Revisiting the National Zoo

There’s no better time to talk about the great options available through the Smithsonian’s National Zoo for summertime activities than now. A shining jewel in the Smithsonian’s collection, the National Zoo is located on Connecticut Avenue in the N.W. quadrant of the District and always a crowd-pleaser. With various exhibit mainstays like the Elephant Trails and Cheetah Conservation Station (if you hit it just right, you can watch trainers exercise the big cats!) mixed in with temporary displays like Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea, there is always something to entertain you and yours with at the National Zoo. The pandas are, of course, some of the biggest draws so the fact that male cub Bei Bei is now welcoming visitors along with his other three giant panda friends should be reason enough to take some time out of your Saturday to pop in. One of the orangutans is currently pregnant so a baby is right around the corner!

There are some fantastic alternatives to a direct-to-zoo visit as well. Sweltering hot late July day where every single member of the family is refusing to leave your air-conditioned oasis? Tune into one of the Zoo’s webcams and crack a soda in the comfort of your living room while still getting the chance for some animal-kingdom-inspired family bonding; video coverage includes the elephant community center, lion cubs, and pandas. You can peruse the Zoo’s website for photo galleries and view information about the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute at their Fort Royal Campus. There is even a magazine and newsletter the Zoo publishes to stay connected. You can track the campaign called #FightforFrogs which partners the Smithsonian Institution with the Panama Amphibian Rescue and Conservation Project to ensure continued diversity of frog species in South America.

Children will be excited to observe animals up-close they have only before seen in books and Disney movies. The National Zoo can be the perfect opportunity for some fun summer learning about animal habitats, conservation, and other aspects of zoology. The Think Tank goes beyond animal science to ponder philosophical questions and give the zoo-goer a time for introspection. Educational speakers on various topics are an optional addition to your visit. Concerts and other special events like Brew at the Zoo occur on Zoo grounds to provide more adult-skewing fare. Donations are readily accepted and you can join Friends of the National Zoo to demonstrate your commitment to the Zoo’s mission as well as score exclusive discounts. For further support, you can symbolically adopt a species like the red panda to aid in research that will better their lives at the Zoo. Don’t forget to follow their Twitter (@NationalZoo) and Instagram (@SmithsonianZoo) for cute animal shots and interesting factoids, too.

{Do} Go Chasing Waterfalls!

Cunningham Falls in Thurmont, MD

Summer is officially here and, with it, the kind of wanderlust that only happens in eighty-five-degree weather. It's time to venture outside city limits to take in these beautiful wonders. These are all a quick drive away so there’s no excuse to not embrace your Into the Wild side and take some outdoorsy Instas. Perhaps the closest, Cascade Falls in Patapsco Valley State Park guides you to the main attraction through a lead-up of smaller waterfalls. Cunningham Falls in Thurmont, Maryland features an almost-entirely uphill trek to the falls but there are different courses for beginners versus experts so don’t be too overwhelmed! Bonus: there’s a lake for that perfect post-hike swim. Fairfax County’s own Scott’s Run is a waterfall two-for-one with beautiful wildlife and rare flora but be wary of the strict no-swimming/no-wading rule. Great Falls is a mere fourteen miles from Georgetown and provides great views of the historic C&O Canal.

Whiteoak Canyon Falls in Shenandoah National Park boasts six waterfalls, watering holes, and a decently large canyon (by East Coast standards at least). Dark Hollow Falls in this same park are beautiful and give the explorer a chance to see multiple cascades at once but the trail is only for the more experienced hikers. With rocky topography and a moderate hike, South River Falls completes the trilogy of Shenandoah National Park waterfalls. Falling Branch Falls a.k.a. Kilgore in Rock State Park not only features an easier trail, but dogs are allowed so grab your furry friends and head on over for some beautiful views. At Gunpowder Falls, walk alongside the river for a bit then find a decent-sized rock to picnic on in pool created by torrents – try and go after a rainstorm when the water levels have risen. Paw Paw Falls trail is bordered by the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Towpath and includes a shady tunnel which hikers can walk through to see a pretty little waterfall on the other side. Pick your favorites and add them to you and your friends’ summer to-do list; don’t forget snacks!