Her laughter is one of my absolute favorite things the world.
Flying things at the Building Museum, movies at the art museum, a sing-along to celebrate a childhood classic, the last of the holidays, outdoor adventures, and more are all part of this weekend’s picks for fun with the kids. And we’ve got our own special event going on here as my baby girl rings in another year. Happy Weekend! And a very Happy Birthday to my sweet Sashi.
A Day of Flying in the Great Hall
Where: National Building Musem
When: Sunday, 11am – 4pm
Admission: Free
Partake in some super fly activities at the Building Museum. All ages can drop in on Sunday to watch as the DC Maxecuters demo all kinds of model planes in and across the Great Hall. OF course, you can enjoy all the other NBM offerings the rest of the weekend, including the new PLAY WORK BUILD exhibit.
Performing Arts Training Studio Open House
Where: Performing Arts Training Studio in Columbia Heights
When: Saturday, 12-2pm
Admission: Free
The Performing Arts Training Studio celebrates their move to Columbia Heights with an Open House on Saturday afternoon. Join the fun that includes free face painting for kids, free t-shirts for youth and adults while they last, a chance to meet their team of Master Instructors, and opportunities to win complimentary classes. It’s also a great time to learn about and register for classes and summer camps for adults and youth ages 5-16.
Surreal Shorts
Where: National Gallery of Art, East Building Auditorium
When: Saturday, 10:30am & Sunday, 11:30am
Admission: Free
The NGA’s monthly film program for kids is back with a surreal series of animated shorts that encourages viewers to stretch their imaginations and let the ordinary become extraordinary. Oscar award-winning The Lost Thing follows a boy on a journey to find a home for a strange, misplaced object. Other films include Codswallop, Luminaris, and The Goat That Ate Time. Recommended for ages 7 and up, the program runs approximately 55 minutes. No registration is required, but seating is offered on a first-come, first-seated basis.
Schoolhouse Rock-noceros!
Where: Kennedy Center
When: Sunday, 6pm
Admission: Free
“Conjunction Junction, what’s your function?” If that brings back great memories from your childhood, too, then go celebrate it weekend. It’s the 40th anniversary of Schoolhouse Rock and the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage is marking it with a sing-along of all the great tunes that taught some of the fundamentals of the world around us — interjections, legislation, multiplication, and more. This is one concert where you’re sure to know all the lyrics. Local fave Rocknoceros will also be there for the free fun!
Stay Entertained
Where: Local theaters
When: All weekend long
Admission: Varies by venue
Seussical is in its final weekend at Imagination Stage, but Wake Up, Brother Bear is just starting up. The Kennedy Center presents A Brown Bear, a Moon, and a Caterpillar: Treasured Stories by Eric Carle. Cinderella is still fitting her glass slipper at Olney Theater. And Dave Brewer and the PrekKings are playing a Saturday morning show at Jammin’ Java. Get details on all of these shows in this post about entertainment in the new year.
Happy Birthday, JCC!
Where: JCC of Greater Washington
When: Sunday, 9am – 4pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate 100 years of the JCC at a Kick Off Birthday party open to everyone! Festivities will include cake and ice cream; a birthday cake contest; childrens’ inflatables; prizes and giveaways; dance and music performances; Camp JCC reunion; and the opening for the Washington Jewish Film Festival at the JCCGW with the acclaimed film, Hava Nagila. See the website for the schedule of events.
Eke Out the Holiday Fun
Where: Throughout the area
When: All weekend long
Admission: Varies by activity
It’s your final chance to enjoy the last of the season’s holiday fun. Trains and light displays, and even a couple of shows are keeping the holiday magic going for a few more days before they all shut down until next year. The KFDC 2012 Holiday Guide has details on where you can get your final fix.
Recreation on Ice
Where: Local ice rinks
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
Looks like it’s going to be great weather for outdoor ice skating these next couple of says, so lace up the skates and get gliding. Enjoy art as you skate at the Sculpture Garden; join Canal Parks’s Cartoon Skate on Saturday from 10am – 12pm; circle the new rink at Washington Harbour; or shop then skate at Pentagon Row, Veteran’s Plaza, or Reston Town Center. This post has details on both alfresco and indoor ice skating options in the area.
Model Rocket Launch
Where: Goddard Space Flight Center
When: Sunday, 1-2pm
Admission: Free
Join the monthly model rocket launch at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. Anyone is welcome, and if you’ve got a model rocket to fly, bring it along (though there are some restrictions – see them here). The program takes place the first Sunday of every month at 1pm.
Sunny Days
Where: Throughout the area
When: All weekend long
Admission: Varies by activity
Don’t let a little cold weather keep you inside! Bundle up and get out to savor the winter sunshine. This list of places to spend a great day outdoors has loads of ideas for fun al fresco.
