Route 1 Kids Weekend Guide: August 2nd-4th

All the mini-golf + carousel + train rides you can handle (or stomach…!) this weekend as well as free movies, Baby Water Play, Family Meditation and more all inside Route One Fun’s latest weekend Guide!

Friday Fun Along Route 1

Playday at the Library: Baby Water Play (Ages 0-5)
Bring your little ones to the library for outdoor water play and socializing. Pack a change of clothes and picnic lunch. Check out why we love the Laurel Library here.
When: 10:30am-12pm
Where: Laurel Library, Laurel
Cost: Free!

Owl & Kestrel at Wildlife Refuge (All Ages)
Meet two of North America’s smallest birds of prey. While you’re at it, hop on a Forest Discovery Tram Tour (also free! @ 11:30am, 1:00pm, and 2:00 pm). Read about our visit here 
When: 12:15-12:45pm
Where: Patuxent Research Refuge, Laurel
Cost: Free!

Family Fun At the Wonderful World of Watkins: Fabulous Fridays in August (All Ages)
Nighttime special in August, y’all. Get as much riding on the train and carousel as you can, plus rounds of mini-golf. All for one great (low!) price. Pack a picnic dinner!
When: 5-8pm
Where: Watkins Regional Park, Upper Marlboro
Cost: $5

Checkers and Chess Night (Ages 10-17)
Come out and learn how to play these ultimate games of strategy. Already a pro? Bravo! You can share your skills with others. You’re in for a mentally stimulating time!
When: 7-10pm
Where: Good Luck Community Center, Lanham
Cost: Free! w/ MNCPPC youth ID

Outdoor Movie Series: How to Train Your Dragon (All Ages)
Didn’t get to the theater in time? Just love this movie? Catch it (again!) outdoors. Compliments of city council, parks and recs, and local school PTAs/Os. Concessions for sale to support schools. Bring a blanket or chair!
When: 8:30-10:30pm
Where: Heurich Park, Hyattsville
Cost: Free!, concessions benefit local PTAs

Saturday Fun Along Route 1

Hike Billy Goat Trail Teen Outdoor Series
Calling all teens! The city of Greenbelt has organized a hiking excursion in Great Falls just for you. Walk the C&O Canal path. Climb the cliffs. View spectacular waterfalls. Pack a lunch & eat along the shore!
When: 9am-2pm
Where: Great Falls National Park, Potomac
Cost: $9

World’s Fair at the DAR Museum (All Ages)
A circa 1900 World’s Fair for you to experience. Learn about inventions that thrilled fairgoers. Play popular games at fairs. Celebrate world cultures. Monumental historical family fun for all!
When: 10am-3pm
Where: DAR Museum, Washington, DC
Cost: Free!

Cub Corner (Ages 0-5)
Aviation fun for our little learners. Enjoy a flight-themed story and hands-on craft activity. Check out the interactive kids play area and aerial exhibits throughout the museum. If you’re lucky, see a plane land or take off from the mini airport!
When: 10:30am
Where: College Park Aviation Museum, College Park
Cost: Free! with museum admission

Dinosaur Park Open House (All Ages)
An ancient world of discovery awaits you! Explore fossil, cast and dinosaur model displays along with other 112 million-year-old creatures. Paleontologist recommended and approved! 🙂
When: 12-4pm
Where: Dinosaur Park, Laurel
Cost: Free!

Sunday Fun Along Route 1

Nature’s Yucky (Ages 8 and younger)
Go on a Naturalist-guided hike and investigate nature’s “yucky” critters, including slimy amphibians, wriggly insects, funky fungi, and more! Register early to ensure your spot!
When: 10-11am|
Where: Patuxent River Park, Silver Spring
Cost: $3

Kids show – The Great Zucchini (Ages 2-7)
What do you get when you mix a preschool teacher with magic? An interactive magic show where every child is guaranteed to laugh! Busy? Likely yes, get there early!
When: 10:30-11:30am
Where: Capitol Cider House, Washington, DC
Cost: $5

Family Mindfulness and Meditation (Ages 4+)
Pause and reflect on artwork with your little ones. Experience guided breathing, storytelling, and other beginner-friendly mindfulness techniques. First-come, first-served!
When: 11am-12pm
Where: Sackler Gallery, Washington, DC
Cost: Free!, w/ adult companion

Escape from Earth! (Ages 5-12)
This action-packed space adventure is about to take off. With physics and chemistry experiments for special effects, guided by ‘sciencetellers’ at the library. Don’t miss this out of world experience!
When: 1-2:00pm
Where: New Carrollton Library, New Carrollton
Cost: Free!