Tag Archives: Family Friendly Activities in DC

February 7, 2023 · 8:01 am

Five Things: February 7, 2023

Capitol view from the Old Post Office Tower

 

1. When friends were visiting a few weeks ago, I took them to several of my go-to places for wowing out-of-town guests, including the Old Post OfficeTower.  Located in the Waldorf Astoria hotel, but operated by the National Park Service, visitors are welcome to go up in the tower.  It’s one of the tallest structures in DC and offers some of the best vistas of the city.  Hours are 9am – 4pm daily, and admission is free. (PS: I’ll share my other “wow” spots soon!)

 

2. A couple of years ago during peak Covid winter, I posted about creating a perfect outdoor setup to be able to hang out safely with friends.  But who says outdoor winter hangs can’t still happen?  With mild temps on the way, it seems like a great time to reshare these ideas for making a nice outdoor space for the cold months.

 

3. If you haven’t yet seen the round-up of Valentine’s Day activities, be sure to check it out soon. There are a bunch of events happening this weekend, several that require advance registration.

 

4. How amazing was this performance at the Grammys ?!

 

5. 10 Happy Things for February 💕

 

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February 1, 2023 · 9:38 am

Five Things: February 1, 2023

Hey, baby! Look for the putti at the Library of Congress

 


 

1. Do you know the meaning of the cherub sculptures along the staircases in the Library of Congress Great Hall? Known as putti in Italian Renaissance art, they represent various occupations of American life during Thomas Jefferson’s time.  If you look closely, you can see that they’re all holding objects that symbolize their pursuits — a cogwheel for the mechanic, a spade for the gardener, a lyre for the musician, a rabbit and gun for the hunter, etc.  After countless visits over many years, I only just learned this on a recent visit when an out-of-town friend asked a docent about them!  This is just a small sample of all the interesting tidbits to be gleaned and architectural details to admire in the stunning space.  Have you been?  The LOC is open Monday – Saturday, 10am – 5pm, and admission is free with timed-entry passes.  Read more about the iconic DC spot in this KFDC post.

 

2.  Next time you’re waiting for a flight with kiddos at DCA, take them to Curiosity Runway!   The new children’s playspace comes from the National Children’s Museum, Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, and The Boeing Company.  It’s located in Terminal 2, just after the airport’s North Security Checkpoint between the C and D Gates.

 

3. A treat for Valentine’s Day:  Barracks Row is offering a Sweet Tooth Dessert Tour passport that gets you a dessert from 19 restaurants on Capitol Hill.  That’s a lot of desserts, but you don’t have to get them all at once.  The passport is good from Friday, February 10 through Sunday, February 19.  Cost is $29.

 

4. Are you deciding between a fun-focused or educational summer camp for your child? Some thoughts on the topic in the Washington Post.

 

5. The Family Edition of a super fun game!

 

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January 25, 2023 · 9:35 am

Five Things: January 25, 2023

Objects from many museum collections on view in the Smithsonian Castle Commons room

 

1. The Smithsonian Institution Building (aka Smithsonian Castle) will close starting next Wednesday, February 1, to undergo a five-year renovation.  So, if you haven’t yet been or want to see it again before it’s inaccessible, you only have a week.  What’s in the Castle?   It’s home to the Smithsonian Visitor Center, a small cafe, and a sampling of some of the collections you can find in the many museums.

 

2. Spring Break is just a couple of months away for some local students, and closer to three months for most DC kids.  Either way, if you’re still making plans and thinking about taking a trip, you might find some inspiration from these family getaway ideas.

 

3. Have you checked out Groupon lately? There currently are some great offers on fun things to do around the area, including a two-hour session at the St. James Super, Awesome, and Amazing activity center; this weekend’s Jurassic Quest dinosaur show; the Washington Auto Show;  local sports tickets; classes for kids; and much more!

 

4. Two movies I recently watched and recommend:  To Leslie (Andrea Riseborough so deserves her Oscar nomination) and Armaggedon Time (Anne Hathaway should have gotten one, too).  [Note: These films are rated R, and suggested for adults (or teens and older).]

 

5. A great listen with a legend.

 

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January 19, 2023 · 3:48 pm

Five Things: January 19, 2023

On the slopes at Timberline

 

1. Half of our KFDC crew (and a few friends) went skiing at Timerberline for the first time this past weekend. A post about it is coming soon, but the gist: They give the West Virginia resort a big thumbs up!

 

2. The real estate website, Redfin, recently shared Unique Things to Do in Alexandria: 11 Things to Experience as a Newbie with recommendations for places to go and activities to enjoy from area  bloggers. You might recognize at least one of them! 😉

 

3. A new exhibit is opening at the National Children’s Museum this Saturday, January 21. XOXO: An Exhibit About Love & Forgiveness provides children and caregivers the opportunity to think about and explore feelings to help them understand, appreciate, and express their emotions through facial expressions, words, movement, art-making, and other hands-on activities.  Read more about the museum here.

 

4. I’m on the hunt for a cute shacket! Anyone else?  Three options I’m looking at:  This yellow plaid, a nice soft gray, and this teddy version.

 

5.  17! ❤️❤️❤️  (And a little flashback about it.)

 

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January 11, 2023 · 11:23 am

Five Things: January 11, 2023

Winter activity? Go on a mural hunt!

 

1.  Need some winter inspo?  With Covid seeming to spike and mild weather, this post that was published late 2020 is a good one to highlight right now.  It’s full of ideas for activities that take place outdoors, from nice hikes to art experiences to seasonal sports to garden explorations to all-season fun.

 

2.  Saturday Morning Live! at the National Theatre has been back in person since last fall, presenting FREE kids’ entertainment every month targeted to ages 3-6 (but all are welcome).  The series’ January show is this Saturday:  The Uncle Devin Show will bring an interactive musical experience for children by renowned drummer, Devin Walker. Performances are at 9:30am and 11:30am and advance registration is requested.

 

3. Metropolitan Washington Restaurant Week is about to begin.  From January 16-22, a selection of DC restaurants will be offering 3-course lunches and brunches for $25 and 3-course dinners for $40 and $55.  A few faves in the mix:  Ambar, La Collina, The Salt Line, Moon Rabbit, and Zaytinya.  And one I’m eyeing to finally try: Supra.

 

4. Just finished this beautiful novel that came out several years ago, and it is the best book I’ve read in a long time.  (It’s the kind of book you want to see made into a movie, and I already have the roles cast in my head.) Also just started  this one that is getting huge raves, and so far I understand the hype — it’s hard to put down!

 

5. For the White Lotus fans, in case you missed this last night. So good.

 

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