Guest Blogger: Sandra Kozera is a Pittsburgh native who backpacked around Europe with Catherine ages ago. She is a lawyer and member of the North Hills School Board.
Almost every fall, our family travels to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia with some family friends. It’s a beautiful area all year round, but it’s especially amazing when the leaves are changing. Now, obviously a National-Park-destination trip has the capacity to be a pretty fun outdoorsy sort of adventure for the right sort of people (such as my friend who went on her honeymoon there last year). However, we are not very outdoorsy, and our children are still relatively young (currently 8 and 5), but we’ve still enjoyed going almost annually since before the eight year old was born. Because we’ve done this trip so many times, we have some pretty good hacks for how to enjoy the park and enjoy nature without needing to even consider whether we should tie our food up in a tree so that bears don’t get it. We love visiting Shenandoah National Park with kids.
On the Way to Shenandoah National Park
We live in Pittsburgh, and we drive to the park – it’s about a five hour trip for us. Because car travel with small children can often be fraught with disaster, one year I decided to see if there was a farm where we could stop on the way, and we discovered Orr’s Farm Market in Martinsburg, West Virginia. This is now my favorite farmer’s market. What I look for in a good farmer’s market: interesting things to do, minimal crowds, lots of produce. There are hayrides, animals, tons of apples, tons of pumpkins, and a whole area where kids can play, which is super important after hours of driving. I’ve definitely thought about going to Orr’s just on a random Saturday even though it’s a three hour drive.
We also always stop at Buffalo Wild Wings while we are in Martinsburg. I like to take small children to loud restaurants, and this one definitely fits the bill.
Visiting the Shenandoah National Park Area
Shenandoah National Park is located entirely in Virginia, and it is long, stretching from near Front Royal to Staunton. We typically stay in the Harrisonburg/Luray area, which is about at the midway point. There are lodges and campsites in the park, but we usually stay outside the park. We really enjoy the Mountainside Villas at Massanutten, which is practically a destination itself – there is a pool, a golf course, miniature golf, hiking trails, and a variety of other seasonal activities.
We have also stayed at the Shenandoah Valley KOA Kampground, which is lovely if you want to be slightly more outdoorsy but don’t want to deal with staying in the actual park. KOA has cabins as well as tent camping, so we could enjoy a campfire and s’mores when we stayed here.
Harrisonburg is home to James Madison University, and it is a great, walkable little town. Bella Luna Wood-Fired Pizza has a delightful pizza menu and thorough beer selection, and nearby Bella Gelato & Pastries features inventive ice cream selections. There are also a number of chain restaurants, big-box stores, various grocery stores – so you can basically replace everything you accidentally left at home all within a short drive of where you are staying. And there’s a large Barnes & Noble in case you need a book.
Visiting the Shenandoah National Park – Skyline Drive
In order to see the park, you’re going to need to spend some time in your car. Driving at least part of the 105-mile-long Skyline Drive is an amazingly beautiful journey. There are a number of scenic overlooks. Some are spectacular, so definitely be prepared to pull over at a moment’s notice to take in the view.
Shenandoah National Park Best Hikes
There are a ton of hiking trails, but it’s hard (for me, anyway) to tell from maps which ones will be appropriate or interesting for children. I recommend two – the Limberlost Trail, which is an easy, flat hike of about 1.3 miles, and the Dark Hollow Falls Trail, which is an out-and-back waterfall destination hike. Dark Hollow is hilly and may not be appropriate for the littlest legs, but the waterfall views are amazing. There are some flat trails in the Skyland area, but the scenery in that area is somewhat stark – still, it’s a nice easy place to stretch your legs.
Shenandoah National Park Restaurants
Food is available at Big Meadows and at Skyland. Skyland’s Pollock Dining Room has a nice sit-down restaurant with lovely views, but they open at 12 for lunch, and there is often a line, so plan for that accordingly. There’s also a gas station in Big Meadows if you happen to blow out your tire and need someone to help you put on your spare (just theoretically).
Visiting Shenandoah National Park in Fall
The temperature in the park is usually 5-10 degrees colder than it is outside the park in the fall, and in Skyland, it can be even colder. We go in mid to late October, and the park temperature has been everything from 80 degrees to 40 degrees, depending on the year. Basically pack all your clothes.
We are not going to Shenandoah this year, and we are going to miss it, but we will definitely be back. This is a great family trip.
Old Town Alexandria is a historic neighborhood located just a few miles south of Washington, DC. Having called Old Town Alexandria home for six years, I can say, without a doubt, that it is not only an amazing place to live, but also a fabulous place to visit. Over the years, I have encouraged many friends/family visiting from out of town to spend a few hours exploring Old Town with kids! Not only is it an incredibly family friendly place, but it is literally dripping in history and architectural design AND also incredibly dog friendly. Old Town is home to the only coffee shop I’ve ever heard of that freely allows dogs into its establishment. So, even on a crummy day, Old Town is a great place to bring your kids and furry pups for some window shopping and good eats.
How to Get to Old Town Alexandria:
Getting to Old Town Alexandria is not difficult. It’s a short drive down the GW Parkway from Washington, DC and if you’re flying into Reagan National Airport (DCA) and planning on using public transportation, the King Street Metro station is just two stops south of the DCA stop. Once at or near King Street (the “main drag”), you can easily take the free King Street Trolley, which travels along King Street from the metro station to the waterfront every 10-15 minutes throughout the day. There is absolutely no charge to ride the Trolley, you don’t even need to be in possession of any passes, you can simply keep an eye out for Trolley stops along King Street and hop on and off as you see fit! The Trolley also carries free copies of the Alexandria’s Visitor’s Guide as well as a map of the main business area, so it really is a great starting point for learning your way around Old Town Alexandria.
The King Street Trolley!
If you find yourself driving to Old Town, the cheapest parking option is simply to park 2-3 blocks north of King Street. On or in the immediate vicinity of King Street, the parking spots are metered and/or you can look for lots that provide day parking. But, if you’re looking for free parking options, just park a few blocks north of King Street and take the short stroll down. Pro Tip: If you park close to the Potomac, you can simply walk due east until you hit the waterfront and then enjoy the gorgeous scenery on your way down.
Top Five Things to Do:
#1: Explore the Waterfront
Situated on the banks of the Potomac River, Old Town Alexandria is the perfect spot to enjoy the serene waters of the Potomac River. There are so many ways to enjoy the water, including water taxis and boat cruises, but my personal favorite way to experience the waterfront is to visit one of the many waterfront parks located along the Potomac and throughout Old Town.
View of the Potomac from the north end of Founders Park
My personal favorite waterfront park is Founders Park, which is located just three blocks north of King Street. Not only does it provide an amazing, shaded opportunity to enjoy the Potomac’s serene waters, but it also has an unleashed dog park for my four legged child AND a beach volleyball court.
Beach volleyball at Founders Park
On any nice day, you can find the park filled with local residents simply enjoying the outdoors. And, if you happen to be in town during Alexandria’s annual birthday celebration and firework spectacular, which always happens the weekend after the Fourth of July, it’s a perfect spot to lay down a blanket or towel and enjoy the show.
There are a number of fenced in walk ways that are perfect for young duck feeders!
#2: Visit Artists’ Galleries at the Torpedo Factory
The Torpedo Factory is presently home to the nation’s largest collection of working-artists’ open studios under one roof. On the day after Armistice Day, the official end of WWI, the US Navy began construction on the Torpedo Factory which was truly intended to be responsible for the manufacture and maintenance of torpedoes for the Navy. For five years, the factory was fully operational until work stopped during and the building became a munitions storage area. During WWII, production picked up again, but eventually, the factory’s production came to a grinding halt due to the end of WWII and the United States continued to use the building for storage. For years, the factory held congressional documents, dinosaur bones, art objects, and other records.
During a tour of the Torpedo Factory, I learned that the building really became something of a liability for the United States government and so it was “sold” to the City of Alexandria for the hefty sum of $1 in 1969. It took a few years for the city to develop a plan, but eventually the Torpedo Factory opened to the public as a working studio for artists.
The Torpedo Factory is presently home to a large number of open artist studios and, on any given, day, its a great spot to enjoy a reprieve from the elements. Whether it’s summer or winter, the Torpedo Factory’s central location directly at the intersection of King Street and the Potomac River is a great place to seek some shade or air conditioning and to use the facilities. Pro Tip: Free, clean bathrooms available!
My personal favorite part about the visiting the Torpedo Factory (aside from the free, clean bathrooms and air conditioning) is the local “water musician,” who can be found nearly every weekend playing his tunes just outside of the factory’s main entrance.
If you happen to visit the Torpedo Factory, be sure to stop by and say hi to my friend Katy who runs EatsPlace Cafe & Market, a great place to grab a sandwich and cold drink (including beer)!
#3: Experience History
I cannot begin to do justice to the City of Alexandria’s history without turning this post into a thesis. The short story is that Native American artifacts dating to 13,200 years ago and as late as 1,600 AD have been found in Alexandria. The city has served as a tobacco trading post, one of the ten busiest ports in America, a part of the District of Columbia, the hometown of Robert E. Lee, George Washington, and a Civil War supply center for Union Troops, among others.
In my opinion, the city has done a wonderful thing of honoring the past by preserving it for the future. There are a number of historical sites and attractions available for visiting and the city runs most of them, with available tours and special exhibits and attractions. While by no means an exhaustive list, some of my favorite sites are:
This 18th century home is located one block north of King Street and is a beautiful example of Georgian residential architecture. John Carlyle was a wealthy merchant and a founder of Alexandria and the home has served as not only a private residence, but as a hospital during the Civil War and is now a museum.
The Lee Fendall House was constructed in 1985 and has housed 37 members of the Lee family, served as a convalescent home for Union soldiers during the Civil War, and has also been the price residence of many wealthy Alexandrians during its 200 year history. The home is located on the National Register of Historical Places and is a wonderful place to visit. Tours run regularly throughout the week and the museum also offers a number of special events. The home also runs an annual “candy free” Easter egg hunt, which we visited one year with our young son. I totally got a kick out of knowing that my four year old was freaking out over the Easter bunny at home that Robert E. Lee likely visited and stayed at while in command of the Confederate Army.
The Churches:
This may come as a surprise to many, but Alexandria is home to a surprising number of “first churches.” The historic Christ Church is located in the center of Old Town and George Washington was a founding member and rented a family pew and Robert E. Lee was a later member of the church as well.
Last but not least, Alexandria is home to St. Joseph’s Church, the oldest black Catholic church in Virginia. Located only two blocks from our home, we frequently attended St. Joseph’s and found it to be a vibrant and welcoming parish. My husband attended an African Methodist Episcopal Church throughout college and loved the choir and worship at St. Joseph’s, which definitely had a lot more to it than our typical mass.
Built in 1785, Gadsby’s Tavern was an essential part of the fiber of the City of Alexandria. George Washington visited the Tavern frequently and other prominent guests include Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe, and yours truly, of course.
Although the food is truly nothing to write home about, the experience of dining at Gadsby’s Tavern is a real treat. Workers still dress in period clothing and the food is designed to be “authentic” – including some of Virginia’s famous peanut soup.
Even if you don’t have time to dine at Gadsby’s, be sure to stop by and visit the recently renovated Icehouse, which can be viewed for free from the outside rain or shine.
The Old Town Farmers’ Market is the oldest continuously held farmers’ market in the country. Any Saturday morning, rain, sleet, or shine, you can find local farmers and artisans with their booths. Not only is it a great place to purchase fresh produce, but there are a number of local bakeries, eateries, and artisans also out selling their products.
There are truly few things better in life than eating your way through the Farmer’s Market on a beautiful spring or fall day!
#4: Walk the King Street Mile
King Street is a walkable mile of over 160 independent shops and boutiques. As you may have gathered by now, King Street is the heart of Old Town and no visit to Old Town is complete without popping into at least some of the shops that make up the Old Town Boutique District.
The Hour: a shop dedicated entirely to cocktail hour! Although many of the items sold here are way outside of our budget, it’s a great little place to get ideas for hosting your next cocktail hour or dinner party.
Red Barn Mercantile: my favorite home goods store, hands down. Not only does the shop offer an great collection of candles, pillows, and other assorted home decor, but it’s a fabulous place to get Alexandria inspired items for home or gifting. I’ve purchased many candles, mugs, and other related items to give as housewarming gifts.
Handmade and DIY Shops: Alexandria happens to be home to a number of do-it-yourself shops. My favorite store in this category is fibre space, which is hands down the best local yarn shop I have ever visited. Owner Danielle has the most amazing vision and all of the employees are not only seasoned knitters and crocheters, but are also fabulous people to boot. If yarn isn’t your cup of tea, you can opt for a sewing lesson, painting lesson, jewelry making and design course, or just a good old fashioned pottery painting session. Be sure to check out the handmade and DIY shop offerings for your next visit to Old Town!
Pro Tip: I’ve affectionately renamed Old Town “Dog Town USA” and it’s no surprise as Alexandia is incredibly dog friendly. If you’re also traveling with your four legged child, The Alexandria is an ideal place to stay. Not only is it located in the heart of Old Town, but it offers a weekly “Yappy Hour” that we have visited with both our two legged and four legged children. Many of the shops in Old Town are pet friendly, just keep your eyes peeled for this blue sign indicating that even Fido is welcome! The dog friendly aspect of Old Town really makes this an ideal family vacation destination as there’s no need to leave your furry friend behind.
Old Town Alexandria is filled with amazing restaurants and eateries. As a rule, the further from the waterfront you get, the better the quality of the food is. That said, if you’re only in town for a short time, there’s nothing wrong with enjoying a meal at Vola’s Dockside Grill or The Chart House. I wouldn’t say that either are particularly kid friendly, though. The Chart House is definitely pricey and Vola’s is hard to manage with young children simply because it is always swamped. If you’re looking for tried and true kid-friendly dining options, our favorites:
Eamonn’s: Amazing fish and chips. Be sure to add some extra sauces to your order.
Pizza Paradiso: Great pizza and beer selection. I’ve maneuvered a double stroller through this place, so don’t hesitate to bring your kids!
Hank’s Oyster Bar: We love the seafood, there’s a great kids menu, and my kids love that every meal starts with goldfish crackers and ends with dark chocolate chunks.
Red Rocks Pizza: If you find yourself further away from the water when it’s chow time, Red Rocks offers great pizza and we even prefer it slightly to Pizza Paradiso.
La Madeleine: A french bakery & cafe that is also a great option for a causal breakfast or light lunch. Also a great place to pick up pastries to enjoy at home later!
And, of course, it is nearly impossible to go to Old Town without enjoying some of the amazing desserts the town has to offer. There’s the Ben & Jerry’s just by the water, but also a number of mom & pop ice cream shops. If liquid nitrogen ice cream is your thing, be sure to check out one of the more recent additions to the Old Town dessert scene: Nicecream. There are also quite a few cupcake and chocolatiers littered throughout town, so definitely save room for dessert.
We are so lucky to have called Old Town Alexandria home for six years and we hope you consider popping in for a visit on your next trip to Washington, DC. Be sure to check out our entire category of posts on things to do and places to visit in Washington, DC with kids and make sure to visit Old Town Alexandria with kids!
Science museums offer interactive and hands-on exhibits to inspire excitement for STEM learning. Many science museums also participate in the ASTC Travel Passport Program, which provides members of participating museums free reciprocal admission to hundreds of natural history, science and children’s museums around the world. We asked some of our fellow family travel bloggers for favorite science museums they’ve visited and came up with this list of the best science centers in the world (asterisked museums are participants in the ASTC Travel Passport Program).
Best Science Museums for Kids
#1: Arizona Science Center With Kids* (Phoenix, Arizona)
There are two things that make for a great science museum: interactive exhibits and engaging explanations. We found both of those in spades at the Arizona Science Center! We visited with our 3 and 5 year old children and found meaningful, hands-on stations to suit everyone in the family along with easy-to-understand signage everywhere. There’s almost an entire floor dedicated to the human body, a huge section on mechanics and even a large area covering extreme weather (perfect for my Storm Chasers-loving husband). The Center always shows interesting and age-appropriate films at its IMAX theater and has a fantastic cafe on-site that offers food that is both healthy and fun. A visit to the Arizona Science Center is the perfect way to escape the Phoenix heat with kids, and bring your ASTC member card for free admission!
Recommended by Melissa Conn from The Family Voyage. Find out more from Melissa about great family activities in Phoenix.
#2: California Academy of Sciences With Kids (San Francisco, California)
The California Academy of Sciences is both a natural history museum and a science museum all in one! The Academy has a rain forest, aquarium (with a touch and feel tide pool), planetarium, living roof, and a section where they provide African wildlife exhibits – including real penguins! The playroom is a favorite with our 1 and 3 year old children, too. Visitors can’t forget the albino alligator, Claude, who lives in the swamp of the Academy. We’ve had a membership to this museum since before we had kids, and we now continue to renew it because there is truly something for everyone. It’s located in a central part of the Golden Gate Park, so it’s a perfect spot to stop while you are exploring San Francisco.
Recommended by Emily Jenks from Henry and Andrew’s Guide. Find out more from Emily about San Francisco with kids.
#4: Cite des Sciences et de l’industrie With Kids (Paris, France)
Housed inside a giant concrete block, the Cite des Sciences is the largest science museum in Europe. It has several permanent exhibits featuring sciences, mathematics and technology. Visitors can explore the human brain, learn about the origins of the universe and see how man has developed technology, among other things. Don’t miss the Geode at the back of the museum; this enormous reflective globe contains a state of the art IMAX and virtual reality cinema.
Children will be especially interested in the Cite des Enfants (Children’s City) where they can join a 90 minute session and explore experiments and interactive tasks, while learning about their bodies and the physical world. Older children can also play in a TV studio and a garden. The sessions are split by age: ages 2 – 7 and 5 – 12. Kids don’t want to leave!
After exploring the exhibits in the museum, take a walk in the Parc de la Villette behind the museum to see its modern, industrial architecture. The Cite des Sciences is a little off the main tourist trail in Paris, but it’s reached easily enough from the Gare du Nord. There’s no general admission fee, but individual exhibits do require admission, and pre-booking the children’s city is a good idea to avoid the long queues.
Recommended by Emily Cole from Kids and Compass. Find out more from Emily about Paris with small kids.
#5: The Franklin Institute With Kids* (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
The Franklin Institute is a science and technology center in Center City in Philadelphia. It’s named for Philadelphia’s beloved citizen and Founding Father, Benjamin Franklin, who wore many hats but most notably as a scientist and inventor. When we go to Philadelphia to visit family in the suburbs, my children always insist on visiting the Franklin Institute.
Visitors can easily spend an entire day at this center because there is so much to do. The Institute has special exhibits that rotate regularly. For example, we have enjoyed exhibits on Pompeii and the Terracotta Warriors. There is an IMAX theater, a planetarium and many interactive exhibits. For example, there is a giant human heart that visitors can walk both around and through, while exploring the different parts of the organ. Even though the Institute is very popular, it never feels crowded because it is so large. It’s easily one of the best science centers we have ever visited.
Luray Caverns is basically the Geology Hall of Fame. Located in the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia, Luray is the largest and most visited caverns in Eastern America. This one of a kind attraction combines geology, chemistry and even music. Admission tickets include a guided tour, which departs every 20 minutes after 9 a.m., and access to the The Luray Valley Museum, the Car and Carriage Museum and Toy Town Junction. Families can also buy additional tickets to the Rope Adventure Park and Garden Maze. The guided tour leads visitors through well lit, paved walkways to view and explore towering stone formations and natural wonders. Our family stopped at this one of a kind center on a road trip to Georgia, and I literally had to drag my kids out of there. My science and history loving children were in awe of the enormous chambers filled with towering stone columns, draperies and crystal-clear pools. For visitors looking for a unique science museum that offers hands on and experienced based learning in a stunning environment, Luray Caverns should be on your East Coast itinerary.
#7: Magna Science Adventure Centre With Kids (Rotherham, England)
We love the Magna Science Adventure Centre in Rotherham, Yorkshire. It’s based around air, fire, water and Earth with different exhibit areas for each. The Centre is set in an old steel works, and the space is massive and actually a little spooky. There is a big melt every hour with fireworks and other sounds to demonstrate how they used to melt the steel. Each of the pavilions has different interactive displays for young and old to play with and explore. Our particular favourites are watching a tornado of fire ignite in the fire pavilion, playing with pretend rocks and blowing holes in rocks in the Earth pavilion and shooting water canons at targets in the water pavilion. There’s also one of the biggest playgrounds I’ve ever seen that has a splash park in the warmer months. The added cherry on top is that once visitors have paid for one visit they can return as many times as desired for the next 12 months without charge.
#8: National Science and Technology Museum Leonardo da Vinci With Kids* (Milan, Italy)
The National Science and Technology Museum Leonardo da Vinci is the biggest science museum in Italy. The outside of the 16th-century monastery that houses the museum is nothing to look at, but the inside is amazing. The Museum has a huge collection of sixteen thousand technical scientific objects, dating back to the 19th century. There’s a gallery with drawings by Leonardo Da Vinci and 130 scale models that are based on his sketches. Furthermore, the Museum has exhibits about energy production, communication, computers, iron and steel industry and space travel. The transportation section takes up a large part of the museum, with various (parts of) ships, a collection of locomotives and train carriages, numerous airplanes and even a full-size helicopter. Our son was also really impressed by the huge military submarine Enrico Toti that sits in the garden. We only spent a morning at the museum with our toddler and did not nearly have enough time to see it all.
Recommended by Lisa van den Berg from Flip Flop Globetrotters. Find out more from Lisa about things to do in Milan with kids.
#9: Nagoya City Science Museum and Electricity Museum With Kids (Nagoya, Japan)
The Nagoya City Science Museum in Nagoya, Japan houses the biggest planetarium in the world. The 30 minute planetarium show about the galaxy and constellations, featuring a highly realistic starry sky, will leave the viewers in awe even though it isn’t dubbed in English. Visitors will also enjoy various exhibits such as the Tornado Lab, Deep Freezing Lab and Electric Discharge Lab.
For Nagoya visitors who love science, the Electricity Museum is a family-friendly attraction in Nagoya, Japan where kids and adults can enjoy learning how electricity works and its importance to the people of Japan. We toured the museum through the Nagoya Sightseeing Tour Bus, and the entrance ticket is free for everyone. It offers hologram images where visitors can see the pioneers in Japanese electricity and there are interactive tools on display and a science plaza where kids can experiment and be familiarized with different science laws. The main attraction of this museum is the OHM Theater where guests can participate in quizzes and competitions as video game characters on their impressive 29-foot screen.
#10: Oregon Museum of Science and Industry With Kids* (Portland, Oregon)
The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (“OMSI”) in Portland, Oregon, is not somewhere visitors might think of bringing a child, and we worried whether our son would enjoy it. We wanted to visit the special exhibition OMSI had about Pompeii, but we were delighted to find lots for kids to enjoy. We were totally blown away by it. The Science Playground was by far our son’s favourite section. Designed for kids ages 0-6, there were water tables, sand pits and lots of different sections for free-play, learning and discovery. The Planetarium was also a hit with our young son, and the rest of the museum was filled with different exhibits for children of all ages. One thing we missed during our visit was USS Blueback, the submarine that was featured in The Hunt for Red October and now permanently docked beside the museum. I was gutted to learn that we had missed it, but it’s a perfect excuse for a return visit!
#11: Perot Museum of Nature and Science With Kids* (Dallas, Texas)
The Perot Museum of Nature and Science is not merely a science center. This awe-inspiring, 160,000 square foot structure is a state-of-the-art experience intersecting the worlds of engineering, science, architecture, nature and sustainability. With eleven permanent exhibits, six learning labs and one traveling exhibit, the sprawling six floors deliver excitement. My fourth-grader loves the Rose Hall of Birds where visitors can build and fly their own bird. The Leap Frog Forest enchants my toddler as kids of all ages can crawl, jump and play life-size leapfrog. Both kids agree that the top attractions are:
Sports: Practice an athletic move then film yourself in “Motion Lab” or challenge a T-Rex, Dallas Cowboy or cheetah in a timed race at “Run.”
Life Then and Now: Build your own dinosaur then send it to battle.
Engineering and Innovation: Lead pre-built robots on missions or program one yourself using visual coding stations.
But, don’t forget to squeeze in some other special engagements. Marvel at the Perot Dinosaur, a new species found by Perot Museum Paleontologists. Crack open an Amethyst Geode that stands 5 feet tall. Visitors can also get their groove on at Harmony Park, watch a 4D Film at the National Geographic Experience Theater or view a real brain and stem at “Being Human.”
#12: Science World at TELUS World of Science With Kids* (Vancouver, Canada)
Science World at TELUS World of Science is one of the best science museums we have visited. Not only does it stand out in terms of location and architecture, but it also has diverse displays, hands-on experiments and award-winning playgrounds. Most displays are designed to be intuitive, and children and grown-ups are encouraged to try things out and have fun while exploring the museum and learning. Kids can try to weigh a hippo, climb on a rotating climbing wall and crawl through a beaver lodge. There are regular live demonstrations throughout the day, and we planned to visit for 2 hours and end up staying for 4.5. Science World is one of Vancouver’s must-do kid-focused tourist attractions.
#13: Scienceworks With Kids (Melbourne, Australia)
For parents of children constantly asking “why” about everything, Scienceworks in Melbourne feeds the curiosity of young minds. Offering a wide range of kid friendly exhibits with hands on activities, and live demonstrations, this child-focused museum makes learning about science fun and exciting.
For little space lovers, the planetarium teaches kids about planets, constellations, and their home planet Earth through a kid-friendly animated film. With reclining seats and a domed roof, visitors can sit back and enjoy the show. Kids also love the “lightning room” which is a 120-seat auditorium that presents demonstrations to teach children about electricity. Learn about dinosaurs, the ocean, bugs and insects, and much more. For those visiting Melbourne, Scienceworks is a great day out for the whole family.
There are so many of these best science museums in the world that are now on our travel list. For more amazing museums for young scientists, check out the Best Natural History Museums in the World!
Located approximately 45 minutes south of Washington, DC, Manassas National Battlefield Park is the perfect destination for families. Administered by the National Park Service, the battlefield provides a great hands on opportunity to experience American history, while providing some fresh open air and solitude away from the city.
On a recent weekend, I decided to venture out to the battlefield with my two children, ages 3.5 and 9. Little did I know this would end up to be a great way to spend a beautiful spring day!
Upon arrival at the main welcome center, I was thrilled to see a clearly marked sign, indicating the turn off. There was ample parking, and we made our way into the facility to pick up a map, use the restrooms, and visit the gift shop. My boys were immediately enamored by the replica canons and the other Civil War memorabilia available for purchase, and we also spent quite a bit of time perusing the indoor exhibits, which also include a short film depicting the progression of the Bull Run (both the First and Second battles).
After a short 20 minutes or so indoors, we ventured out into the battlefield and that’s when my kids really went wild. They loved the canons, loved the historic buildings, and just loved being out in the wide, open expanse of field. While my 3.5 year old dedicated himself to blowing as many dandelions as he could, I explained the battlefield set up to my 9 year old. We made our way down to the various historical markers in the main battlefield area, taking in the historic burial ground and the other monuments.
To give my kids the full experience, however, I really wanted them to see just how large the battle of Bull Run had been. That is, I wanted to disabuse them of the notion that the battle was limited to the space we were standing. The map we had picked up earlier had a driving tour of the two Battles of Bull Run, so we piled into a car and made our way to 3-4 other stops on the driving tour.
The Stone House served as a Union hospital during the first Battle of Bull Run, with the dirt floor of the cellar covered in injured and dying soldiers throughout the battle.Marking where the First Battle of Bull Run began.
I was thrilled to see that many of the stops were well marked and included not only historical signs, but also restrooms and facilities! My oldest son definitely got a sense of just how large a battlefield can be and how even though we refer to the battles as “the First Battle of Bull Run” and “the Second Battle of Bull Run,” that the battles really took place over a series of weeks, if not months, and that it involved covering a very significant area of land under harsh conditions (no four wheel drive vehicles and air conditioning, that’s for sure!).
In total, we spent about 2 hours visiting the main battlefield and touring the various stops along the driving tour. It was a surprisingly captivating experience for my 9 year old and it made an impression even on my 3.5 year old as for days thereafter, he recreated “the Manassas Battlefield” using his toys and has repeatedly asked if we can go back for a second visit. With only 900,000 visitors annually (versus the roughly 15 million visitors who descend upon Washington, DC annually), the Manassas Battlefield is such a welcome reprieve from the mass of tourist and congestion while also providing a great hands on opportunity to where a significant part of American history actually took place. That it’s just a short 45 minutes drive outside of Washington, DC makes it a great destination for those looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience.
The Manassas Battlefield Park is located at 6511 Sudley Road in Manassas, VA and is open daily from dawn until dusk. The Henry Hill Visitor Center is open daily from 8:30am – 5pm (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day) and is a great place to start your visit. The orientation film is shown daily at the top of every hour, from 9am – 4pm and admission is free.
Be sure to check out our entire category of posts on things to do and places to visit in Washington, DC with kids! We are so lucky to call this place home and hope that our tips and tricks come in handy as you plan your own adventure in Washington, DC with kids!
Every so often, we encounter a place that is so fabulous for those traveling with kids that it is worthy of being featured on its own. For more fun locations, please check out our other Spotlight features!
Guest Blogger: Cynthia, her husband, and two boys are Floridians who recently road tripped to Virginia where they quickly learned that Virginia is not “only” for lovers. The state offers so much rich history and fun stuff for a family to do. With her sons now of teenage age, their road trip to Virginia’s historical sites was the perfect opportunity to not only learn more about their country but to actually see and experience it in real life. For more on Cynthia and her family, visit Mackintosh Travels.
Getting to Virginia:
Our family has traveled extensively abroad, but we have not spent much time traveling within the United States. My husband is a history buff, so we decided to take our boys on an epic road trip from Florida to Virginia to visit Virginia’s amazing historical sites.
Our first stop was to pay a visit to the “world’s first successful combat submarine,” the Hunley, located in Charleston, South Carolina. Our tour guide was extremely informative and we enjoyed the experience.
Our next stop was at a fun town located literally on the border of North and South Carolina. What a fun place South of the Border is! Vibrant colors surround this mini-Mexico, and it was a fun road trip break to get out and stretch our legs. My boys loved the attractions and sights and we all enjoyed the opportunity to dine and shop a little.
Virginia!
After 12+ hours in the car, we finally arrived in Virginia! We decided to head straight to our hotel, the Historic Powhatan Resort, which is owned by Diamond Resorts. Our goal was to rest and refresh in time to begin exploring Virginia’s historical sites. We stayed at this resort for the entire time we were in Virginia, so it was nice to have a place to come “home” to at the end of each day. We were able to make use of the swimming pool and hot tub on days we had extra time in the evenings.
While there was so much to see and do in Virginia, here are our top five fun family activities:
#1: Mount Vernon Estate
Mount Vernon was George Washington’s plantation home. This lush and well-manicured estate is situated next to the Potomac River. It is not far from Washington, D.C. which makes it an easy day trip. With school aged children, this was a really great opportunity to make history come to life! My teenage boys were amazed to experience first-hand what Colonial America in Washington’s time was like rather than reading about this era in a history book.
Mount Vernon Estate is made up of many different components. The mansion is the actual living quarters of our first President and General, George Washington. The first two floors are available for general touring (there is a third floor, which requires an additional admission fee). The mansion is well-preserved with period furniture so it looks just like it would have looked during Washington’s time, but photos are not allowed inside the mansion.
The outdoors, or the grounds of the Estate, are just as beautiful as the indoor mansion. There were several small buildings that comprised, among others, George Washington’s barn, carriage, tools, meat curing, spinning, and laundry facilities. The intricate gardens are also presently maintained and open for visitors to stroll through.
The icehouse is located along the Potomac River and although the icehouse is not available for touring because of its 22 foot drop, it was amazing to see its proximity to the Potomac River and to read about how it was used to make ice for the family. The Potomac River runs along the base of the Estate and, although Mount Vernon is located on the Virginia side, the other side is Maryland! My boys got a kick out of pointing to the other side. There are also special tours available to cruise on the Potomac River by boat.
Washington’s Tomb is also located on the Estate and it is a quiet place of reflection. George Washington lays on the right, and on his left, lays his wife, Martha Washington.
Kid Facts: Mount Vernon offers a special behind-the-scenes tour that takes visitors through a number of locations that were featured in National Treasure: Book of Secretsfeaturing Nicholas Cage. The Potomac River and the back of the Mansion are some of those scenes and while we were in the Mansion’s basement, we took this photo, not knowing it was not allowed – oops! When we got home, we watched the movie and paused at the point in the movie where the basement was shown so we could compare with our own photo.
Virginia’s Historic Triangle is comprised of Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown, which were all important stops on our nation’s journey from English settlement to a new, independent nation. Connected by 23 scenic miles, the three towns are jointly administered by the National Park Service and The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Tickets to all three sites can be booked via this website.
Tickets to experience the Historic Triangle can be expensive, but we really wanted to experience first-hand Colonial America, so we decided in advance to spend one full day at each location.
Yorktown:
The Battle of Yorktown ended on October 19, 1781 and marked a decisive victory by the American and French armies over British troops led by General Cornwallis. The battle not only boosted faltering American morale and revived French enthusiasm for the American Revolutionary War, but it helped undermine popular support for the conflict in England. During our tour of the battlefield, a National Park employee explained the battle, sights, and surrender flags situated throughout the battlefield. We loved being able to spatially orient ourselves and imagine the 18th century scene.
The American Revolution Museum is an outdoor living museum with people dressed in period costumes, illustrating how people in that time period would have lived from day to day. Officially dedicated on April 1, 2017, the museum boasts 22,000 square feet of exhibition space with films, interactive galleries, and artifacts.
Just outside the main museum building is the Revolution-era farm site, complete with log kitchens and attached brick chimneys.
The museum posted procession times and we decided to hang around outside so we could catch it live. The fife and drums procession was absolutely amazing to hear live!
Jamestown Settlement:
Like the American Revolution Museum, Jamestown Settlement is a living history museum that visitors can walk through and get a first-hand feeling of what life was like during the time of the Revolution. It is a preserved piece of history situated in the heart of Virginia and consists of an expansive gallery, three re-created ships that visitors may climb aboard and explore, and numerous cafes and shops. The Jamestown settlement ships were the highlight of this stop and we loved being able to climb aboard and experience the small, but efficient ships.
We also enjoyed visiting Powhatan Indian Village, a re-created Indian village featuring reed-covered houses, crops, and a ceremonial circle of carved wooden posts.
The Jamestown Settlement also contains the re-created James Fort, a recreation of the Virginia Company of London’s 1610-14 outpost.
Colonial Williamsburg:
Colonial Williamsburg was the highlight of our Virginia’s Historic Triangle experience. It was like nothing I have ever seen! One minute, I was in modern day 21st century and the next minute, I had time traveled and stepped into the past. Visiting Colonial Williamsburg is an amazing teaching experience for children, and it is definitely worth setting aside a full day for the experience and favoring Colonial Williamsburg over Yorktown and Jamestown. Make sure to wear good walking shoes as there is a lot of ground to cover!
Colonial Williamsburg is a re-created 18th century city and is the world’s largest living history museum. There are over 40 sites and trades, four historic taverns, and two world-class museums on site.
We particularly enjoyed the opportunity to go on a horse carriage ride and we also sat in on a mock trial session that my kids were able to participate in. If I had more time, I would have liked to have participated in a wool spinning class, but even with dedicating a full day to the experience, there was so much to do that I did not have time to work it in.
#3: The American Civil War Museum and the Confederate White House
Located in Richmond, the White House of the Confederacy was the Executive Mansion of the Confederacy from 1861-1865, when Richmond was the capital of the Confederacy. During the Civil War, the President of the Confederacy, Jefferson Davis, lived in this home, and it is from here that he fled just before the surrender of Robert E. Lee’s Army at Appomattox.
The White House houses a collection of objects associated with the Confederacy and President Davis, and a contemporary museum in the building houses many other Confederate artifacts, including Robert E. Lee’s field tent and Stonewall Jackson’s sword and cap.
#4: Naval Station Norfolk
The Naval Station Norfolk is located in Norfolk, Virginia, the southeastern corner of the state. It is home to the world’s largest naval base and we were able to tour the base and see many ships, aircraft carriers, and destroyers. The tours are conducted by naval personnel and last 45 minutes and cost (cash only) $10 for adults and $5 for children 3-11, senior citizens over the age of 60. Although we could not get up close to the ships, it was a good opportunity to get a feel for what it is like to live on base. The entire experience took about three hours.
#5: Busch Gardens and Water Country
Although not a historical site, we decided to indulge in a visit to Busch Gardens and Water Country near the end of our trip. Living in Florida, we are no stranger to water parks, but even though we have Busch Gardens and Adventure Island, Busch Gardens in Williamsburg had a much different vibe. Throughout the park, there were different countries represented, and we enjoyed visiting the different themed areas. Water Country was also much bigger than we expected and overall, we had a great day experiencing the parks.
Final Thoughts?
As we neared the end of our trip, we could not have imagined it going any better than it did. We had a wonderful time learning about our country together and our 10-day road trip turned into a full semester of historical learning. For families with school-aged children, I highly recommend taking a trip to experience Virginia’s vibrant history!
Having lived in Washington, DC for over a decade, a tour of the White House is something that has always been “on the list” of things to do, but not something we have actually gotten around to doing. I decided earlier this year that it was an opportunity we should not pass up and decided to look into the process of arranging a tour of the White House. Even though there was a lot of waiting up front, I highly recommend a White House tour for kids visiting Washington DC.
White House Tour Tickets
The President’s Park, or The White House, is generally available for public touring Tuesdays through Saturdays, excluding holidays. Tours are self-guided, and although the White House is maintained by the National Park Service, the National Park Service does not operate tours. For US citizens and legal residents, tours can be requested via your member of Congress. Citizens of foreign countries can request tours via their embassy in Washington, DC. Tours are pre-scheduled, and the NPS website warns that visitors should request tickets well in advance of their scheduled trip to Washington, DC.
I requested our tickets for a White House tour through Senator Mark Warner’s website. Although the procedure may vary depending on which member of Congress you’re requesting tickets from, Mark Warner’s website was easy to understand and very thorough. Individuals are permitted to submit three different dates that fall between three weeks and three months of the date of request and instructions were clearly spelled out on the website. Almost immediately after I submitted my request (group size, email address, tour dates), I received a confirmation email stating that my request had been received and that I would receive further correspondence from the White House.
My request for a White House tour was submitted to Mark Warner’s website on January 26 and three days later, on January 29, I received an email from the White House indicating that my request had been received. The email requested additional information, including the full names, dates of birth, and social security numbers for all individuals seeking to participate in the tour. The deadline to submit the information was February 2, one week from the date of the email and the email clearly indicated that the tour was not yet confirmed and that any confirmation of a tour would come 2-3 weeks prior to the requested tour date.
Now, I actually managed to completely forget about the White House tour and that we had requested a tour on certain dates. I had originally put down three dates and neglected to mark them on my calendar. On March 2, one month after the registration deadline for submitting names and background security check information, I received an email from the White House Visitor’s office saying our tour was confirmed! We were given a date and time and instructions regarding what was permitted and what was not permitted.
White House Tour Rules
On the day of the tour, we arrived early and simply found street parking. We walked over to the White House, passing by the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, which is occupied by the Executive Office of the President and the Office of the Vice President, on our way over. The EEOB is a beautiful building and I always find it to be impressive.
As per the email instructions, we found our way to the entrance located at the intersection of 15th Street NW and Alexander Hamilton Place NW but we were dismayed to find an extremely long line. We waited at the back of the line for a little bit, before rumors indicated that visitors who had a 12:30 tour (which we did), were able to enter the complex. We decided to walk up to the front of the line and check and yes! Lo and behold, those with a 12:30 tour time were permitted to enter (it was 12:30 when we got into the outside line), so we quickly entered the complex where we found… another line.
As I looked in dismay at the line(s) in front of us, my preschooler happily proceeded to run off and jump up and down the steps to this statue.
I won’t lie, the lines were long and onerous…. but, they weren’t as long and onerous as I thought they would be. From the time we entered the complex to when we entered the actual White House, we waited in three lines for a total time of about one hour. Although my three year old did not love waiting in line, at least the weather, although chilly, was relatively warm for winter in DC.
Multiple signs indicating working canines and yes, we saw many in action!
Once we were inside the White House, wee were a bit surprised to find that it was truly a self-guided tour. We were free to walk and browse at our own pace, and there were Secret Service members littered about, ready to engage and answer questions. They were surprisingly friendly and full of information. One member, when asked about the rolled back carpets, said that the carpets are rolled up for tours but that otherwise, the carpets are unfurled, the ropes (closing off entry to the rooms) are open, and people are free to enter and use the rooms as they see fit. She also mentioned that just a few days prior, the entire hall of rooms had been open for a St. Patrick’s Day party and that there were upwards of 300+ guests milling about the White House.
The White House Rooms
Upon entry, we walked the halls of the downstairs, where we saw photo montages from past and present. The view of the back yard was spectacular.
It was St. Patrick’s Day after all!
I was amused to find even a White House gift shop!
The truly beautiful rooms, however, were upstairs… I absolutely loved seeing the State dining room, which was much smaller than I expected, and the character of each individual room was lovely to admire.
I loved seeing the State dining room, which was MUCH SMALLER than I expected!
Per the guards, the rooms that are available for touring change, depending on the needs of the building. Presumably, returning visitors might see something different each time. Although, I’m almost certain the tour begins downstairs, and all visitors get to see the photo montages and the view of the yard.
Walking through the White House took us at most 30 minutes and we never felt rushed or crowded. Although sometimes there would be a group gathered at one particular spot, we simply moved away and looked at something else, then returned when space opened up. It really was a much more enjoyable experience than I expected, especially given that I was wrangling my three year old during his customary nap time.
As we exited the building, I turned around to admire the exterior architectural details, which were much more intricate than I expected. I also noticed that we walked past the Treasury Building, which, along with the EEOB, flanks the White House.
Final Thoughts:
I would absolutely visit the White House if given the opportunity and if you know you’re coming to DC, you should put in a tour request well in advance.
Don’t worry about what you’re wearing – there were people there in ties and people in yoga pants and/or sweats. No one blinked an eye.
I was there with my rather rambunctious three year old and none of the guards blinked an eye. I’m pretty sure they’ve seen it all, so don’t worry about bringing kids provided you can keep them from truly running amok.
As I’ve mentioned before, the White House is conveniently located nearly right across the street from the Renwick Gallery, so this is a great opportunity to double up on DC activities without having to travel too far.
Walking past the Renwick on our way back to the car.
Be sure to check out our entire category of posts on things to do and places to visit in Washington, DC with kids! We are so lucky to call this place home and hope that our tips and tricks come in handy as you plan your own adventure in Washington, DC!
Where else can you find a working farm open daily for visitors just 45 minutes from downtown Washington, DC? Why, Frying Pan Park in Herndon, Virginia! Kidwell Farm, located on property, is a working 1930s style farm with horses, chickens, peacocks, sheep, and much much more. The Farm also contains 15 acres of crops, which are used to supply feed for the livestock and, if you are lucky and visiting in the spring, there are usually newborn lambs or pigs, nestled close to their mothers in the hay.
My youngest was able to get up close and personal with a horse on our last visit to Frying Pan Farm.New spring lambs, born just a few days before our visit.Making use of the conveniently located slats to peek at livestock.
Frying Pan Farm is not only an excellent place to expose kids to farm animals, but if you happen to be like us and live in the city far away from farmland, then it’s also a great opportunity for young kids to “ride” on tractors – something both my boys loved to experience as toddlers.
“Driving” his tractor.
There are no paved sidewalks or walking paths, so I do not recommend bringing strollers. Carriers are useful for young children who may get tired. Be sure to wear appropriate footwear (aka rain boots) if it is raining or has recently rained. There are no concessions on property, but you can absolutely pack a picnic to enjoy on site.
Frying Pan Park is located at 2709 West Ox Road, Herndon, VA 20171 with Kidwell Farm open daily from 9am – 5pm. Parking and admission are both free, making this a perfect budget friendly family activity.
Be sure to check out our entire category of posts on things to do and places to visit in Washington, DC with kids! We are so lucky to call this place home and hope that our tips and tricks come in handy as you plan your own adventure in Washington, DC!
Every so often, we encounter a place that is so fabulous for those traveling with kids that it is worthy of being featured on its own. For more fun locations, please check out our other Spotlight features!
Located in Chantilly, VA, a quick 30-45 minute drive from Washington, DC, the Udvar-Hazy Center or, as we locals like to call it, “the Dulles Air & Space Museum” is an off the beaten path destination that I highly recommend for anyone visiting Washington, DC. Let’s face it, the weather in Washington, DC is fickle and there are many days during heavy tourist season where the weather is just too unpleasant to be outside. If you’re tired of being drenched in sweat the minute you step outside your hotel room, Dulles Air & Space is the place for you!
Dulles Air & Space has two large hangars, displaying thousands of aircrafts and space ships. When my kids were early walkers, we frequently took advantage of Air & Space’s wide corridors and open expanse of space to let our kids run and burn off their energy, especially in the winter or spring when the weather was frequently too cold or too wet for us to be outside.
My now eight year old started visiting Air & Space when he was just getting on two feet!
If you have any experience visiting museums with young children, you know that it can frequently be a harrowing experience to actually get anything out of it yourself. Between maneuvering the crowds, chasing little feet, and reminding sticky hands not to touch, we frequently find that we, as the adults, miss out on a lot of the experience. I’m happy to report that the Dulles Air & Space museum is different because the nature of the exhibits (airplanes and space shuttles!), makes it easy for even the adults to catch as glimpse before eager little feet run off. The Blackbird, the Concorde, the Enola Gay, and the Discovery Shuttle are all located at Dulles Air & Space and they’re impressive enough to catch the fancy of even the youngest museum goers.
Things to Note:
The museum is open daily from 10am – 5:30pm and although admission is free, there is a parking fee of $15 per vehicle before 4pm.
There is a McDonald’s cafe located on the second floor so if you get hungry and need to catch a bite to eat, that’s always an option.
If you have older kids, there is also an IMAX Theater and Planetarium that may be of interest. My children also love to watch the preservation and restoration activities taking place in the Restoration Hangar, where there are frequently specialists working hard to assess and preserve artifacts for everyone’s enjoyment.
Do not confuse the Dulles Air & Space Museum with the National Air & Space Museum in Downtown, Washington, DC. Both are operated by the Smithsonian, but are uniquely different. The downtown museum has traditional exhibits and a children’s science area that is fantastic for children ages 3-6. The downtown museum, however, can get extremely crowded during busy tourist season as it is located on the mall and within walking distance to most major tourist sites. The Dulles Air & Space Museum featured in this post can mostly be described as “a bunch of cool airplanes and space craft hanging out in giant hangars.” In other words, super awesome for little kids who need to burn off energy in sub-optimal weather conditions. It’s also a wonderful place to visit with older children, especially as they learn more about air and space travel. My oldest son is not quite at the age where the Enola Gay or the Concorde means anything to him – but you can be sure we will visit when he is!
Be sure to check out our entire category of posts on things to do and places to visit in Washington, DC. We are so lucky to call this place home and hope that our tips and tricks come in handy as you plan your own adventure in Washington, DC!
Every so often, we encounter a place that is so fabulous for those traveling with kids that it is worthy of being featured on its own. For more fabulous locations, please check out our other Spotlight features!
Virginia has nearly 300 wineries and dozens of wine trails sprinkled throughout the state. There are 10 general wine regions in the state, ranging from the Blue Ridge region to the Northern Virginia region, very close to our home in Washington, DC. Do we really visit wineries with kids? Yes, yes we do!
Virginia wineries are, for the most part, child friendly. We have been visiting wineries in Virginia since before my oldest son was born and we continue to visit wineries even though we now have two kids (and sometimes a dog!) to bring along for the ride.
The wineries we tend to visit most often are located in two different regions: Northern Virginia and Central Virginia. The Northern Virginia wineries are located just about an hour away from home and are an easy activity for a leisurely Saturday or Sunday when the weather is nice. The Central Virginia wineries are usually reserved for our fall getaways when we rent a cabin for a long weekend and sneak off to the greater Charlottesville region.
Northern Virginia Region Wineries
If you find yourself in Washington, DC and searching for a day trip away from the city, the Northern Virginia wineries are truly a treat. Just a short one hour long drive from DC (traffic depending, of course!), we frequently drop into a winery as part of another event or activity. Our favorite wineries are:
Chester Gap Cellars – Family owned and operated, Chester Gap is a small producing vineyard with incredible white wines. We visited years ago when the winery was just getting started, and we have loved seeing their wines pop up on finer restaurant menus throughout town. We have met the winemaker and his lovely wife (they also have a son who we met ages ago but is probably a grown man by now!), and the staff in the tasting room is always happy to entertain well behaved children.
my son hanging out on a barrel in the tasting roomour hostess was so enamored by my son that she held him while my husband played with the grape cultivator model
The Winery at La Grange – The Winery at La Grange is one of our favorite wineries to visit because the tasting room is set in the historic Manor House at La Grange.
The house itself is fun to explore, but my kids particularly love to run around in the expansive outside space. We frequently stop at La Grange for a glass of wine and then sit outside to enjoy the outdoors, while our kids take a much needed car break.
Barrel Oak Winery (“BOW”) – Barrel Oak is probably not the best place to visit for those seeking an exclusive wine experience. But, if you happen to have kids or dogs and enjoy a fermented grape or ten, BOW is a GREAT place to visit. I’ve been fortunate to attend many events at BOW, including a morning yoga class followed by a wine tasting. The winery really does emphasize fun and unlike some wineries that have been restricting crowd side and hinting that children are not welcome on weekends, BOW is committed to having fun with friends and family, including your favorite four legged dependent!
Bluemont Vineyard – Like BOW, Bluemont Vineyard is truly a family friendly place and it is conveniently located literally around the corner from Great Country Farms, a local U-Pick farm with abundant activities for children. I highly recommend spending a morning at Great Country Farms with your little one and then driving down the road to Bluemont for lunch (the Tasting Room offers simple eats like flatbreads and sandwiches, perfect after a few hours of strawberry picking) and some wines before heading back to DC – truly a perfect day trip and a little something for everyone.
strawberry picking before a visit to Bluemont Vineyardsample menu offering at Bluemont Vineyard
Our favorite Virginia wineries are those in the Charlottesville area, mostly because of the breathtaking landscape. Located approximately three hours away from Washington, DC, the Charlottesville wineries certainly are more of an investment in terms of time and effort, but if you happen to be visiting for the weekend, you absolutely should pop in and get a sip or two.
Barboursville Vineyards – Our favorite winery to visit is Barboursville. Arguably one of Virginia’s most well-known wineries, Barboursville is frequently extremely crowded and elbow room only, but the wine and the space easily make up for the crowds. The winery has an outstanding restaurant, Palladio (which I wouldn’t recommend dining at with small children as it is definitely high end dining!), and a small herb garden where they grow items for the restaurant.
The garden at Barboursville
The flagship wine at Barboursville is Octagon, which is stored in the Octagon room and is available for peeping.
my toddler, running amongst the aging barrels of Octagon
On weekends, Barboursville offers a vertical Octagon tasting, which takes place in a more private, less crowded environment. I highly recommend this experience!
The Octagon Tasting Area
Grace Estate Winery – Grace Estate Winery is a great winery to visit if you’re looking for simple snacks and some outdoor space for your kids to run around. We have visited Grace and taken advantage of the small snacks they offer to feed our children.
The winery also has gas grills, free wifi, and outdoor games (like corn hole), which makes it a lovely place to spend a few hours on a nice afternoon.
Final Thoughts
I would not say that Virginia wineries make an effort to cater to children – they do not offer grape juice or playground space, and you’d be lucky to find outdoor activities like the corn hole set we found at Grace Estate. The most you’re going to find is a sad bucket of toys that won’t even hold a toddler’s attention.
A pretty sorry excuse for a kids’ toy basket, if you ask me!
But, I have never hesitated to visit a Virginia winery with my kids because by and far, the winery experience is just fine for kids. There’s always ample space to run around outdoors and plenty of indoor stuff to keep a child’s attention for a few minutes. Of course, you’ll want to come prepared with snacks, treats, and even a iPad (heaven forbid!) just in case things get rough, but it is possible to visit wineries and have a good time with kids!
Visiting Washington, DC, is something everyone should do at least once in their life. There are tons of guidebooks and websites with detailed information about all there is to do in DC and no first visit to DC is complete without a visit to the National Mall, an obligatory family photo in front of the White House, and a visit to one of the many Smithsonian museums that offer free admission and easy access via Metro!
Having lived and worked in DC for nearly a decade, I’d like to share with you five off-the-beaten-path Fun Family Activities! These are activities and places that those of us who call this beautiful place a home enjoy visiting on weekends and days off with our kids.
#1: Gravelly Point
Gravelly Point is managed by the National Park Service and is located in Arlington, VA just south of DC. It’s a wonderful place to spend the afternoon, picnicking, biking, and plane spotting, as the Park is located just north of Reagan National Airport. Although the parking lot can fill up very quickly and there are no amenities other than restrooms (so pack in your own food!), it’s a wonderful place for budding aviation fans to spend an afternoon outside. Note that the planes are close and very loud, so if your child is sensitive to loud noises, the Park’s proximity to the airport may be a deterrent.
#2: The Tidal Basin
Nearly every visitor to DC makes a point of visiting the National Mall and the monuments, but I’m always stunned by the number of people who skip the Tidal Basin. In my humble opinion, the Tidal Basin offers some of the best views of the Washington Monument and it’s worthy of a visit even when it is not cherry blossom season (although if you have the opportunity to visit during cherry blossom season, please do! Despite the crowds, it is gorgeous and worth the walk). The Tidal Basin offers a small refreshment stand, restrooms, and paddle boat rentals, so this is a great way to enjoy a nice day outside with the family.
View of the Washington Monument and the Jefferson Memorial from the Tidal Basin.Paddleboat in the Tidal Basin during peak cherry blossom bloom.
#3: Hiking Trails
Catching a glimpse of the Potomac River
Washington, DC is home to a great number of hiking trails. The Billy Goat Trail is one of the most popular trails in the DC Metro area. The trail itself can be challenging due to rocks, but if your kids are older (I’d recommend a minimum of five+, depending on maturity and previous hiking experience) and up for the challenge, it’s definitely a worthwhile experience. If the Billy Goat Trail sounds like too much, plan a visit to Rock Creek Park, which boasts over 32 miles of trails. The Park also offers a number of activities, such as horseback riding lessons, golf, and a boat house where you can rent paddle boats, kayaks, and canoes. Finally, Theodore Roosevelt Island is a national memorial located in the Potomac River. No cars or bicycles are permitted on the Island and access is via a footbridge. If you’ve ever spent time in DC visiting the National Mall and museums, I encourage you to take a hike and explore one of the many areas maintained by the National Park Service! You’ll be amazed at how quickly you’ll forget that you’re in the Nation’s Capital!
#4: Go for a Bike Ride!
The Mount Vernon Trail is an 18 mile paved multi-use trail that stretches from Mount Vernon to Theodore Roosevelt Island. At any time of day and in any kind of weather, you can find people on the trail biking, running, or just walking along the Potomac River. Happily, a local company, Capital Bikeshare, offers a safe and relatively inexpensive way to explore the trail as you can rent both bicycles and helmets from the company and drop them off at any one of 440 Capital Bikeshare stations located in the DC metro area.
Mount Vernon, George Washington’s country estate, is located just 18 miles south of Washington, DC and is a fantastic way to spend the day for the entire family! Although the Estate is highly recommended as a place to visit in many tourist books, its distance from DC likely causes many to pass it over as an option during a quick visit to DC. I am here to encourage you to go! Visit! Over the years, we have visited Mount Vernon many times and it is one of our favorite places to take out of town guests. Not only does the Estate allow you to visit the Mansion that George and Martha lived in, but the Estate also boasts farm animals, gardens, stables, and live demonstrations by period actors. Throughout the year, the Estate will offer special programs that coincide with the season. For example, one year we visited one early December and happened to catch the Pardon Turkey!
We have also visited during the Fall Harvest Family Days, which feature hands on 18th century activities and demonstrations. It’s a great way for the family to experience a little bit of Colonial America.
My mother and son, roasting apples dipped in caramel water over an open fire.
Although portions of the Estate are wheelchair (and stroller) accessible, the vast majority of the grounds are not (and the Mansion itself is not). The Estate also has as excellent gift shop, a food court, and a sit-down restaurant that serves hearty and satisfying food.
I hope you enjoyed my off-the-beaten path list of Five Fun Family activities and encourage you to think outside the box next time you are in DC!
There are truly few things better in life than eating your way through the Farmer’s Market on a beautiful spring or fall day!
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To give my kids the full experience, however, I really wanted them to see just how large the battle of Bull Run had been. That is, I wanted to disabuse them of the notion that the battle was limited to the space we were standing. The map we had picked up earlier had a driving tour of the two Battles of Bull Run, so we piled into a car and made our way to 3-4 other stops on the driving tour.
Our next stop was at a fun town located literally on the border of North and South Carolina. What a fun place South of the Border is! Vibrant colors surround this mini-Mexico, and it was a fun road trip break to get out and stretch our legs. My boys loved the attractions and sights and we all enjoyed the opportunity to dine and shop a little.
As I looked in dismay at the line(s) in front of us, my preschooler happily proceeded to run off and jump up and down the steps to this statue.
I was amused to find even a White House gift shop!
Frying Pan Farm is not only an excellent place to expose kids to farm animals, but if you happen to be like us and live in the city far away from farmland, then it’s also a great opportunity for young kids to “ride” on tractors – something both my boys loved to experience as toddlers.
