Several years ago, Discovery Creek set up shop in Washington's sole remaining one-room schoolhouse, organizing a continuing series of truly fun and insinuatingly educational programs. In 1998, Discovery Creek moved to a new facility at a site destined to give them more visibility: Glen Echo Park.

The park's stable has been turned into an exhibition and classroom space and a children's garden has been planted in the former paddock area. Programs are offered on everything from fossil collecting to ant behavior to aquatic animals.

On Saturdays and Sundays, families may drop by from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. to enjoy live animal demonstrations, crafts and a hike to nearby Minehaha Creek. The real stars are the teachers, who involve and inspire their young charges, whether it's getting them to pretend to be a fish or having them turn over a rock to see what lives underneath.

Discovery Creek still has facilities on MacArthur Boulevard in Washington, but that location is mainly for school groups and requires registration in advance.

-- John Kelly and Craig Stoltz

Words to the Wise: Weekday programs require reservations.

Nearby: Glen Echo Park and carousel, Adventure Theatre, Puppet Company Playhouse, Clara Barton House and the C&O Canal.