Looking for a new way to while away a day? Need to get outdoors and still be able to please everyone from Mom to baby while out on this adventure? Then check out D.C.’s CityCenter and prepare to be gastronomically delighted (thanks to a growing roster of restaurants, shops, and play places), while taking in a true walkabout in the city. Located next to two Metro stations, CityCenter is a vibrant neighborhood that is chocked full of fun for the whole family.

Explore

Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library
If it is a Thursday then plan to walk over to the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library for Kid Corner time. The free event offers story time with a sing along that helps the little ones hone those literary skills. The library also hosts Friday story times for babies and preschoolers, art exhibits for adults, and trading card meetups.

901 G St., NW
202-727-0321
Online: dclibrary.org

City Museum of Washington
History buffs of all ages will get a kick out of this small museum’s permanent exhibit, Window to Washington, which features artwork and artifacts that tell the story of our nation’s capital. Check the museum’s events calendar regularly as they often host kid-friendly chats and tours (think: D.C. Fire and EMS Museum Tours).

801 K St., NW
202-249-3955
Online: dchistory.org

Play

Franklin Park
If your little downtown explorers are looking to stretch their limbs, walk two blocks west to Franklin Park. The 5-acre green space has plenty of room to fly kites, play soccer, or just run clear across it. Occasionally, you’ll be able to grab lunch from the line-up of food trucks that post around the park’s perimeter. And sshhh…A little birdie says that the park may soon undergo some renovations that include a kid’s play area.

14th St. and K St., NW
Online: nps.gov

Eat

Rare Sweets
Later in the day stop in at the D.C.-based bakery Rare Sweets for a chic but sweet treat. From donuts to granola, and sorbet to blondies there is something for every member of your clan. Bonus: Rare Sweets also does custom cake orders, in case you’re working on kiddo’s next birthday bash.

963 Palmer Alley, NW
202-499-0077
Online: raresweets.com

Healthy Bites
Start the day off with a breakfast of whole wheat waffles and organic eggs with a side of turkey bacon from this carryout cafe. The grab-and-go spot uses mainly locally grown, organic goods. But the main draw is that the food tastes absolutely amazing (even veggie-phobic kids can’t resist).

5329 Georgia Ave., NW
202-882-1969
Online: healthybitesfood.com

FreshFarm Market
Trot over to the Farmer’s Market that opens up each Tuesday around lunchtime for some vittles to help make dinner extra yummy. In addition to fresh, local produce from the region’s finest farms, the market hawks yummy prepared eats like gourmet Chinese dumplings and organic vegan salads.

I St., NW (between 10th and 11th Sts.)
202-362-8889
Online: freshfarmmarkets.org

What do you think about CityCenter? Give us the scoop in the Comments section below. 

—Victoria Mason

Photos: CityCenter via Facebook

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