Gravelly Point is a great place to watch airplanes, play ball, and just hang out and relax
Monday: Get started on Summer Reading with DC public libraries. The program presents special events for kids of all ages all summer long. Check the calendar to see what’s on the schedule at your local library this week.
Tuesday: Head to the National Building Museum for play and storytime. The Book of the Month program takes place in the Building Zone at 10:30am and 11:30am with readings of Mouse Shapes by Ellen Stohl Walsh. Admission to the Building Zone ($3/non-members) is timed and on the hour, but if you don’t make it in, just head up to the PLAY WORK BUILD exhibit (for non-members: $8/adult, $5/child; free for members) or tee up for indoor Mini Golf ($5/non-member, $3/members and reduced with exhibit).
Wednesday: Watch the airplanes, kick a soccer ball, have a picnic, or just hang out at Gravelly Point. The park located just off the GW Parkway next to Ronald Reagan Airport is a great place to enjoy a nice day, offering views of the river and airplanes taking off or landing right overhead. (Warning: Some kids find that part exciting, others might be frightened by the loud noise and sight of an airplane coming right at them.)
Thursday: Play in the sprays at Canal Park. The recreational space in the Capitol Riverfront neighborhood has both a gentle, shallow fountain that is perfect for really little ones, plus a bigger one for more enthusiastic play where the ice rink is in the winter. Admission is free. Get a glimpse of it here.
Friday: Visit the National Arboretum on one of the two weekdays it’s open to the public; recent budget cuts prompted its closing Tuesday-Thursday. Go for nature walks through the woods, visit the Washington Youth Garden, romp in open green spaces and at the old Capitol columns, picnic in the Grove of State Trees… so many ways to enjoy one of the loveliest places in the city. Hours are 8am – 5pm, and admission is free.
