Weekdays April 9-13 | KidFriendly DC

Spend a sunshiny day at the scenic Yards Park

Monday – Let the kids burn some energy at Dynamite Gymnastics Center in Rockville, MD. Tumbling mats, a foam pit, floor beams, trampolines, and more equipment will keep them active during Open Gym time. Sessions take place 12-12:50pm and 2-2:50pm. Admission is $8/child, $12/participating adults.

Tuesday – Get in on a DC “secret” and some playground fun in Upper Northwest DC. 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 (just be cautious of curious little hands around the pieces). It makes for a nice artsy break from a play session at the park. Admission is free.

Wednesday – Enjoy Theatre for the Very Young at the Atlas Performing Arts Center, where Balloonacy is running April 11-16. Showtime is 10am (FYI, times vary by day) and tickets are $12. Plan to have lunch at one of the many nearby eateries after the performance — Maketto, just steps away, is a fave.

Thursday – Wander, play, and explore at Green Spring Gardens in Alexandria. Be sure to stop in the Horticulture Building and pick up instructions for a kids’ scavenger hunt to add some extra fun to the outing. Grounds are open dawn to dusk, the Horticulture Building 9am – 4:30pm. Admission is free.

Friday – Go hang out at Yards Park. The recreational space in the Capitol Riverfront is a perfect place to spend a beautiful spring day. Play in the sprays, hang out in the grassy areas, stroll the boardwalk, take in the views, and have a picnic by the water or go for lunch at one of the many nearby eateries. Admission to the park is free. And if weather isn’t conducive to outdoor fun, head to the National Museum of the American Indian where the annual Cherokee Days festival is kicking off for the weekend. Hours are 10am – 5:30pm, and admission is free.

Nature walk at Huntley Meadows Park

Monday – Say “domo arigato” at the National Building Museum, where you can check out robots in action in the Great Hall from 10am – 12pm. The free, drop-in event being held in celebration of National Robotics Week sounds like a great program for school-aged kids on spring break. Or, extend the Easter fun and enjoy the spring day at one of several seasonal festivals around the area.

Tuesday – Experiment with music and science at Jammin’ Java as Ryan Buckle & Friends present “Science You Can Sing To,” a show that curious kids of all ages can enjoy. Showtime is 10:30am. Tickets are $5 and only available at the door.

Wednesday – Kites and jazz go hand-in-hand…and all around the Flag Hall at the National Museum of American History. During the Jazz Appreciation Month (JAM) event, the public is invited to enjoy a free kite-making activity from 10am – 2pm, while professional kite flyers demonstrate indoor kiting to the music of JAM 2012 poster artist Frank Sinatra.

Thursday – Explore the woods and wetlands of Huntley Meadows Park in Alexandria. Turtles, frogs, herons, and beavers are among the wildlife you’re likely to see there. Stop by the nature center for even more exhibits and animal encounters. Hat and sunblock recommended. Admission is free.

Friday – Take the kids to the Tidal Basin in honor of Thomas Jefferson’s birthday. Tour his memorial, see a wreath-laying ceremony at 11am, then stroll around the reservoir to visit the nearby FDR and MLK memorials. The nearest Metro stop is Smithsonian on the Blue/Orange line.