A previous version of this story incorrectly stated that the "Lego Architecture: Towering Ambition" exhibit was free, with a suggested $5 donation. The $5 entrance fee is mandatory.
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Camp's out: Kid-friendly activities and happy hours in the Washington area
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THURSDAY
College Park Aviation Museum
Fly a simulator of the Wright Flyer. Dress up in mini bomber jackets and goggles and climb into retired planes, or drive aviation-themed tricycles on a shaded patio. Create airplane and space shuttle crafts. And on your way out, receive a goodie bag packed with small toys. The College Park Aviation Museum is a definite ace in the hole for a parent in summer.
"It's not generally crowded; it's relaxed and geared towards kids," says Jean Winegardner, 37, of Wheaton and author of AutMont.com, a Web site that lists autism events and resources in Montgomery County. Winegardner is the mother of three sons, ages 5, 7 and 8. Seven-year-old Jack is autistic.
Winegardner recommends the museum for children who experience many things through touch, because of an abundance of hands-on, do-it-yourself activities.
The museum also offers story times for kids ages 3 to 5 on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month, as well as activities for children age 6 and older every Friday from 2 to 4:30 p.m.
Where: 1985 Cpl. Frank Scott Dr., College Park. http:/
When: Daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: $4, $3 seniors, $2 kids (age 2 and younger are free).
Westover Market Beer Garden
If you're not looking for the Westover Market beer garden, it's easy to miss. Tucked into the side of a family-owned grocery and deli in the Westover section of Arlington, the fenced-in area is tranquil, tree-shaded and comfortable. That is, except on Fridays when the weekly live music is met with a kid-filled crowd ready start the weekend. Unlike the other events, the Friday happy hour at the Westover Market beer garden is not a kids' happy hour by design. Instead, it has grown into one, as local parents have embraced the family-friendly vibe. The beer garden attracts a jovial group, and on the last Friday in June there was nary an unfriendly look, even from the non-parents in the crowd.
Pizza, sandwiches, quesadillas and even bulgogi are some of the treats available from the deli, which also includes a kids' menu featuring such items as mini pizzas, sloppy Joe sliders and french fries. On the patio a bar features six rotating draft lines, which is in addition to the imports and microbrews from the market's incredible beer selection. (Kids or no-kids, any serious beer lover needs to check this place out.)
On the first Friday and second Saturday of the month, the market holds specialty beer and wine tastings from 4 to 8 p.m. For those events, Jay Jenks, the man behind the market's deli and a former competition barbecuer, fires up the smoker to bring slow-smoked chicken and pork to the festivities.
Where: 5863 N. Washington Blvd., Arlington. http:/
