Tag Archives: Northern Virginia Parks

June 9, 2013 · 5:48 pm

Where to Play on the Weekdays: June 10-14

Serving up big sandwiches at Tiny’s Diner in Port Discovery

Monday – See the city from a new vantage point at the Old Post Office Clock Tower. It’s free to visit and go up to the observation deck of the third tallest building in DC. Open daily from 9am – 8pm on Monday – Saturday this time of year (12-6pm on Sunday). Just head to the Old Post Office Pavilion at 12th and Pennsylvania NW and follow the signs once inside.

Tuesday – Venture up to Baltimore for a day full of play at Port Discovery. Along with many levels full of awesome hands-on exhibits, there are a couple of special programs to take advantage of: Tremendous Tots Tuesday presents Drum Jam, a play session with instruments, from 1-3pm and Circle Time, an interactive storytime, at 11:30am. It’s also Thrifty Tuesday when admission is just $8 from 1-4:30pm ($13.95 all other times). Hours at the children’s museum are 10am – 5pm this time of year.

Wednesday – 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.

Thursday – See a performance of Magpie’s Living Planet at the Publick Playhouse in Cheverly, Md. Little ones can sing and dance along with Magpie, learn some sign language, and discover differences in animals around the world. Showtimes are 9:30am and 11:30am, and tickets are $3/children, $4/adults. For reservations and information, call 301-277-1710.

Friday – Go strawberry picking! The fruits are still ripe and ready for gathering at many area farms — this post has a list of them. And I always recommend calling ahead to confirm the patches are open for pick-your-own that day.

Where to Play on the Weekdays: March 18-22

Some of the shadows at the National Gallery are just as cool as the art

Monday – Spend the gray day in a colorful place: The National Gallery of Art. The East Building, full of modern art with bold colors and cool designs, is often most appealing to kids. After viewing art, take a walk/ride on the moving sidewalk for a dazzling light show, to boot.

Tuesday – Let the kids bounce, climb, swing, tumble, and slide at the PG Sports & Learning Complex Gymnastics Center. The hour-long open play session begins at 11:30am, and admission is $6/child. (This also takes place on Wednesday at the same time.)

Wednesday – Get a head start on your cherry blossom viewing at the U.S. National Arboretum. Among the plant collections are several varieties of cherry trees, including one that blooms earlier than others. According to this article, it’s nearly peaking now! While you’re there, play in the Washington Youth Garden and explore other lovely areas of the grounds.

Thursday – Catch a performance of The Puppet Co.’s latest production, Jack and the Beanstalk. Showtimes are 10am and 11:30am. Tickets are $10.

Friday – Rock out at a Jammin’ Java TotRock show! the grandsons, jr. will play their “upbeat mix of rock, swing, New Orleans R&B, country, latin music” for two performances, at 10:30am and 1pm. Tickets are $5 and available for purchase online or at the door.

Where to Play on the Weekdays: March 11-15

Oxon Hill: A farm just 15 minutes from the city

Monday – Visit the animals, roam the peaceful grounds, and possibly join in a children’s program at Oxon Hill Farm. Hours are 8am – 4:30pm, and admission is free.

Tuesday – Visit one of DC’s tried and true for kids: The National Museum of Natural History. With exhibits to indulge all kinds of interests, you really can’t go wrong. Gawk at the dinos and mammals, hold live insects, walk among butterflies, learn about early humans, see Nature’s Best photography, watch an IMAX movie, and much more. Admission is free, but entry to the Butterfly Pavillion is $5 and films are $9.The museum is open 10am – 5:30pm.

Wednesday – Enjoy music and more at Union Market! The Boogie Babes are bringing children’s entertainment to the urban village full of yummy eateries and pop-up retail on Wednesdays through March (and hopefully beyond). Performing this week are Bridgette and Dawn on Conga. Showtime is 10:30am, and admission is $5/child (siblings 6 months and under are free). Plan to go early for coffee and/or stay after for lunch.

Thursday – Explore the world, from the home to across the globe, at the brand new National Children’s Museum. Interactive exhibits and hands-on activities encourage play and learning. Hours are 10am – 5pm. Admission is $10.

Friday – Wander 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. Admission is free. Look for more about it among these outdoor recommendations.