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 September 26, 2011.

United States Department of Energy
Government department dedicated to advancing energy technology.

Activities: Families are invited to join college students as they compete in this year’s Solar Decathlon. Teams comprised of students from universities across the country and world compete to create the most energy efficient and skillfully designed house in 10 days. Free 30-60 minute docent lead tours to learn about the houses and sustainable living are held weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on weekends from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. This event will be going on all week and finish on October 2. 

National Mall West Potomac Park
West Basin Drive SW
Washington DC, 20024
T 301.405.7794
W www.solardecathlon.gov/index.html

National Museum of the American Indian
Smithsonian Museum dedicated to preserving and re-examining the history of American Indians.

Activities: Families are invited join museum attendants in releasing ladybugs onto the Native croplands held within the museum. Children can learn about ladybugs and how they function as nature’s own pest controllers. The lady bugs will be released this Friday from 10 to 11 a.m. in the Croplands in the south side of the museum.

4th Street and Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20560
T 202.633.1000
W www.si.edu/Events/Calendar

Discovery Theatre
Smithsonian theater dedicated to producing arts and theater programs for children.

Activities: This week the Discovery Theatre presents Amelia and her Big Red Plane. This theatrical and interactive puppet show depicts the story of Amelia Earhart building and flying her plane across the Atlantic. Recommended for ages 2 to 6, this presentation requires admission tickets costing $6 and under. Amelia and her Big Red plane will have multiple showings this Thursday and Friday at 10:15 a.m., 11:15 a.m., and 12:15 p.m. on both days. 

1100 Jefferson Dr. SW
Washington, DC 20560
T 202.633.3030
W www.discoverytheater.org/family/shows/sep/amelia-and-her-big-red-plane.shtm

4th Annual Dog Days of Downtown
Celebration of dogs in downtown Silver Spring.

Activities: Families can join the Living Ruff pet shop and Downtown Silver Spring in celebrating this year’s Annual Dog Days of Downtown Silver Spring. Bring your friendliest four legged friend to join in the company of other dogs and dog lover alike in learning about local dog centered initiatives, pet nutrition and more. This event will be held this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Plaza in Downtown Silver Spring.

916 Ellsworth Drive
Silver Spring, MD 20910
T 301.495.7833
W www.livingruff.com/dogdays4/

Fall for Fairfax KidsFest
Festival that hosts fall activities for kids.

Activities: Families are invited to come this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. to the Fall for Fairfax Kidsfest. This festival plays host to numerous vendors, performances and activities. Kids are invited to join in a petting zoo, hay ride, and more. There will also be three stages around the festival with a diverse spread of kid-friendly performances happening throughout the day. Admission is free.

12000 Government Center Parkway 
Fairfax, VA 22035
T 1.800.880.6629
W www.fallforfairfax.com/

Grosvenor Strathmore Hall
Community effort to involve all ages in indoor and outdoor play.

Activities: Children ages 5 and up are welcomed to Strathmore Hall to join the Children’s Art Talk and Tour. Kids will be taken on a special tour through the "Building Bridges, Not Fences" exhibit and learn more about the artists and what into their pieces of art. This tour also includes a hands-on activity for kids to engage with the art in their own way. Admission is free this Saturday at 10:15 a.m., but registration is required. 

10701 Rockville Pike
North Bethesda, MD 20852
T 301.581.5100
W www.strathmore.org/eventstickets/calendar/view.asp?id=7716

29th Annual Fall Jubilee
Fall festival for all ages.

Activities: Kids are invited this Saturday to Manassas for the 29th Annual Fall Jubilee.  Held rain or shine this festival provides activities for all ages. There are rides, a pumpkin patch, and a special Kid’s Neighborhood with specific entertainment for kids including music, face painting, and games. This festival will be held in Historic Downtown Manassas from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

9431 West Street
Manassas, VA 20110
T 703.361.6599
W www.historicmanassas.mymediaroom.com/wire/events/viewevent.aspx?id=11025

30th Annual Takoma Park Street Festival
Community street fair with vendors and entertainment.

Activities: Families are invited to join the Takoma Park community this Sunday as it celebrates its 30th Annual Street Festival. The festival incorporates a mix of live music, local vendors, food, and kids activities. Families and friends come together to create a fun family-friendly atmosphere. This event will take place rain or shine from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in downtown Takoma Park. 

Carroll Avenue
Takoma Park, MD 20912
T 240.535.0187
W www.takomafestival.com

American Art Museum
Museum dedicated to preserving the history of American art.

Activities: Kids aged 7-12 are welcome to the American Art Museum to join in the Art a la Cart program. Held this Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m., children are invited to engage with interactive carts set up in galleries throughout the museum. Hands-on activities at the carts involve things such as paints and brushes, quilt squares and even bottle caps. Admission is free.

8th and F Streets, NW
Washington, DC 20004
T 202.633.7970
W http://americanart.si.edu/calendar/

National Geographic Museum
Past and current expeditions, adventures, and scientific research come to life in a variety of exhibits.

Activities: Families and kids are invited to explore all things Weird But True at this exhibit based on the popular National Geographic Kids TV show of the same name. Kids can learn all about the weird, amazing animals that populate this planet from hummingbirds to cheetahs in this interactive exhibit. Tickets cost $8 for adults and $4 for children.

1145 17th St., NW
Washington, DC 20036
T 202.857.7588
W http://events.nationalgeographic.com/events