Have fun exploring the plant collections at the National Arboretum!
Monday – Celebrate Constitution Day at the National Archives, where they’ll have special activities to commemorate the signing of the U.S. Constitution in Philadelphia on September 17, 1787. You can also see the actual Constitution there! The event runs 1-4pm, and museum hours are 11:30am – 5:30pm (regularly 10am – 5:30pm). Admission is free.
Tuesday – 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 $13 (under 2 are free).
Wednesday – See a show especially for little ones at The Puppet Co. The lights stay on, and doors remain open during Tiny Tots performances for the youngest audiences — Magic Toyshop is this week’s production. Showtime is 10am, and tickets are $6 for everyone, including babies. Plan to stay after to picnic (BYO or buy from the Praline Cafe on premises) and romp on the Glen Echo Park playground.
Thursday – Spend the day at the National Arboretum. There are so many ways to enjoy one of the prettiest places in the city. Explore the plant collections on nature walks, view the bonsai exhibit, visit the Washington Youth Garden and romp on the natural playground, see the old Capitol columns, picnic in the Grove of State Trees, and so much more. Hours are 8am – 5pm, and admission is free. Read even more about the Arboretum in the round-up of the best places to spend a day outdoors — it tops the list!
Later on, check out the Brookland Exchange Makers Market, a NEW handmade pop-up market in DC promoting cultural expression, community interaction, and creative commerce. Over 40 independent business, live music, and kids activities will be there. Find locally made art, fashion, gifts for new baby, beer, and tacos all this Third Thursday 5-9pm on the Arts Walk Brookland at Monroe Street Market.
Friday – Head to the National Zoo for a wild time. Weekdays are a great time to go, as there’s barely a crowd. Check the Daily Programs schedule before you go to help plan your outing — you can chat with a bear keeper, watch a seal or sea lion training demo, visit the shocking new Electric Fishes Demonstration Lab, and more! You can also just stroll and pick your animal visits as you go. This time of year, grounds are open 8am – 7pm, exhibit building hours are 9am – 6pm, and the Visitor Center 8am – 6pm. Admission is free, though parking in the Zoo lot for non-members is $22-25 (free for members). You can also try parking on Connecticut Avenue or a side street, or take Metro to Woodley Park or Cleveland Park stations then walk a few blocks.
