Tag Archives: Story Time for Preschoolers

February 20, 2017 · 5:11 pm

Where to Play on the Weekdays: February 21-24

Spread your wings at Potomac Overlook Regional Park

Tuesday – Drop in at the National Museum of American History for Museum ABCs. The program for ages 3-6 and adult companions introduces early learners to the museum collection through letter learning. In February, G is for Gold: Hear a story, make a sparkly craft, and dig for gold! Sessions are 11am – 1pm and 2-4pm, and admission is free. If your child is too young or old for the series, go explore the museum exhibits. (And on other days of the week, take little ones to play in Wegman’s Wonderplace and older kids to Spark!Lab for hands-on fun — both are closed Tuesdays, but open daily otherwise.)

Wednesday – 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. Admission is free.

Thursday – Roam the beautiful grounds and cathedral of the Franciscan Monastery in Brookland. A DC “secret” to many, the site welcomes visitors to stroll through the gardens and tour the church. Hours are 9am – 4:45pm. Admission is free.

Friday – Enjoy the day and some active fun amid the lovely woodsy setting of Cabin John Regional Park. Kids can climb, swing, jump, slide, and run on the sprawling Adventure Playland. The Miniature Train is closed for the season, 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.

Later on, get a preview of My Gym Potomac and My Gym Bethesda’s spring offerings for kids at a free Open House from 4-7pm! My Gym Bethesda is located at 5110 Ridgefield Road and My Gym Potomac is located at 11325 Seven Locks Road.

Where to Play on the Weekdays: February 13-17

Strike up some fun at Pinstripes!

Monday – Go bowling! It’s a great indoor activity for what’s forecast to be a cold, windy day. Take advantage of Kids Bowling at Pinstripes in Georgetown, where from 10am – 12pm Monday – Thursday, kids can bowl for $3/hour ($3/shoe rental) and parents are free (limit 4 kids per adult). Eat while you bowl or stay after for lunch — they have a good kids menu and a pretty extensive main menu, too.

Tuesday – Take a Valentine’s Day hike at Riverbend Park. The Great Falls 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 kids. Trails are mellow for little hikers, the views are lovely, there are plenty of nice picnic spots, and admission is free. And if you want to see the magnificent falls up river, they’re an easy two-mile walk in the woods away. You’ll love it, I promise. 🙂 Riverbend Park hours are 7am to dusk.

Wednesday – Join the Boogie Babes for a special February pop-up show at the Miracle Theatre on Barracks Row. with Mr. Skip will lead the musical fun starting at 10:30am. Admission is $6, free for siblings 6 months and under. Plan to grab lunch at one of many eateries on 8th Street SE or stop by District Doughnut for a treat!

Thursday – 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 $12 (under 2 are free).

Friday – Enjoy 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 Sunday, plus the first Saturday of every month). It only lasts about 20 minutes, so explore the many impressive exhibits and discover How Things Fly, a room full of hands-on activities with major kid appeal, while you’re there. Museum hours are 10am – 5:30pm. Admission is free.

Where to Play on the Weekdays: February 6-10

Playground fun in Palisades

Monday – Wander, play, and explore at Green Spring Gardens in Alexandria. Be sure to stop in the Horticultural Center and pick up instructions for a kids’ scavenger hunt to add some extra fun to the outing. Hours are 9am – 4:30pm. Admission is free. You may also be able to join a Nature Playgroup for children ages 2-5 ($6 – register for it here.)

In the evening, tune in to the National Geographic Channel for “Gender Revolution: A Journey with Katie Couric,” a special documentary that explores gender identity.

Tuesday – Head to the National Building Museum for kiddie activities. The monthly Little Builders Storytime takes place at 10:30am & 11:30am in the Building Zone, where children can also enjoy areas that encourage pretend play with dress up and props inspired by some of the displays. And the PLAY WORK BUILD exhibit upstairs is always fun for kids. Museum hours are 10am – 5pm. Exhibit admission is $10/adult, $7/child, free for members. I highly recommend checking out membership options if you frequent the museum a few times per year.

Wednesday – Get in on a DC “secret” and some playground fun in Upper Northwest. Amid a small wooded area at Palisades Park is The Glass Forest, a collection of sculptures made from natural and scrap materials that is a unique must-see! It makes for a nice artsy break from a play session at the park. Admission is free.

Thursday – Join the Peter Pan Club at the College Park Aviation Museum. The program that occurs every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month welcomes children ages 5 and under to enjoy a flight-themed story and craft activity. And the exhibits — old airplanes and relics from aviation history — are neat to check out, too! Museum hours are 10am – 5pm, and the program begins at 10:30am. Admission is $5/adults, $2/children.

Friday – Catch a performance of Ella Enchanted at Adventure Theatre. Showtime is 10:30am, and tickets are $19.50. If weather permits, plan to stay and play on the Glen Echo Park playground after the show.