March Events Perfect for Little Ones

Little Alexandria

by Erica Barker

Dreaming of spring and getting outside? The longer winter lasts, the more I swear the square footage in my house shrinks and I cannot wait for the nicer weather.

For those more temperate March days to come, take the kids to one of Alexandria’s best playgrounds, Chessie’s Big Backyard at Lee District Park at 6601 Telegraph Rd. There are two large playgrounds for different age groups and a splash park for the summer, but our favorite spot is the kids’ walking path.

Chessie’s trail, a nature trail made especially for kids, is hidden behind the playgrounds. Walking the trail, you will encounter various animal sculptures, a music station, and plenty of objects to climb on or jump over. My son loves “petting” the animals, hopping along the stone path, and playing in the sound garden. The trail is just the right distance for little legs and if they have energy left (of course they will), you can tackle the playgrounds when you are done.

Lee District Park also has a carousel designed to be accessible for children with special needs. It will start running on weekends after March 31. The park has covered picnic areas where you can host birthday parties or stop for a snack.

My top picks for your upcoming weekends:

March 9: Make today a local library day! Join the LEGO Club at the James M. Duncan Jr. Branch library in Del Ray from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. or head to story time from 11:00 to 11:40 a.m. at the Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library for stories, music and dancing.

March 16: If the weather is nice, head out to Lee District Park and hike the nature trail with your little one. But if it’s one of those not-so-nice days, drive out to the Dulles Expo Center for the Super Pet Expo to enjoy all things pets. Dogs are welcome, so it’s an event you can enjoy with the whole family.

March 23: Head to Fort Ward Park for Civil War Women’s Day to enjoy reenactors, displays, and activities (including crafts for kids) and to celebrate the contributions of women during the Civil War. After this free event from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., walk around the park and check out the cannons or head to the playground on the park grounds.

March 30: Take a trip into D.C. to see the Blossom Kite Festival from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on the Washington Monument grounds. This is a great event to bring your own kite to fly with festival goers or make yourself a kite at the kids’ crafts station.

Erica Barker is the founder of littleoldtown.com, where she shares fun activities in the Alexandria area for parents and kids and she enjoys exploring the local area while keeping her toddler entertained.