This is how they roll
The happenings this weekend are as cool as the weather we’re going to get — and there are plenty of them, too. Embrace the holiday spirit, enjoy a museum program, have some artsy fun, see a show, celebrate our local trails, the start of the ice skating season, or a park reopening…and those are just a few of a plethora of options. Happy Weekend!
Celebrate the Ice Skating Season
Where: Canal Park Ice Rink
When: Saturday, 11am
Admission: Rates to skate: $9/adult, $8/child, $4/rentals
The ice skating season has officially begun, and Canal Park is celebrating with a Grand Opening bash on Saturday. Along with the obvious (ie, gliding around the rink), guests can enjoy other fun activities, including balloon making and face painting. If you want to hit the ice in an area closer to home, check out this post for more places to skate the day away.
Thanksgiving Family Festival
Where: Smithsonian American Art Museum
When: Saturday, 11:30am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Kids can celebrate fall at the American Art Museum by making Thanksgiving Day decorations to display, learning to contra dance with a live band, and taking a scavenger hunt in the galleries to find feast-themed art!Make your own Thanksgiving centerpieces (every Turkey Day celebration needs a well-dressed table!), learn to contra dance with a live band, and take a scavenger hunt through the galleries to find feast-themed art!
Family Volunteer Day
Where: Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens
When: Saturday, 9-11am
Admission: Free
Bring the whole family and participate in the annual Family Volunteer Day at Kenilworth Aquatic! Join them to jump start the holiday season by showing he kids the value of service and gratitude for nature’s beauty. Projects include separating and potting grasses, raking leaves, removing invasive plants and picking up trash. There is no set age limit but parent supervision is required for those 18 and younger. Face painting and park tours will follow the volunteer service! RSVP recommended.
Party Arty!
Where: Anna Banana Art Studio
When: Saturday & Sunday, 10am – 12pm
Admission: Free
Anna Banana, the children’s art studio in Georgetown, is celebrating two years of offering art classes with an Open House Birthday Party. Stop by to say hi, check out the studio, enjoy treats, and make some art with the kids – all for free! It’s a thank you to YOU for two years of art classes in Georgetown. The studio is located at 3270 S Street, NW, and there’s easy parking nearby.
Holiday Cheer
Where: Throughout the area
When: All weekend long
Admission: Varies by locale
If you think it’s too early to start celebrating the holidays, think again! Shows and events that embrace — and emit — the holiday spirit are beginning around the area. This weekend, catch Tiny Tim’s Christmas Carol at Adventure Theatre (find discount tickets), enjoy the holidays on ICE! At National Harbor, Re-Imagine the holidays at a tree lighting in Silver Spring, go holiday shopping at Strathmore and Mosaic District, and stroll through Meadowlark Garden’s Winter Walk of Lights. The 2014 KFDC Guide to the Best Holiday Events in DC has ALL you need to help make the season bright.
Future Trails Celebration
Where: First & Pierce Street NE in NoMA
When: Saturday, 11am – 2pm
Admission: Free
Join the Washington Area Bicyclist Association, REI, and trail lovers from around on Saturday for a free and family-friendly celebration of the biking and walking trails that connect our region. There will be free bike repairs by REI mechanics and an interactive REI Signature Camp where you can test out camping and bike touring gear. There will also be free cookies from the Captain Cookie food truck and free coffee, free bike rentals for those who wish to join a trail tour, trail tours of the nearby Met Branch Trail, carnival games, amazing raffle prizes, face painting, and crafts. It’s a party for the whole family!
Show Time
Where: Local Theatres
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
* Little ones can enjoy interactive theatre with Wake Up, Brother Bear at Imagination Stage
* The Okee Dokee Brothers are playing at the National Geographic Museum on Saturday
* Encore Stage & Studio’s version of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow is in its second weekend (get a deal on tickets)
* Catch a performance of The 3 Billy Goats Gruff at The Puppet Co.
* Parallel Exit brings physical comedy to BlackRock Center for the Arts
* Fiddler on the Roof is on the Arena Stage (and it’s fantastic!)
* Driving Miss Daisy is still in its run at Ford’s Theatre
* Michael Shwedick’s Reptile World is this week’s free Saturday Morning at the National performance
* The Diggity Dudes are playing the Saturday morning 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)
Family Day: World War I -A War of Innovation
Where: National Air & Space Museum
When: Saturday, 10am – 3pm
Admission: Free
The First World War was among the deadliest conflicts in history. In the race to gain tactical advantage, each side of the conflict worked on major advances in manufacturing, chemistry, medicine, communications, and weaponry–including the introduction of aircraft into the war. This family day will explore the social and technological history through presentations and hands-on activities.
Chew the Fat
Where: Claude Moore Colonial Farm
When: Saturday, 1-4pm
Admission: $3/adult, $2/child
What can you do with fat? Many things! Help the Farm Family in their final preparations for winter by making soap, candles, dubbin and tallow. While you’re there, tour the grounds and get a glimpse of farm life in the 18th century. Read more about Claude Moore in this past KFDC post.
Annual Book Fair
Where: Oyster-Adams Bilingual
When: Saturday, 10am – 4pm
Admission: Free
Get started on your holiday shopping and support a local school at Oyster-Adams Bilingual School’s 20th Annual Book Fair. There are books for children of all ages and adults alike. The school is located at 2801 Calvert Street NW.
Girls Frisbee Clinic
Where: Walter Pierce Park in Adams Morgan
When: Saturday, 10am – 12pm
Admission: Free
Girls in grades 5-8 can learn to play Ultimate Frisbee! They’re invited to take part in a clinic that is part of the Girls Ultimate Movement (GUM), a nation-wide movement to get girls involved in Ultimate at a young age. Led by two local women’s club teams, the two-hour clinic will introduce the basic skills and concepts of ultimate, one of the fastest-growing team sports in the country. More information, including registration info, can be found here.
Pay MOM’s a Visit
Where: MOM’s Organic Market
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: Free
MOM’s Organic Market is opening its first DC location today and will be celebrating with a Grand Opening this weekend. Stop by for local samples, kid’s activities, and a reusable MOM’s bag full of goodies (while supplies last), all while supporting Sasha Bruce Youthwork — 5% of Grand Opening sales will be donated to the youth shelter and services provider doing wonderful work in the city. The new MOM’s is located at 1501 New York Avenue NW.
Animal Safety Story Time
Where: Shaw Neighborhood Library
When: Saturday, 10:30am
Admission: Free
Home Buddies DC is on a mission to reduce the millions of dog bites that occur to children each year and it all starts with education. That’s why they’re holding a fun and interactive book reading to teach kids how to interact with dogs. Join them at the Shaw Neighborhood Library on Saturday for a reading of their very own children’s book Scout Says, “Dogs Get Nervous, Too.” Each child will get a FREE copy of the book to take home! In addition, there will be a trained dog on-site for children to practice proper interaction with pets. The program is most appropriate for preschool aged children; however, kids 12 and under are welcome to attend.
Stead Park Reopening Celebration
Where: Stead Park
When: Saturday, 11:30am – 1:30pm
Admission: Free
After three years of planning and renovating, Stead Park will be reopened to the public on Saturday. The park now boasts a jogging track, splashpark, performance stage, seating, trees, and an additional entrance from 17th Street. Celebrate its reopening at a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony with Mayor Vincent. C. Gray, followed by a Family Fun Field Day, featuring games, face painting, refreshments, live entertainment, crafts and more! Stead Park is located at 1625 P Street NW.
Portrait Story Days
Where: National Portrait Gallery
When: Saturday, 1-4pm & Sunday, 2-5pm
Admission: Free
Drop in to listen to a story about a person who has influenced American history and culture and to create a special piece of art. This weekend, learn about Sequoyah, the creator of the Cherokee alphabet. The story will be read at 1:05pm, 2pm and 3pm on Saturday and at 2:05pm, 3pm, and 4pm on Sunday. Read more about the program in this post about one of our experiences there.
