Guest Post: Kid Friendly DC

The best thing about this blog has been getting to know the most amazing people. We recently had the opportunity to meet C.A. (who pens Heroine Chic) and her husband at the Happy Hour we organized last month.  When Scott and I think about how much we love to date in DC, we forget how well this city also caters to kiddos.  In a few weeks, Scott will become an uncle for the first time, and we are already planning for family visits with little ones. In talking to C.A. last month, we were blown away by how active she keeps her beautiful little girls, and how much they explore DC as a family. We asked her to impart a few tricks of her trade, and below are some awesome opportunities for little ones…

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These last few months have been an absolute whirlwind. I haven’t abandoned the world of decorating and design, and have actually done quite a few fun projects around the house, but I’ve had zero motivation to document the whole process. With the girlies getting bigger, my free time has become more and more precious. And on any given afternoon where I could have been editing photos and cranking out write-ups, I’ve been choosing to be caught up in the moment – whether that means snuggling up for a nap with Bébé, or taking both Petites on an impromptu adventure in the city. Not that one can’t manage to balance all of these things, but creative energy can wax and wane. For me, personally, if I don’t try to make myself beholden to a process I am a much happier person. Additionally, since abandoning HowToBeAHeroine.com (je regrette?) and narrowing the focus on the blog to interior design and decorating I have missed the opportunity to share all of the things for which I hold a passion. So, for now on I will not try to pigeon hole myself into a single category. While I still obsess about all things décor-related, I am fueled by a love for many different pursuits. I guess admitting that I desire to be more of a “lifestyle blogger” than a “home/DIY/decorating blogger” is a step in the right direction. Scattered? Sure. Authentic? Absolutely.

And this realization was largely brought on when I was asked by the lovely couple over at DCMinute to write the following post on my favorite things to do with kids in the DC area. At first I thought this wasn’t in my purview, but I’m a stay-at-home Mama of two, who still home schools the little one! I may blog (occasionally) about interior design, but this is my life. Seeking out adventures and enriching experiences with my two little heroines is what I do. So, without further ado…here is my top 10:

1. Parks

While I’ll get to the subject of National Parks and hiking in a minute, here I’m talking about little slices of green that are peppered throughout the city and surrounding suburbs, just waiting to be discovered and enjoyed. While there are too many to count, a few of my favorites are the fields behind the Masonic Temple in Alexandria (great for flying kites), Water Park in Crystal City (feels like a waterfall fairy land and is FANTASTIC for train-watching) and East Potomac Park in DC (away from the touristy bustle of the Tidal Basin, but with very similar scenery). These are all lovely places to have a picnic, soak in some sun, and enjoy some family time. I am always searching out new “secret” green-spaces, and each new find feels special and exciting.

2. Hikes

One of the best purchases we made when we moved inside the DC beltway was this book: 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles, Washington, DC. On days when we want to expand our horizons outside of our metropolitan dwelling we turn to this volume for inspiration. There are very clear suggestions about which hikes are kid-friendly, and we have never been disappointed. Three of our go-to favorites are Great Falls Park in VA, Fort Washington Park in MD, and Sky Meadows State Park in Delaplane, VA.

3. Hands-On Museums

I could also have called this item on the list “nerd museums.” Basically, no matter if the subject matter is history, earth science or space exploration, these are the places that you can go and geek out to your heart’s content. Granted, not every display in said museums is able to be touched, but for the most part these places are extremely kid friendly. Plus, they’re FREE. So, if you want to waltz in, check out one exhibit, and then bounce to go get a soft pretzel, there is no pressure and no guilt. My very favorite museums of this ilk are The Goddard Space Flight Center (Smallish, but impressive, and one Sunday a month you can fire your own rockets!), National Museum of The American Indian (Gorgeous building, and has one of the best children’s exhibits in town), National Museum of Natural History (I know. I know. Le duh. Everyone loves this. But it’s a classic for a reason.). And saving my absolute want-to-have-its-children favorite for last: National Air and Space Museum (This could and will be its own future blog post. I LOVE this place, and am here with one or both offspring nearly once a week.)

4. Appreciation Museums

Also known as art museums and archives, or “Honey Please Don’t Touch” museums. These may not be as “fun” or entirely appropriate for really little kids, but I think they are an invaluable part of a DC kid’s education. A few of my favorites are the Smithsonian American Art Museum (not located directly on the National Mall, and therefore infinitely less crowded), the National Gallery of Art (both the modern East Wing and more traditional West Wing are must see destinations, as is the breathtaking tunnel that connects them), The Freer Gallery (its “Peacock Room” and courtyard are heart-stoppingly gorgeous), and the National Archives (which houses the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Declaration of Independence…I mean, they’re gonna learn about these in school anyway. Why not see the real things?).

5. Reagan National Airport (DCA)

Uh what? You’ve lumped several museum into a single bullet point, and yet the local airport gets its own shout out? Yes. Yes it does. Let me explain. Now I understand that not everyone is an obsessive aviation enthusiast, but if you have little ones there are several things that make this an attractive destination. We’ll start with the most obvious: Gravelly Point. This park which is located just a few hundred feet from the north end of the main runway is one of the best spots in the entire country for airplane watching. The planes are so close (especially when they are landing on the River Visual Approach) that for the longest time my children were terrified. Now, they’re addicted just like their Mama. On rainy days, we love to hit up the observation and exhibition hall inside the old terminal. Finished in 1940, its Art Deco splendor is a nod to the days when air travel was awe-inspiring and exciting to everyone (not just plane junkies). We also enjoy grabbing brunch or just a mimosa on the weekends at one of several restaurants located outside of the secure gates. And finally, not that I’m encouraging anyone to leave our fine city, but there is no better way to take in the sights of our fair city than from the air.

6. Sporting Events

Ok, I’m cheating a little with this one because technically we’ve only taken our girls to a Nationals baseball game around here, but I have been a Redskins fan since I was in utero, so I full intend on subjecting introducing them to this rite-of-passage next season. As far as other sports are concerned I personally don’t care for basketball or soccer (but supposedly both have teams locally). Hockey, however, I could be convinced to give a try. I’ll keep y’all informed.

7. Paying Respect

Now, technically this line item can be employed absolutely anywhere in the country. By “paying respect” I mean specifically saying thank you to the brave men and women who have served our country, especially our aged veterans. And even though teaching our children this important lesson isn’t dependent on where we live, we have an amazing opportunity in our Nation’s Capital to plug into the amazing feeling of patriotism and service that pervades our great area. Taking the kids to the plethora of local war monuments, greeting veterans at the airport, or visiting our country’s most sacred shrine (Arlington Cemetery) are all excellent ways to show you care.

8. Dinners Out

Now even though this is a list of things to do with kids, I’m not talking about the typical “child-friendly” establishments here. I’m talking about taking advantage of the amazing DC culinary scene with your little ones in tow. No iPad. No kids menu. When I was growing up my parents treated eating out like an amazing adventure; an opportunity to introduce us to other cultures, and I try to do the same with our children. The first time you introduce your kids to calamari, maybe you have to fib and tell them that it’s “Italian french fries” like I did. Trust me, they will thank you later. Some of my favorite places include Landini Brothers in Alexandria, Peking Gourmet Inn in Falls Church, and Old Ebbitt Grill near the White House in DC.

9. Mass Transit

For many commuters the Metro may just be a necessary evil, but when you have kids, this way of getting around town borders on magical. Whether you are simply trying to avoid traffic and parking, staging yourself to run back home with the kids in jogging strollers, or just wanting to explore a new neighborhood, swiping your SmarTrip card and hopping aboard is always a good time.

10. Treats

Last, but not least: matter what your itinerary, sometimes at the end of the day we all need a sweet treat to soothe the busyness. My favorite places include Buzz Bakery, Dairy Godmother, and any place that sells the red, white & blue Rocket Pops that remind me of the DC trips of my youth.

 

And remember – if all else fails, just throw some glow sticks in the tub, turn off the lights, put on some techno, and have a little bath time rave with the little ones. It never fails to deliver smiles.

 

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Turns out, these activities are also good for the young at heart, so Scott and I are off to pick up glowsticks explore. ;)

Thanks C.A.!