Explore the rich and fascinating ecosystem of Mattawoman Creek, a tributary of the Potomac, from the ideal vantage point of a kayak on a summer evening. Naturalist and interpretive guide Judy Lathrop weaves natural and human history into the program as you glide through this regional treasure.

Sunday, June 24, 2018 - 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Explore the rich and fascinating ecosystem of Mattawoman Creek, a tributary of the Potomac, from the ideal vantage point of a kayak on a summer evening. Naturalist and interpretive guide Judy Lathrop weaves natural and human history into the program as you glide through this regional treasure.

Friday, June 29, 2018 - 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Family Program: (Ages 8 to 12) Go on an interactive exploration of the Natural History Museum and participate in hands-on crafts projects and games. Then roll out your sleeping bag and dream away in the darkened halls of one of the world’s most famous museums!

June 29 - 30, 2018, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m.

Explore the rich and fascinating ecosystem of Mattawoman Creek, a tributary of the Potomac, from the ideal vantage point of a kayak on a summer evening. Naturalist and interpretive guide Judy Lathrop weaves natural and human history into the program as you glide through this regional treasure.

Sunday, July 1, 2018 - 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Family Program: (Ages 8 to 12) Go on an interactive exploration of the Natural History Museum and participate in hands-on crafts projects and games. Then roll out your sleeping bag and dream away in the darkened halls of one of the world’s most famous museums!

July 6 - 7, 2018, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m.

One of North America’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders is the perfect destination for a visit that includes all the don’t-miss attractions of Niagara Falls—and a memorable dinner in one of Ontario’s most historic and charming towns.

Depart: Thursday, July 12, 2018 - 7:00 a.m.
Return: Saturday, July 14, 2018 - 8:30 p.m.

Family Program: (Ages 8 to 14) Go on an interactive exploration of the Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia. Then roll out your sleeping bag and dream away in the halls of one of the world’s most famous museums!

July 14 - 15, 2018, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m.

Explore the rich and fascinating ecosystem of Mattawoman Creek, a tributary of the Potomac, from the ideal vantage point of a kayak on a summer evening. Naturalist and interpretive guide Judy Lathrop weaves natural and human history into the program as you glide through this regional treasure.

Sunday, July 15, 2018 - 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Bolster your understanding of the science behind global warming and climate change as Bert Drake, an emeritus scientist with the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, offers a three-part primer that examines the history, effects, and potential responses to these growing challenges. This session focuses on the history and science of global warming.

Monday, July 16, 2018 - 6:45 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.

Nikola Tesla invented the radio, the induction motor, the neon lamp, and the remote control. His brilliant but decidedly strange persona, however, prevented his most advanced ideas from being recognized for decades. Biographer Richard Munson shines a light on a magnificently bizarre genius.

Monday, July 23, 2018 - 6:45 p.m.

Franklin Foer, national correspondent at The Atlantic, sits down with Melissa Chiu, director of the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, for a discussion about the vexing issues posed by the growing power of “Big Technology.” Together they explore the tension between technology and privacy with which everyone who has a digital life has to deal.

Thursday, July 26, 2018 - 6:45 p.m.

Family Program: (Ages 8 to 14) Go on an interactive exploration of the Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia. Then roll out your sleeping bag and dream away in the halls of one of the world’s most famous museums!

July 28 - 29, 2018, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m.

Bolster your understanding of the science behind global warming and climate change as Bert Drake, an emeritus scientist with the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, offers a three-part primer that examines the history, effects, and potential responses to these growing challenges. This session focuses on climate change effects.

Monday, July 30, 2018 - 6:45 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.

Meet two professionals entrusted with some of the most glittering of the Smithsonian’s treasures. Jeffrey Post, curator of the National Gems and Minerals Collection, and Dawn Wallace, the conservator who is preserving the sparkle in Dorothy’s Ruby Slippers, offer a fascinating glimpse into the work they do.

Monday, August 6, 2018 - 6:45 p.m.

In a day-long program, discover the ways humans and bees are inextricably linked, and how much we rely on them: When the hive thrives, we all thrive.

Saturday, August 11, 2018 - 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Bolster your understanding of the science behind global warming and climate change as Bert Drake, an emeritus scientist with the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, offers a three-part primer that examines the history, effects, and potential responses to these growing challenges. This session focuses on climate change challenges.

Monday, August 13, 2018 - 6:45 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.

Since the beginnings of beer, brewers have used a variety of cultivated and foraged ingredients for added flavor and preservation. Take a look at the garden through the lens of the botanicals, spices, wild yeasts, fruits, berries, and hops that flavor your favorite beer.

Thursday, August 16, 2018 - 6:45 p.m.

Family Program: (Ages 8 to 14) Go on an interactive exploration of the Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia. Then roll out your sleeping bag and dream away in the halls of one of the world’s most famous museums!

August 18 - 19, 2018, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m.

Whether you’re looking for a trail that offers great scenery, history, family fun, or a challenge to your hiking skills, Renee Sklarew and Rachel Cooper, authors of 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles of Washington, D.C., know all the right spots for your fall excursions.

Wednesday, August 22, 2018 - 6:45 p.m.

Family Program: (Ages 8 to 12) Go on an interactive exploration of the Natural History Museum and participate in hands-on crafts projects and games. Then roll out your sleeping bag and dream away in the darkened halls of one of the world’s most famous museums!

August 24 - 25, 2018, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m.

Family Program: (Ages 8 to 12) Go on an interactive exploration of the Natural History Museum and participate in hands-on crafts projects and games. Then roll out your sleeping bag and dream away in the darkened halls of one of the world’s most famous museums!

August 31 - September 1, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m.

Regional historian Hayden Mathews explores the rich heritage of this lovely Eastern Shore town, focusing on both land and sea. The day includes a cruise on a replica of an 18th century vessel, as well as an historic-district walking tour guided by Chestertown’s mayor.

Sunday, September 9, 2018 - 8:00 a.m. to 6:15 p.m.

The rugged landscape of western North Dakota was the setting against which Theodore Roosevelt transformed himself from an asthmatic 24-year-old into a robust outdoorsman—and a passionate lifelong conservationist. Experience that corner of the West—filled with dramatic vistas, vividly colored canyons, and wandering herds of wild bison—on an extraordinary 5-day tour that brings you into the heart of Roosevelt’s Badlands and the national park that bears his name.

Depart from Bismarck, ND: Saturday, September 15, 2018 - 7:00 p.m.
Return to Bismarck, ND: Wednesday, September 19, 2018 - 1:00 p.m.