WHAT'S INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

This month's issue is full of great ideas, things to do and fun family experiences you won't want to miss. Spring is officially here and you'll find several ways to get outdoors in our calendar and throughout the pages, but these are the top 3 things you definitely won't want to miss this issue!

'Round the natural world with books

Earth Day is the perfect excuse to hand your kids something worth reading. From a prize-winning picture book about townspeople walking their trees through city streets to a teen nonfiction deep-dive into wildfire, climate change and Indigenous land practices, this curated list spans every age group. Whether you're shopping for a toddler or a teen, DC author and children's book expert Mary Quattlebaum has the titles that will make young readers fall in love with the natural world — just in time for April 22.

Page 26

Exploring murals of the DMV

You don't need a museum ticket to experience world-class art in the DC metro area — you just need to know where to look. This guide takes families through the region's most vibrant and storied murals, from street art in DC proper to colorful community installations across Maryland and Virginia. It's an ideal outing for curious kids and adults alike, pairing outdoor exploration with a genuine look at the artists and neighborhoods that make the DMV's public art scene one of the most compelling in the country.

Page 46

Visiting 'The American Story' with kids: What to know

The National Archives just unveiled its biggest exhibit redesign in a generation, and it's genuinely unlike anything else on the National Mall. "The American Story" uses AI to let visitors search more than 2 million historic records and chart their own path through history — perfect for kids who like to explore at their own pace. Add in rare originals like George Washington's annotated Constitution, a Discovery Center built specifically for younger learners and easy access to nearby Mall favorites, and you've got a full family day worth planning around. Best of all: general admission is free.

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Ronel Hentschel

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David Arkin

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Brandi Calhoun

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COVER, ADVERTISING AND EDITORIAL DESIGN
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On the Cover

This month's cover photo is by Austin K. Graff