National Air & Space Museum Einstein Planetarium

Turtle sighting at Huntley Meadows Park

Monday – Walk among hundreds of butterflies at Brookside Garden’s “Wings of Fancy” exhibit. Witness the butterfly life cycle and see species from North America, Central America, and Asia. Certifikid currently has a great deal on admission to the exhibit: $6 for one adult and one child on a weekday visit (regularly $6/adult, $4/ages 3-12, free for 2 and under). Wings of Fancy is open 10am – 4pm through September 16, but the Brookside grounds are open sunrise to sunset, and the conservatories 10am – 5pm. I highly recommend touring them all!

Tuesday – Head to the Washington Harbour where the weekly Harbour Kids series will feature Crooked Landing from 10:30am – 12pm. And be sure to make time for some play in the sprays next door at Georgetown Waterfront Park.

Wednesday – Rock out with a local kids’ fave at Jammin’ Java. Rocknoceros is playing their weekly show there at 10:30am. Tickets are $5 and only available at the door.

Thursday – Explore the woods and wetlands of Huntley Meadows Park in Alexandria. Turtles, frogs, and herons are among the wildlife you’re likely to see. Stop by the nature center for even more exhibits and animal encounters. Hat and sunblock recommended. Admission is free. Look for more about the park in this post.

Friday – Catch a free screening of One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure at the Einstein Planetarium in the National Air & Space museum. Showtime is 10:30am every Friday (and the first consecutive Saturday and Sunday of every month). It only lasts about 20 minutes, so check out the exhibits and discover How Things Fly while you’re there.

Peering into a lifeboat replica (used in the movie) at National Geographic's Titanic exhibit

Monday – Discover history through art at the National Portrait Gallery. Children up to age 5 are invited to become Young Portrait Explorers and learn about the work of Isamu Noguchi, one of the 20th century’s most important sculptors, and participate in a related hands-on activity. The program runs from 10:30-11:30am. Admission is free, but registration is required — go here to sign up.

Tuesday – See the Titanic exhibit at the National Geographic Museum. Lots of cool displays and interactives will fascinate kids and adults alike. Open 10am – 6pm. Admission is $8/adults, $6/ages 5-12, free for ages 4 and under.

Wednesday – Rock out with a local kids’ fave at Jammin’ Java. Rocknoceros is playing their weekly Wednesday show at 10:30am. Tickets are $5 and available at the door.

Thursday – Hike along the Potomac, see nature indoors and out, have a picnic, and hang out and relax at Riverbend Park. The Fairfax County locale makes for an ideal outing with little ones — easy trails, great nature viewing, and never a big crowd. The Visitor Center is open 9am – 5pm on weekdays. Read about Not-So-SAHM’s recent adventures at the park.