How to support the people in Ukraine.
This was originally included in the “More Good Stuff” section, but the lead rec in this round-up seems like a better, more appropriate spot.
Quick links to posts full of ideas for ongoing & seasonal activities:
* Best Outdoors in the DC Area
* Local Hikes with Kids
* Indoor Outings
* Ice Skating
* Little Kid Play
* Baltimore with Kids
* Bike Rides
* Stunning Spaces
* Peaceful Places
Off the Beaten Museum Path
Where: Around DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by museum
There’s a brand new post about great museums for kids off the well trodden path of the National Mall. If you don’t veer from it now and then, you could miss out on some other amazing exhibits and experiences that aren’t as well known. Check out this round-up of some museums in DC that may not be on your museum radar — but should be.
Seasonal Al Fresco
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by place
Don’t let the cold months keep you from getting out around the area. This round-up is full of recs for activities that are outside and accessible. From cool hikes to art experiences to seasonal sports to garden explorations to year-round fun, there are all kinds of things to in the fresh air. All you really need is the right apparel and maybe a little extra outdoor gear.
Virtual Open House
Where: Silver Oaks Cooperative School Online
When: Saturday, 10am
Admission: Free
Are you interested in learning about a unique elementary school option in Montgomery County? On Saturday, Silver Oaks Cooperative School is hosting a Virtual Open House to share information about its K-5 programs for the 2022-23 school year! Find out more and register here.
P.Nokio: A Hip-Hop Musical
Where: Imagination Stage | Bethesda, MD
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: $28
Imagination Stage’s newest show opens this weekend! G.Petto is an ingenious computer games designer who one day discovers that his newest game character, P.Nokio, can live outside the computer! G.Petto is thrilled at the prospect of having a “son,” and with the help of the Graffiti Fairy, he teaches P.Nokio how to become a real boy. But, P.Nokio falls in with con artists and finds himself in a web of lies that endangers his father. To save G.Petto, P.Nokio must wise up, keep it real, and learn that words and truth are the mightiest weapons of all. It’s a completely contemporary, high-energy musical update of the beloved classic Pinocchio!
Mardi Gars at the Wharf
Where: The Wharf | Southwest DC
When: Saturday, 3-7pm
Admission: Free
Laissez les bons temps rouler! The Wharf is bringing a taste of New Orleans to DC with its annual Mardi Gras celebration. A spirited parade with fanciful floats and musical groups will roll down Wharf Street, followed by a dance party with live music on District Pier, and a special fireworks finale. Bring the kiddos — it’s a family-friendly event — and make sure to get there early to secure the best spot to view the parade.
Black History Activities
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout February (and beyond)
Admission: Varies by activity
There are many great events and activities throughout the DC area to celebrate Black History Month — during this last weekend of February and beyond. Museum programs, guided and self-guided tours, visits to significant sites, and more are enlightening and entertaining for all ages.
Vamos United!
Where: Audi Field | Southwest DC
When: Saturday, 6pm
Admission: Tickets start at $30
Soccer season begins this weekend as the DC United play their first match at home against Charlotte Football Club. Tickets are still available to cheer on the black and red! I recommend taking public transportation since parking can be difficult. Or park in the Navy Yard neighborhood (Audi Field is a short walk from there) and plan on a bite before or after the game — El Bebe, The Salt Line, and All Purpose are very convenient and my top recs for family-friendly spots to eat there.
(Geo)Cache in on Fun
Where: Around the Area
When: Anytime
Admission: Free
Take kids on a “treasure” hunt and have a little adventure along the way. Geocaching is a perfect way to be active and enjoy a day outdoors. Whether you search in the city or seek out a destination that requires a hike in the woods, locating the hidden cache will be a thrill for everyone. See this post about our first foray into the pursuit awhile back.
Take a Hike
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
The recommendation to hit the trail is a staple in these round-ups. And this weekend will be a great time to do it. Enjoy the sunshine, take in pretty scenery, maybe explore local history or spy some wildlife. You can even work in some geocaching! This post has a a bunch of recommendations for places to tramp with kids. Some specific recs for right now: The National Arboretum in Northeast DC has lots of little trails and beautiful plant collections; head out to Harpers Ferry for hiking and history; include some Black History in your outing on the Underground Railroad Experience Trail; walk in the woods at Pohick Bay Regional Park.
The Icing on the Skate
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by rink
There are only a couple of weeks left to skate under the sky, so take advantage while you can — especially over what should be a nice, sunny weekend! Take in art as you skate at the Sculpture Garden; circle around Washington Harbour as you enjoy river views; meander along the Figure 8 path at Canal Park; or do some shopping then skate at Pentagon Row, Veteran’s Plaza, Rockville Town Square, or Reston Town Center. This post has details on alfresco (and indoor) ice skating options in the area.
Make Way for Ducklings
Where: Adventure Theatre | Glen Eco Park, MD
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $25
Catch a show at children’s theatre in Glen Echo Park. Mr. and Mrs. Mallard are exhausted from their search for a starter home when they land in the Boston Public Garden as a potential home. Surprised by a few conditions in the Garden, the Mallards move on to continue their search until their baby ducklings are born. When the ducklings begin to explore the world around them. The challenges of parenthood in the busy Boston environment create a fun bit of family drama. A classic story for all ages, this world premiere musical celebrates family, Boston, children, and the beings who make an unfamiliar place a home. Recommended for all ages.
Rapunzel on Strings
Where: The Puppet Co. | Glen Echo Park, MD
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $15
Rapunzel is still letting down her hair in this puppet version of the fairy tale at The Puppet Co., a charming retelling performed by just one person! Princesses can be named after vegetables, witches can have good intentions, and sometimes you need a little song to help you get you through your day. Recommended for ages 4+. Run time is approximately 40 minutes.
Intersect with the Performing Arts
Where: Atlas Performing Arts Center | H Street NE, DC
When: Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: Varies – see the website
The Atlas’ annual INTERSECTIONS festival is back after a two-year hiatus due to Covid. The event presents an array tons of performances in music, theatre, dance, film, and spoken word. While previous years have included several events especially for families and kids, they aren’t including those focused activities this time around. However, there are performances that kids could certainly enjoy along with parents. See the schedule of them here.
Omnium Circus: I’mPossible
where: Capital One Hall, Tysons, VA
When: Saturday, 2pm
Admission: Tickets start at $35 (look for a deal!)
I’m Possible” is the story of young boy who has a dream to join the circus. He confronts a world full of challenges and through a death defying, awe inspiring, madcap circus adventure discovers the strength, courage and perseverance that changes his life forever. Omnium means of all and belonging to all- presenting the best in family circus entertainment—inclusive of all and accessible to all at every performance.
Goodnight Moon Room
Where: Torpedo Factory | Old Town Alexandria, VA
When: Through March 13
Admission: Free
In the great green room (in a gallery at the Torpedo Factory), there was a telephone, and a red balloon, and a picture of — the cow jumping over the moon! The Goodnight Moon Room , an immersive storybook installation on view at the art center in Old Town Alexandria, is only on view through March 13. The re-creation of the room from the beloved children’s book is a delight to see brought to life in the little gallery space. Be sure to explore the rest of the Torpedo Factory while you’re there — the many galleries welcome visitors to view and shop the art. There are all kinds of works in a variety of mediums with something that all ages will dig. Get a glimpse of it all here.
Go East
Where: National Gallery of Art
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
This weekend is your last chance to go National Gallery of Art East Building before it closes for renovations for a few months. The wing housing the museum’s modern and contemporary collections is often most appealing to kids, with colorful paintings and works that are interesting, even whimsical and fun to view (think the giant blue cockerel on the roof and Calder’s mobiles). Of course, the West Building is wonderful, too, and will remain open.
The Ins & Outs of DC
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by adventure
Want even more options for fun things to do with the kids around the area? If you’re looking for activities outdoors or inside, depending on the weather or simply your preference, these posts are chock full of ongoing pursuits:
The Best Places in the DC Area to Enjoy a Beautiful Day Outdoors with the Kids
The Great Indoors
***MORE GOOD STUFF***
* Another good cause to support.
* How you might be affected by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
* Images from Ukraine.
* Mo Willems will be back with LUNCH DOODLES Variant Edition this Tuesday, March 1, at 1pm.
* From the Washington Post, 10 restaurants where it’s fun to eat outdoors with kids.
* Right?
