Tag Archives: National Museum of the American Indian

October 6, 2013 · 8:28 pm

Where to Play on the Weekdays: October 7-11

See quirky works both indoor and out at the American Visionary Art Museum

Monday – Hike among the woods and wetlands of Huntley Meadows Park in Alexandria. Turtles, frogs, and birds are among the wildlife you could see. Stop by the nature center for even more exhibits and animal encounters. The park is open daily from dawn to dusk, and admission is free. You can read more about it among the big list of outdoor recommendations.

Tuesday – Catch a performance of Lulu and the Brontosaurus at Imagination Stage. Showtime is 11am. Tickets range from $15 to $22. (If you can’t make it Tuesday, there’s a show on Wednesday at 10:30am, too.)

Wednesday – See some of the most wonderful, whimsical art around at the American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore. The colorful, quirky works — some of them interactive — can be appreciated by art buffs of all ages. Hours are 10am – 6pm Tuesday – Sunday. Admission is $15.95/adults, $13.95/seniors, $9.95/students & children 7 and up, free for ages 6 and under

Thursday – Visit ponies, cows, peacocks, chickens, bunnies, and llamas at Old Maryland Farm in Watkins Regional Park. When you’re done, head over to the nearby playground to let the kids climb and swing. Admission is free to both. The farm is open 9am – 4pm Tuesday – Friday (9am – 4:30pm on Saturdays, 11:30am – 4:30pm on Sundays and holidays).

Friday – Head to an area farm to take advantage of smaller weekday crowds at one of several fall festivals that are already underway. See this guide to find out where you can celebrate the season.

Where to Play on the Weekdays: May 6-10

‘Tis the season at Schlagel Farms

Monday – Go strawberry picking! Schlagel Farms in Waldorf, Md, always begins their pick-your-own season ahead of other area farms, and their berries are ripe and ready now. Fields are open daily 8am – 7pm. If weather doesn’t cooperate, check out the list of indoor possibilities.

Tuesday – Combine story and play time at the National Building Museum’s Building Zone. The Book of the Month program is back with readings of “Riki’s Birdhouse” followed by a related art activity at 10:30am & 11:30am. Admission is $3 (free for members), and entry is timed, with guests admitted every hour. After, visit the PLAY WORK BUILD exhibit for even more fun at the NBM ($5 admission, free for members).

Wednesday – Celebrate the International Year of Quinoa, as the American Indian Museum hosts the Bolivian Festival. The five-day event will feature dance groups, storytelling, folk music, art demos, food, and fun for all ages. It’s running through May 12, and museum hours are 10am – 5pm. Admission is free.

Thursday – See wacky marionettes perform feats of skill, daring, and silliness in Clowning Around, a circus performance by Bob Brown Puppets. Publick Playhouse in Cheverly, Md, presents the one-hour show at 9:30am and 11:30am. Tickets are $3/children $4/ adults and can be purchased by calling 301.277.1710.

Friday – Explore and play at Potomac Overlook Park in Arlington. Hike the short trails and let the kids romp on the playground, then visit the nature center where you can see turtles, snakes, and other creatures in terrariums and discover more about the natural world in the Kids Cave. Hours are 10am – 5pm. Admission is free.

Where to Play on the Weekdays: April 22-26

Feeding the peacocks during a birthday party at Old Maryland Farm

Monday – Enjoy a special Earth Day session of Story Time for Families at the National Museum of the American Indian. Join staff at 11:15am in the imagiNATIONS Activity Center on the 3rd floor to hear the story When the Shadbush Blooms, about the Lenni Lenape, a Native community from the Chesapeake region. These interactive Hok-noth-da (“Did you hear?” in the Shawnee language) readings usually take place Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, but they’ve added another one this week. Plan to spend time before or after exploring the many hands-on exhibits in the center geared toward children. Admission is free.

Tuesday – Visit ponies, donkeys, peacocks, chickens, bunnies, and llamas at Old Maryland Farm in Watkins Regional Park. When you’re done, head over to the nearby playground to let the kids climb and swing. Admission is free to both. The farm is open 9am – 4pm Tuesday – Friday (9am – 4:30pm on Saturdays, 11:30am – 4:30pm on Sundays and holidays). And if you live in DC, don’t forget to vote in the special election!

Wednesday – It’s Kids Day at Lebanese Taverna in Arlington. Enjoy free children’s entertainment every Wednesday from 10-11am. And stay after for a tasty bite to eat!

Thursday – See some of the most wonderful, whimsical art around at the American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore. The colorful, quirky works — some of them interactive — can be appreciated by art buffs of all ages. Hours are 10am – 6pm. Admission is $15.95/adults, $13.95/seniors, $9.95/students & children 7 and up, free for ages 6 and under

Friday – Get a dose of nature in an unexpected place at Winkler Botanical Preserve. Located just off 395 and Seminary Road in Alexandria, the park is a nice outdoor surprise in an area full of office complexes and strip malls. Hours are 8:30am – 4pm, and admission is free.