Planet Word, Washington DC

 When I first told my child about a new museum that was all about words, she was not having any part of it. However, after a series of negotiations, she finally acquiesced. Upon arrival to Planet Word, we were greeted by a whimsical “Speaking Willow” tree installation. As you walk under the bell shaped speakers on each branch, the visitor is able to hear a different language coming out of each speaker. It gives a very cool melting pot vibe to those interacting with the tree.

Once you enter, you will have 3 floors worth of fantastic exhibits to explore. This museum is great for kids of all ages as well as adults. You can learn about the origin of words, how to compose lyrics to make songs, start learning a new language and even practice giving famous speeches. The participant can then email the speech that they recorded to themselves as a cool souvenir. Other fun activities include exploring humor, creating your own advertisements using the power of words, a library that has 3D elements, a virtual painting wall, and even some wordplay signs to pose with for a picture. These are only a few of the many areas that we loved exploring.

By the time we had to go, my daughter didn’t want to leave and asked if we could come back again. The best part is that this museum is free (with a suggested donation). Just make sure that you reserve your tickets online ahead of time.

Website: https://planetwordmuseum.org/

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Cunningham Falls State Park, Thurmont, MD

 Located in Thurmont, Maryland, Cunningham Falls State Park is a really nice park to spend the day. If you want a short hike, you can park and walk roughly a mile and get to the scenic falls. They also offer longer hikes up to 7.5 miles if you want a more intense challenge. Additionally, if you do not feel like walking to the falls or taking a long hike, you can also park and hang out by the lake.

The lake offers a large beach area which has lifeguards on duty at specific hours. There is a roped off section for swimming which is great for the kids, and they can also build sand castles on the shore. Additionally, there is great boating, and fishing options for those looking for other recreational opportunities. We also really appreciated the nice picnic benches and the clean bathrooms that were right near the lake. Overall, this was a really enjoyable place to hike, and we would go back again in the future.

Website: https://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/pages/western/cunningham.aspx

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O Street Museum, Washington DC

For years, I have been thinking about going to the O Street Mansion in Washington DC. However, something always came up. Finally, we decided to go, and we are so happy that we did. Nestled on an unassuming street, passersby would never even know that this Museum exists. Yet, if you are lucky enough to stumble upon it (or read about it on my blog), you will have unearthed a true hidden gem! 

This series of rowhouses have been converted into a mansion that is open to tours throughout the year. We chose to do the secret door tour. With over 70 secret doors, we were fully immersed in the activity for several hours and didn't come close to finding all of the doors. There were so many unique rooms to see and each one was more fun and wacky than the next. Even the bathrooms offered such clever decor, that we found ourselves excited to see how each restroom was designed. 

Additionally, there is a tremendous amount of history in this experiential museum as it also functions as an active hotel. Guests can actually be staying there while you are touring, so you may end up striking up a conversation with some pretty interesting people! Each room in the hotel is themed and the objects that cover every inch of the mansion are all for sale and have been donated by the famous people that have stayed there! Be careful (and remind the kids to do so as well) as they have a strict, "you break it, you buy it" policy. While there, you will find items donated by celebrities such as The Beatles, Elvis Pressley, Rosa Parks, and others!

I can't think of any place like this, and highly recommend a visit when going into DC. Make sure to purchase your tickets in advance, and ask them which times of day are the least busy. We went without our children, but plenty of our friends went with kids of all ages and said the kids had a ton of fun as well! Who knows what you may end up finding/buying!?!

Website: https://www.omuseum.org/

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Laurel Skating Center, Laurel Maryland

The Laurel Skating Center has been a staple of the area for decades! This may not be the most modern skating rink, but it offers a sense of nostalgia that harkens back to the days when skating was the best option on a rainy day. Their hours of operation vary depending on the day, but they have family times, adult skating, and senior hours. They also offer skating classes and are available for birthday parties. There is a concession stand as well. I recommend sparing your feet by doubling your socks as the skates are a little bit old school. 

Website: https://laurelskatingcenter.com/

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