More snow may be on the way this weekend, and we know of a pretty great sledding Hill
Presidential pursuits and more make up the recommendations for fun over the holiday weekend. And if you need more ideas for things to do, The Great Indoors list should have you covered. Happy Weekend!
Happy 282nd, George!
Where: Mount Vernon
When: Saturday, Sunday, & Monday
Admission: $17/adult, $8/child
Join “General Washington” for a sample of his favorite breakfast, hoecakes swimming in butter and honey, each day this weekend from 9am – 12pm. Afterwards, mingle with more costumed characters from Washington’s world, including some dancing with the 18th-century stars on the Bowling Green. Note that admission is free on 2/17, but I can tell you from experience that a lot of folks show up to take advantage of the complimentary entry and to celebrate George’s big day.
Goodbye, Ice Slide
Where: St. Elizabeths East Gateway Pavilion
When: Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday 12-5pm
Admission: Free
The surprise ice slide that guests had the chance to zip down for the last few weeks is closing after this weekend. To celebrate its run, St. Elizabeths East is hosting a day of special activities. Along with the slide, a game room, and cafe, there will be food, fashion, & fitness on Saturday, then face painting for the last day on Monday.
NOAA Open House
Where: NOAA Silver Spring Campus
When: Saturday, 9am – 4pm
Admission: Free
Explore your world and learn how NOAA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, takes the pulse of the planet every day and protects and manages ocean and coastal resources. Head to the NOAA Silver Spring campus for a series of free activities, including engaging guest presentations, interactive exhibits, and hands-on activities for ages 5 and up. Meet and talk with scientists, weather forecasters, hurricane hunter pilots, and others who work in the field. Early birds can also take a tour of the NOAA National Weather Service’s Operations Center and NOAA Exploration Command Center. The Silver Spring campus is located at 1315 East-West Highway.
Presidents’ Family Day
Where: National Portrait Gallery
When: Saturday, 11:30am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Top hats, Lincoln logs, and presidential portraits? Oh my! American Art and the National Portrait Gallery team up again with President Lincoln’s Cottage for our annual Presidents’ Family Day. Begin your holiday weekend with patriotic craft activities, performances, and special guests!
All Aboard for a Model Train Open House
Where: Historic Vienna Depot of the W&OD Railroad
When: Saturday, 1-5pm
Admission: Free
Chug on down to Vienna to watch model train activities that realistically depict an actual railroad that existed in North Carolina in the 1950′s, the Western North Carolina (WNC). Every hill, town, building, locomotive, rail car, and industry in this layout is modeled after those places and things as they looked in that era. Well, almost everything. To satisfy popular demand, expect an occasional sighting of Thomas the Tank Engine (and a few of his friends) chugging around among the bigger steam and diesel locomotives. The Vienna Depot is located at 231 Dominion Road NE in Vienna, Virginia. It is sponsored by the Northern Virginia Model Railroaders. Check out the virtual tour on the website.
Mommy & Me Cupcake Date
Where: Sprinkles Cupcakes
When: Saturday, 1-3pm
Admission: $25/adult & child combo
Keep the Valentine’s love going through the weekend! Moms and Tots will enjoy appetizers and drinks (juice for the little ones, wine and saprkling grape juice for the moms). Between noshing on yummy cupcakes, kids will have the chance to make themed crafts for loved ones and more activities. Proceeds will be donated to the Northwest Center, whose mission is to promote the dignity of women and a respect for all human life by offering the loving support and comprehensive aid necessary to enable all women to continue their pregnancies, deliver healthy babies, and adequately care for themselves and their children. Purchase tickets for the event here.
Teddy Bear Tea
Where: Strathmore
When: Saturday, 10am
Admission $28
Wake up those stuffed animals this winter for a Teddy Bear tea on Saturday morning. The special event features a child-friendly menu and children’s music afterwards where little ones can sing and dance with their friends.
Show Time
Where: Local Theatres
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
* Disney on Ice: 100 Years of Magic at the Verizon Center will enchant figure skating and Disney fans
* See Rumplestiltskin on the Imagination Stage
* Catch Miss Nelson is Missing at Adventure Theatre (and enter the KFDC giveaway to win a four-pack of tickets)
* Enjoy theatre on strings at The Puppet Co., where Sleeping Beauty just opened on the main stage and Clowning Around is the featured Tiny Tots show
* Peter and the Starcatcher is in its final weekend at the Kennedy Center.
* the grandsons jr. are playing the 10:30am show at Jammin’ Java on Saturday.
Ogle Art the Google Way
Where: National Portrait Gallery
When: Through Monday
Admission: Free
This temporary installation at the Portait Gallery sounds pretty wild. You can view “Portrait of America,” a mixed-media 12-foot flag that is created from paint, paper and eyeglass lenses through Google Glass. Apparently, they trigger videos and interactive experiences as you look at images within the artwork. Stop by to see it if you go to the Presidents’ Family Day or make a special trip for this unique opportunity.
Hometown Hoops
Where: Patriot Center
When: Saturday, 6pm
Admission: Varies
Cheer on a local college team and see some exciting basketball action. The George Mason Patriots are the only local team playing at home this weekend, and tickets are still available for their game against the St. Bonaventure Bonnies on Saturday evening. Tickets can be purchased here.
George Washington Birthday Parade
Where: Old Town Alexandria
When: Monday, 1-3pm
Admission: Free
On Monday, Old Town Alexandria hosts the largest parade in the country celebrating George Washington’s birthday with marching bands, historic re-enactment troops and more. The procession will travel through Old Town from 1 – 3pm. See the website for more info and route details.
Open Skate
Where: Fort Dupont Ice Arena
When: Monday,11am – 1pm
Admission: $5/adult, $4/child
Glide Monday morning away at Fort Dupont! The Ice Arena is hosting a Presidents Day Open House. Get your skates and a 15-minute group lesson (both free!) from 11am -12pm. After that practice your new skills during public skate time.
