Celebrating 10 years of my favorite DC girl
You might notice something a little different about the blog. (In case it’s not immediately apparent, I’m talking about the header image at the top.) She’s been asking about it for a loooong time, and I have to admit it’s mostly been my laziness that has taken me so long to respond. But she’s turning 10 (!!) this weekend, a milestone birthday that warrants the spotlight and her wish granted. It’s not the sharpest photo, but it captures her sweet smile and ebullient spirit that I (along with many others) adore so, so, so much. Happy Birthday, my sweet Sashi. And Happy First Weekend of 2019!
Alt Shutdown
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
Many go-to spots to hang with kiddos in the DC area are closed due to the government shutdown. But not to worry! There are plenty of fantastic alternatives to enjoy in the meantime, and this post lists a bunch of other museums and outdoor places to go while Smithsonian venues and national parks are not accessible. You might even discover a new favorite once you step off the beaten path!
Holidaze
Where: Throughout the DMV
When: All weekend long
Admission: Varies by activity
The holidays may be over, but many activities celebrating them are still running through this weekend. Live entertainment, spectacular light displays, model trains, and seasonal events are some of the ways you can savor the holiday magic just a little bit longer. The 2018 KFDC Holiday Guide will tell you where to find them.
Family Afternoon: Capture Light with House Lanterns
Where: National Building Museum | Judiciary Square, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 2pm
Admission: Free
How does light change the way you experience a room, building, or neighborhood? Drop in to the Building Museum for a family workshop and find out! Construct and decorate lanterns to harness the warm glow of light to break through the cold winter night.
Creativity Workshop
Where: Phillips Collection | Dupont Circle, DC
When: Saturday, 10:30am – 12:30pm
Admission: $18/adult & child
Let your creativity fly in several art-making stations — it’s an art materials “petting zoo” for the whole family! Each station has a different project with art materials, instructions, and artistic inspiration from The Phillips Collection. A professional art educator is on site to support families who would like guidance. Comes with Artful Wellness Kit for parents and caregivers. Geared for families with children ages 2 to 8. See the website for more details!
Summer Camp Sampler
Where: Imagination Stage | Bethesda, MD
When: Saturday, 9:45am – 12:45pm
Admission: Free
Warm up on this cold weekend with thoughts of summer! Get an up-close and personal look at what summer camp is like at Imagination Stage – they promise you’ll have a blast. Sample camps are 20 minutes long, with the exception of longer drop-off Musical Production. Parents are encouraged to join the samplers for children in grades 2 or younger. Parents of campers in grades 3 or older are welcome to observe the sampler, but not required. Register for a sample class here. This is geared toward children aged 4 – Grade 12.
Shake Up Your Saturday
Where: Folger Shakespeare Library | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Saturday, 10-11am & 11am – 12pm
Admission: Free
Shake up your Saturday with a workshop at the Folger! These programs occurring on the first Saturday of every month encourage families to experience Shakespeare’s language together. This session, celebrate Twelfth Night with festive traditions inspired by the play. Register here. And read a KFDC write-up about the Folger here.
Go to the Graveyard
Congressional Cemetery | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
I just posted about Congressional Cemetery as a great place for an outing with kids. It’s full of history, beautiful grounds, and even some treasure hunting adventures. Take a guided tour or stroll around on your own. Read more about it in this brand new KFDC post.
MAGFest
Where: National Harbor | Oxon Hill, MD
When: Thursday – Sunday
Admission: $20-85, varies by day (ages 6-12 are 50% off)
This 4-day music and gaming festival is dedicated to the appreciation of video game music, gaming of all types, and the gaming community. Run by fans for fans, there are consoles, arcades, tabletop, LAN, live video game cover bands, chiptunes, vendors, guest speakers, and much much more to discover and enjoy.
Community Open House
Where: McLean Community Center | McLean, VA
When: Saturday, 11am – 2pm
Admission: Free
Stop by the MCC and join the Community Open House. Take a self-guided tour through their new facility and enjoy activities for the family. Peek inside The Alden Theatre and preview its 2019 Spring Season. Discover what’s happening at The Old Firehouse and Camp McLean. Stop by McLean Project for the Arts’ Duval Studio to create mixed media cards and bookmarks. Join in on “A Preview of Special Events to Come,” and discover new, upcoming classes. Learn about our upcoming Youth Events and check out the new game room. There will also be a Health Fair with even more free offerings!
Story Time
Where: Book shops around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
Several local bookstores around the area host free story times for children on weekends that often include more than just a reading. East City Bookshop has one for ages 4-8 on Saturday at 10:15am. Head to Hooray for Books in Old Town Alexandria on Friday or Saturday for story time from 10:30-11am. Solid State Books hosts readings on Saturday and Sunday at 10:30am. At Kramer Books, they’ll watch your kiddos while you grab a coffee on Sundays at 11am.
Show Time
Where: Venues around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by show
* The Great Zucchini is performing his magical comedy show at Jammin Java on Saturday morning
* My Father’s Dragon is about to close at Synetic Theatre
* It’s the final weekend to see a fairytale come to life with Cinderella at Imagination Stage
* Enjoy a performance of Billy Elliot: The Musical at Signature Theatre
* Tween ages up can enjoy Miss Saigon at the Kennedy Center
* Be sure to check for ticket discounts to these and more productions!
Teen Night at the USBG
Where: U.S. Botanic Garden | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Saturday, 6:30-8:30pm
Admission: Free
Kids ages 13-17 are invited to join the U.S. Botanic Garden Education Team for an evening of exploration and discovery. Ever wanted to explore the Conservatory after hours? Ever wondered what plants do after dark? Spend the evening wandering through the Conservatory and learning about the USBG plant collection through hands-on science stations. (Note: Adults may not enroll without registered teens.)
Three Kings Day Brunch
Where: Jaleo | Bethesda, MD
When: Sunday, 10am – 2pm
Admission: The cost of your meal
Jaleo’s annual family-family-friendly Three Kings Day brunch is back at their Bethesda location. Guests can enjoy brunch and a complimentary slice of Roscón de Reyes (King Cake) alongside live performances by Adventure Theatre. Kids 10 and under will enjoy meeting the Three Kings, cake and hot chocolate, an arts & crafts “Crown Corner,” and a chance to win a prize for finding the traditional bean in their slice of cake!
Kidz Graffiti Party
Where: Art Jamz | Arlington, VA
When: Sunday, 12:30-2:30pm
Admission: $10
Get messy like a street artist at an Art Jamz Kidz Graffiti Party! Children of all ages are invited to paint their very own masterpieces on the ArtJamz walls. The lounge will be open for accompanying parents and we they’ll be playing jamming tunes to inspire all the little artist. Afterwards, your family can purchase additional studio time and canvas and let your vision come to life off the wall. (Note that this is at the Arlington location, not Dupont Circle!)
Complimentary Community Day
Where: National Museum of Women in the Arts | Downtown, DC
When: Sunday, 12-5pm
Admission: Free
The first Sunday of every month is a great opportunity explore the National Museum of Women in the Arts when admission is FREE! Works span the centuries, from the 16th to the present in a variety of mediums, highlighting women artists all over the world. Currently on view is Ambreen Butt—Mark My Words, Rodarte, and the New York Avenue Sculpture Project outside the museum, plus many more great works in the permanent collection.
(W)Hoop it Up!
Where: Colleges around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Ticket prices vary
With so many universities in the area, there’s always some good college hoops action going on during the season — and it’s always a good time for families. Here are some games to catch this weekend:
* GWU women vs. Fordham on Saturday at 11am
* Georgetown men vs. St. Johns on Saturday at 1pm
* Howard women vs. FAMU on Saturday at 2pm
* Maryland women vs. Ohio State on Sunday at 4pm (Go, Terps!)
* Howard men vs. FAMU on Saturday at 4pm
* American women vs. Colgate on Sunday at 2pm
* George Mason men vs. vs. St. Bonaventure on Sunday at 4pm
* GWU women vs. George Mason on Sunday at 6pm
The Ins and Outs of DC
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by adventure
With a mix of weather in the forecast, these posts that are chock full of evergreen pursuits will come in handy:
The Great Indoors
The Best Places in the DC Area to Enjoy a Beautiful Day Outdoors with the Kids
***MORE GOOD STUFF TO KNOW***
* This Instagram post. Be sure to read the comments and have some tissues on hand. (Plan to go on a Trader Joe’s run, too.)
* We discovered a new favorite place for a family meal at The Wharf.
* These New Yorker cartoons are hilarious (and a little too relatable)!
* Has anyone else watched You on Netflix? Whoa, creepy…but such a good show.
