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Glen Echo ParkWhip RIde 1960s
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Glen Echo Park
Operating Hours & Seasons
 

The grounds of Glen Echo Park are open daily from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. We are closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

There are many different activities taking place at the park during different hours. The most requested hours of operation include:

1921 Dentzel Carousel   
The 1921 Dentzel carousel will open for its 88th season on May 2, 2009. The carousel will operate through the end of September. Tickets are $1.25. The hours of operation will be:

May 2-June 28:
Weds. & Thurs., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 
Sat. & Sun., 12 noon-6 p.m.

July 1-August 30:
Weds., Thurs., & Fri., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 
Sat. & Sun., 12 noon-6 p.m.

September 5-27: 
Sat. & Sun., 12 noon-6 p.m.


The Puppet Co. Shows
Puppet shows are offered year-round. Tickets are $10, but prices for larger groups may be negotiated for a lower price. Generally, most shows are performed at the following times:

Weds., Thurs., & Fri.  at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
Sat. & Sun. at 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.

For the latest information about The Puppet Co., including Tiny Tot Tuesdays specifically designed for children ages 0-4 years, call
301-320-6668 or visit www.thepuppetco.org.


Adventure Theatre Plays
The Adventure Theatre presents live theatrical performances year-round. Tickets are $12 for children and $15 for adults, with pre-paid group rates available. Most weeks, shows are performed on:

Sat. & Sun. at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

For the latest information about Adventure Theatre or to confirm their show times, call 301-634-2270 or visit their website at www.adventuretheatre.org.


Discovery Creek Children's Museum of Washington
Discovery Creek, a Living Classrooms program, is a hands-on, minds-on children's museum with a focus on science and the environment. It is designed for children up to age 11. It is generally open on weekends and admission is $5 for non-members, $3 for seniors and military families with IDs, and free for members and children under 2 years old. The museum is generally open: 

Sat. & Sun. from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

For the latest information about Discovery Creek hours and special activities for groups or the public, call 202-488-0627 or visit www.discoverycreek.org or www.livingclassroomsdc.org.


Dances in the Spanish Ballroom
Dancing in the Spanish Ballroom has been a popular attraction at Glen Echo Park since 1933! Drop by with your "dancing shoes on" to have a great time. Reservations are not needed. In fact, you don't even need to bring your own partner. Admission to the dances usually ranges from $8-$15. Dancing is held year-round and, during most weeks, there are dances on:

Friday nights, contra dancing (like square dancing) 
Lesson from 7:30-8:15 p.m. 
Dancing from 8:30-11:30 p.m.

Saturday nights, usually swing dancing (but occasionally zydeco or salsa instead)
Lesson from 8-9 p.m.
Dancing from 9 p.m.-12 midnight.

Sunday afternoons, Types of dance vary, but may include waltz, zydeco, or milonga
Lesson from 3-3:30 p.m.
Dancing from 3:30-6 p.m.

Sunday nights, contra dancing
No lesson.
Dance from 7-10:30 p.m. or 11 p.m.

The dance schedule is subject to change. For a list of each week's bands, times, and prices, call the park's event hotline at 301-634-2222 or visit www.glenechopark.org/calendar.htm


Spanish Ballroom Cafe
Care for a snack, beverage, or a light meal when visiting the park? Guest Services, Inc. operates a delightful refreshment stand at the historic Spanish Ballroom. The cafe is currently closed for the season but will reopen in Spring 2009. Light fare includes sandwiches, pizza, gelato, and fresh-baked goods. 


Galleries and Art Studios
A visit to Glen Echo's galleries and art studios is a treat for visitors to the park. You can watch art being made, window-shop, or find something perfect for your home or a gift. Places you can visit include:

The Popcorn Gallery, various rotating temporary exhibits,
301-634-2222
Open Sat. & Sun. from 12 noon-6 p.m.

Art Glass Center at Glen Echo, fused and cast glass works,
301-634-2273
Open Fri. from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Sat. from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sun. from
12 noon -4 p.m.; and by appointment

Glen Echo Pottery, wheel and hand-built ceramics work, 301-229-5585 
Open most Sat. & Sun. from 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m. and by appointment, closed during Winter 2009

Glen Echo Photoworks, digital and traditional fine arts photographs, 301-634-2274
Open Sun. & Weds. from 1-8 p.m.

Yellow Barn Painting Studio, 301-371-5593
Open Sat. & Sun. from 12 noon-5 p.m.

Studio hours are subject to change. 

Classes
Have you ever wanted to learn how to be a better photographer, make glass jewelry, learn how to paint, or explore the creative arts in some other form? If so, Glen Echo Park is a great place to take classes! For more information, visit http://www.glenechopark.org/ or call 301-634-2222. Copies of the catalog are available at the park.  

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Peterson House  

Did You Know?
The dying President was carried out of Ford’s Theatre and across 10th St. into the home of William and Anna Petersen. There the lives of the Petersen family members were forever changed by extraordinary events. Government officials arrived, Mrs. Lincoln grieved, and Mr. Lincoln died.

Last Updated: February 07, 2009 at 15:41 EST