Leading up to this season, I had forgotten what summer promises; what these bright beaming hours could be like for us. With longer days time flows so freely. Some days I admit, I have been desperate to fill the time before bedtime. Pushing away that awful feeling, I brainstormed ideas to have on hand.
For me, I cannot constantly go-go-go. It's not in my nature and I will be miserable if I'm packing and unpacking stuff from the car non-stop, going to and from this or that event. The ideas I'm sharing here honor time to rest: things like consistent naptime and also downtime for us as parents. When it comes down it, our favorite family fun involves going to a place where can park + grab a snack + coffee (or juice, etc) + be able to move around. I try to time it so Miles is a little bit hungry. That buys us time to sit for awhile to snack and talk. :)
This list is in no way exhaustive but they are things we have done and loved or will be doing in the near future.
Jazz in the Garden - Sangria, music, bring a picnic blanket and snacks. I like to arrive around 4ish and let Miles walk and get all wiggles out. This helps him sit and play once the music gets going. (Archives metro and then walk 2 blocks to Smithsonian Sculpture Garden).
Hirshorn Musuem - ice cream, space to run in the courtyard/grassy outside area, cool overlook. (Archives Metro and then walk 3 blocks)
CityCenter - Splash pad, ice cream, Fig + Olive, Fruitive, and other places to grab some food while you hang out outside. (Difficult to park around here but there's a garage)
Compass Coffee + Kennedy Center Rec Playground - Has two play areas, one with water and one without. Compass is right down the street so grab yourself some caffeine and get to playing! Also, there's a Giant (and a Starbucks) across the street as well. So you can get snacks, diapers, wipes- whatever you need right there. I know because I've had to do it. Woo! (Mt. Vernon or Shaw Metro, street parking, dedicated playground parking)
The Coffee Bar + Westminster Playground - Quiet, shaded playground. I love how peaceful it is here. Tucked away on a neighborhood street, it is comfortable and fenced in as well. I would take a short walk to The Coffee Bar first for some goods and then chill at the playground. (Lots of street parking.)
Georgetown splash pad + Chaia - Play at the waterfront and then check out Chaia for vegetarian tacos that are freaking delicious. There's an outdoor space where you can eat. Chaia is tucked away from the main streets which I really like. There's also Grace Street which has smoothie bowls and coffee AND sandwiches inside, so what more could you really want? (Foggy Bottom metro and walk, or drive and park)
Merrifield/Ballston Nook indoor playspace - Great for rainy days! Or any day you just want to let your child play inside. Both locations are places to eat and things to do/shop. My favorite thing about Nook is that every time I go, I get to learn what sort of toys Miles is interested in. This helps guide me in what kind of play to provide him with. It saves me a lot of effort and money.
Smithsonian Education classes - Usually held on Saturday or Sunday. Really fun and unique museum-based learning classes. They are pricey but very worth it. I always walk away with new ways of teaching and interacting with Miles. There's time to play in the classroom and they have amazing toys! There's a reading time and then the rest of the class is at an exhibit at a specific museum. Once it's over there are plenty of places to go, our favorite is the Paul on Pennsylvania Ave.
Hike around Roosevelt Island - A peaceful place to take a walk and sneak in a good stroller nap.
Hang out at the waterfront Wharf - On our list! I brought Miles last summer quite a bit and I think if we can get there early it will be nice and peaceful. I love the coffee shop and the bookstore here so much.
Splash pad at Navy Yard - On our list! There's room to have a picnic near the water. There's a splash pad, a Philz coffee, places to grab food to go, too.
Rocklands Winery - I have a whole post to write on this place! I brought Miles recently and it was awesome. You can get a coal fired pizza, drinks, and there is tons of space for kids to run around. An entire area is dedicated to family seating with a grassy area and fenced pond to watch ducks.
There is so much more I could add here, but I want to share this now as it's already mid-July! Where do you love to go?
wishing you joy on your journey,
kristen
