Kids Washington, D.C. - June 08, 2009

Summer School

Road Trip to Virginia

School’s out for summer, but you can still learn a thing or two by ambling south to Richmond and the historic triangle of Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown.

Visit Maymont, a former Gilded Age mansion and gardens, where little guests can explore nature and feed barnyard animals (2201 Shields Lake Drive, Richmond; 804-358-7166 ext. 310). Stop by the Children’s Museum and let tykes try their hands at anchoring a newscast, rotating tires in a fake auto body shop, and splashing in water tables and sprinklers (2626 West Broad Street, Richmond; 804-474-7000).

March on to Colonial Williamsburg to take in parades, performances, and reenactments. Fuel up on BBQ at Pierce’s. Pickey eaters can get kids’ menu faves like hush puppies and hot dogs (447 East Rochambeau Drive, Williamsburg; 757-565-2955).

Head down the Colonial Parkway to Jamestown to see a Powhatan village, tour tall ships, and check out the replica fort.

Then it’s on to Yorktown to traipse the Revolutionary War battlefields and cool off at the town’s cute little sandy beach.

Pop quiz optional.

BUY
Calypso Enfant
What: The girls’ summer line brims with adorable tunics and dresses.
Why: Like mother, like daughter.
When: Mon.-Sat., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m.
Where: Hysteria, 125 S. Fairfax St., Alexandria (703-548-1615).

PRETEND
Guppy Gala
What: Take stuffed animals for a checkup with zoo vets. Plus, performances, food, and games to support the National Zoo.
Why: Up to the gills in fun.
When: Fri., 6-8:30 p.m.
Where: Smithsonian’s National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW (202-633-4800). Tickets online at ticketmaster.com.

HEAR
Banjo to Beatbox
What: New hip-hop/folk fusion album from locals Cathy & Marcy with Christylez Bacon.
Why: Beat everyone to it.
When: Now.
Where: Online at digstation.com.