Lichtenstein’s House I at the NGA Sculpture Garden is a fun optical illusion to view
Monday – Celebrate the birthday of one of the most beloved authors, Dr. Seuss. Many libraries are hosting special programs in his honor, or you can just go check out and read some of his kiddie masterpieces. This early KFDC post has background on the local library experience and links to public libraries around the area.
Tuesday – Explore the rainforest with National Geographic at Tyson’s Corner Center. Their monthly Kids’ Club event welcomes children to learn in a fun, interactive setting. Music, snacks, crafts, balloon animals, a special Rain Forest Puppet Show, and more activities for all ages can be enjoyed from 11am – 1pm. Admission is free.
Wednesday – With rising temps in the forecast, spend time outdoors AND see some art at the National Gallery of Art and Hirshhorn Sculpture Gardens. Both areas on the National Mall showcase bold, quirky works that children often find appealing. If rainy deters from al fresco art viewing, just head inside the museums instead! Admission is free to both.
Thursday – Learn about the history of flight at the College Park Aviation Museum. It’s a perfect place for young visitors with eye-popping displays and hands-on fun. They can view early airplanes up close, dress up like aviators, create flight-inspired art, and more. Keep an eye on the runway right outside the floor-to-ceiling windows — you might see planes take off and land at the College Park Airport, the oldest continuously operating airport in the world! Open daily 10am – 5pm. Admission is $4/adults, $2/children, free for ages 2 and under.
Friday – Go for a swim! It doesn’t matter what the weather is like outside when there are plenty of indoor pools in the area that are open to the public. Wilson Aquatic Center in NW is popular, and Deanwood in NE even has a slide. In Maryland, Rollingcrest in PG County has a special preschool area, and there are several indoor aquatic facilities in Montgomery County. In Northern Virginia, Arlington County has a few indoor public pools, and there’s one in Alexandria, too. Be sure to check schedules for open swim times at all of them, and I recommend calling ahead to make sure there are no weather-related closings.
