Legend says that it is virtually impossible to see every Smithsonian exhibit. (And we’re pretty sure the legend didn’t take little toddler legs and snack breaks into account). But if you feel like you’ve seen them all, or if you want to spend your Saturday someplace a little out of the ordinary, scroll down to check out these six weird places just a day trip from the DMV.
Photo: Brett Davis via Flickr
Dinosaur Land
Wander around a field of prehistoric creatures—50 to be exact—at this self-proclaimed roadside attraction. There are no rides and no moving parts; just your family and your wild imaginations. Oh, and a T-rex of course.
3848 Stonewall Jackson Hwy. (White Post, Va)
Open: 9:30 am–5 pm (most days)
Cost: $5 for ages 2 – 10; $6 ages 11 and up
Online: dinosaurland.com
Civil War Diorama Museum
Twin sisters have recreated key Civil War battle scenes in diorama and set them up what once was an orphanage for Civil War soldiers’ children. All battle scenes are historically accurate except for one small detail. Every soldier is a cat!
785 Baltimore St. (Gettysburg, Pa)
Online: civilwartails.com
Photo: Ladew Gardens
Ladew Gardens Topiary Gardens
Explore these gardens, named one of the top 5 gardens in North America, and admire 22 acres of thematic garden rooms featuring topiaries of every variety from running dogs, men on horses, squirrels, swans, and more.
3535 Jarrettsville Pike (Monkton, Md)
Gardens open till end of October but check calendar for off season events
Cost: $13 – adults; kids 2 – 23, $4
Online: ladewgardens.com
Mooseum
Get your Moo on as you tour the barn and take in this dairy heritage museum. After your tour, enjoy a picnic on the grounds while the kids play on the playground. This one is soon to be closed for the season so go…now!
18028 Central Park Cir. (Boyds, Md)
Cost: Free
Online: http://mooseum.com/
Photo: Go Ape
Go Ape
This unique outdoor experience promises to be more than just zip lines. In fact, if offers a 2-3 hour journey through forest canopies—great for the family looking for a little more than just your average Sunday morning hike!
Online: goape.com
Virginia Safari Park
Get up close and personal with bulk elk, zebra and camels at Virginia’s only drive-thru safari adventure. The animals are free to roam as you drive through, feed them through the window, and get closer to these wonders than ever before.
229 Safari Ln. (Natural Bridge Va)
$19.95 /adults; kids 2-12/$12
virginiasafaripark.com
Where is the wackiest place you’ve ever visited? Tell us in the comments section below.
—Tricia Mirchandani
