Just off of Rock Creek Park in Chevy Chase, Maryland is the Audubon Naturalist Society and the…read moreWoodend Sanctuary and Mansion. It's a historical society dedicated to the study of birds that Teddy Roosevelt was once part of. Today, it's a great place to take the family. There are several trails that go through the woods that are easy for all age groups to enjoy. The historic mansion is often used for events and weddings.

A favorite little spot for exploring, birdwatching, and taking some time to just be with the trees…read more With a great range of easy trails and beautiful nature, we find ourselves here at least once a week for a little time away from the hustle bustle. Honestly, I've never been in the buildings--we go here exclusively to wander the grounds and see how many wild animals we can spot. My little girl runs through the woods, climbing the trees, swinging from the vines, and hiding in the various forts built out of fallen branches. The trees are so huge and thick--particularly the tulip poplars--that you really do feel deep in the woods, even though you're right off the main drag. It's magical. The manicured grounds are lovely--not over done in the last, they actually have a bit of a decaying, slightly neglected feel to them but in a very cool way. The small maze in the cypress tree clearing is pretty cool, and the field with huge trees spaced far apart is perfect for a little hide-and-seek. Really and truly a great place to bring the kids, run around for a while, and have a picnic. We love it.

Took Intro to Watercolors here about a month ago, a 5-week course that started at 7pm and ended at…read more9pm. Online registration was easy with credit card, and they send you a confirmation email. I liked that I did not have to purchase any supplies for this class. Now keep in mind you only come with what you brought; no brushes, paper, or paints were given away at the end. We had a small group and started off practicing watercolor techniques the first day and then jumped into small simple projects; still life, landscape, and abstract watercolors. As a beginner, I was in class with people who were professional artists who took the class as a hobby. I would have preferred to be in a class with newbies like me, so I could spend more time learning technique. But all and all I worked at my own pace and did not allow myself to be distracted by the years of experience of others. Our instructor Tye was kind, encouraging, and fun to work with. I would take another course here, they have plenty to choose from ceramics, printmaking, even a soap making course, and much more. Looking to be creative and meet some interesting people on a random weeknight, this might be your jam.

The two day a week Adult Art Therapy Group is wonderful. Art, Therapy, Support, introduction to…read morenew art techniques, new media, professional artists, gallery and other show and more all in one great package. The staff really cares.

We spent our Fourth of July at Terrapin and it was absolutely wonderful! From being welcomed at the…read moredesk (I am so sorry I can't remember his name!), to our awesome guides Justin and Jasmine, to Scott who helped at the swing and doing the belay to get us down - we truly enjoyed the whole experience (despite the unbearable heat this weekend). Justin and Jasmine made sure we stayed hydrated, and regularly brought us into the air conditioning to avoid overheating. They ensured our safety every moment we were there. The rope course was insanely fun, the giant swing and zip line were a blast and our favorite part was honestly the rock climbing! Justin and Jasmine were fantastic - we will definitely come back (preferably not during a heat wave haha) and hope they will be our guides again - every single person today made it memorable for my family! Thank you so much!!!

Chaperoned my Kids to the park as an incentive, nick was pretty cool handling the group. Although…read morethe weather was cloudy over cast and wet, the venue was worth the trip.

Whomever is in charge of cleaning is doing a bad job. I have a very bad infection and I'm directed…read moreto this being the one possible vector.

I just got a little Silver down my spine, thinking about how much I didn't like this YMCA…read more This little YMCA was not so friendly on the way in - having to prove that I actually was a member, which took more than 5 mins - and once I was inside I was all pretty boxed in. A forgettable Y, old and run down and needs a major facelift. Definitely one of the less enjoyable YMCAs I've used and despite how old and run-down it is, it's also busy so you will have to wait for certain things on certain days at certain times more than you would in the average YMCA location. And some of the other members are not so friendly. A good parking lot though, and nobody bothers you in it if you're hanging out in it for awhile.

My daughter attended at the Takoma location. for two weeks and I had such a good experience that I…read morejust signed up for another week! Staff is attentive and energetic. They are extremely responsive and communication is quick and constant (weekly reminders sent about the schedule/curriculum, field trip, water play, and adjustments to the curriculum due to weather). We enrolled in about 4 other camps and this is the only camp where my daughter has come home excited to share about the day's activities. Activities are screen free and intentionally match each week's theme. They have weekly water play and field trips. They seem extremely organized. Also conveniently located a short walk from the metro and inside (helpful on extremely hot days). If all goes well, we'll likely just do this camp next year. Honestly think it's one of the better camps in Takoma.

Feedback to improve the camp; please share this with your directors:…read more - stop making kids over the age of 5 nap (or have mandatory "quiet time" where they have to lay down, which is pretty much the same thing) - limit TV watching - answer the phone (I was amazed at how difficult it was to actually reach someone) - not sure if this is true, but my kid reported that there was no paper or supplies to draw/color with during the first week that they attended camp - let parents know what kids are doing each day. The posted calendars and itineraries were pretty bare bones Hope this helps!

It was just ok for my littles…read more There was a groupon offer for $12.75 (regular $15 admission pp) so I took advantage. There's not a lot of guidance here so if your kids aren't self starters they may find themselves bored. Even when entering each room no one is guiding you on what the activity is and how to participate. Instead you're kid just does there on thing. Neither bad nor good just an observation. Outside of that there are 4 areas that are pretty intuitive. Making a beat - where kids can add layers to music to create new sounds. Circuit activity - create a pathway by connecting wrenches which turn on a light. - my son (8) thoroughly enjoyed this. Tipsy table - using 3 different pulleys you could guide balls into different outputs. This requires at least 2-3 people. Light play - using lasers to make imprints on moving disks. I could see myself coming back for more purposeful play but free play I wouldn't bother.

Fun place for kids and adults. Very clean and well maintained. My young companions (8 and 10)…read morecouldn't eat the pizza. And my sandwich was disappointing

I cannot recommend this place strongly enough. I've taken classes with several teachers, and…read moreeveryone is kind, knowledgeable, and accepting. The scaffolding of skills demonstrates a strong understanding of pedagogy, and the environment is incredibly positive and accepting of all abilities and bodies. The variety of classes available for adults is impressive, and there is truly something for everyone. I am so grateful to have a studio like this in Bethesda.

Enjoyed taking evening classes this summer- a welcoming environment for tween dancers.read more