National Cherry Blossom Festival: Washington, DC

I seldom attend events on the weekend because crowds + toddler + infant = no fun for mommy.  Parking is a hassle and what infant enjoys extra time in their car seat?  Not to mention how long lines eat up precious play time.  So, instead of heading down to the Tidal Basin this weekend for the National Cherry Blossom Festival, an annual “must see” for our family, we decided to meet up with my beloved sorority sister and her sons on a weekday.

While our boys enjoyed some much needed outdoors time, I was a bit disappointed by the Festival Schedule of Events this year. Let’s begin with the fact that there was NO activity today by the Basin.  That is, unless you want to pay $40 for two tickets (one adult, one child) to tour the Blossoms by water.  Or…I know, we can take our toddlers, infants, strollers and diaper bags on the do-it-yourself paddle boats! Oh, how about heading to one of the museums for a Cherry Blossom event far from the Cherry Blossoms themselves? Has “the economy” hit the Cherry Blossom Festival too?

In previous years, there was a stage with performers directly in front of the steps to the Jefferson Memorial.  While we did not know the performers, RJ and I had a great time dancing and enjoying the sounds in the shadow of Mr. President.  This year, our view was that of a CONSTRUCTION  ZONE complete with a green barricade and fence. Sure, there’s nothing the Festival organizers can do about the construction but if there was an activity, it probably wouldn’t have been as noticeable.

All was not lost. Children are very resourceful.  There were trees to climb.

Silly photos to take.

Grass to roll in.

And, of course, Cherry Blossoms to admire.

I hope next year’s Festival planners will go back to the days of old with weekday family activities for those of us who love the Blossoms and like to enjoy them with less crowds, easier parking, and shorter bathroom lines!  We always enjoy the Cherry Blossoms and will come back again next year, if only to climb this tree again.

Tags: activities, all ages, cherry blossoms, children, dc, events, families, family, kids, national cherry blossom festival, outings, reviews, spring, tidal basin, toddlers
Posted in Holidays, Festivals and Fairs | 8 Comments »