Happy Weekend!
Carousel Centennial
Where: Glen Echo Perk | Online
When: Friday, 12:30pm (& thru summer)
Admission: Free
The beautiful Wentzel Carousel at Glen Echo Park that so many of our kids (and us!) have probably whirled around countless times is turning 100 years old. The park is celebrating with a variety of online and, hopefully, in person events this summer. Today, you can take a behind-the-scenes tour of the carousel with a National Park Service Ranger and learn about the history and fun facts about the carousel. View it on the park’s YouTube channel.
Escape into Crystalline
Where: ARTECHOUSE | Southwest DC
When: Through February 28
Admission: $12-17/child, $19-24/adult
There’s just a little over a week left to experience Crystalline, the current exhibition at ARTECHOUSE. Immerse in a blue-hued world of digital imagery that is stunning and playful. Just about all of it is interactive (but not hands-on), as the images change with viewers’ motions. It’s a dazzling and delightful escape from the bizarre Covid world outside.
Maple Trail Walk & Sugaring
Where: Bookside Natur Center | Wheaton, MD
When: Saturday, 11am – 2:30pm & Sunday, 1-4pm
Admission: Free
Brookside’s annual Maple Sugaring Days are still on this year, just a little different. The maple trees are taped, and you can take a self-guided tour to learn how maple sap gets from the trees to your t able. The trail is available onsite during the month of February, and on weekends, a naturalist is on hand to talk about the boiling process, too. Dress for the weather and wear boots — Sugaring Season is also known as Mud Season! The Maple trail walk is free and open from dawn to dusk, the naturalist is there during the hours listed above. Start the Maple trail walk at our 1400 Glenallan Avenue parking lot location – just look for the sugar maple leaf signs.
Solid Hikes
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
Bundle up and enjoy the sunshine as you hit the trail! After the wet weather, you may want to opt for places with paved paths or boardwalks to avoid tramping in mud. Some recs for that: National Arboretum, Quiet Waters Park, and Huntley Meadows. Of course, if you don’t mind a little (or a lot of) dirt on your shoes, there are many more options for walks in the woods.
River Walk
Where: Along the Potomac | Mall to Georgetown, DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
Here’s a nice walk with great views and fun stops: Start at the Lincoln Memorial and head towards Georgetown past the volley ball courts to the Rock Creek Trail, the paved path that runs along the river past the Kennedy Center. Take the pedestrian bridge to The REACH to explore the grounds and outdoor art. Continue your walk along the trail to Georgetown – it take you right to the Washington Harbour area, where you can stop for a bite an one of the restaurants with outdoor, heated seating. Of course, you can do this in reverse and make it shorter (start at the KC) for little legs.
Art & Me Preservation Workshop
Where: National Museum of Asian Art | Online
When: Saturday, 10-10:45am
Admission: Free
Celebrate the Year of the Ox with the art doctors in this virtual workshop! From toys to tiles, see how artists have been inspired by oxen for generations and how Smithsonian conservators preserve these artworks. Then create your own ox masterpiece to ring in the new year. This hands-on, art-making preservation workshop is designed for kids ages 3-8 and their caretakers. Register in advance — one per family — and a Zoom link and a list of suggested materials will be sent to registered participants 24–48 hours in advance of the workshop.
Pop-Up Consignment Shop
Where: Confetti | Tenleytown, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 1pm
Admission: Free
PicklesDC is hosting it’s first outdoor pop-up of the season at Confetti in Tenleytown. Shop gently used children’s clothing, shoes, and toys AND enjoy coffee, treats and more from Confetti cafe. Located at 4545 42nd St NW #109.
Picnic in the Park Warm-Up Days
Where: Germantown Town CenterPark & Wheaton Local Park, MD
When: Saturday, 12-1:30pm and 2-3:30pm
Admission: $10-25
It may be cold outside, but Picnic in the Park is heating up! Montgomery Parks is bringing firepits and patio heaters to the parks for Warm–Up Days. Bundle up and join for a fun winter outing! There are two seating choices, and firepits can be reserved for a group of six people or fewer for 90 minutes for $25. A table for two with a patio heater can be reserved for 90-minutes for $10.
DC Strings Celebrate Black History Month
Where: Online
When: Saturday, 2-3:30pm
Admission: $0-19.99
Join DC Strings Orchestra online as the ensemble celebrates Black History Month with works from Florence Price, CPE Bach and others. This performance will be led by Music Director & Conductor Dr. Juan Gallastegui and will feature musicians of the ensemble. Visit dcstrings.org/orchestra for more information.
More Black History Celebrations
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout February (and beyond)
Admission: Varies by activity
February is Black History Month, and there are many great events and activities throughout the DC area to celebrate it. Museum programs, guided and self-guided tours, visits to significant sites, story time sessions, online concerts, and more will be enlightening and entertaining for all ages.
Ice It
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by rink
Sunshine and cool temps throughout the weekend will make it a great time to skate. Circle the rinks at Pentagon Row in Pentagon City, Veteran’s Plaza in Silver Spring , Rockville Town Square, Reston Town Center, Color Burst in Columbia, or Cameron Run in Arlington. This post has details on alfresco (and indoor) ice skating options in the area.
Downhill Fast
Where: Ski resorts around the region
When: Through winter
Admission: Varies by resort
After the recent winter weather, it’l be a good time to hit the slopes! Skiing is a fun, active, socially distanced way to take advantage of the season. And there are a bunch of ski resorts within a few hours’ drive that are great for young, newbie skiers (and veteran swooshers, too). This post has info about Whitetail and our recent day trip there. And other closest resorts for day trips are Liberty and Bryce. Farther away, but good to check out for longer trips are Roundtop, Massanutten, Wintergreen, Seven Springs, Hidden Valley, Snowshoe, Timberline, and Wisp.
Tee Up
Where: Top Golf | National Harbor & Gaithersburg, MD
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Starts at $27/bay
Practice your swing, enjoy a bite, and have some “outdoor” fun while you stay warm. All of the hitting bays at Top Golf are climate controlled, plus there’s a full service restaurant and bar (for parents, obvi), and a rooftop terrace with a firepit. Heath and safety measure are in place as well.
Underwater Explorations
Where: National Aquarium | Baltimore, MD
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $39.95/adult, $29.95/child
See creatures of the sea, learn about marine life, and stay warm while you enjoy an outing with the kids. The National Aquarium is welcoming visitors with extra safety measures in place for Covid. Tickets are timed entry, and it’s a good idea to reserve in advance.
More Charm City Adventures
Where: Baltimore, MD
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
Several more places in Baltimore are open and practicing Covid safety protocols if you’re looking for a change of scenery. Explore the exhibits at Maryland Science Center. See some of the quirkiest, coolest art ever at the American Visionary Art Museum. Play the day away at Port Discovery. Or view history in the works at the Baltimore Museum of Industry (open by appt).
Mother Tongue Film Festival
Where: Smithsonian Online
When: Sunday through May
Admission: Free
The sixth annual Mother Tongue Film Festival, going virtual this year, begins on Sunday and will run through May. The event celebrates cultural and linguistic diversity by showcasing films and filmmakers from around the world, highlighting the crucial role languages play in our daily lives. All films are free to watch online.
Lighting up Lanterns for Tết
Where: National Museum of Asian Art | Online
When: Sunday, 10-11am
Admission: Free
Celebrate Tết, Vietnamese Lunar New Year, in this family workshop. Honoring the power of hope in dark times, this holiday reminds us that the light of a lantern can offer cheer and the promise of better times ahead. This program, led by artist Khánh H. Lê, will include an interactive lantern-making workshop and information about how the holiday is celebrated in Vietnam. It is designed for children six and older with adult companions. Register in advance — one per family. A Zoom link and a list of suggested materials will be sent to registered participants 24–48 hours in advance of the workshop.
Artful Conversations: Sensory Sketching
Where: National Gallery of Art | Online
When: Sunday, 10am & 1pm
Admission: Free
The NGA’s monthly family program is back with a new session that introduces kids to art in the museum’s collection in fun, unique ways. During this one, activate your five senses by sketching from observation while using your favorite kitchen spice! Recommended for ages 7-12. (Note: This also takes place Feb 22 & 24 at 4pm.)
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