National Harbor

Yesterday morning Lucas and I drove over to National Harbor, a 300 acre mixed-use development project recently built on the banks of the Potomac River in Prince George's County. In non-rush hour traffic, National Harbor is only a 15-minute drive from Cheverly. It is easily accessible from 295 and 495.

Our main goal was to check out the brand new Launch Zone for the National Children's Museum (opening in 2013). The Launch Zone is "is a place where children can prototype exhibit components and programs, share their ideas about what should be included in the new Museum, and participate in fun and educational programs related to the Museum’s core content areas."





The staff member who was there yesterday morning, Lorinda, was incredibly friendly and helpful. She got out all sorts of wonderful things for Lucas to touch, feel and explore. The Launch Zone is open 7 days a week, but it seems to me that the best times to visit will be when they have a program. Luckily, that's every Tuesday and Saturday through May! And, I anticipate they will continue to fill in programming throughout the summer.





After spending some time at the Launch Zone, we strolled down the street and encountered an amazing mosaic on the ground. The benches surrounding it make suggestions of items for you to find throughout the images, making it really easy to turn this from just a pretty design to something educational.

We continued toward the water to find The Awakening which has always been one of Abel and my favorite places to take visitors. We were sad to see it leave Haines Point but I love its new location right along the Potomac at National Harbor. Lucas had a blast playing in the sand, watching planes come into National Airport and seeing the ferries dock.

After playing in the sand we stopped at Potbelly Sandwich Works for lunch and then headed home.

Overall National Harbor was great. From the Launch Zone to the sand to simply enjoying the lapping water, docked boats and airplanes flying overhead, Lucas was engaged and active the entire time. I look forward to returning for a program at the Launch Zone and will definitely take Abel there on a date night to enjoy one of the many great waterfront restaurants.