The Inside Scoop by our Local Expert
Five miles northeast of central D.C., Turkey Thicket Playground is a great place to go for fun playing any sport. The playground and recreation center includes a lighted athletic field and basketball court, tennis courts, a kids' playground, and even an indoor swimming pool. Swimming and SCUBA diving lessons are offered here, as well as summer camps for kids. While in Washington, D.C., you may want to visit other points of interest near Turkey Thicket Playground as well. One of these is the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, the largest Catholic Church in North America, which offers free guided tours six times daily, Monday through Saturday. Lincoln Theater is also nearby, featuring tours by online reservation as well as performances on many nights of the year. Or you may like to visit President Lincoln's cottage, which is open for tours from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Explore Meridian Hill Park during daylight hours to experience 12 acres of richly designed parkland. Or see the Blessed John Paul II Shrine from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. The Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America offers tours hourly from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. as well. Of course, Capitol Hill and the National Mall with their many monuments, memorials, government buildings, and museums are not far away for your enjoyment. To access many of these attractions, you can use the WMATA Metro and bus lines, or parking in garages and along streets is available in some locations.