What To Do With Kids In Washington, DC

Every week, the National Children's Museum scouts the best family friendly activities in the Washington, DC region just for you!

The National Children’s Museum is scheduled to open in 2013 at National Harbor, but you can visit us every day at the Launch Zone at National Harbor! Here's what's happening this weekend:

Rubber Ducky, You're The One!
Saturday, February 4
11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

While we build our new home at National Harbor, here are a few more of our favorite places for families to visit for the week of January 30, 2011.

Gadsby's Tavern Museum
Museum consisting of two buildings, a 1785 Tavern and the 1792 City Hotel.

Activities: Toddlers and their caregivers are invited to Gadsby’s Tavern Museum’s Tavern Toddlers on Monday from 10:30 a.m. to noon. The event takes place in the historic ballroom where toddlers can enjoy open playtime and various arts and crafts. Tickets are $7 for a group of three, which must include one adult.

134 N. Royal St.
Alexandria, VA 22314
T 703.746.4242
W http://alexandriava.gov/historic/info/default.aspx?id=55958

Barstons Child’s Play Rockville
Party store for children of all ages.

Activities: All children are invited to Barstons Child’s Play on Tuesday to enjoy the toy store’s weekly story time beginning at 10:30 a.m. This is a free event. Please check the website for more times, dates, and locations.

1661 Rockville Pike
Rockville, MD 20852
T 301.230.9040
W www.barstonschildsplay.com/events/

United States Capitol
The meeting place of the nation’s legislature.

Activities: Children and families are invited to take a trip downtown to visit the United States Capitol on Wednesday for the Exhibition Hall Family Program. Guests will learn about the history of Congress and legislation. This 30 minute program is free and no reservations are required. Meet at the entrance to Exhibition Hall on the lower level of the Visitor Center. Visit the website for other available dates.

E. Capitol and First Streets, NE
Washington, DC 20002
T 202.226.8000
W www.visitthecapitol.gov/visit/special_activities/

National Aquarium
Aquarium featuring galleries dedicated to amphibians, National Marine Sanctuaries and National Parks, American freshwater ecosystems, and the Amazon River Basin.

Activities: Families can stop by the National Aquarium from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesday for Lunchtime with Piranhas. Children and families will learn about the pirhanas’ feeding behaviors and can watch them hunt for their food. This event is free with aquarium admission. Admission is $4.95 for ages 3 to 11, $9.95 for ages 11 to 59.

1401 Constitution Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20230
T 202.482.2826
W www.nationalaquarium.com/animalencounters.html

Barcroft Sports and Fitness Center
Multi-purpose gymnasium in Virginia.

Activities: Children ages 0 to 5 are invited to play during Barcroft Sports and Fitness Center’s Playgroup from 10 a.m. to noon on Thursday. While parents are allowed to bring in toys from home, there will also be toys provided. There is a $3 fee for adults and children over the age of 5 are not permitted.

4200 S. Four Mile Run Dr.
Arlington, VA 22206
T 703.228.3000
W www.arlingtonva.us/departments/parksrecreation/documents/file72958.pdf

Mount Rainer Nature/Recreation Center
Prince George’s County’s only urban nature center.

Activities: Toddlers are invited to partake in hands-on treasure activities, story time, crafting, and more during Mount Rainer Nature/Recreation Center’s Toddler Time on Thursday from 10 a.m. to noon. This is a free event. 

4701 31st Place
Mount Rainer, MD 20712
T 301.927.2163
W www.pgparks.com/Things_To_Do/Nature/Mount_Rainier_Nature_Recreation_Center.htm

Juanita E. Thornton/Shepherd Park Library
DC public library.

Activities: Children ages 3 and up are invited to The African-American Experience Through Art on Friday at 10:15 a.m. Children can listen to stories and make crafts to honor the works of African-American artists and craftsmen, from the 19th century to present day. This is a free event.

7420 Georgia Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20012
T 202.541.6100
W www.dclibrary.org/calendar/monthly/day/2012-02-10

Meadowside Nature Center
Nature Center that offers hands-on natural and cultural history programs for families, schools, and scouts.

Activities: On Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. families are invited to attend Maple Sugaring to learn about how syrup is made, starting from the tree and ending in the bottle. After the lesson, attendees can participate in a maple syrup tasting. This event costs $5 and those interested must register online.

5100 Meadowside Ln.
Derwood, MD 20855
T 301.258.4030
W www.montgomeryparks.org/nature_centers/meadow/index.shtm

Arlington Public Library Columbia Pike
Virginia public library.

Activities: Infants and their caregivers are invited to Drop-in Storytime: Babysteps on Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Babies 0 to 12 months can experience early childhood literacy through songs and nursery rhymes. This event is free and space is available on a first come, first served basis.

816 South Walter Reed Dr.
Arlington, VA 22204
T 703.228.5710
W http://library.arlingtonva.us/Departments/Libraries/kids/Storytimes.aspx

Elden Street Players
Community theatre in Virginia featuring volunteer staff and casts.

Activities: Children are invited to visit the Elden Street Players on Sunday at 2 p.m. to see the theatre’s production of The Three Prince Charmings. Children ages 3 and up will enjoy the original, yet familiar, story based off of classic fairytales. Tickets are $8 and can be purchased online or by phone.

269 Sunset Park Drive
Herndon, VA 22193
T 703.330.2787
W www.eldenstreetplayers.org/YoungAudiences/CurrentSeason/ThreeCharmings.htm