Not-To-Miss Exhibits Around Town

by Tinybeans TeamJanuary 18, 2022

Not only does Atlanta have its fair share of world-class museums and attractions, but the exhibits that roll through here are oftentimes in a league of their own, as well. Whether trains, knights, science, sharks are your jam, you’ll want to check these current exhibits out before they’re gone. Keep reading for our favorites in town.

Locomotion at Atlanta History Center

The cornerstone of Locomotion: Railroads and the Making of Atlanta is the restored locomotive Texas. The engine was built in 1856 for the Western & Atlantic Railroad, which had established its terminus in 1837 at the site that became Atlanta. For that reason, the locomotive is an important link to the city’s origins. Learn about the Texas and other ways railroads have shaped Atlanta.

Pairs Well With: A trip to Duluth to see cool trains and transportation modes at The Southeastern Railway Museum.

130 W Paces Ferry Rd. NW
Buckhead
404-814-4000

Thomas Edison's Secret Lab at Tellus Science Museum

Inspired by the educational, animated comedy series, Thomas Edison’s Secret Lab presents an exciting world of science and discovery! The exhibit invites you to join the fun through interactive explorations of science, technology, engineering, and math. Discover invisible forces that seem more like magic than science, manipulate simple machines, learn basic coding and more.

Pairs Well With: A session of the Atlanta Science Festival (and for sure a visit to the Expo) in March.

100 Tellus Dr.
Cartersville
770-606-5700

Knights in Armor at Fernbank

Knights In Armor showcases stunning examples of European arms and armor from the renowned collection of the Museo Stibbert in Florence, Italy. Through more than 100 objects— including full suits of armor, mounted equestrian figures, paintings, helmets, swords and other weaponry— this exhibit tells the tale of the European knight from the medieval and Renaissance periods through the Medieval Revival of the 19th century.

Pairs Well With: Dinner and jousting (by the knights, of course) at Medieval Times.

767 Clifton Rd.
Druid Hills
404-929-6300

The Obama Portraits Tour at The High

From the moment of their unveiling at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery in February 2018, the museum’s official portraits of President Barack Obama and Mrs. Michelle Obama have become iconic. Kehinde Wiley’s portrait of President Obama and Amy Sherald’s portrait of the former First Lady have inspired unprecedented responses from the public.

1280 Peachtree St NE
Midtown
404-733-4400

Sharks at Georgia Aquarium

The biggest aquarium in the western hemisphere just got a lot bigger. The Georgia Aquarium's expansive new gallery is home to multiple shark species and is overflowing with suspense and adventure. With epic views and unique encounters — including a cage dive! — Sharks: Predators of the Deep will transport you to the dark depths of the oceans to meet Atlanta's newest residents.

225 Baker St. NW
Downtown
404-581-4000

Storyland at Children's Museum of Atlanta

This exhibit provides imaginative, book-based experiences for children ages birth - 8 years old. Storyland transforms seven beloved books – The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter; The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats; Where’s Spot? by Eric Hill; If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff; Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault; Abuela by Arthur Dorros; and Tuesday by David Wiesner into three-dimensional play and bi-lingual learning environments.

Pairs Well With: A performance of The Snowy Day at Center for Puppetry Arts

275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr. NW
Downtown
404-659-5437

Featured image by Valdemaras D. via Pexels

—Shelley Massey

RELATED STORIES:

35 Easy & Fun Paper Crafts for Kids

St. Patrick’s Day Crafts for Kids

Simple & Fun Hat Crafts for Kids

Smithsonian Announces 7 Locations to Open in May

by Erica LoopApril 29, 2021

The Smithsonian is now on the list of attractions, organizations, and events that are set to reopen to the public again! After a year filled with closures galore, you can get ready to start planning a stellar summer vaycay—and it can include seven of the Smithsonian’s museums along with the National Zoo.

Over the course of May, all of the Smithsonian’s facilities will welcome back visitors on a staggered schedule. Keep reading to see when your local museum will open.

photo courtesy of the Smithsonian

May 5

The Sreven F. Udvar-Hazy Center

May 14

The National Museum of African American History and Culture

National Portrait Gallery

Smithsonian American Art Museum and its Renwick Gallery

May 21

National Museum of American History

National Museum of the American Indian Washington, D.C. location

National Zoo

Like other national attractions that have reopened to the public, the Smithsonian facilities will adhere to safety measures based on the CDC’s guidelines. These include requiring visitors ages two and older to wear face coverings, implementing social distancing and one-way directional paths, providing hand sanitizer, conducting enhanced cleanings and monitoring the number of visitors in each location. Guests are asked to stay home if they are sick or don’t feel well.

There are currently no on-site public tours and some galleries or exhibits are closed or have capacity limits. The restaurants and food trucks at the National Zoo will open this May, but the museum cafes will remain closed.

You must reserve a free timed-entry pass for all Smithsonian facilities. To reserve passes, contact the Smithsonian at 1-800-514-3849 ext. 1 or visit the organization’s website here. Passes are available starting the week before each facility’s opening.

—Erica Loop/Feature image: Alejandro Barba via Unsplash

LEGO Movie World Is about to Open & Everything Is Awesome

Here’s What Families Are Planning for Summer 2021

Party On! 6 Ways to Celebrate Washington’s Birthday

by Meghan Yudes MeyersFebruary 13, 2020

There’s more to this 3-day weekend than a Prez-themed shop-athon. By George, it’s time for Washington’s birthday celebration! Get out the party hats and streamers and get ready to boogie to fifes and drums. From Old Town’s parade to the National Portrait Gallery’s Presidential Family Fun Day, we found the best places to honor our Founding Father and Honest Abe. Scroll on for where to party with the original POTUS—as well as the 16th.

photo: Mount Vernon

Party with a President
Celebrate President’s Day with a birthday party for America’s first Commander-in-Chief. Mount Vernon, the historic home of George and Martha Washington, opens its doors to the public on Feb. 17 and Feb. 22 for a day of admission-free fun and learning. Watch a musical demonstration of fifes and drums on the Bowling Green and sample maple syrup in Vaughan Lobby. Demonstrations and tributes are continuous on both days from 9 a.m.-3 p.m

3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy.
Mount Vernon, VA
703-780-2000
Online: mountvernon.org/washington-s-birthday-celebration/

photo: Madame Tussauds

Pose With The 1st and 16th
Step into moments of history at Madame Tussauds where you can shake hands with a past president or take an Insta-worthy pic during one of history’s great moments. Looking for a more realistic experience? Check out the new Alive with AR experience where exhibits come to life with the help of augmented reality (Alive with AR is included in admission; tickets start at $18/person). Don’t limit your visit to just George and Abe, though. You can cozy up to all 45 presidents—Say cheese!

1001 F Street, NW
Penn Quarter
202-942-7300
Online: madametussauds.com/washington-dc/

photo: National Park Service

Get a Peek into the White House
George Washington may never have lived in the White House, but he did select the site the present day presidential home sits on. An actual tour of the presidential mansion may not be on this weekend’s agenda (requests for tickets must be made 21 days in advance and are rewarded on a first come, first served basis), but the near-by Visitor Center offers a more hands-on interactive experience. Younger kids will enjoy letting their dinosaurs and trolls move into the doll sized version of the White House display; older kids can play an edible version of Jeopardy at a table set with life-like food with questions like Who liked jelly beans? or Who dined on squirrel soup? Don’t forget to stop at the Visitor Desk for a special rangers guide to the President’s Park (located just steps away from the entrance).

1450 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Federal Triangle
202-208-1631
Online: nps.gov/explore-the-white-house-visitor-center

photo: Visit Alexandria

George Washington Birthday Parade
Head over to Old Town, Alexandria for the most energetic President’s Day event in the DMV. Over 95 years old, the GW Bday parade features bands, floats, wagons, horses, antique vehicles, historic reenactment units, youth groups, military units and drill teams, local organizations and special performances. The parade is from 1-3 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 17th. Get there early and enjoy quaint, cobblestoney Old Town before taking on the parade. You can even add a quick visit to Mount Vernon, only a few miles up the road, before or after.

Gibbon St. at S. Fairfax St., to Wilkes St. at S. Royal St.
Alexandria, VA
Online: washingtonbirthday.net

photo: Sidney C. via Yelp

Visit President Lincoln’s Cottage
Take this opportunity to visit #16’s cottage, one of DC’s must-see landmarks. Tucked away in Petworth, this is where the Great Emancipator drafted the Emancipation Proclamation as well as where he spent lots of his time during the Civil War. Tour this significant marvel near Rock Creek Park.

140 Rock Creek Church Rd. NW
Petworth
202-829-0436
Online: lincolncottage.org

photo: National Portrait Gallery

Presidential Family Fun Day
On Feb.15 from 11:30 a.m.–p.m. head over to the National Portrait Gallery to celebrate the presidents. There will be live music, art activities, tours with historians, and (just maybe!) a special appearance by Washington Nationals’ Running Presidents.

750 Ninth St. NW
Penn Quarter
Online: npg.si.edu

—Meghan Yudes Meyers Ayren Jackson-Cannady and Guiomar Ochoa

W Is for Washington: 8 Awesome Things About the First U.S. President

Don’t Call Him Abe: 10 Cool Things to Know About Abraham Lincoln

Let’s Gogh! Drop-In Art Classes for Creative Kids

by rtcarolynrossFebruary 5, 2020

Everybody young and old has an inner artist just waiting to come out and the Washington, DC area has no dearth of outlets for you and your family to channel that creative energy together. Catering to art makers of every age, institutions like the Smithsonian’s Hirshhorn and galleries such as the Phillips Collection or Strathmore Mansion are ready with educator-led opportunities for all ages—from the pre-school Picassos and Pollocks to the elementary-aged art historians. Scroll on for the best places to paint, draw and craft in the DMV.

photo: Strathmore

All Ages

Moonshot Studio
Located in The Reach, the Kennedy Center’s new space on the Potomac River, Moonshot Studio offers creative family getaways where everything is left to the imagination. Boasting activities suited for all-age ranges from the Mo Willems fan to music studio mixmasters, current projects at Moonshot focus on drawing, poetry, and rhythm. The best part? All activities are free!

2700 F St. NW
Foggy Bottom
(202) 467-4600
Online: kennedy-center.org/reach/moonshot-studio

ImaginAsia Workshop
Designed with family time in mind, the ImaginAsia workshops at the Smithsonian’s Freer and Sackler Galleries are often exhibition or holiday-themed and engaging for all age-ranges. Free, drop-in art studio workshops are available on select weekends and families with older children should keep an eye out for special tween workshops and arts-packed family festivals too.

1050 Independence Ave. SW
National Mall
202) 633-1000
Online: asia.si.edu

Thomas Jefferson Community Art Studio
Make doing the dishes a family affair with the Arlington County Parks and Rec Paint-a-Plate studio. Open to all-ages, drop-in sessions take place both on Mondays in the morning and afternoon, and on Saturday afternoons at the Thomas Jefferson Community Center (TJ) Art Studio. A standard selection of plates, bowls and mugs all priced at $18 each, decorating supplies included, are available to paint. Finished pieces are available for pick up in one week.

3501 2nd St S
Arlington, VA
(703) 228-5918
Online: parks.arlingtonva.us/programs/art/paint-a-plate

photo: Hirshhorn Museum

Preschoolers

Imagination Stage
Let loose and take time with your toddler to express yourselves through dramatic play activities, music, movement, and visual art each weekend at Imagination Stage’s Sunday Fun-day program. Sessions are based on favorite children’s books like Are You My Mother and Paper Bag Princess, and feature a special take-home item used or created that day, as well as a Parent Pack to extend the experience at home.Tickets are $8/person and can be reserved online.

4908 Auburn Ave.
Bethesda, MD
301-280-1660
Onine: imaginationstage.org

Kreeger Museum
Do not miss the chance to tour the Kreeger Museum private estate collection complete with sculpture garden, and dedicated it turns out to instilling a passion for the arts in even the littlest of patrons. Every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month, the Kreeger hosts First Studio and Storytime for children ages 3-5, an opportunity to explore the paintings, sculpture, and architecture of this contemporary art oasis.
Online: Kreeger Museum First Studio. Tickets to this event are $10.

2401 Foxhall Rd. NW
Berkley
(202) 337-3050
Online: kreegermuseum.org

Hirshhorn Museum
The first Saturday of every month, Hirshhorn Museum Maker Mornings get families rising and shining through interactive hands-on activities. Introducing a new topic and a completely new way to think about art each month, the line-up includes themes like Color of Love, Transformation, and Rainbows and Radicals. If the literary arts are your thing, the museum also offers an inspiring storytime every Wednesday and Sunday morning geared more to the littles. Hirshhorn programming is always free.

Independence Ave SW &, 7th St SW
National Mall
202-633-1000
Online: hirshhorn.si.edu

The Music Center at Strathmore
Totally toddler BSO Music Box is a popular classical music look-in for families now hosted by AMP by Strathmore where members of the visiting Baltimore Symphony Orchestra bring their signature young aficionado event to Rockville for an instrument petting zoo extraordinaire, featuring time to meet and greet the musicians and music related activities, followed by a 30 minute concert. General admission is $12.

5301 Tuckerman Ln.
North Bethesda, MD
(301) 581-5100
Online: strathmore.org

photo: The Phillips Collection

Elementary Aged and Tweens Too

The Phillips Collection
The Phillips Collection hosts major international exhibits, but also supports its mission of enriching the DC area arts scene, attracting patrons young and old with concerts and events such as Jazz n’ Family Fun Days in conjunction with DC Jazz Fest. Join them now as do the guests in Renoir’s painting The Boating Party, a highlight of the collection, every first Saturday of the month for Family Playdates. Geared to children ages four to eight, these thirty-minute gallery experiences are guided by a professional educator. Family-friendly events are included with admission.

1600 21st St NW
Dupont Circle
202-387-2151
Online: phillipscollection.org/

Strathmore Mansion
Strathmore Art Talks and Tours at the elegant Strathmore Mansion are reserved for children ages 5 & up who might enjoy a more sophisticated learning experience without little brother or sister, but who also benefit from an interactive activity to keep them engaged. This talks are free, but prior registration is encouraged. Bonus: These tours are offered for each new exhibition at the mansion and are bilingual, in English and Spanish.

5301 Tuckerman Ln.
North Bethesda, MD
(301) 581-5100
Online: strathmore.org

National Portrait Gallery Museum
The ultimate slumber party experience mixing arts and history, a sleepover at the National Portrait Gallery, the off-the-Mall museum is where Instagram might just meet its match. Here, there are paintings and stories of and about people kids will find inspiring as they take on role of artist, art critic and storyteller to learn more about some of the poets and presidents, visionaries and villains, actors and activists who have shaped history. Ages 10 – 14.

8th St NW & F St NW
National Mall
(202) 633-8300
Online: npg.si.edu

Gadsby’s Tavern
Gadsby’s Tavern in Old Town Alexandria offers mini-historians a chance to become immersed in 18th century lore, and maybe a little ballroom dance? February’s George Washington Birthright Banquet and Ball is just one of several period dance events throughout the year when special lessons are offered, along with girl scout badge earning opportunities, and a unique volunteer opportunity for fourth through eighth graders who may train as Gadsby’s Junior Docents serving on Family Days and at other special events.

134 N Royal St.
Alexandria, VA
703-746-4242
Online: gadsbytavernrestaurant.com

—Carolyn Ross

RELATED STORIES:

30 Easy & Fun Paper Crafts for Kids

5 Ways to Get Your Kid into Art & Painting

6 Fantastic Benefits of Arts and Crafts for Kids

Yum Yum! D.C.’s Best Family-Friendly Dim Sum

by Meghan Yudes MeyersMarch 7, 2019

Dim Sum is perfectly packaged for finger-friendly eaters. These Chinese appetizers are not meant to fill tummies, but rather (loosely translated) “touch the heart. They are served steamed, fried or baked; even picky eaters will enjoy this food adventure (check out this picky eater’s guide to dim sum). Not only is dim sum fun to eat, but cart-style service means hungry little eaters can get their food faster (and pick it themselves!).

Photo: Audrey Low via flickr

Da Hong Pao
Dim sum portions are known to be finger-friendly foods. At Da Hong Pao, you’ll find portions slightly more miniaturized — perfect for little eaters! This restaurant is often referred to as one of the best DC dim sum spots and crowds can reflect that. You may wait 15 to 30 minute for a table during brunch, but if you have tiny adventurers with you, you can grab a beeper and explore the outdoors. While you can order by checking items off a menu, kids will like the parade of steam carts that whiz through the restaurant.

1409 14th St., NW (Logan Circle)
202-846-7229

Tiger Fork
Tucked away in an alley, kids will love the secret-like location of this Chinese restaurant in Shaw. Once inside, the space is filled with festive lanterns and tassels. Communal-style seating makes this a great place for large families or multiple party “play dates.” Dim sum dishes here are less traditional and more inventive, fusion-like offerings. A kid favorite: the bubble waffles piled with sweets and sprinkles.

922 N St NW (Shaw)
202-733-1152
Online: tigerforkdc.com

The Source by Wolfgang Puck
Attached to the Newseum on Pennsylvania Avenue, The Source is a great place to grab a bite when you are visiting near by attractions like the National Gallery or the Art Sculpture Garden. Puck’s Asian-fusion restaurant serves brunch on Saturday and Sunday; you’ll find non-traditional, house made dumplings artfully served here. The cuisine can lean adventurous, but the miso glazed donuts (a brunch staple) are sure to please even picky eaters.

575 Pennsylvania Ave., NW (National Mall)
202-637-6100
Online: wolfgangpuck.com

Hong Kong Pearl Seafood
Due to space, many D.C. locations can not accommodate the cart service that is often associated with dim sum. This Falls Church establishment is expansive and filled with carts, which means the most impatient diners in your party (kids, we’re looking at you) won’t have to wait long to eat! Little ones will love the sesame balls and pineapple buns at this location.

6286 Arlington Blvd. (Falls Church, VA)
703-237-1388

Ching Ching Cha
It was Hong Kong teahouses that first introduced dim sum; tiny snack-sized portions one could enjoy with their tea. This Georgetown institution is famous for their teas, but while you won’t find cart service here, there are dim sum treats on the menu. Ching Ching Cha offers a unique environment that transcends its D.C. address. Kids will love the part here about dining on floor pillows.

1063 Wisconsin Ave., NW (Georgetown)
202-333-8288
Online: chingchingcha.com

Mark’s Duck House
Tucked away in a shopping center off of Arlington Highway, Mark’s Duck House is a local favorite for dim sum and savory roast duck, a Cantonese staple. Dim sum is served from the pushcarts at lunch daily (10 am-3 pm) and at all other times can be ordered off the menu. Mark’s Duck House is not as large as some of the other dim sum spots, and it does fill up fast, so go early with the under-10 set.

6184 Arlington Blvd. (Falls Church, VA)
703-532-2125
Online: marksduckhouse.com

Tony Cheng’s
Small and authentic, Tony Cheng’s is the best spot in D.C. for a traditional dim sum brunch (served off push carts on weekends only, from 11 am-3 pm, but dim sum may be ordered off the menu daily). For some post-brunch entertainment, check out one of the kid-friendly museums nearby like the National Portrait Gallery, the International Spy Museum, or the Smithsonian Institution Asian Pacific American Center. .

619 H St., NW (Chinatown)
202-371-8669
Online: tonychengrestaurant.com

—Meghan Meyers and Shelby Settles-Harper

The Ultimate Guide to Grooming a Mini Foodie in D.C.

6 Things That Prove D.C. Kids are a Bunch of Bookworms

by Meghan Yudes MeyersSeptember 1, 2015

September ushers in National Literacy Month, and the DMV is teeming with book-centric celebrations and activities. From a Library of Congress sponsored festival to a pint-sized play village inspired by classic children’s tales here are the best places to foster a love of hard covers (and paperbacks!).

Photo: The Library of Congress via Facebook

#1 National Book Festival
The basics in life: food, shelter, oxygen… and books! Thomas Jefferson proclaimed, “I can’t live without books!” and hence a theme was born for the 15th annual festival hosted by the Library of Congress. This year’s event (which is free and open to the public) will be held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, with more than 175 authors doing readings, signings (or both).

When: Saturday, September 5 from 10 am to 10 pm.
Walter E. Washington Convention Center
801 Mt Vernon Pl., NW
888-714-4696
Online: loc.gov

#2 The Young Readers Center at The Library of Congress
Nearly one-third of all books that have been published in the United States can be found on the shelves of this library; with so many choices its easy to find a worthy read to cozy up with. The books at the The Young Readers Center are non-circulating meaning you can’t check them out, but you can read them—on repeat if you please—onsite. Every Friday (except holidays), the Center hosts story time for infants and toddlers at 10:30 am. Free admission stickers are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 10 am.

When: Every Friday (except holidays) at 10:30 am; free passes distributed at 10 am.
Thomas Jefferson Building, Room LJ G29 (ground floor)
10 First St., SE
202-707-1950
Online: read.gov

Photo: Baltimore County Public Library via Facebook

#3 Storyville
If reading a book can spark a child’s imagination, just imagine what a book-themed play place could do! This interactive learning center is geared toward children five and under.
With developmentally appropriate books and activities, Storyville fosters literacy and school readiness skills. And it’s just a really cool hangout.

When: Mon-Thu, 9 am-9 pm; Fri and Sat, 9 am-5:30 pm; Sun, 1 pm-5 pm
Baltimore County Public Library (Rosedale and Woodlawn branches)
6105 Kenwood Ave. (Rosedale, Md) and 1811 Woodlawn Dr. (Woodlawn, Md)
410-887-1165 (Rosedale); 410-887-1336 (Woodlawn)
Online: bcpl.info

#4 Books for America
There’s no better way to celebrate reading than to add a new book to your bookshelf. The library is nice, but sometimes you want to own a tome you’ll cherish for years to come. This bookstore, nicknamed “Bookstore with a Purpose,” also serves as the non-profit organization’s headquarters. You and your family will find an assortment of books at bargain-basement prices and the best part is, 100% of your purchase will benefit the organization’s book distribution programs. And if your littlest has a library gathering dust, this bookstore cheerfully accepts donated books.

When: Monday, Friday, Saturday 10 am -6 pm; Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 10 am -9 pm; Sunday 11 am – 5 pm
Books for America
1417 22nd Street NW
202-835-2665
Online: booksforamerica.org

Photo: East of the River Book Festival via Facebook

#5 East of the River Book Festival
Founded by “A is for Anacostia” author Courtney Davis, this festival celebrates writers who are independently published or hail from small presses. Explore culturally diverse books at this free community event.

When: Saturday, September 12 from 11 am to 3 pm
Anacostia Arts Center
1231 Good Hope Rd., SE
202-997-4441
Online: eastoftheriverbookfestival.com

#6 National Portrait Gallery
On select Saturdays and Sundays throughout the year, the National Portrait Gallery hosts “Portrait Story Days.” Young visitors and their families are invited to gather for a reading from a select book that depicts the life of a famous person from history. After story time, participants are encouraged to create a piece of art influenced by the tale. Bonus: there is no fee to participate.

When: Select Saturdays and Sundays (check the calendar for upcoming dates)
National Portrait Gallery
8th St., NW and F St., NW
202-633-8300
Online: npg.si.edu

What’s your kids favorite books/reading related activitiy to do.

—Meghan Meyers

D.C.’s Hot Spots for Kid-Friendly Public Art

by Ayren Jackson-CannadySeptember 5, 2014

D.C. is famous for its grand statues and huge memorials, which create the signature landscape of downtown. But there are also hundreds of lesser-known statues, sculptures, and outdoor artworks dotted around parks, public buildings, traffic circles and intersections throughout the DMV. Here are a few that are worth scoping out with your kids.

A Memorial with a View
Looking for President Buchanan? He’s been hanging out amidst the 12-acre sprawl that is Meridian Hill Park (also known as Malcolm X Park). This park has become revitalized along with the rest of the U Street area and is absolutely gorgeous, offering one of the most spectacular views of the D.C. landscape. It is set on one of the highest hills just north of the White House and runs along 16^th Street in an area lined by immense 20^th century mansions. In addition to the former president, you’ll find a finely “dressed” statue of Joan of Arc—all armored up and on a horse—which is the only equestrian statue in the city with a woman rider. The park also features an immense memorial to famous Italian philosopher Dante. One of the park’s central architectural features is an amazing stepped waterfall.

Good to know: Plan a visit on a Sunday between 3 pm and 9 pm to experience the popular neighborhood Drum Circle that convenes then. Après-park head towards bustling U Street, where you can check out some shops or grab a slice with your brood at Matchbox 14^th Street or &Pizza.

An Epic Adventure
Around Chinatown and Gallery Place, there are treasures galore; it’s easy to make a half- or even full-day adventure out of this super fun neighborhood. A good starting point is the colorful Friendship Arch, a Chinese gate built over H Street at 7th Street that celebrates the historic Chinatown area of Washington. From there, take a stroll down a block or two and step into the Portrait Gallery’s interior Kogod Courtyard, where regardless of weather outside the little ones can wear their rain boots and splash up a good time with the floor’s artsy water feature. Afterwards, just a short trek out and around the block to the corner of 9^th and G Streets will land you right in front of a very tall and brightly painted, wild looking metal sculpture titled Epoche.

Good to know: Afterwards enjoy a snack at Zaytinya (which is just next to where Epoche is displayed); the falafel and walnut ice cream are YUM.

Art Along the Avenue
One of the biggest sculptures in D.C. is nestled in the historic neighborhood of Anacostia. It’s a massive and exact replica of a wooden Duncan Phyfe antique chair. Your little ones won’t believe their eyes! Originally installed there in 1959 as an advertisement for a local furniture store, the Chair sculpture today sits 19.5 feet tall, is over 4,000 pounds, and is made entirely of painted brown aluminum with a white and brown striped seat. After your kiddos get over their amazement, continue on and check out some other cool art and museum sites nearby. A sculpture installation that was just installed along New Hope Rd. in 2013 is titled Journey Anacostia, intended to reflect the “diverse history and heritage of the Anacostia community.” Also, don’t miss the Anacostia Community Museum lawn sculpture titled Real Justice, which is dedicated to the late Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall.

Good to know: If you need to take a break after seeing all these sights, drop into one of the nearby family-friendly places that are getting rave reviews: the Big Chair Coffee & Grill (right across street from the sculpture), Mama’s or Nürish Food & Drink, which is in the Arts Center. If your lil’ team still have some steam left in them, take them over to run around on the eight acres of beautiful grounds surrounding the historic home of Frederic Douglass at Cedar Hill.

Do you know of any other public artworks or statues that we should check out? Let us know in the comments section below.

—Kristina Messner

Photos courtesy of Elvert Barnes via Flickr, pitchercrab via Flickr, Ted Eytan via Flickr

ML Interest Tag: portrait-gallery

Party On! 6 Ways to Celebrate Washington’s Birthday

Related reads

Let’s Gogh! Drop-In Art Classes for Creative Kids

All Ages

Preschoolers

Elementary Aged and Tweens Too

Related reads

Yum Yum! D.C.’s Best Family-Friendly Dim Sum

Related reads

6 Things That Prove D.C. Kids are a Bunch of Bookworms

Related reads

D.C.’s Hot Spots for Kid-Friendly Public Art

Related reads