Tag Archives: July 2021

Riding the trails at Fort Dupont Park

Happy Weekend!

Go-to posts for ongoing and seasonal activities:
* Swim Spots
* On the Water
* Best Outdoors in the DC Area
* Local Hikes with Kids
* Indoor Outings
* Bike Rides
* Peaceful Places
* Baltimore with Kids

Summer Fun
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
Embrace summer in DC this weekend with a host of activities that are best (and, in some cases, only) enjoyed this time of year. Outdoor swimming, sprayground play, concerts under the stars, special museum programs, and movies al fresco are just some of the seasonal fun. Go here for the full scoop on these joys of summer and more.

No Tickets Required
Where: Museums in DC & VA
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
Timed-entry tickets are no longer needed at many reopened museums. You can now just pop in to the National Museum of Natural History, National Museum of American History, Air & Space Udvar-Hazy Center, American Art Museum, National Portrait Gallery, Renwick Gallery, National Museum of the America Indian, National Museum of Asian Art/Freer Gallery,  National Museum of African Art, and the National Gallery of Art.  Yay!

Friday Night Fishing
Where: Diamond Teague Docks | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Friday, 5-8pm
Admission: Free
Join Anacostia Riverkeeper for their summer Friday fishing program — all ages are welcome! All essentials are provided: rods, reels, bait, and lessons for first time fishers. Staff are there to answer any questions and help with casting, tips, and tricks. Be sure to register and fill out a waiver if you plan to go. When you’re done, head right down the boardwalk to Yards Park for the Friday Night Concert or get a bite to eat at one of the many nearby restaurants.

Live Music by the River
Where: Yards Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Friday, 7-9pm
Admission: Free
Kick of the weekend with some Blue Grass and Americana music in the fresh air.  The 19th Street Band will be playing this week’s Friday Night Concert the Yards Park.   Bring the kiddos early to play in the water features, then head over to hear the music. BYO food for a picnic, but note that no outside alcohol is allowed (wine, beer, and seltzer will be available for sale). If not fully vaccinated and over the age of 18, they ask that masks are worn.

Millennium Stage: Adobo Gigante
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: Friday & Saturday
Admission: Free
This weekend’s Millennium Stage will feature live performances from some of the top local artists in D.C., as well as DJ sets from Pedro Night, DJ Bembona, DJ Alizay, DJ Bo, and more.  This will all take place on the Plaza outside.  And plan to visit Victura Park while you’re there. The pop-up wine garden and cafe on the grounds of The REACH is a great place to hang out and enjoy a nice day. (Note: Victura Park is also open n Sunday.)

Insectival
Where: Annmarie Sculpture Garden | Lusby, MD
When: Saturday, 9am – 1pm
Admission: $7
Buzz on down to Calvert County as Annmarie Sculpture Garden celebrates and investigates insects through educational and artsy activities, crafts, demos, challenges, and fun photo ops.. Be sure to explore the rest of the gardens and art center while you’re there — artistic delights and play abound! Read more about Annmarie here and view scenes from a visit here.

Olney Outdoors: Disney Sing-A-Long
Where: Olney Theatre | Olney, MD
When: Saturday, 12pm
Admission: $12
Olney Theatre is presenting Theatre for Young Audiences outdoors this summer, and this weekend is a singalong of Disney songs with Imagination Stage. It will take place on The Root Family Stage outside. Purchase tickets in advance here. If you are vaccinated, masks are encouraged but not required. Those who have not been vaccinated should follow CDC guidelines and wear a mask.

Carpe Librum
Where: Canal Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 5pm
Admission: Free
Shop a mobile bookstore on Saturday.  Browse through thousands of books all under $6 in a safe, outdoor setting.  There’s something for everyone — children’s books, teen reads, brand-new bestsellers in amazing condition, classic vintage hardbacks, and more. Capacity will be limited to 50 people at any given time. Look for it in the southern block of the park.

Sea of Sunflowers
Where: McKee Beshers Wildlife Management Area | Poolesville, MD
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
Get your cameras ready for one eye-popping bloom! Word has it the sunflowers at McKee Beshers are reaching their peak, and visitors are welcome to take in the brilliant scene. Nine fields showcase 30 acres of flowers — and they should be blooming for at least couple of weeks. Read more about it and see pics from a previous bloom here and view some from last year’s here.  KFDC Tip: If you plan to go, pair it with a PYO blackberries outing at Homestead Farms, which is just minutes away. (Or go to Rocklands Farm Winery, also nearby.)

Beachy Keen
Where: Several destinations in Maryland
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
Do something quintessentially summer and hit the beach! You don’t have to go all the way to the ocean — there is sand and surf (and shark tooth hunting, in some places) within day trip distance from DC. Head a bit past Annapolis to Sandy Point, go to one of several spots in Calvert County, or make fossil hunting your main focus at the Purse Area in Charles County. See the 2021 Guide to Summer in DC for details and links on all of these beaches.

Nats in Another City
Where: Camden Yards | Baltimore, MD
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: Ticket prices vary
Catch a Nats game and enjoy some different ballpark scenery as our team plays the Orioles all weekend in Baltimore. You can even make a day/night of it and enjoy some other great Charm City attractions while you’re there. See the KFDC Guide to Exploring Baltimore with Kids for lots of ideas!

Root for the Baysox
Where: Prince George’s Stadium | Bowie, MD
When: Father’s Day Weekend
Admission: Starts at $10
If you want to enjoy baseball on a smaller scale, the Bowie Baysox, one of the local minor league teams, are hosting the Hartford Yard Goats all weekend, and there’s extra fun to enjoy — post-game fireworks, a Latin celebration on Saturday, and Heroes Day on Sunday.  Read about one of our past Baysox experiences here.

Bike+
Where: Around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
Add some extra adventure to a bike ride and go mountain biking. There are several MTB trails to ride around the area, a few miles even right here in the District at Fort Dupont Park in Anacostia — a good place for newer mountain bikers. Schaffer Farms in Gaithersburg is also great for those just starting. And for even more recs, the post about biking around the DC area includes a list of places to hit the mountain biking trails (scroll down). (Note: This activity is better for older kids with more experience riding.)

Summer Block Party: Inside Out
Where: National Building Museum | Judiciary Square, DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $7/youth, $10/adult
The National Building Museum’s Summer Block Party is back for the season, albeit on a smaller scale. This year’s exhibition features a handful of smaller projects and programs both in the museum and on the West Lawn that are better for the early post-pandemic era of smaller gatherings and social distancing.  Aptly titled Inside Out, the Block Party includes Maze of Knowledge, a wooden maze filled with books; a hand-built cathedral truss; interactive art; outdoor films; and more! And for memories’ sake, have a look at some of the past Summer Block Parties: The Big Maze, The Beach, Icebergs, Hive, Fun House, Lawn.

Al Fresco Films
Where: Around the DC area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by location
Several movies series and drive-ins are screening films on weekend evenings. Catch a flick at the Alexandria Drive-in, PG Stadium, and in Greenbelt. The KFDC Summer Guide has details on what’s playing where. And be sure to check that they aren’t cancelled due to weather.

Summer GLOW
Where: Alleys in Georgetown, DC
When: Starting Friday through September 26
Admission: Free
There’s a new season of Georgetown GLOW, the free public art experience, happening. Summer GLOW features three light installations that have transformed a few of the neighborhood’s alleys. The pieces are viewable by day, but brighter by night. I always recommend making an evening of it — take then fam out to dinner at one of the many dining options in Georgetown, then stroll around to enjoy the art!

Animal Odyssey Concert
Where: Wakefield Park | Annandale, VA
When: Saturday, 10:30am
Admission: Free
Join this “Animal Odyssey,” a tuneful animal kingdom adventure at this concert that is part of Fairfax County Park Authority’s Summer Entertainment Series. Ray Owen, a GRAMMY Nominated Singer/Songwriter will take the audience on a journey through a land of rousing songs, down a river of rollicking stories, through a rolling valley of wide-eyed surprises to a sea of kids comedy. Featured highlights include a great farm animal impersonation competition – a zany Chicken Karaoke contest for kids!

Fairytales in the Sun
Where: Adventure Theatre | Glen Echo, MD
When: Saturday, 11am
Admission: $20.50
Adventure Theatre is presenting live, in-person family entertainment again!  Two one-act plays, The Flood in the Future by Lyra Yang and From Cinders to Ella by Michelle Lynch, will be performed outside in the grassy field next to ATMTC and the Irish Inn. Covid protocols will be followed. BYO blanket or chair.

Fashion + FUN
Where: Georgetown Park | Georgetown, DC
When: Friday, 5-9pm | Saturday & Sunday, 10am – 9pm
Admission: $28/adult, $19/age 4-15
Go “Inside the Wardrobe” at this new art installation/fashion funhouse in Georgetown. The 20,000 square foot space contains more than 20 exhibits/spaces, all them wildly creative, fashion-inspired, interactive, even kind of trippy.  You can try on paper doll cutouts, play with size in a fun house, get a close look at beautiful handiwork, take pics in whimsical and delightful settings, strut the catwalk, and much more. Read more about it and see some snaps from a visit there in this KFDC post!

UniverSoul Circus
Where: National Harbor | Oxon Hill, MD
When: Throughout the weekend
Tickets: $27+
The world-class, live entertainment attraction that has captured the hearts and imaginations of a new generation of families is celebrating its 23rd year of FUN. UniverSoul connects with progressive, upwardly mobile, urban pop cultures from around the world, embracing and celebrating the unique and familiar aspects of global cultures and ethnicities into a stellar production that blends circus arts, theater and music. A fresh, cool, and hip approach to live family entertainment!

***MORE GOOD STUFF***
* The Olympics Opening Ceremony will be televised tonight at 7:30pm on NBC. And Thrillist has a round-up of places where you can watch the games in DC.
* Help decide names for the new black-footed ferret kits at the National Zoo!
* Save the date: Ford’s Theatre Society is presenting a concert version of the fantastic musical Come From Away at the Lincoln Memorial on September 10.
* And something to look forward to in 2022 — I’ve always wanted to go inside!
* Sharing these recs for outdoor lawn games again in case anyone is looking for new ones to play.
* Season 2 of Never Have I Ever is just as good as the first!
* It’s all about the ‘gram.

Picnic, play, or just hang out on the Capitol lawn this weekend

Happy Weekend!

These evergreen posts are full of ideas & inspo for local adventures:
* Swim Spots
* On the Water
* Indoor Outings
* Best Outdoors in the DC Area
* Local Hikes with Kids
* Peaceful Places
* Bike Rides

Seize the Season
Where: Around the DC Area
When: All weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
Summer is whizzing by, so enjoy the season while you can with activities that only occur this time of year. Some ideas: Start off the weekend with a free outdoor concert at Yards Park, then continue the fun on Saturday and Sunday with water play at a pool or spray park. Or enjoy a special summer program like Inside Out at the Building Museum or Fairies in the Garden at Annmarie Sculpture Garden. Wind it all up with crab feast on Sunday. Get details about all of these summer diversions and even more in the 2021 Summer Guide.

DC Reopenings
Where: Smithsonians on the National Mall, DC
When: Starting Friday
Admission: Free
The National Museum of Asian Art/Freer Gallery and National Museum of African Art reopen this weekend — with no timed-entry passes required. Both will be open Wednesday – Sunday, 11am – 4pm. See what other Smithsonians are open and reserve passes where you need them here.

Fashion + FUN for All Ages
Where: Georgetown Park | Georgetown, DC
When: Friday, 5-9pm | Saturday & Sunday, 10am – 9pm
Admission: $28/adult, $19/age 4-15
Go “Inside the Wardrobe” at this new art installation/fashion funhouse in Georgetown. The 20,000 square foot space contains more than 20 exhibits/spaces, all them wildly creative, fashion-inspired, interactive, even kind of trippy.  You can try on paper doll cutouts, play with size in a fun house, get a close look at beautiful handiwork, take pics in whimsical and delightful settings, strut the catwalk, and much more. Read more about it and see some snaps from a visit there in this new post!

Summer GLOW
Where: Alleys in Georgetown, DC
When: Starting Friday through September 26
Admission: Free
A new season of Georgetown GLOW, the free public art experience, begins this weekend! Three local artists will show commissioned artworks during Summer GLOW with light installations transforming a few of the neighborhood’s alleys. The pieces will be viewable by day, and brighter by night. I always recommend making an evening of it — take then fam out to dinner at one of the many dining options in Georgetown, then stroll around to enjoy the art!

Al Fresco Films
Where: Around the DC area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by location
Several movie series and drive-ins are screening films on weekend evenings. Catch a flick at the Alexandria Drive-in, PG Stadium, and in Greenbelt. The KFDC Summer Guide has details on what’s playing where. And be sure to check that they aren’t cancelled due to weather.

Free Music in the Fresh Air
Where: Around the DC Area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
There are bunch of places where you can enjoy free live music around the area. Kick off the weekend with a concert at Yards Park. The Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage is outdoors this summer. The US Air Force Band presents shows at the Air Force memorial. And there’s more music at a few more spots — get details on all of it in the Summer Guide.

Nats vs. Padres
Where: Nationals Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: Ticket prices vary
The Nats are hosting the Padres all weekend, with games at 7:05pm Friday and Saturday, and at 1:05pm on Sunday. There will be Freedom Fireworks after the Saturday game and a kids’ mask giveaway on Sunday.  And a reminder that the ballpark is back at 100% capacity, and the playground is open again.

Capitol Picnic
Where: Capitol Southeast Lawn | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Saturday, 11am – 4pm
Admission: Free
The fence around the Capitol finally came down, and there’s going to be a community picnic to celebrate. BYO fare and blanket and meet on the southeast section of the lawn.

Model Trains + Thomas
Where: Historic Vienna Train Station | Vienna, VA
When: Saturday, 2-7pm
Admission: Free (donations accepted)
Chug on down to the Historic Vienna Train Station for their first Open House since the pandemic  began. See and hear HO scale model trolleys and trains, including Thomas and some of his friends on display and in operation. It’s a great family fun and activity for the young and young at heart. The Station is at 231 Dominion Road NE, Vienna, VA along the W&OD trail just past the Caboose.

Big Bloom: Lotus and Water Lilies
Where: Kenilworth Aquatic Garden | Northeast DC
When: Daily, 8am – 4pm
Admission: Free
It’s peak time at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens as the annual lotus and water lily bloom is on, and this is the most stunning of them all, imo.  View scenes from a past bloom here and consider a great bike ride to go see them (and another ride that incorporates a visit there).  And this post has more general info and background on Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens.

Summer Splash
Where: Around the DC Area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
It’s the season for splashing around, and there are plenty of  spray parks, outdoor pools, and waterparks  around the area where you can have fun and cool off.  The 2021 KFDC Summer Guide has details on where to go for water play — see info for sprays here, outdoor pools here, and waterparks here.

Swim in Nature
Where: Around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
If want to find some spots to swim in fresh or saltwater, check out this round-up of places. Find beaches on the Bay (and even Atlantic), lakes and rivers, and swimming holes and creeks — all that welcome the public to take a dip!

Fairytales in the Sun
Where: Adventure Theatre | Glen Echo, MD
When: Saturday, 11am
Admission: $20.50
Adventure Theatre is presenting live, in-person family entertainment again!  Two one-act plays, The Flood in the Future by Lyra Yang and From Cinders to Ella by Michelle Lynch, will be performed outside in the grassy field next to ATMTC and the Irish Inn and Covid protocols will be followed. BYO blanket or chair.

UniverSoul Circus
Where: National Harbor | Oxon Hill, MD
When: Throughout the weekend
Tickets: $27+
The world-class, live entertainment attraction that has captured the hearts and imaginations of a new generation of families is celebrating its 23rd year of FUN. UniverSoul connects with progressive, upwardly mobile, urban pop cultures from around the world, embracing and celebrating the unique and familiar aspects of global cultures and ethnicities into a stellar production that blends circus arts, theater and music. A fresh, cool, and hip approach to live family entertainment!

Charm City Fun, Hon!
Where: Around Baltimore, MD
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
Not only is it nice to get a change of metro area scenery sometimes, Baltimore, our sister city just a 45-minute drive away is full of fantastic, family-friendly things to do. Find a whole post about all of them, including big attractions, suggestions for places to eat, and neighborhoods to explore.

I Scream, You Scream
Where: Ice Cream Jubilee & Kilwin’s | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Sunday
Admission: Free
We all scream for ice cream! Sunday is National Ice Cream Day, and a couple of ice cream shops in the Capitol Riverfront ‘hood are celebrating with free scoops. Ice Cream Jubilee (301 Water Street, SE) is giving them away from 1-3pm in an effort to encourage vaccinations among the younger population — everyone who pledges to get vaccinated as soon as they can and encourage their friends and family to do the same, receives a free sweet treat. And Kilwins (1250 Half Street, SE) is offering freebies 11am – 1pm. Just stop in the new shop and show a staff member that you’re following Kilwins on Instagram and Facebook.

***MORE GOOD STUFF***
* Children’s Performances are returning to Wolf Trap this coming week!
* The Library of Congress just reopened to visitors. Read more about the local and national treasure here.
* Just started watching The White Lotus on HBO and love it so far (though it’s hard to wait for new weekly episodes)!
* Where Should You Go On Vacation Next?
* Gen Z Lingo (and good use of it here).