Take a New Year’s Day hike at Huntley Meadows Park
A couple things to note as we head into the new week (and year!):
* The government shutdown will affect a lot of popular places after January 1, including Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo, National Parks, and the National Gallery of Art (after January 3). This post from the last shutdown has been updated to reflect the current one, and it offers ideas for things to do around DC while many local go-tos are closed.
* The Winter Break Guide contains a big mix of ideas for activities and adventures with the kids during the winter break from school, so be sure to check it out.
Happy New Year!!
Monday – Celebrate New Year’s Eve at one of several events around town that not only welcome kids, but in most cases center around them. See this post for a list of family-friendly options to ring in 2019.
Tuesday – A couple of suggestions: Take a New Year’s Day hike — this post has details on a bunch of great places to hit the trail with the kids (but note that places within the National Park Service system may not be accessible). Or, go out for a fun family meal. All Purpose Pizza at the Capitol Riverfront is doing a special New Year’s Day brunch. Pinstripes in Georgetown has a bistro, plus bowling and bocce. Jaleo, located in Penn Quarter, Bethesda, and Crystal City, has tapas to please everyone — and they might seat you at a Foosball table. Carmine’s serves food family-style and is very family-friendly. Ted’s Bulletin is always a hit with kids.
Wednesday – Head up to Baltimore for a day at the Maryland Science Center. Explore several levels of fascinating hands-on exhibits, play in the Kids Room, and so much more. Hours are 10am – 5pm. Admission is $24.95/adults, $18.95/ages 3+, free for 2 and under. (I suggest checking out their membership options — if your family of 4 goes just twice in a year, it’s worth it. Plus, there’s reciprocity with other museums around the country.) Read more about the museum in this KFDC post.
Thursday – Visit the largest library in the world, the Library of Congress, to explore children’s books, see interesting exhibits, and marvel at one of DC’s most beautiful buildings. The Young Readers Center is open 9am – 4pm and welcomes visitors to read books and hang out in the cozy space. And be sure to spend time checking out the rest of the LOC, too — it’s truly magnificent and a must-see for both locals and visitors to DC. Hours are 8:30am – 4:30pm. Admission is free.
Friday – Reach new heights of fun at ClimbZone. Kids and adults will have a blast scaling the many colorful, whimsically-themed walls at the indoor climbing center in Laurel, MD. Hours are 10am – 9pm (10am – 8pm other weekdays). Admission is $25/age 6+, $12/5 & under for a three-hour session.
