Weekdays July 30 – August 3

Hit the trail at and enjoy the views at Roosevelt Island

Monday – Enjoy a hike and a dose of history all at once at Roosevelt Island. The trails are easy for little legs to tramp, and you can explore the Memorial Plaza to learn about the legacy of President Theodore Roosevelt. The entrance to the park is located right off the GW Parkway, just past the Roosevelt Bridge, and accessible only from the northbound lanes. Hours are 6am – 10pm, and admission is free. Get a little more of the KFDC take on it in this post about local walks in the woods with kids. And a KFDC tip: Stop for lunch at The Italian Store (Lyon Village location) just a little ways up the Parkway then Spout Run for some of the best sandwiches and pizza in the DC area.

Tuesday – Make your way up to Baltimore to visit the Maryland Science Center and explore a variety of neat hands-on exhibits, play in the Kids Room, and so much more. Hours are 10am – 6pm. Admission is $24.95/adults, $18.95/ages 3+, free for 2 and under. (I suggest checking out their membership options — if your family of 4 goes just twice in a year, it’s worth it. Plus, there’s reciprocity with other museums around the country.)

Wednesday – 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. It’s located in what is now a hotel, but the Clock Tower is operated independently by the wonderful National Park Service. Open daily from 9am – 5pm Monday – Saturday this time of year (12-6pm on Sunday). Just head to the location at 12th and Pennsylvania NW and follow signs once inside.

And for some lunchtime entertainment, head to the Ronald Reagan Building for the first installment of the Live! Concert Series on the Plaza. From salsa to strings, and blues to swing, the program will feature hot entertainment for the downtown DC community everyday weekday from 12-1pm through September 28. There is plenty of outdoor seating, so take the Metro, grab lunch, and spend the afternoon grooving.

Thursday – Experience Fractal Worlds, the current digital exhibit at ARTECHOUSE. The installation is a “visual journey through mind-bending sci-fi worlds and infinite 3D geometric patterns.” Family-friendly hours are 10am – 5pm (21+ 5:30-10:30pm), and admission is timed entry. Tickets are $15/adult, $8/child.

Friday – Explore the grounds and gardens, and let kids play in the delightful Children’s Garden, at River Farm. The American Horticulture Society’s headquarters overlooking the Potomac River in Alexandria are as lovely as they are fun. Hours are 9am – 5pm. Admission is free, but donations are welcome.

A glimpse of the incredible Luray Caverns... and this shot doesn't begin to do it justice.

Monday – See the magnificent cascades, stroll along the Potomac, and/or take a light hike through the woods at Great Falls. Both the Maryland and Virginia sides of the park have trails that are easy for little legs to tramp, as well as great overlooks for viewing the falls. Bring along food for a picnic lunch or grab a bite at the snack bar. Admission is $5/vehicle.

Tuesday – Take a day trip out to Luray Caverns to behold the spectacular underground world of stalagmites, stalactites, and other amazing limestone formations in the massive cave system. Afterward, make your way through the Garden Maze or check out vintage rides in the Carriage and Caravan Museum. Hours are 9am – 7pm. Admission for the caverns is $24/adults, $21/seniors, $12/ages 6-12, free for ages 5 and under. Other attractions cost extra. I promise, it’s worth the drive.

Wednesday – See a show especially for little ones as The Puppet Co. Playhouse presents Baby Bear’s Birthday as this week’s Tiny Tots production. The lights stay on and doors stay open during these performances for the youngest audiences. Showtime is 10am. Tickets are $5 for everyone, including babies.

Thursday – Explore and play at Potomac Overlook 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 in terrariums and discover more about the natural world in the Kids Cave. Hours are 10am – 5pm. Admission is free.

Friday – Enjoy one of summer’s best offerings: water play! Jump in at a public pool, splash around at a sprayground, or ride waves and flumes at a water park. This post about seasonal activities has all the specifics you need for wet recreation.