WASHINGTON — A viewer wrote to us asking for ideas about where to take kids during the long winter break.
Our answer? The National Botanic Gardens Christmas exhibit!
Every year, the Botanic Gardens puts together a train and floral spectacular, featuring 12 D.C. landmarks, including the U.S. Capitol, the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial and Union Station. The landmarks are surrounded by gorgeous plants from all around the country.
"I learned that the breadfruit is in Hawaii, and that it is supposed to help with the food," 7-year-old Ryan proudly shared.
Ryan and his brother Ian chased trains and went on a hunt for plants while they explored the exhibit.
"We loved all of the trains," Ian said. "Thomas the Tank is in there, too!"
In addition to the intricate train display, The Botanic Gardens staff has a "Plant Hunt" adventure book that kids can use to explore the exhibit. In the book are the names of five plants. The goal is to find the plants in the exhibit and read a plaque about them. Then, kids get a stamp to mark that they found it.
Ryan and Ian found all five!
Spoiler alert for parents: look for the kiosks throughout the exhibit, and that's where you'll find the plants in the book.
The exhibit is open now through Jan. 5, 2020.
"Season's Greenings" and the Botanic Garden is open 10 a.m to 5 p.m. daily. The Conservatory will be open until 8 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays in December for the holiday season. During these evenings there will be musical performances from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.