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Kid-friendly activities for spring break

Rick Massimo | rmassimo@wtop.com

March 21, 2016, 11:16 AM

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When Kings Dominion opens Friday, the Doswell amusement park will feature a new thrill ride to delight visits. Delirium sends riders spinning and soaring through the park's Candy Apple Grove section. (Courtesy PRNewsFoto/Kings Dominion)
Kings Dominion, in Doswell, Virginia, has a new thrill ride to delight visits: Delirium sends riders spinning and soaring through the park’s Candy Apple Grove section. The park is open every day during the last week of March, and goes back to being closed weekdays until the end of May. More information here.  (Courtesy PRNewsFoto/Kings Dominion)
Courtesy PRNewsFoto/Kings Dominion
Take a stroll through the vibrant Eastern Market neighborhood, where you’ll find plenty of restaurants and shops to enjoy. And if you’re headed there on a weekend, you’ll find numerous outdoor vendors. The South Hall Market – an indoor vendor space — is open for visitors from Tuesday through Sunday. (WTOP/Ginger Whitaker)
WTOP/Ginger Whitaker
The move will consolidate 994 existing Grant Thornton jobs to 1000 Wilson Blvd. in Rosslyn. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
Explore miles of trails with a visit to Theodore Roosevelt Island in D.C., open year-round from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. According to the National Park Service, the island was transformed in the 1930s in a memorial to the 26th president. If you’re exploring with older kids, you can rent a kayak or canoe from the Key Bridge Boathouse starting in mid-April. But be prepared – the NPS advises that you “be prepared to paddle across the wide, busy river.” With a proper license, you can fish in the park, and be sure to check out the Theodore Roosevelt statue in the middle of the island. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster
Bustling cities in nearby Maryland and Virginia offer a multitude of gastronomic, retail and entertainment options within easy reach of the nation's capital. (Getty Images)
Looking for an evening activity? Take a trip back in time with a Ghost & Graveyard tour of Old Town Alexandria – suitable for ages 9 and up. A costumed guide will lead you on a haunted history tour full of folklore. Tours are given Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings through June 12. (Getty Images)
Getty Images
In this photo taken June 16, 2015, a cork board server, right, made by Google founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin in 1999, is displayed at the American Enterprise exhibit at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History in Washington. A wide range of innovations from Eli Whitney’s cotton gin to the early Google servers will help tell the story of American business history for the first time at the Smithsonian. The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History will open its new innovation wing on July 1. It will galleries featuring U.S. inventions, money and hands-on activities. A major exhibition about “American Enterprise” will trace the interaction of capitalism and democracy since the mid-1700s. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)
In addition to its myriad displays, the Smithsonian National Museum of American History‘s Innovation Wing now includes the “Wegmans Wonderland” exhibit for children. The educational exhibit opened late last year, and is interactive for curious visitors. Visit the museum on the National Mall from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. daily. The Wegmans Wonderplace exhibit is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., but is closed on Tuesdays. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)
AP Photo/Andrew Harnik
United States Botanic Garden, Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2015, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)
Is there a flora lover in your family? Plan a visit to the United States Botanic Garden, and check out the living displays. Get up close to intricate orchids, and learn about the origins of plant medicine. Admission is free, and the Botanic Garden is open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)
AP Photo/Andrew Harnik
A view of the Library of Congress can be seen from the view from near the top of the Capitol Dome on Capitol Hill, Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013, in Washington. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
Does a trip to the Library of Congress seem like a snooze-fest? Not so – there’s plenty to see beyond books! Through July 23, check out the Jazz Singers exhibit, featuring rare video clips and personal mementos. The Herblock Gallery gives visitors a look at Herbert L. Block’s editorial cartoons. Or, opt for a guided tour Monday through Saturday. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
AP Photo/Susan Walsh
The National Cathedral’s Gargoyle Tours don’t begin until next month, but you can take a self-guided tour of the exterior anytime. You can download a guide here. Find out the difference between a gargoyle and a grotesque, and bonus points go to the first one who finds the Darth Vader gargoyle! (No, really!)
The National Cathedral’s Gargoyle Tours don’t begin until next month, but you can take a self-guided tour of the exterior anytime. You can download a guide here. Find out the difference between a gargoyle and a grotesque, and bonus points go to the first one who finds the Darth Vader gargoyle! (No, really!) (Thinkstock)
Thinkstock
Attractions at Great Country Farms, in Bluemont, Virginia, include a barnyard featuring a miniature horse, a pot-bellied pig and more; wagon rides in the fresh air; putt-putt golf; a dog-friendly half-acre picnic zone, year-round mazes and more.  The farm also has fresh produce for sale. They’re on Foggy Bottom Road in Bluemont, and they’re open from noon to 5 p.m. Call 540-554-2073. (Courtesy of Great Country Farms)
Courtesy of Great Country Farms
The Koshland Science Museum, in downtown, D.C., is full of interactive multimedia projects that immerse teens and adults in the realities of climate change, the development and function of the brain and more. On Saturday, the museum hosts Brain Bash, a discussion led by high school senior and entrepreneur Regina Yap on the teenage brain. It’s from 2 to 3 p.m. and is followed by a variety of brain-related hands-on activities. The museum is at 525 E Street, in Northwest D.C. You can reserve your spot by clicking here. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/brain-bash-tickets-22708368341 (Getty Images)
The Koshland Science Museum, in downtown, D.C., is full of interactive multimedia projects that immerse teens and adults in the realities of climate change, the development and function of the brain and more. (Getty Images)
Getty Images
Does picking the president’s name out of a bowl seem like a good idea? Well, it did to someone – it’s one of 11,000 failed amendments to the Constitution that you can find out about (as well as the 27 that have made it) at Amending America, the new exhibit at the National Archives. The Widows and Spinsters Amendment? Really? http://wtop.com/dc/2016/03/national-archives-exhibit-shows-11000-ways-constitution-changed/slide/1/ (WTOP/Megan Cloherty)
Does picking the president’s name out of a bowl seem like a good idea? Well, it did to someone – it’s one of 11,000 failed amendments to the Constitution that you can find out about (as well as the 27 that have made it) at Amending America, the new exhibit at the National Archives. The Widows and Spinsters Amendment? Really? (WTOP/Megan Cloherty)
WTOP/Megan Cloherty
What’s not to like about Bunnyland? Nothing! Butler’s Orchard, in Germantown, Maryland, had to cancel last weekend’s festivities due to the cold weather, but this Friday and Saturday are a go, with activities including a hayride, a Rubber Duck Derby, tractor rides, giant slides, a visit with the Country Bunny and a lot more. It’s from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (the first weekend of April as well), and admission is $9 for adults and $7 for kids. Call (301) 428-0444 for more information, (310) 972-3299 if the weather looks iffy, or go to http://www.butlersorchard.com/bunnyland-fun/ for more information. (Courtesy of Butler's Orchard)
What’s not to like about Bunnyland? Nothing! Butler’s Orchard, in Germantown, Maryland, had to cancel last weekend’s festivities due to the cold weather, but this Friday and Saturday are a go, with activities including a hayride, a Rubber Duck Derby, tractor rides, giant slides, a visit with the Country Bunny and a lot more. It’s from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. the first weekend of April, and admission is $9 for adults and $7 for kids. Call 301-428-0444 for more information, (310) 972-3299 if the weather looks iffy, or click here for more information. (Courtesy of Butler's Orchard)
Courtesy of Butler's Orchard
It may not be for kids of every age, but the changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns, in Arlington National Cemetery, is dignified, regal and riveting. You can see it every hour between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. through March 31, then every half-hour from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. April 1 to Sept. 30. (Getty Images)
It may not be for younger kids, but the changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns, in Arlington National Cemetery, is dignified, regal and riveting. You can see it every hour between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. through March 31, then every half-hour from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. April 1 to Sept. 30. (Getty Images)
Getty Images
(1/13)
When Kings Dominion opens Friday, the Doswell amusement park will feature a new thrill ride to delight visits. Delirium sends riders spinning and soaring through the park's Candy Apple Grove section. (Courtesy PRNewsFoto/Kings Dominion)
The move will consolidate 994 existing Grant Thornton jobs to 1000 Wilson Blvd. in Rosslyn. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
Bustling cities in nearby Maryland and Virginia offer a multitude of gastronomic, retail and entertainment options within easy reach of the nation's capital. (Getty Images)
In this photo taken June 16, 2015, a cork board server, right, made by Google founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin in 1999, is displayed at the American Enterprise exhibit at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History in Washington. A wide range of innovations from Eli Whitney’s cotton gin to the early Google servers will help tell the story of American business history for the first time at the Smithsonian. The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History will open its new innovation wing on July 1. It will galleries featuring U.S. inventions, money and hands-on activities. A major exhibition about “American Enterprise” will trace the interaction of capitalism and democracy since the mid-1700s. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)
United States Botanic Garden, Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2015, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)
A view of the Library of Congress can be seen from the view from near the top of the Capitol Dome on Capitol Hill, Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013, in Washington. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
The National Cathedral’s Gargoyle Tours don’t begin until next month, but you can take a self-guided tour of the exterior anytime. You can download a guide here. Find out the difference between a gargoyle and a grotesque, and bonus points go to the first one who finds the Darth Vader gargoyle! (No, really!)
The Koshland Science Museum, in downtown, D.C., is full of interactive multimedia projects that immerse teens and adults in the realities of climate change, the development and function of the brain and more. On Saturday, the museum hosts Brain Bash, a discussion led by high school senior and entrepreneur Regina Yap on the teenage brain. It’s from 2 to 3 p.m. and is followed by a variety of brain-related hands-on activities. The museum is at 525 E Street, in Northwest D.C. You can reserve your spot by clicking here. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/brain-bash-tickets-22708368341 (Getty Images)
Does picking the president’s name out of a bowl seem like a good idea? Well, it did to someone – it’s one of 11,000 failed amendments to the Constitution that you can find out about (as well as the 27 that have made it) at Amending America, the new exhibit at the National Archives. The Widows and Spinsters Amendment? Really? http://wtop.com/dc/2016/03/national-archives-exhibit-shows-11000-ways-constitution-changed/slide/1/ (WTOP/Megan Cloherty)
What’s not to like about Bunnyland? Nothing! Butler’s Orchard, in Germantown, Maryland, had to cancel last weekend’s festivities due to the cold weather, but this Friday and Saturday are a go, with activities including a hayride, a Rubber Duck Derby, tractor rides, giant slides, a visit with the Country Bunny and a lot more. It’s from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (the first weekend of April as well), and admission is $9 for adults and $7 for kids. Call (301) 428-0444 for more information, (310) 972-3299 if the weather looks iffy, or go to http://www.butlersorchard.com/bunnyland-fun/ for more information. (Courtesy of Butler's Orchard)
It may not be for kids of every age, but the changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns, in Arlington National Cemetery, is dignified, regal and riveting. You can see it every hour between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. through March 31, then every half-hour from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. April 1 to Sept. 30. (Getty Images)
Rick Massimo

Rick Massimo came to WTOP, and to Washington, in 2013 after having lived in Providence, R.I., since he was a child. He's the author of "A Walking Tour of the Georgetown Set" and "I Got a Song: A History of the Newport Folk Festival."

rmassimo@wtop.com

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