This place has so much to offer any day of the week, but the day to go with kids is Sunday. On Sundays, Shipgarten hosts family festivals with free general admission. We chose a day that featured live performances and meet-and-greets with Frozen’s Elsa and Anna, as well as the Black Panther. With the exception of our daughter, who was crying because she wanted to be on the stage, the little girls dressed in their Anna and Elsa gowns were in heaven.
The festivals offer face painting, arts and crafts, moon bounces, and a playground. Upcoming events include appearances by characters from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Paw Patrol, Encanto, Toy Story, The Little Mermaid, Peter Pan, Frozen, and various superheroes. There are also monthly petting zoo events and Father’s Day festivities coming up. Check out their family festival schedule here.
Shipgarten is dog-friendly. Dogs must be on a leash unless they are playing in the dog park. There is even a food menu for dogs, offering treats such as pup cups, peanut butter-filled kongs, and chicken or beef with rice and vegetables.
For humans, the food and drink possibilities are endless. The vendors include Tyson’s Biergarten (pretzels, wings, loaded fries, schnitzel, burgers), RollBar Kitchen (sushi, sushi pizza, poke bowls, mini crab cakes, wings, loaded tots, fries, egg rolls), Salamati Grille (pizza, salads, kabobs), and Waffles & Tacos. Each vendor has its own drink menu.
No outside food is allowed. Our bags were checked at the entrance, and I was told I couldn’t open the lunch boxes I packed for each kid. They had already eaten half of them in the car so that was fine with me. I didn’t know what we were getting ourselves into with food options so I packed them just in case. The food is a little pricey but it seemed worth it given all of the free fun stuff they had for kids.
Parking might seem a little intimidating for first-timers. The parking lot is located at 1700 Old Meadow Road, McLean, Virginia 22101. After parking, you cross the street and walk along Chain Bridge Road until you see Shipgarten up on the hill. There is also a complementary shuttle that will take you to and from the parking lot. Dogs are allowed on the shuttle. You can also get to Shipgarten via Metro and walk from the McLean stop.
Shipgarten address:
7581 Colshire Drive, McLean, Virginia 22102
Hours:
Sunday-Wednesday 11 am-10 pm
Thursday-Saturday 11 am-2 am
Mid-Atlantic Mom 
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