Help! What to do with visting parents this weekend

[Anonymous]

I'd love any suggestions as to what I should do with my parents who are coming to town this weekend.

Here's the challenge: In their 70's but in good shape. They live in a big city with lots and lots of culture. They have been to DC many times and have seen everything. Basically, they are jaded urbanists...

We have a 4 and 9 year old who need to be entertained as well but my parents would probably rather chew off their arm than sit through a puppet show or the like.

Any thoughts on shows/exhibits/anything that would appeal to both the old and the young?

Many thanks.

[Anonymous]

Mt. Vernon is nice this time of year.

[Anonymous]

Not a fan myself, but downtown silver spring has a parade this weekend. You could take the metro there
National arboretum?
Eastern market?
Brookside gardens is always very pretty
Brunch at the Willard?
Or if they are unflappable take them to the brunch with the drag queens (can't think of the name right now)
Maybe drive up to Annapolis or something

[Anonymous]

Arlington Cemetary is one of my favorites
Or maybe Roosevelt island (feels like a little hidden monument)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not a fan myself, but downtown silver spring has a parade this weekend. You could take the metro there
National arboretum?
Eastern market?
Brookside gardens is always very pretty
Brunch at the Willard?
Or if they are unflappable take them to the brunch with the drag queens (can't think of the name right now)
Maybe drive up to Annapolis or something

Thanks. Good ideas!
They would actually love the drag queen brunch but have brunch plans on Sunday

[Anonymous]

National Arboretum?

[Anonymous]

The Hirshhorn has got some good exhibits right now. Our 4 yr old loved the Ai Wei Wei light cube and some of his other art.

The American trail at the zoo is new. The sea lions (or maybe seals?) were very entertaining. Same old crappy food at the zoo though.

[Anonymous]

I haven't been in awhile, but the National Postal Museum is surprisingly interesting. It's part of the Smithsonian, but is next to Union Station. Very accessible, not overly crowded, and kid-friendly.

http://www.postalmuseum.si.edu/

[Anonymous]

A show at the Kennedy Center could be fun.
http://www.kennedy-center.org/email/live_archive/email_5856_viewable.html

[Anonymous]

Perry's has the drag brunch:
http://www.perrysadamsmorgan.com/brunch/sunday/

It's supposed to be nice weather, so I like the ideas of the arboretum or Brookside.

I also like the Aviation Museum in College Park.

The convention center in DC is also have a craft show:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/gog/misc-events/washington-craft-show,1243321.html

[Anonymous]

Dinosaur Park in Laurel, MD--look for dinosaur bones the first and third Saturday of the month (http://www.washingtonparent.com/articles/1206/dinosaur-park.php)

Colonial Farm in McLean, VA--special Saturday afternoon program on things colonial families made with lard and tallow (e.g. soap and candles)
(http://1771.org/?page_id=242#)

[Anonymous]

Daytrip to Annapolis or Harper's Ferry?

[Anonymous]

Oooh! Harpers Ferry -- will it be busy next weekend?

Do you think Mt Vernon is crazy on Thanksgiving weekend?

[Anonymous]

Hollywood Museum?

[Anonymous]

The National Cryptological Museum is open Sat from 10 -2.

It is free.

I thought it was an excellent museum, and we took small kids... the youngest was 6. It is meant for adults, but there's enough to occupy kids for an hour or so. It'll be a littl over the hear of your 4 year old, but your 9 year old should be able to find interesting exhibits.

http://www.nsa.gov/about/cryptologic_heritage/museum/index.shtml