Temperatures in the DC area are hot this summer. To beat the heat, we’ve compiled a list of adventurous and relaxing things to do indoors.
“The Playground”
New York design team Snarkitecture installs a new immersive play space for kids of all ages at the National Building Museum. “The Playground” utilizes everyday construction materials such as plywood and scaffolding to create a fun area where families can participate in movement, climbing, digging, and more ($19 for adults, $16 for ages 1 to 17, free for infants).
National Geographic Museum of Exploration
National Geographic’s new Museum of Exploration recently opened its doors. View the works of iconic Nat Geo photographers at “Red, White & Blue: Photographs of the United States,” listen to curator talks, and see music and dance performances after hours ($30 for adults, $26 for seniors, $23 for ages 5 to 17, free for children 4 and younger).
Sandbox VR
Sandbox VR has locations in DC and Tysons where families can go on a virtual adventure, discovering dinosaurs and competing in Netflix-inspired interactive games such as Squid Game Virtuals and Stranger Things: Catalyst ($55+).
District Fringe Festival
The homegrown District Fringe Festival is back for another year bringing together a mix of artsy, quirky, and comedic live acts and productions. The lineup—which features a ton of local performers— will offer a wide range of shows, including comedy, improv, storytelling, poetry, and Aye Aye: A Musical Pirate Adventure!; some shows are outdoors at Firefly Amphitheatre ($15).
Ghibli Summer Festival
Popular hand-drawn animation Princess Mononoke is the brainchild of Japanese producers Studio Ghibli. On select Wednesdays and Thursdays this summer, you can nerd out over your favorite anime films from their collection such as Whisper of the Heart and Castle in the Sky at Angelika Pop-Up’s cozy theater ($12+).
Glen Manor Wine Takeover
You can cool off with sips of Virginian wines without going to an outdoor vineyard during Vermilion’s summer tasting. Taste unlimited pours of five Midland wines from Virginia vineyard Glen Manor with winemaker Jeff White; there’s house dips and vegetable crudité to eat, too ($49).
Briana A. Thomas is a local journalist, historian, and tour guide who specializes in the research of D.C. history and culture. She is the author of the Black history book, Black Broadway in Washington, D.C., a story that was first published in Washingtonian in 2016.
