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:

Saturday, March 13

11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Celebrate the arrival of spring by participating in NCM’s weaving activities! Listen to stories about spring and make your own craft.

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 March 8, 2010.

Saint Patrick’s Day Parade

One of the best attended parades in Washington, DC.

Activities: This year’s parade theme is The Irish that Built America and the parade will feature floats, marching bands, pipe bands, military, police, and fire departments. Also in attendance will be Irish musicians, dancers, and singers. This free event takes place on March 14, from noon to 3 p.m., and runs along Constitution Avenue from Seventh to 17^th streets, NW, from noon to 3 p.m.

Constitution Avenue, Seventh to 17^th streets

Washington, DC 20565

W www.dcstpatsparade.com

Glen Echo Park

Situated on the Potomac, Glen Echo Park features vibrant artistic, cultural, and educational programs.

Activities: Discovery Creek Children’s Museum invites families to come and visit their Forest Tales exhibition at Glen Echo Park. Families will encounter live animals, play in a giant sandpit, create crafts, and more. The event is $5, but free for children under 2. Forest Tales takes place on March 13 and 14, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  

Stable Building, Glen Echo Park

7300 MacArthur Blvd.

Glen Echo, MD 20812

T 202.488.0627

W www.glenechopark.org

National Gallery of Art

National museum that preserves, collects, and exhibits paintings and sculptures from around the world.

Activities: The National Gallery of Art will host Stories in Art, a series of programs that use stories to introduce children to art. On March 14, at 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., or 1:30 p.m., families can investigate Chuck Close’s painting technique and then try it out. The 60-minute program is for children ages 4 to 7 and adult supervision is required. Pre-registration is not required, although the program runs on a first come, first served basis.

Fourth Street and Constitution Avenue, NW

Washington, DC 20565

T 202.737.4215

W www.nga.gov/programs/family

National Geographic Museum

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

Activities: From March 8 through 10, families can enjoy the last few days of the free Polar Obsession: Photography by Paul Nicklen exhibit. Nicklen has published numerous articles about the Polar region and has photographed polar bears, walrus, leopard seals, penguins, and more. The Museum is open Monday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

1145 17^th St., NW

Washington, DC 20036

T 202.857.7588

W http://events.nationalgeographic.com/events

Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center

Smithsonian museum near Dulles International Airport that provides enough space to display thousands of aviation and space artifacts.

Activities: On March 13, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the National Air and Space Museum will host Women in Aviation and Space Day at the Udvar-Hazy Center. Visitors can learn about the accomplishments of Amelia Earhart, the Women Air Force Service Pilots, astronaut Sally Ride, and women who are currently contributing to aviation and space exploration. Also, families can participate in book signings, story time, and educational hands-on activities throughout the Museum. The event is free and parking is $15.

14390 Air & Space Museum Parkway

Chantilly, VA 20151

T  202.633.1000

W www.nasm.si.edu/events

National Wildlife Visitor Center

The largest science and environmental education center in the Department of the Interior.

Activities: The Annual National Wildlife Refuge System Birthday Bash will take place on March 13, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This free event, located at the National Wildlife Visitor Center, will feature live entertainment, live animals, and children’s author Amy S. Hansen.

10901 Scarlet Tanager Loop

Laurel, MD 20708

T 301.497.5763

W www.fws.gov

United States Botanic Gardens

Run by the United States Congress, the Gardens showcase plants representing various habitats.

Activities: The U.S. Botanic Gardens, located on the National Mall, invites visitors to view Hawaii, the newest program exhibit. The display features rare and endangered plants as well as a “lava flow,” waterfall, and other features associated with the 50th state. The gardens are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, including weekends, and admission to the gardens is free.

100 Maryland Ave., SW
Washington, DC 20001

T 202.225.8333

W www.usbg.gov

National Museum of American History

Smithsonian museum featuring more than 3 million national artifacts.

Activities: Families visiting the National Museum of American History on March 10 can view the opening of the First Ladies at the Smithsonian exhibit. The displays feature gowns from the 11 most recent first ladies—beginning with Mamie Eisenhower. The Museum is always free and open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

1400 Constitution Ave., NW

Washington, DC 20004

T 202.633.1000

W www.americanhistory.si.edu

Arts/Harmony Hall Regional Center

Serves as a community center with recreation classes and programs for people of all ages.

Activities: On March 10, the Arts/Harmony Hall Regional Center invites families to attend Kids’ Day Out: Junkyard Pirates. The event occurs at 10:30 a.m. and emphasizes the importance of recycling and protecting the environment as the Junkyard Pirates battle the evil Landfill. Tickets cost $5 per person.

10701 Livingstone Road

Ft. Washington, MD 20744

T 301.203.6070

W www.pgparks.com/Things_To_Do

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge

Located on Maryland’s scenic Eastern Shore and established in 1933 as a waterfowl sanctuary for birds.

Activities: Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge will host the 10th Annual Eagle Festival on March 13, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors can view live eagle and other birds of prey programs, kid’s programs, puppet shows, eagle prowls, and wildlife exhibits. In addition, kids can construct their own bird box. The event is free.

2145 Key Wallace Drive

Cambridge, MD 21613

T 410.228.2677

W www.fws.gov/blackwater