grounds don’t open to the public until 2pm, but you can play at nearby Montrose Park (also free), hike nearby trails, or grab a bite to eat on M Street beforehand. I promise, it’s worth waiting for the afternoon visit.
Wednesday – Have some fun on the farm at Frying Pan Park. Visit the animals, take a wagon ride, play on kid-sized tractors and playgrounds, and much more. The locale in Herndon is a guaranteed hit with little ones. The park is open daily from dawn to dusk, the farm is open 9am – 5pm, wagon rides 10am – 4pm. Admission is free, though the wagon rides cost a little extra. If you can’t make it during the day, consider a twilight tour in the evening from 7-8pm and learn how the farm animals settle down for the night. This special program will take place March 9, 10, 15, and 16. Admission is $8/person, and registration is required.
Thursday – Head out to Dulles for Air & Space exploration beyond the District. The Steven F. Udvar Hazy Center showcases flight artifacts they can’t fit into the museum on the Mall. 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 – Get a glimpse of the past on the Potomac at Fort Washington Park. Kids will love seeing the cannons and other historic sights there. Grounds are open are 8am – sunset, buildings 9am – 4pm. Admission is $5/vehicle.
