Having a laugh on an easy summer day
It’s the final weekend of the summer break. For us, anyway. DC Public School students head back to the classroom on Monday, my Kindergartner-to-be Owen among them. And while I’m brimming with excitement and pride about this new beginning for him, I’m also going to miss the casual days of the last couple of months…and his pre-“big kid” school youth. Needless to say, I’m greeting these next few days with a little extra gusto. Whether your break is also winding down or you’re still savoring the season, here’s where you can enjoy summer with the kids this Friday through Sunday. Happy Weekend!
Fair Play – The county fair fun continues for two more days at the Montgomery and Prince Willima County Fairs. Find info on both in this post from last week.
Back-to-School Blast Off – Get a jump start on the new school year at Pump It Up in Lanham today from 5:30 – 7pm and on Saturday from 11:30 – 1pm. The Mecca of bounce is hosting special open play sessions that include an hour of jump time plus a slice of pizza and a drink for $10/person. You can also enjoy Sundaes on Sunday from 12 – 2pm, where guests can jump then create their own ice cream treats for $10/child, $3.50/adult.
The Old Ball Game – The Phillies are in town for a three-game series against the Nationals, with games at 7:05pm on Friday and Saturday evenings. If you’re thinking about taking the kids, plan to bring them on Sunday when the first 10,000 fans ages 12 and under will receive a Nats duffel bag. It’s also a Signature Sunday when select players are available for autographs at 12:15pm. Kids can also run the bases after the game. Be sure to check out the Family Fun Pack if you plan to go that day.
Peachy Keen – The pickings are still good at most local farms, so if the weather cooperates, head to a peach orchard to stock up on the fruits. Use this list of farms from a post about berry picking as a guide; most of them have peaches or other pick-your-own delights now, though it never hurts to give them a call to confirm.
The DC Scoop – Ice Creeeeam! Union Market, at 6th Street and Florida Avenue NE, will be the site of a sweet event on Saturday that the whole family will love — if you love ice cream, that is. Seventeen of the area’s best ice cream, gelato, and custard vendors are having a taste-off to determine the best scoop in the city. Enjoy live music, face painting, a glitter artist, and of course, ice cream tasting all for free!
Yellow & Blue Make Green – The Textile Museum is hosting its monthly Arts for Families event on Saturday from 2-4pm. Experiment with color mixing while making your own nature print on fabric. Explore and create within Museum’s beautiful garden, featuring the installation Garden Lace by artist Michelle Brody. The event is free, and no reservations are required.
See Stars at Rock Creek – On Saturday and Sunday at 1pm, the Rock Creek Planetarium (the only one in the National Park system) invites kids ages 5 and older to view the season’s brightest starts, planets, and constellations and learn their stories. Like all Rock Creek ranger-led programs, this one is free.
Cloudy with a Chance of… Documents? – As random as it may sound, the National Archives is hosting a screening of the hit kids’ movie “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs” on Saturday at 12pm. See the film for free in the William G. McGowan Theater.
Rock out at Artisphere – It’s always a dance party when the Rocknoceros trio takes the stage, and this Saturday is sure to be no exception at Artisphere’s Dome Theatre. The show/fun starts at 11:30am; tickets are $12/adults and $8/kids and available for purchase online.
Family Fest on the Potomac – On Saturdays through September 10, families can enjoy water rides, live entertainment, food, and vendors at the National Harbor. In addition, Family Fest will present the Harbor Star Stage featuring local and national artists throughout the day. Gates are opn from 1-7:30pm. Admission is $10, food and drinks are sold separately.
Movies on the Potomac – The National Harbor hosts another family event on Sunday evenings when it shows free films starting just after sunset. This week’s feature is the “Chronicles of Narnia.”
Be sure to check out even more ideas in these popular posts:
The Best Places in the DC Area to Enjoy a Beautiful Day Outdoors with the Kids
