Peep the peak — fall foliage is at its best right about now
We’re right about at autumn’s midpoint and the foliage is peaking accordingly. These recs include a bunch of ways to enjoy the best of the season, and there’s a nice variety of other happenings, too. See a show, cheer on the DC United, score some bargains or “new” bike, attend a book festival storytime. And if you want even more options, check out the Everyday Play page for a huge list of mainstay recreation around the area. Happy Weekend!
Kids Euro Fest
Where: Around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
It’s the last weekend to enjoy all kinds of art and cultural entertainment of the European variety. Among the lineup this Saturday and Sunday are puppetry and music from Slovenia, opera from Cyprus, a Lithuanian dance performance, fun with science from Estonia, an animated film from Spain, and much more. Even better, it’s all FREE! See the schedule for showtimes and descriptions.
Go, United!
Where: RFK Stadium
When: Saturday, 2:30pm
Admission: Ticket prices vary
Support the DC United in the second game of the Eastern Conference Semifinals as they take on the New York Red Bulls. Ticket prices are a little higher than they are for regular season matches, but the battle for the MLS Cup should bring some pretty exciting soccer action! View your ticket options here.
Trash to Treasure Green Craft Fair
Where: Watkins Nature Center
When: Saturday, 10am – 4pm
Admission: Free
Do some eco-friendly shopping while the kids have fun at this special event featuring vendors selling items made from recycled, organic, or sustainable materials. Along with local artists selling their handmade wares, there will be non-profit environmental groups and crafts for kids, a book exchange booth, and more. Don’t miss a chance to win some loot from the multi-item raffle to benefit the nature center.
Theatre Workshops for the Very Young
Where: Atlas Performing Arts Center
When: Saturday & Sunday (& Monday)
Admission: $5
Along with Arts on the Horizon, the Atlas is presenting this interactive, 30-minute story time for children ages 1-3 years old, featuring the classic, “Are You My Mother?” The workshop aims to promote new vocabulary, build listening skills, and encourage working together in groups. After, stay for a free 20-minute play session.
Ice It
Where: Local ice skating rinks
When: Throughout the weekend (& winter)
Admission: Varies by rink
Glide the day away as several area outdoor ice rinks open for the season. Meander your way around Canal Park Ice Rink and stop in the Park Tavern for some hot chocolate and a bite to eat. Skate in Silver Spring at Veteran’s Plaza. Do some shopping and snacking along with your skating at Pentagon Row in Arlington. Practice your axles and triple lutzes at Reston Town Center. Circle the largest outdoor ice skating rink between Baltimore and DC at Rockville Town Square. This new post has details on all of our local skating venues.
Disc Golf
Where: Calvert Road Park
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
Hit the links, the chain links, that is! Disc golf is a great way to enjoy a nice fall day outdoors with the family. I just posted about the golf-Frisbee combo, and my kids’ first venture on the course. Not only is it fun and challenging, the Calvert Road Park course in College Park is lovely this time of year.
Autumn Bonsai: The Colors of Nature
Where: U.S. National Arboretum
When: Through Monday
Admission: Free
Take your little people to see the little trees in their brilliant autumnal colors before the leaves fall away to reveal bare winter silhouettes. See red maples, yellow ginkgos, and fruited trees in the Museum’s permanent collection pavilions. Be sure to tour the big trees around the rest of the National Arb while you’re there, too – it’s easily one of the best places in the city to do some leaf peeping.
Show Time
Where: Local Theatres
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
* Encore Stage & Studio’s version of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow opens this weekend! (get a deal on tickets)
* Catch a performance of The 3 Billy Goats Gruff at The Puppet Co.
* Fiddler on the Roof is on the Arena Stage
* Driving Miss Daisy is still in its run at Ford’s Theatre
* Lesole’s Dance Project: Dancing through South Africa is this week’s free Saturday Morning at the National performance
* Join the Billy Jonas Band for their “Build It Back Again” CD Release show at Jammin’ Java
* CReative Cauldron presents Arabian Nights this month
* Date night? I highly recommend the Shakespeare Theatre Company’s latest production of As You Like It (also good for older children who’d enjoy Shakespeare)
Grand Fall Festival Finale
Where: Ticonderoga Farm
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: $14.95
It’s time to really play with the leftover pumpkins or make some home made pumpkin pie, and Ticonderoga Farms knows just how to. Head out to Chantilly to bowl some pumpkins down their 85-foot-plus slide or let them blast off from the new pumpkin chunking cannon — you pick out the special pumpkin, and they’ll pull the plug. Of course, admission includes hayrides and the rest of their farm attractions – slides, jumping pillows, animals, playground, bamboo maze, and more. Plus, a pumpkin is included with each paid admission to try one of the fun activities.
“New to You” Yard Sale
Where: Lake Anne Nursery Kindergarten
When: Saturday, 7:30-11:30am & 12-1pm
Admission: Free
Want to score some great items that are “New to You?” Lake Anne Nursery Kindergarten (LANK) in Reston is holding their annual community yard featuring tons of baby and children’s gear donated by nearly 100 local families. They sell infant and children’s clothing up to size 10, strollers, highchairs, bikes, toys, exercisers, books, DVDs, children’s furniture, bottles and much more! Get there early for the full selection, and get 50% off some of what’s left from 12-1pm. Any unsold merchandise will be donated to charity at the conclusion of the sale. Lake Anne Nursery Kindergarten is located at 12021 N. Shore Drive & Wiehle in Reston.
Leaf Peep on the Trail
Where: Around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
Take in the brilliant color spectrum of autumn and get a little exercise, to boot, on a family hike. From right here in the city to country locales, you’ve got your pick of places where you can enjoy the fall foliage and some time on the trail. This post about good area hikes with kids might be old, but the recommendations are still relevant for happy trampers.
Roam Free
Where: Dumbarton Oaks Gardens
When: Saturday & Sunday, 2-5pm
Admission: Free
Enjoy free admission along with the lovely gardens at Dumbarton Oaks. From November through mid-March, there is no fee to roam the grounds of the Georgetown locale. Read more about about it and get a glimpse in this KFDC post.
(Buy a) Bike and Roll
Where: Bike and Roll National Mall Location
When: Sunday, 11am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Need some new wheels? Bike and Roll DC, a bike tour and rental company, is holding a fleet sale. They’ll be selling their 2013 Trek Verve 3 Adult Comfort Hybrid special edition bikes in a wide variety of sizes to fit your cycling needs – check them out for yourself or for an older child. Lock and light sets will be on sale with the purchase of any bike. All sales are cash only and final, so be prepared…and excited to go home with a “new” bicycle! Their National Mall location is at 955 L’Enfant Plaza SW.
Storytime with the Author
Where: JCC of Greater Washington
When: Sunday, 9:30am
Admission: Free, but tickets required
The JCC of Greater Washington’s annual Book Festival is from November 6-16 and includes a free children’s program this Sunday. Join Lesléa Newman, PJ Library author of more than 50 books, for morning snacks and story time! Here Is the World is a joyous celebration of the Jewish holidays throughout the year for young children. From lighting the menorah for Chanukah, shaking a grogger for Purim, and sounding the shofar for Rosh Hashanah, the joy and significance of each holiday comes to life in her book. For ages 4-7, and children must be accompanied by an adult. The JCC of Greater Washington is located at 6125 Montrose Road in Rockville.
