Great news: there are fun and safe ways to spend our last month of warm days. Here are a few that we've tested and are #WWapproved. All (except the last) can be made as day trips--just don't forget to bring your own water/snacks and leave time to cool off in your car's AC! (Bonus: these are also all kid-friendly.)
1. The National Zoo. Reserve your spot for free in advance of visiting. Enjoy the refreshing lack of crowds!
2. Bengie's Drive-In. An old-fashioned drive-in movie theater with the largest screen in the country. Bring your own dinner/snacks for a fee or buy some there.
3. Camp Anthem at the Wharf. Luxury in your own private cabana on the pier. If you time it right, you can also see a beautiful sunset over the water.
4. Shenandoah National Park. If you go to the northern-most part of the park near Front Royal, you can actually make this into a legitimate day trip. Go on a few of the less popular trails for even more social distancing.
5. The Vineyards at Dodon. Hidden gem outside of Annapolis with distanced picnic tables overlooking rolling hills of vineyards.
6. Manassas National Battlefield Park. Free park that provides an opportunity for a nice walk smooth enough for a hardy stroller and/or leisurely walker.
7. The C&O Canal Trail. This trail will be packed if you pick it up near Georgetown. Instead, drive just a few miles down the road towards Cabin John, MD (Lock 6) and you'll have a nice, flat, gravel trail to yourself.
8. Harper's Ferry. In West Virginia but only about an hour from DC. Go tubing or have lunch outside at one of the restaurants in the cute downtown area.
9. Terrapin Nature Area. This park is on Kent Island, which is less than an hour from DC. There are trails and even a mini beach area with great views of the Bay Bridge.
10. Deep Creek Lake. Mountains, beaches, waterfalls, and oh yeah, a lake: Deep Creek has it all. This one is about three hours from DC, so involves an overnight--but you'll want to spend the time there to relax and unwind.
Enjoy!