Thursday, October 24, 2013

Fall in Washington, DC: Things to do With the Family

Fall in Washington, DC
Image Credit:  12019 - CCO Public Domain Image via Pixabay

Fall in Washington, DC


Fall is a beautiful time to visit the Washington, DC area. Fall foliage is gorgeous and the summer heat concedes to cooler temperatures, making outdoor events more enjoyable. The average temperatures in Washington, DC during the month of October range between 50 and 70 degrees. With school back in session, tourists traffic slows to comfortable levels so traveling around the city is less hectic and monument lines drastically shorten.

Fall foliage in Washington, DC and surrounding areas peak in mid to late October. One place to enjoy October weather and fall foliage near Washington, DC is Rock Creek Park. The park stretches 12 miles from the Potomac River to the Maryland state line. Within the park, visitors can enjoy pic-nics, hike trails, and ride bikes. Visitors will also enjoy tennis, fishing, and horse-back riding. Rock Creek Park hosts music concerts and offers educational programs for children.

Another place to enjoy beautiful Washington, DC in October is the C&O Canal National and Historic Park, otherwise known as the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. The canal runs 184 miles beginning in Georgetown and ending in Cumberland, Maryland. Visitors enjoy boat rides, hiking, fishing, biking, and horse-back riding. Swimming is not allowed, but most visitors do not plan to swim in the cool October temperatures.

In addition to visiting parks and enjoying the beautiful fall foliage and weather in Washington, DC, visitors can also enjoy choosing from several community events.

Oktoberfests

 

Washington, DC and nearby communities in Virginia and Maryland hosts festivals known as Oktoberfests. At these festive events, visitors enjoy shopping craft booths, eating funnel cakes, playing festival games, going on pony rides, face-painting, and attending concert events of various bands and musically talented artists.

Maryland Renaissance Festival

 

The Maryland Renaissance Festival attracts visitors interested in food, music, and dancing. The official Renaissance Festival website informs potential visitors of scheduled artists and performances. Those interested in performing at the festival can click on the “Audition” link to begin the process of securing a spot.

A specific story line is chosen for each year as well as themed special events such as a children’s weekend, senior’s day, a pirate weekend, and a Celtic celebration.

Taste of Georgetown

 

Visitors to the Taste of Georgetown are privileged with the opportunity to sample foods from around 30 of Washington, DC’s best restaurants. In addition to savoring the taste of Georgetown’s finest foods, visitors will enjoy live Jazz music, artists, and children’s activities.

The Taste of Georgetown is sometimes held at other times during the year. Interested guests should check the Taste of Georgetown official website for specific information about tickets, dates, participating restaurants, and entertainment.

Taste of DC

 

The Taste of DC is much like the taste of Georgetown. The Taste of DC Official Website advertises more than 50 restaurant participants. Visitors enjoy food, music, life performance, a family-friendly activity zone and an Annual World Chili Eating Championship Contest.

The Taste of DC is a “Rain or Shine” event and takes place on Pennsylvania Avenue. Tickets usually run an inexpensive $10.00 per person and admission for children 12 and under is free.
 

The Washington International Horse Show

 

The Washington International Horse Show is the leading indoor metropolitan horse show in the United States. Every year, at least 500 of the best national and international riders and horses compete in the event which lasts 6 days. Since the first show in 1958, this event has been graced with the presence of US Presidents, celebrities, and a whole lot of people who love horses.

Washington International Horse Show features include:

The President’s Cup Grand Prix
The Puissance High Jump
The Equitation Finals
Kid’s Day
Barn Night
Last, but not least – Shopping

Those interested in attending the Washington International Horse Show should check the official website for specific information about dates, events and ticketing.

The Wounded Warrior Experience

 

The Wounded Warrior Experience features veterans of various wars spanning several generations. Visitors learn about the challenges wounded warriors face and resources made available to help them. This event is held at the United States Navy Memorial’s Arleigh Burke Theater in mid to late October.

Space for this event is limited. Make reservations early by sending an email to wsmith@americanveteranscenter.org.

The Wounded Warrior Experience is free, but please go with the intention of making a donation. Your donation helps United States wounded veterans get the help they need to live their lives after fighting to protect yours.

As with all Washington DC October events, check The Wounded Warrior Experience website for specific details.



Traveling with Kids?  Take these great books on the road with you.

First Sticker Book - Travel

Fall in Washington, D.C:  Things to do with the Family
This item is available here.

Children can create their own busy travel scenes with this fun sticker book.   

Travel Pocket Puzzle Book

Fall in Washington, D.C:  Things to do with the Family
This item is available here.

There are over 100 pages packed full of travel-themed activities in this pocket-sized puzzle book - the ultimate boredom buster. Contains mazes, picture puzzles, word searches, number problems and much more (with all of the answers at the back of the book). Great for tossing into a backpack or suitcase. 

Travel Activity Pad

Fall in Washington, D.C:  Things to do with the Family
This item is available here.

Whether you’re in a car, train, boat or plane, long journeys will pass by in a flash with this fun-packed pad. Includes over 200 tear-out pages packed with pen-and-paper puzzles to keep the whole family entertained, wherever you happen to be! Includes picture puzzles, word puzzles, simple logic puzzles, odd ones out, spot the difference and lots, lots more. Perfect for slipping into your hand luggage. 

 Travel Crosswords

Fall in Washington, D.C:  Things to do with the Family
This item is available here.

With four sections of increasing difficulty, children can puzzle their way to the top. There are over 150 themes of crosswords to conquer so the puzzles never get boring, and kids might even learn a new word or two. 

Travel Doodles

Fall in Washington, D.C:  Things to do with the Family
This item is available here.

There are over a hundred doodling opportunities in this pack, and the cards are wipe-clean so you can doodle over them again and again. 

Travel Games Pad

Fall in Washington, D.C:  Things to do with the Family
This item is available here.

This tear-off pad is packed full of ideas inspiring children to get busy during a journey - all you need is a pen or pencil (no special equipment required). With 200 activity sheets included, this is the perfect antidote to rainy days or long journeys - or just tear off a sheet at a time for some quick on-the-go games! 

Fall in Washington, D.C:  Things to do with the Family
Family Friendly Things to Do in Atlanta, Georgia


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