Tag Archives: November in DC

March 4, 2018 · 5:15 pm

Where to Play on the Weekdays: March 5-9

Stop by the stables at Rock Creek Horse Center

Monday – Bundle up the kids for some active fun amid the lovely woodsy setting of Cabin John Regional Park. Kids can climb, swing, jump, slide, and run on the sprawling playground. The Miniature Train isn’t open right now, but the playground alone has plenty to keep children happy. Bring along food for a picnic — several tables are right there, or you can spread out a blanket in a nearby grassy area. Admission is free.

Tuesday – Experiment with hands-on fun at the Children’s Science Center Lab at Fair Oaks Mall in Fairfax. Kids of all ages can explore a variety of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) concepts through fun, engaging interactive exhibits and activities. Hours are 10am – 6pm. Admission is $13 (under 2 are free).

Wednesday – Head to the Hirshhorn for their STORYTIME program for little ones. In this session, museum staff and guests will look closely at the work Five Day Forecast by Lorna Simpson, then examine their unique features through a read-alound of the book Why am I me? by Paige Britt. Following the story, play with shapes, lines, and colors to create self-portraits. Of course, plan to stay after to explore the museum!

Thursday – Learn about the area’s wildlife, enjoy hands-on activities in the Nature Center, take a hike, and visit horses at Rock Creek Park. The Nature Center is open Wednesday – Sunday, 9am – 5pm, and admission is free. There are nearby trails for walks in the woods. You can also visit the equine residents at the nearby Horse Center. (Pony rides are not offered on weekdays this time of year, but guests are welcome to stop by the stables.)

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/ages 6 and up, $12/5 and under for a three-hour session.

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Filed under 2018, All ages, Animals, Art, DC, Educational, Exhibit, Free, Indoor Play, Maryland, Museums, Nature, Outdoor, Park, Playground, Story Time, Virginia, Weekdays, Winter

Tagged as Best Ideas for Activities with Kids in Washington DC, DC Adventures, DC Kids Activities, DC outdoors, DC Weekday Activities with Kids, DC with kids, DMV Children, Family Fun, Free Things to do in Washington DC, Fun Things to do with Kids in the Washington DC Area, Fun with Kids in Maryland, Fun with Kids in Northern Virginia, Kid Friendly Adventures in DC, November in DC, Weekdays February March 5-9, Winter 2018

February 25, 2018 · 6:02 pm

Where to Play on the Weekdays: February 26 – March 2

The Air & Space Museum is filled literally floor to ceiling with impressive exhibits

Monday – View amazing artifacts of aviation and space, discover How Things Fly, take a virtual journey among the stars, see a planetarium show, and much more at the National Air & Space Museum on the National Mall. There’s good reason why it’s one of the most popular of the Smithsonian museums (and in the world)! Hours are 10am – 5:30pm. Admission is free, though there are fees to ride flight simulators ($7-12) and see IMAX movies ($9/adult, $7.50 child).

Tuesday – Explore and play, indoors and out, at Potomac Overlook Regional 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 and learn about the area’s natural environment. Hours are 10am – 5pm, Tuesday – Sunday. Admission is free. (UPDATE: A KFDC reader let me know that the Nature Center might be closed for renovations, though the outdoors there are wonderful and worth the trip. However, you can go to Long Branch Nature Center in Arlington if you’re keen on seeing indoor exhibits, too.)

In the evening, attend a fundraiser to support the victims and families of the Marjory Stoneman Souglas school shootings at Tony & Joe’s in Georgetown. The event runs 6-8pm, and admission is a suggested donation of $20.

Wednesday – Catch a performance of Inside Out at the Atlas Performing Arts Center on H Street NE. The interactive show for ages 0-5 is also part of the annual INTERSECTIONS Festival. Showtime is 10am, and tickets are $12. Plan to grab lunch at one of many nearby eateries after.

Thursday – Feel like you’re outdoors no matter what the weather at the U.S. Botanic Garden. Walk amid tropical rainforest, desert, and woodland flora, and see the beautiful collection of orchids in the annual show. If it’s a nice day, take a stroll through the National Garden outside, too. Hours are 10am – 5pm. Admission is free. Read more about the USBG here and here. Hours are 10am – 5pm. Admission is free.

Friday – Celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday! There are all kinds of reading-related activities going on in honor of the beloved children’s book author. Barnes & Noble locations are hosting celebrations. And many local libraries have Seuss-themed activities for kids — this early KFDC post has links to public libraries around the area to help you find a nearby event.

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Filed under 2018, All ages

Tagged as Best Ideas for Activities with Kids in Washington DC, DC Adventures, DC Kids Activities, DC outdoors, DC Weekday Activities with Kids, DC with kids, DMV Children, Dr. Seuss Birthday, Family Fun, Free Things to do in Washington DC, Fun Things to do with Kids in the Washington DC Area, Fun with Kids in Maryland, Fun with Kids in Northern Virginia, Kid Friendly Adventures in DC, November in DC, Weekdays February 26 - March 2, Winter 2018

February 19, 2018 · 4:55 pm

Where to Play on the Weekdays: February 20-23

The National Arboretum is full of great to spots to relish in a nice day

Tuesday – Take advantage of temps hitting the 70’s and savor some time outdoors. The National Arboretum is an ideal place to spend a nice day, with so many ways to enjoy one of the prettiest places in the city. Explore the plant collections on nature walks, view the bonsai exhibit, visit the Washington Youth Garden and romp on the natural playground, see the old Capitol columns, picnic in the Grove of State Trees, and so much more. Hours are 8am – 5pm, and admission is free. Read more about the Arboretum in the round-up of the best outdoor places in the area — it leads the list!

In case the forecast is off, or you just want another activity… Join Keegan Theatre’s PLAY-RAH-KA, the program offering theatrical experiences for families, for their FREE Politics and Prose Story Hour at Union Market. Designed for children ages 6 and under, this dramatic reading will include creative movement activities that bring the themes of the story to life. The event runs 10-11am, and plan to stay after for lunch — you’ve got your pick of yummy eats in the market.

Wednesday – Keep the warmer weather activity going on a hike at Riverbend Park. The Great Falls, VA, locale may not be as popular as its national park neighbor, but it’s just as fantastic a place to enjoy some time in nature, especially with kiddos. Trails are mellow for little trampers, the views are gorgeous, there are plenty of nice picnic spots, and admission is free. Plus, if you want to see the magnificent falls up river, they’re an easy two-mile walk in the woods away. Riverbend Park hours are 7am to dusk

Thursday – Let Baba Jamal Koram: The Story Man entertain you and the kids at Publick Playhouse in Cheverly, MD. African and African American cultures come alive when The Story Man’s wit and wisdom captivates youngsters’ imaginations through drumming, call and response games, music, and inspired, light-hearted stories. It starts at 9:30am, and tickets are $5.

Friday – Head north to Charm City for a time trip through Baltimore’s early business days at the Museum of Industry. The Inner Harbor attraction highlights the trades and people that helped build the port city through exhibits that showcase relics from the past and recreate various industry environments. Hours are 10am – 4pm (Tuesday – Sunday). Admission is $12/adult, $7/ages 7-12, free for 6 and under.