Kids at play at the Capitol
Experience thrills (and maybe a few spills) on ice at the National Harbor’s frozen wonderland or in a local rink. Get a history lesson or create art at a special museum event. Hear symphonic sounds or see a story come to life at one of many performing arts centers. This is just some of the DC fun happening over the next few days… get details on these activities and many more below. Happy Weekend!
ICE! – One of the area’s most popular holiday attractions opens today at the National Harbor. Part of the Gaylord National Resort’s Christmas on the Potomac extravaganza, the frozen wonderland is full of interactive ice sculptures all to the theme of DreamWorks’ Merry Madagascar. Tickets are $35/adults, $25/kids, free for children under 3, and can be purchased in advance online. Timed entries are every half-hour. Hours vary by day, so be sure to check the schedule when you plan to go.
The Enchanted Forest – Stroll through a whimsical forest of theme-decorated trees and handmade gingerbread homes, meet celebrity chef Lorraine Wallace, savor Georgetown Cupcakes & Cocoa with the Snow Fairy Princess or enjoy Breakfast and Photo with Santa! This weekend-long celebration presented by the Junior League of Northern Virginia, featuring the Children’s Science Center and Kids in the Holiday Kitchen, includes entertainment, cooking demonstrations, themed crafts for children, gifts and holiday decorations for purchase, and a silent auction and evening gala celebration for the adults. General admission is $11, special activities are more – prices are available on the JLNV website.
Glide off into the Sunset – The ice rink at the National Gallery of Art Scupture Garden opens this weekend, so you can enjoy a cool-weather outdoor activity and impressive works of art at once. For details and even more places to do your best Boitano or Kerrigan, check out this post about ice skating venues, both indoor and open-air, in the area.
Civil War Family Day – On Saturday from 11am – 4pm, the National Postal Museum welcomes young guests to learn about Civil War postal history and stamps through their Mail Call exhibit and a variety of hand-on activities throughout the day. Sort mail in a Railway Post Office train car (a Civil War-era innovation), learn about Confederate postage, find out how Abraham Lincoln corresponded, and write to current American military personnel. Admission is free.
The Play’s the Thing – See stories come alive on stage at our local children’s theaters. ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas opens at Adventure Theatre today, The Rough-Face Girl is at Synetic Theater (read the No Monsters in My Bed review), the Atlas presents the Havana Hop, this weekend is your last chance to catch What Does Red Do On Thursday? at Imagination Stage, and A Christmas Carol is at Ford’s Theatre.
Arts for Families: Andikra Design – Head to the Textile Museum on Saturday from 2-4pm for their monthly art program for kids. During this session, guests will learn how the Akan people of Ghana communicate through symbols, then mix traditional and contemporary symbols to stamp their own Adinkra cloth. Paint clothes are suggested. The free program is recommended for ages 5–12. No reservations required.
NSO Kinderkonzert: Follow That Fiddle – Almost anything can become a musical instrument, when you look at it the right way. In this new Kinderkonzert, NSO member Glenn Donnellan plays his Electric Slugger – a violin made from a baseball bat! Arrive early for the Musical Instrument “Petting Zoo.” One hour before each Kinderkonzert, this hands-on activity in the Kennedy Center Hall of States gives children a chance to get up close with the instruments they’ll see played on stage, from violins and trumpets to oboes and flutes. The show is recommended for ages 4 and up. Performances are on Saturday at 11am and 1:30pm. Tickets are $18.
Launch into Literacy – The National Children’s Museum invites children to explore books voted children’s favorites – Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Junie B. Jones, and Little Quack – through a variety of activities at the museum’s Launch Zone. Prince George’s County Memorial Library System will be joining NCM for the day to present programs. Drop in on Saturday anytime from 11am – 4pm.
Welcome to the Hill! – Celebrate the grand opening of the Hill Center, Capitol Hill’s new community center. Along with ceremonial flag and fence raisings, there will be an open house to introduce guests to the many programs the center will offer. Among the opening day’s activities will be demos by the Levine School of Music and dance teacher Monica Warr, martial arts exercises by Capitol Hill Martial Arts and Fitness Academy, computer class previews, and much more. Festivities begin at 11:15am with music by the Marine Corps Brass Quintet, and the Opening Ceremony begins at 11:30am, followed by he Open House at 12pm. This free event takes place on Saturday.
What’s it all about, Maestra? – Enjoy the music of Beethoven, Handel, Dukas, and Peck and check out allof the instruments that create their symphonic sounds at the Atlas Performing Arts Center. The Capital City Symphony presents their annual family concert and instrument petting zoo with Special Guest Artist Oran Sandel this Sunday for two afternoon performances at 2:30pm and 4:30pm (petting zoos begin at 2pm & 4pm). Adult tickets are $16-25, and kids 16 and under are FREE (but still require a ticket). Purchase online here.
And two more links that are always good to keep on hand:
The Best Places in the DC Area to Enjoy a Beautiful Day Outdoors with the Kids
Rainy Day Recreation (ie, Indoor Fun)
