flowers

Have your Instagram feeds started to be full of people standing in sunflower fields? Luckily you can also witness the beauty in person. We have some pretty amazing fields in our area that you will definitely want to visit this summer! Some places require reservations, also visitors bring step stools to take photos higher up with the sunflowers. In addition to the fields below, stop by some pick-your-own farms this summer.

Burnside Farms in Nokesville, VA has a field of 8 acres of various varieties of sunflowers that are in bloom. You must purchase tickets to attend.

The sunflower field at McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area in Poolesville, MD is one not to miss. This is a free field to visit and they encourage social distancing.

Gold Petal Farms is in Chaptico, MD and has a living maze you can go through as well as a pick-your-own flower garden during the summer season.

Rocky Point Creamery is located in Tuscarora, MD and has 2 acres of sunflowers + (bonus) homemade ice cream!

Maryland Agriculture and Farm Park in Cockeysville, MD welcomes you to bring a picnic, and leave with a day of memories. Before or after picking and picnicking, explore more of what the Farm has to offer; trails, demonstration gardens, animals, history, and more. Sunflowers typically bloom in mid-late September. $1.00 per stem or $10 per dozen.

Valley View Acres is in Middletown, MD and is open! They are cash only and charge a small admission fee as well as $1 sunflower stems & $2 wildflower bunch.

Butler’s Orchard in Germantown, MD allows you to pick-your-own flowers and while you are there, pick some fruit. Make an online reservation here.

A few further north to consider:
The Sunflower Garden
Misty Meadow Farm Creamery
Lockbriar Farms (on the way to the beach)
Emily’s Produce (on the way to the beach)

Clear Meadow Farms: Closed due to Covid but consider for next year as it is highlighted as one of the best!

Smithsonian Folklife Festival is happening on the National Mall through Sunday and then again July 2-6.

As always, check out the Theatre Roundup page for shows!

Saturday-

10:00am-12:30pm: Family Garden Day at The National Arboretum
(3501 New York Ave., NE, Washington, D.C.)
Family Garden Days is an interactive family gardening, nutrition education, and cooking program. It is designed to bring families together at the Washington Youth Garden to share in a communal experience of learning how to grow and prepare fruits and vegetables, maintain an organic garden, and prepare healthy meals. Tailored to beginning gardeners and those looking to enhance their food and wellness practices, the program is an exciting opportunity for families to grow awareness, appreciation and connections to their food sources and engage in healthy life affirming outdoor activities! Participating families harvest fresh fruits and vegetables from the garden for cooking demos as well as to prepare and enjoy at home. Buy tickets here.

10:00am: Mr. Gabe and the Circle Time All-Stars at Burke Lake Park Amphitheater
(7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station, VA 22039)
Free children’s and family concert. Mr. Gabe and his band, the Circle Time All-Stars, perform a mix of traditional children’s songs, family-friendly pop songs, and originals from Mr. Gabe’s award-winning CD, Play Date. Bring a picnic and enjoy being outside.

10:30am: Jammin with the Smithsonian: The Diggity Dudes at Jammin Java
(227 Maple Ave E Vienna, Va. 22180)
The Diggity Dudes play hip music for hip kids and their equally hip parents. A typical set covers everything from pet rocks to disco moves to science experiments to presidential physical fitness, all delivered via ultra-catchy melodies over funky and danceable grooves. Interactive skits, audience participation and a lighthearted comedic twist are what make a Diggity Dudes show more than a show – it’s truly an experience. $10 and doors will open at 10:00am.

11:00am-2:00pm: Pierce Mill in Rock Creek National Park
(Tilden Street (same as Park Road), NW and Beach Drive, Washington, DC 20015)
Mill in Operation (11 AM – 2 PM) – watch the waterwheel turn and learn how the flow of water into the “buckets” brings the wheel to life and sets the machinery inside the mill in motion Visitor Center (10 AM – 4 PM) – learn about the Peirce family and the other mills that operated along Rock Creek. There will be games for children, including a self-guided treasure hunt, water flow and gravity toys, checkers, and other simple toys from the milling period.

11:00am-12:00pm: Songs and Dances of the Pua (Flowers) of Hawaii at US Botanic Garden
(100 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, DC 20001 National Garden Amphitheater. Rain Location: Conservatory Garden Court)
Join the Hawai’i State Society of Washington D.C. `Ukulele Hui as they depict in song and dance the beautiful flowers of Hawai’i, such as the yellow ginger, pikake, hibiscus, carnation, green rose, lehua, gardenia, bird-of-paradise, and more. Celebrate the pua, or flower, which serves as a metaphor for a child or someone very cherished. Learn how leis, made up of these special flowers, are presented to people for occasions involving love, friendship, joy, congratulations and best wishes.

Sunday-

9:00am-9:45am: Tots and Tykes Yoga at Tranquil Space
(1632 17th St NW, Washington, DC)
Tot & Tyke Yoga is a supportive, fun-loving, and active yoga class. During this class crawlers and walkers playfully practice yoga postures while they are standing, sitting up, walking and jumping. An adult must attend class with child but no yoga experience is required.

11:30am-1:30pm: Pannini America at Child’s Play
(5536 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC. 20015)
Child’s Play will be roping off the parking lot behind their Chevy Chase store for 2 hours of games and giveaways. Practice your goal kicking skills in our inflatable goals. Bring your stickers and trade with others. Panini America (the makers of those amazing World Cup stickers) will be there giving away free World Cup 2014 merchandise (while supplies last).

12 sunflower fields to visit this summer

Weekend Picks: Get digging, kicking or just mill around Rock Creek Park