1. What once felt like DC’s secret garden has become quite a popular spot — with good reason.  The Dumbarton Oaks Gardens are one of the most enchanting places in the District, imo, with an amazing array of flora that’s especially gorgeous in spring.  You can read about it on KFDC here,  here, here, and here (yes, we love it that much).  You used to be able to walk right up and buy tickets on the spot, but now reserving in advance is a good idea — tickets were sold out for this past weekend days ahead.  Admission is $11, and hours are 2-6pm Tuesday ..read more

  * * *    This post is paid for by Sandy Spring Friends School, however, I only promote programs, places, and events that I genuinely believe in and think will be of interest to KFDC readers ..read more

  You don’t always have to go into a museum to enjoy great works of art. They are outdoors in gardens, along our landscapes, and even throughout city streets, so you can enjoy a nice day outside along with large scale sculptures, provocative installations, fun and interesting murals, even fairy houses. Here are some great places to see them around the DC area. Happy Art-ing! National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden Where: 7th & Constitution NW | National Mall, DC When: Daily, 10am – 5pm Admission: Free The museum’s outdoor area is always fun to stroll (or glide) through with large-s ..read more

All aboard for a mini trian ride at Cabin John!   Happy Weekend! Go-to posts full of ideas for go-to fun: * The Great Indoors * Off-the-Beaten-Path Museums * Best Outdoors in the DC Area * Local Hikes with Kids * Baltimore with Kids * Bike Rides * Stunning Spaces * Peaceful Places National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade Where: Constitution Ave, 7th – 17th St NW | Downtown DC When: Saturday, 10am – 12pm Admission: Free The pinnacle of cherry blossom festivities just might be the parade. Thousands of people line Constitution Avenue to watch the proc ..read more

[Note:  This post was written by KFDC Contributor Emily Moise, a local writer and mom of three kids, ages 6, 5, and 9 months.   She always has excellent recommendations for kids’ gear as well as local explorations with little ones. See more of them here.]   Spring brings so much anticipation for warm-weathered adventures. Whether you’re beach bound or backyard bound, here are Amazon picks that will get you and your kids in gear from here to September.  Most of these recommendations are best for the 8 and under crowd, but some range all ages! WHEELIE FUN Dust off the s ..read more

A view of the Wharf from the Jitney   1. The Jitney is running again on weekends at the Wharf!  In case you’re not familiar, this is one of my favorite KFDC tips to share:  The small boat is essentially a free taxi between East Potomac Park and The Wharf.  Parking can be difficult and expensive in the Southwest Waterfront area, but this service lets you park at East Potomac, where there is lots of free parking, then ferry over to the Wharf.  Not only do you avoid the hassle and cost of finding a spot for your car, you get to enjoy a fun, little cruise! It runs 12-6pm ..read more

  Happy Weekend! Quick links to tons of DC area fun: * The Great Indoors * Off-the-Beaten-Path Museums * Best Outdoors in the DC Area * Local Hikes with Kids * Baltimore with Kids * Bike Rides * Stunning Spaces * Peaceful Places Nats First Weekend Where: Nationals Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC When: Friday, Saturday & Sunday Admission: Ticket Prices Vary The Nats are playing their first weekend at home against the Phillies, always an exciting match-up. Catch a game on Friday at 6:45pm, Saturday at 4:05pm, or Sunday at 1:35pm. Be sure to note th ..read more

The US Botanic Garden is an indoor fave in DC   1. The recent rainy days warrant a reminder of the many, many options for indoor fun there are around the DC area.  You can get ideas and details for them in these go-to KFDC posts: * The Great Indoors, a list of over 100 activities that take place inside * Off-the-Beaten-Path Museums in DC (That Are Great to Explore with Kids) * Off the Beaten DC Path: Museums in Maryland and Northern Virginia * Indoor Action: Fun & Games Around the DC Area that Take Place Inside * Regularly Occurring Museum Programs for Kids Around the DC Area ..read more

  Happy Weekend! Quick links to posts with ideas galore for family fun: * The Great Indoors * Off-the-Beaten-Path DC Museums * MD & VA Museums * Best Outdoors in the DC Area * Active Pursuits Inside * Local Hikes with Kids * Kid-Friendly Eats * Baltimore with Kids * Peaceful Places Spring Breakin’ Where: Around the DC area When: Throughout the weekend Admission: Varies by activity As Spring Break has started for students around the area, you might be looking for extra activities to keep the kids (and yourself) entertained while they a ..read more

Lots of great entertainment at the Kennedy Center, including FREE Millennium Stage events   Ready for a new season of entertainment?  Here is what’s currently on and coming to local stages this spring, plus links to any discount tickets.  Happy Show-Going! Inside Out and Backwards Where: Imagination Stage | Bethesda, MD When: Through March 31 Tickets: $19.50 It’s bedtime, and two children use their imaginations to turn their room inside out, into a wonderland of mess! While playing dress-up, a glove becomes a dancing fish, a shirt becomes a fantastical creature, and a sock dan ..read more