Can’t get away for spring break this year? Worried about how to keep the kids occupied? We’ve got you covered. Whether you want to step out for a quick hour or two, or spend a full day out and about, the D.C. area has plenty to offer those sticking close to home while schools are closed. Here are some ways to make that week off a memorable one for the kiddos.
Beauvoir Playground at the National CathedralÂ
Natural curiosity and exploration are encouraged at this one-of-a-kind, nature-inspired playground in Northwest D.C. Beauvoir School’s Paula Carreiro Campus Outdoor Laboratory features play equipment that aligns with the school’s philosophy that children must be able to explore with all of their senses to truly understand their environment. Located in the foreground of the cathedral tower, the sprawling apparatus consists of natural materials with natural finishes intended to blend into the landscape. There are no bright-colored plastic or steel structures. The public is welcome to experience the playground on weekends and school holidays from dawn to dusk, or from 5 p.m. to dusk when school or camp is in session. // 3500 Woodley Road, NW, Washington, D.C.
Burnside Farms
It’s like Holland in Virginia. When the cherry blossoms fade, head to these tulip fields for the Festival of Spring, which runs mid-March through mid-April, depending on bloom time and weather patterns. Check the website for exact dates before heading out to pick your own tulips ($1 per stem) or daffodils (two for $1). Bring your camera for Insta-worthy shots in the fields, which contain millions of flowers, including more than 200 varieties of tulips and more than 30 types of daffodils. Relax in the courtyard of the 100-year-old dairy barn and enjoy a picnic in the shade, and then send the kids to sample activities (included in the price of admission) such as wagon rides, jumping pads and slides. The farm also has hundreds of authentic Dutch wooden shoes on a stage that kids can clomp around in. Admission for visitors ages 6 and up is $19 on weekdays and $21 on weekends and includes five pick-your-own flower stems. // 11008 Kettle Run Road, Nokesville, Virginia
Go Ape!
For a quick afternoon adventure, don a harness and tackle a treetop obstacle course in Springfield. At Go Ape, the climbing options include a scaled-down course for kids and an adult-size course. Thrillseekers can immerse themselves in nature while navigating suspended bridges, wobbly tree-to-tree crossings and ziplines high up in the tree canopy. Those who prefer keeping their feet on terra firma can try out the Forest Escape, an interactive outdoor escape room challenge. For additional high-climbing adventures, check out Climb Upton at Arlington’s Upton Hills Regional Park, or The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring Friends School in Sandy Spring, Maryland. //7550 Reservation Drive, Springfield
Immersive Gamebox
Need something fun to do on a rainy day? Step inside the Gamebox for a fully-private, group gaming experience. The interactive digital room features touch screens, motion tracking, projection mapping and surround sound for an immersive, 60-minute adventure. Log in and work together to find rare martian minerals or save the Queen’s corgis. // 4238 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Ballston)
Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens
Tucked within the District’s city limits is a land where beavers build their homes and turtles sleep on logs. Lotus blooms rise from the muck and lilies sit on the water. This watery National Park in Northeast D.C. is free to visit. The lotus flowers and water lilies are dormant in the winter, so be sure to check the website for bloom time. Little ones will enjoy the boardwalks elevated over the wetlands, frog and dragonfly spotting and leggy birds, such as the great white egret and blue heron. //Â 1550 Anacostia Ave. NE, Washington, D.C.
Play Street Museum
Let the kids explore big city living and stroll about town in a world that’s just their size. Opening this spring, this interactive museum encourages hands-on, immersive pretend play. Kids can shop at the cafe, save the day on a fire truck or go for a checkup in the doctor’s office. Reserve a 90-minute playtime session Sunday through Friday, or check the calendar for special events, including a chance to meet the Easter bunny. Alternately, you can stop by late for “Night at the Museum.” Weekends include special activities such as pottery making, canvas painting, dino digs and space exploration. Admission is $16 for kids 8 and younger. Older kids (who are welcome to play along in a calm and respectful manner) and infants are free if they come with a paying sibling. // 4110 Ashburn Shopping Plaza, Ashburn
Scramble Parkour & Shirlington Village
Kick it up a notch with this indoor parkour gym for kids, teens and adults. Visitors can glide, swing and leap from obstacle to obstacle in four different levels of challenges, including a soft playroom for tinies, “Lower J Street Parkour” for little kids, a competitive course, and the “Upper J Street,” designed exclusively for advanced parkourists. Once the kids are tuckered out, stroll Shirlington for kid-friendly food, visit the arcade games at Astro Beer Hall, and pop into One Two Kangaroo Toys to browse the latest merch. Then wrap it all up with an ice cream from Jeni’s. // 2900 S. Quincy St., Arlington (Shirlington)
Spring Egg Hunt
Hop on over to Potomac Overlook park for a different kind of egg hunt. Kids can pick up a sheet of clues at the nature center, explore the park on a scavenger hunt, and then return to the nature center with the completed sheet for a prize. You can join the fun any day from April 12 to 20 between 10:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Price: $8 per participating child, paid upon arrival at the nature center. No reservations required. // 2845 N. Marcey Road,
Arlington
Skyline Drive
Drive through stunning scenery along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Shenandoah National Park. The 105-mile route is the only public road that passes through the park. It takes about three hours to travel the entire length. Expect to make lots of stops along the way to enjoy the views and perhaps one of the park’s many scenic hikes. Make a weekend out of it by camping on the grounds. // Front Royal Entrance Station, by Rt. 66 and 340, Front Royal, Virginia
Storytime on the Farm
Toddlers will enjoy getting up close and personal with animals at Temple Hall Farm Regional Park and then listening to a farm- or nature-related story every Thursday at 2 p.m. Afterward they can complete a related craft or activity. The program is $5 for each participating child. //15855 Limestone School Road, LeesburgÂ