Spring view from the Tidal Basin
If you’re hoping to see the cherry blossoms, go today! Not only are they peaking right now, but this weekend’s forecast is looking pretty rainy. But we all know how quickly that can change around here, so keep this list of places to hang outdoors handy, along with this one listing a bunch of indoor ideas. And, of course, this round-up of special events and activities is a good reference for family fun, too. Happy Weekend!
A Peek at the Peak
Where: Tidal Basin, National Mall, and a few other areas
When: Best Bet is Friday
Admission: Free
It’s one of the most wonderful times of the year when the cherry trees are in bloom, and they are at their best right now. The National Mall and Tidal Basin are sure to be teeming with blossom oglers, but braving the crowds is worth it. Or you can try to see them in some other cherry tree-graced spots in the area — this post has suggestions of where to go, along with other tips for families viewing the cherry blossoms. Try to get out to see them today, as the forecast for this weekend looks pretty wet.
National Cherry Blossom Festival
Where: Various Venues
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
If the weather isn’t conducive to walks among the lovely cherry trees in bloom, you can still enjoy some blossom-related fun at the National Cherry Blossom Festival events taking place at a few places. This post highlights the best ones for families, and you can find more on the official NCBF website.
Kites of Asia
Where: National Air & Space Museum
When: Saturday, 10am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Start preparing for the Blossom Kite Festival! You can experience the beauty and artistry of kites from across Asia through all kinds of hands-on fun: make and decorate kites, design a Hacimaki, fold origami carp kites, fashion paper Happi coats, try “wood block” printing, and explore the aerodynamics of falling paper flowers.
Family Fun, Swedish Style
Where: House of Sweden
When: Saturday, 11am – 3pm
Admission: Free
It’s a day of free fun at the Embassy of Sweden! Children and their adults can enjoy mad Science shows, Swedish children’s stories, a Swedish fish pond (wonder if they are small red, and delicious?), scavenger hunt and interactive exhibitions. There will also be opportunities for photo ops with fun Swedish figures. See the schedule for activity times.
Hirshhorn Art on the Outside
Where: Hirshhorn Museum
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
Suprasensorial isn’t the only cool exhibit that all ages will dig at the Hirshhorn right now. In fact, you don’t even have to go inside the museum for this new one that just opened yesterday: SONG 1 illuminates the building’s entire facade, turning it into a 360-degree convex screen cinema, as various versions of “I Only Have Eyes for You” play. Wow. That is definitely a must-see!
Harlem Globetrotters
Where: Verizon Center & Patriot Center
When: March 24-25
Tickets: $19.95-144.50
The World Famous Harlem Globetrotters bring their ridiculous basketball skills and amazing athletes to the Washington, DC-Metro area for three fun family shows! And as a special thank you their fans, the Globetrotters have partnered with the National Children’s Museum on an event at the Launch Zone on March 18 and have also created a $5 off discount code good for each ticket purchased for one of their upcoming games. To take advantage, go to: www.ticketmaster.com/promo/8v2pmu and use the code NCM.
Show Time
Where: Various local theatres
When: Througoutthe weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
See Beauty and the Beast on Ice presented by the Gardens Figure Skating Club. Catch Basil Twists’ Petrushka before it closes after this weekend at the Lansburgh Theatre. The Puppet Co’s version of Rapunzel is delighting young audiences. Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day is still on stage at Adventure Theatre. The Alden Theatre in McLean presents The Revenge of the Space Pandas. Out of the Box is at the Atlas Performing Arts Center. And Bash the Trash is at BlackRock Center for the Arts. Get details on all of these productions and even a few more on stages this weekend in this post about spring entertainment or this one listing winter shows.
Nano Days
Where: Maryland Science Center
When: Saturday, 12-4pm
Admission: $11.95/ages 3-12, $14.95/adults
Explore the exciting world of tiny technology at the Science Center’s NanoDay. New nanotechnologies may soon have a huge impact on our lives, and you can discover how and why through hands-on activities. Uncover the mysteries of the super-small science that makes stained glass red, butterfly wings iridescent, and pants stain-proof. Hands-on activities illuminate the mysteries of the too-small-to-see science that is making waves in many areas, from medicine to molecular gastronomy and ecology to ethics. All activities are free with paid admission, while supplies last. And while you’re there, be sure to stop by the bug exhibit – the kids will love it!
Women in Aviation Family Day
Where: Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
When: Saturday, 10am – 3pm
Admission: Free, but parking is $15
Learn about the incredible contributions of women in aviation, science, and aerospace. Enjoy hands-on activities, guest speakers, a theatrical presentation, book signings, and Flights of Fancy Story Time for our youngest visitors. This event is in partnership with the Girl Scouts and helps commemorate their 100th Anniversary.
Artful Adventures for Families
Where: National Portrait Gallery
When: Sunday, 12:30pm & 3pm
Admission: Free, but registration is required
Families can explore portraits from the museum’s permanent collection and special exhibitions through exciting and educational games that help parents and children discover connections between the artworks. Participants also use their imagination to “step into” works of art with creative activities in the galleries. Recommended for ages 6-12. Go here to register.
Penny the One-of-a-Kind Piano
Where: Kennedy Center, Millennium Stage
When: Sunday, 6pm
Admission: Free
It’s a Target Family Night at the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage! That means the public is invited to enjoy a free family show. Join Penny on her musical adventure as she moves from the school band room to the stage of the National Opera. The curtain rises, the crowd hushes, and the spotlight is on Penny as she discovers her true home is within her One of a Kind self! Penny the Piano brings a heart and soul to every piano played by a child. Based on the delightful children’s book Penny the One of a Kind Piano, by Suzanne Jackson, this new musical brings a heart and soul to every piano played by a child.
