Category Archives: Coronavirus

April 7, 2021 · 7:26 am

Spring Things to Get Excited About Around the DC Area (Beyond the Cherry Blosssoms)

 

Spring used to be a time when there were so many awesome events and activities around the area, it was sometimes hard to choose which to do.  While Covid has changed that this year, there still are plenty of exciting happenings — museum re-openings, sports seasons beginning, special exhibitions, flower blooms (beyond the cherry blossoms, which have passed the peak), berry picking, and more. Here are some things to get excited about this season, some mentioned already, some of them new, but now all in one place to help your planning. Happy Spring!

 

Interact with language at Planet Word

Planet Word
Where: | Downtown DC
When: Started April 1, Thursday – Saturday, 10am – 5pm
Admission: Free
The museum dedicated to language opened briefly last fall before closing due to rising Covid rates, and they started welcoming visitors again on April 1. Three levels full of interactive and immersive exhibits engage, educate, entertain, and delight. Older kids, tweens and up (and that includes the kid in us adults), will get the most out of it, but elementary ages definitely could enjoy it, too. Free, timed-entry passes are available and must be reserved in advance through the website.

 

New signage at the ballpark

Baseball is Back
Where: Around the DC Area
When: Started April 6
Admission: Varies
The Nats season got off to an interesting start with the first series against the Mets  postponed for Covid-related reasons. Such is the times.  But it has now officially begun (with a walk-off from Soto!), and a limited number of fans, all Nats Plus ticket holders, will be welcome back to the ballpark for games. Most of us, though, will be watching the televised version, but we can do that out of the house at restaurants and bars around DC that have outdoor seating. Eater DC has a list of places for it, several of them family-friendly. Of course, rooting for our home team from home is fun, too.  Host a backyard viewing party — this post may be about a winter set up, but a bunch of the tips are spring-worthy, too.  Update!  The Nats are now offering single game tickets to the general public, including for every game throughout the upcoming homestand April 15-18 vs Arizona and April 19-21 vs. St. Louis. Tickets start at just $14 and will be sold in socially distanced pods of 1 to 6 tickets.

 

Enjoy the season in the trees

Adventure in the Trees
Where: Adventure Park at Sandy Spring
When: Ongoing, opened in March
Admission: Starts at $45/adult, $16/child
The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring has reopened for the season, offering its thrilling aerial forest experience again. Navigating ropes courses up in the trees is a super fun and challenging way to spend a day.  There are 15 trails of varying levels of difficulty, all of them with ziplines, and almost 200 challenge bridges — something for everyone! Extra safety measures are in place for Covid, including required advance reservations, so be sure to book ahead.  Read about one of our past experiences at the Adventure Park.  (There have been many more since then!)

 

Take a soundwalk around the Wolf Trap grounds

SOUNDWALK
Where: Wolf Trap | Vienna, VA
When: April 6 – September 6
Admission: Free
This free, public “sound-art” at Wolf Trap sounds like a unique way to enjoy springtime (and summer) outdoors. The GPS-enabled work created by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Ellen Reid, uses music to illuminate the natural environment. SOUNDWALK has been tailor-made for Wolf Trap and created to encourage calm, reflection, and introspection. It can be experienced while following social distancing guidelines. (PS: Did you know the performing arts venue is also a National Park?)

 

Marvel at the Great Hall again

National Building Museum Reopens
Where: 401 F Street NW | Judiciary Square, DC
When: Starting April 9, Friday – Sunday, 11am – 4pm
Admission: $10/adult, $7/child (free for members)
After a veerrry long wait, the National Building Museum is reopening! (Remember, it was closed for renovations pre-Covid?) The museum’s exhibits and shop will be open weekends, and of course you can roam the magnificent Great Hall, one of the most stunning spaces in DC, again. Popular, ongoing exhibitions House & Home and Animals, Collected are back, plus a couple of  important and timely exhibitions, Gun Violence Memorial Project and Justice is Beauty: The Work of MASS Design Group will be on view.

 

A beautiful installation at a past Georgetown Glow

Glow With It
Where: Georgetown, DC
When: Starting April 9, on view daily
Admission: Free
See Georgetown in a whole new, cool light — literally! Georgetown Glow, the annual exhibition that usually takes place during the holiday season, was rescheduled for this spring. See the neighborhood sparkle with modern light art installations throughout the bustling community. Works will be on display in both public and privately-owned spaces. You can take the fam to dinner, then go for a stroll to check them all out. Artworks will be viewable by day, but obviously much brighter at night! Special talks and walks will be available, too. Get a glimpse of a past Glow here.

 

Bluebells at Riverbend, the best local place to enjoy the periwinkle blooms

Bloom Town
Where: Around the DC Area
When: Varies by locale
Admission: Varies by locale
The cherry blossoms aren’t the only flowers in town! There are more big blooms to enjoy around the DC area, and they’re literally coming up soon. Bluebells, azaleas, tulips, and roses are what you can stop, smell, see, and relish in the loveliness of during spring. This post has details and when and where to catch them at their best.

 

A fairy house find in the Annmarie woods

Fairies in the Garden
Where: Annmarie Sculpture Garden | Lusby, MD
When: April 9 – September 6
Admission: $5 suggested donation
The annual magicalicious exhibit of fairy and gnome houses begins in spring. As if the sculpture garden in Calvert County wasn’t already wonderful, this annual display adds extra delight to a visit there with its display of handmade fairy and gnome homes scattered throughout the grounds. (The annual festival to celebrate them is still happening, but now you must reserve tickets in advance online.)  This is a place kids of all ages — and even the kid in us adults — will love. There are even more creative works and activities in the Arts Building if you’re comfortable going inside. Read more about Annmarie Sculpture Garden in this KFDC post and this one.

 

The Pop-Up Wine Garden at The REACH is returning

Victura Park Opens
Where: The REACH | Kennedy Center, DC
When: Starting April 9, Friday – Sunday
Admission: Free
The family-friendly outdoor pop-up and wine garden at The REACH, the Kennedy Center expansion, is reopening. Food and drinks are available to enjoy in an area set up with picnic tables. We visited several times in the fall, and it’s always a fun, lively vibe.  Be sure to explore the beautiful grounds, stop in The REACH Buildings (if open), stroll the Kennedy Center terrace, and take in sweeping views of the Potomac. Hours are Fridays 4-9pm, and Saturday and Sundays 12-9pm.  Get a glimpse of it in my highlights on IG, and getting there by bike is a perfect way to go to avoid parking.  But if you drive, you can park in the KC garage (though pricey) or try to find street parking nearby.

 

All aboard for a mini train ride!

Go for a Train or Carousel Spin
Where: Cabin John & Wheaton Regional Parks, MD
When: Starting April 9
Admission: $2.50
All aboard! Montgomery Park’s Cabin John Train and Wheaton Train and Carousel are opening for the season. Go for a spin around the parks on replicas of the 1863 C.P. Huntington, a 4-2-4T steam locomotive. Or enjoy a whirl on the beautiful Ovid Hazen Wells Carousel featuring 33 jumping horses, three zebras, and two chariots! Read more about Cabin John Regional Park in Bethesda here and Wheaton Regional Park here.

 

A paddle excursion on the Potomac

Go with the Flow
Where: Waterways around the DC area
When: Varies by place
Admission: Varies by place
With warmer weather comes opportunities to enjoy time on the water, and you can rent kayaks, canoes, and other vessels to paddle at a bunch of places around the area. Boating in DC now runs many of the boathouses in the District and nearby. The Wharf location is open, and Key Bridge, Fletcher’s, and Thompson are opening very soon, National Harbor later. A few places within the NoVA Parks system are also offering boat rentals now. And if you don’t want to do the work of paddling (though I highly recommend it!), enjoy a Water Taxi ride — there are several  options for places to catch it! See this post for a round-up of places to go with the flow, and read more about a couple of our paddling adventures around the area here and here.

 

The Tudor Place gardens and historic house are reopening

Tudor Place Reopens
Where: Georgetown, DC
When: Starting April 10, Saturday & Sunday, 12-4pm
Admission: Free with timed-entry passes
The Historic House & Garden in the heart of Georgetown will once again welcome guests on weekends. A model of Federal-period architecture in the nation’s capital, Tudor Place shares the stories of multiple generations of Martha Washington’s descendants and the enslaved workers and servants who lived and worked here. With over 18,000 objects, including the largest Washington Collection outside of Mount Vernon, Tudor Place sits on over five acres. Admission is free with a ticket, and note that one ticket offers three options: 1) Self-guided tour of the Historic House 2) Garden visit or 3) both.

 

Take an artsy, socially distanced stroll around Adams Morgan

AdMo Art Walk
Where: Around Adams Morgan, DC
When: April 12 – May 14
Admission: Free
You’ll be able to think of Adams Morgan as your own personal art gallery, thanks to this free, new way to experience art brought to you by the Adams Morgan Partnership BID, the DC Arts Center, local artists, and neighborhood businesses! Walk the streets of Adams Morgan and admire an impressive selection of artworks displayed in various storefronts in a self-guided tour starting April 12. While many events are currently paused, this allows everyone to explore on their own and experience the diverse and cultural arts scene throughout Adams Morgan.

 

DC United will welcome fans back to Audi Field!

Vamos United
Where: Around the DC Area
When: Starting April 16
Admission: Varies
The MLS season kicks off mid-April, and DC United will play its first match on April 17. Fans still won’t Fan will be welcome be back at Audi Field with new social distancing measures in place for Covid. And like baseball, you can also plan to watch games at different places around the area. Many of the restaurants and bars that show the Nats will also have screens dedicated to soccer.  And if you aren’t up for watching elsewhere, gear up to sport your United spirit at home!

 

Strawberry picking is a seasonal fave

Take Your Pick
Where: Farms around the DC Area
When: Varies by locale
Admission: Varies by locale
The pick-your-own season begins in late April/early May when strawberries are ripe and ready for harvest.  Several area farms welcome guests to come pick them, and some offer even more fun. This round-up of PYO places around the area has more details.  And it’s always a good idea to check websites or call ahead to confirm availability the day you plan to go. Sunscreen and hat also recommended.

 

Hang out and enjoy spring at The Yards

Opt Outside
Where: Around the DC Area
When: Ongoing
Admission: Varies by locale
This one is very general and also pretty obvious, but take advantage of the outdoors! Spring is sublime in DC, plus many outside pursuits are great for social distancing. Get back to those places you missed all winter and, of course, discover some new ones. This huge round-up of places to hang outdoors will help with that.

 

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March 26, 2021 · 7:13 am

The Weekend Round-Up: March 26-28

Grand marshals of the Petal Porch Parade!

 

Happy Weekend!

Go-to posts for ongoing recreation:
* Local Hikes with Kids
* Best Outdoor Spots
* Peaceful Places
* Indoor Outings
* Bike Rides

Egg Hunt & Marshmallow Picking
Where: Great Country Farms | Bluemont, VA
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $10/child, $12/adult, $5/egg hunt
Head to the farm for good ol’ fashioned egg hunts and the first “crop” of the spring — Marshmallow Picking! (Do marshmallow peeps really grow on trees?) Your children will be amazed to harvest a few marshmallows to roast on the bonfire. The Easter Bunny also hid some eggs filled with treats to enchant the children, and Great Country needs help finding them. There will be multiple egg hunts with timed ticket entrance ($5 extra). Plan to see the spring chicks and baby animals, take a wagon ride, and enjoy the sprawling play area, too!

Celebrate Cherry Blossom Season
Where: Around the DC area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies
The flowers aren’t quite yet peaking, but events and activities to celebrate DC’s iconic bloom begin are happening.  Seek out blossom-inspired art, join virtual programs, enjoy dining and shopping specials just for the season, and more.  See the beginning of the bloom in at least one place, and bring the fun home with some related activities.

Petal Porch Parade
Where: At home & around the DC area
When: Through April 11
Admission: Free
Check out local porches decorated for cherry blossom season!  Since we can’t have a big parade this year,folks were encouraged to get creative and show their blossom spirit by decorating their porches, yards, and windows to spread joy and connect communities.  This map shows locations of all registered Petal Porches, so you can plan a walk or drive to see and share in the celebration of spring.  On the weekend of April 10-11, a Petal Procession will drive through select Petal Porch Parade neighborhoods in and around DC.

Art in Bloom
Where: Around the DC area
When: Through March 31
Admission: Free
This visual arts exhibition spanning all eight wards of DC, plus a few areas in Maryland and Virginia, radiates the spirit of spring! Go on a Blossom Hunt to find 26 oversized cherry blossom statues painted by local artists and share on Instagram or Twitter with the #artinbloom tag. The NCB will randomly select winners of Festival prize packages.

Blossom Kite Fly
Where: Your backyard or local park
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: Free
The annual Kite Festival on the Mall — one of the best events of the NCBF (& anytime in DC, for that matter) —  is not happening this year. Instead, the Festival encourages all to take part in the kite-flying tradition on their own — but with the help of workshops and demos. Find more information about registering here.

Bloomaroo
Where: The Wharf | Southwest DC
When: Through April 11
Admission: Varies
The Wharf is celebrating  spring and the blossoms with Bloomaroo, nearly of month of cherry blossom-themed art installations, food and drink specials and more festivities. Catch Anime Movies, including the newest Sonic the Hedgehog movie. Check out a special mural created by ARTECHOUSE, too. Restaurants at the waterfront destination will have cherry blossom-inspired menus, and keep an eye out for special samplings, beer dinners, and more. Ride the Wharf Jitney or hop on the Water Taxi for an up-close look at DC’s favorite landmarks — the cherry trees. For more about The Wharf, see this KFDC post.

Dino Safari
Where: National Harbor | Oxon Hill, MD
When: Daily through April 11
Admission: $49.95/vehicle (up to 7 people); $59.95/larger vehicle
Running now through April 11, Dino Safari, brings prehistoric times to pandemic times, offering a drive-thru, no-contact yet immersive experience. You may be familiar with these Jurassic Park-inspired attractions, which feature life-size animatronic dinosaurs. This one is unique in its “Passport to Pangea” theme, transporting you through all seven continents — which were formerly one supercontinent, Pangea, in dinosaur times. Read a full review here. Use code KIDDC5 to receive $5 off your ticket!

Bunnyland
Where: Butler’s Orchard
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: $10
One of the more popular spring festivals in the area begins this weekend.  Butler’s has all the trappings for seasonal fun: bunnies, eggs, and other Easter-related treats for young guests. More fun includes hayrides down the Bunny Trail, egg hunts, the Rubber Ducky Derby, giant slides, jumping pads, and a small petting zoo.  Concessions are available, and there are also plenty of picnic tables if you prefer to pack a lunch.  See the website for safety measures in place for Covid.

Easter Egg Hunt
Where: Potomac Overlook Regional Park | Arlington, VA
When: Saturday & Sunday, 11am – 4pm
Admission: $8/child
Join Potomac Overlook Regional Park any day from Saturday to April 4 to take part in this ongoing event. Pick up your egg hunt sheet at the nature center, explore the park for 8 different “wooden eggs,” then return to the nature center with your completed sheet for a prize!  No reservations required — just hop on over and experience a brand new kind of egg hunt in park that’s great for families to explore. Read more about Potomac Overlook in this KFDC post. And find even more egg-cellent adventures around the area here.

NoVa Parking
Where: Various parks in Northern Virginia
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
Not only are many of the locales within the NoVa Parks system great places to go for outdoor recreation, other activities within some of them are now available. Batting cages, mini golf, kayak and canoe rentals, and disc golf are some of them. And some are just beautiful to roam around.  Find things to do by activity, or check out individual parks and see what they have going on. A couple of specific recs:  Fountainhead, Pohick Bay, and Meadowlark.

Movie at the Drive-In
Where: Alexandria Drive-In Movie Theater | Alexandria, VA
When: Saturday, 7:30pm
Admission: $40/car
Catch a flick from the comfort of your car — an ideal way to enjoy some entertainment out of the house and social distance. Remember the Titans will be on the big outdoor screen this weekend. Food trucks will be there both nights offering savory and sweet concessions with online ordering through Goodfynd! Purchase movie tickets in advance!

Camp Anthem
Where: The Wharf | Southwest DC
When: Friday/Saturday/Sunday through May
Admission:
The Anthem is bringing back its pop-up restaurant with tables seating up to 6 on the District Pier, each covered by a cabana tent. Enjoy a breezy lunch or dinner by the river at the waterfront destination. Reservations are required, and there is a $150 minimum per table, $50 per 2-top. There is a two-hour max at each table to allow thorough cleaning in between time slots.

Women’s History Month Virtual Festival
Where: National Portrait Gallery | Online
When: Saturday, 11am
Admission: Free
Join the Portrait Gallery in a virtual celebration of women making history!Explore the online exhibition “Where There Is a Woman There Is Magic,” which highlights leaders in sports, arts, science and activism. It’s part of a day-long lineup featuring events and activities for participants of all ages, including workshops, speakers, art activities and more!

Adventure in the Trees
Where: Adventure Park at Sandy Spring, MD
When: Sunday
Admission: Varies by age
The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring reopens for the season this weekend! The fun actually starts Saturday, but it’s already sold out, so reserve in advance for Sunday or a future date — reservations are now required due to Covid. Kids as young 5 can experience thrills on the ropes courses and ziplines in the park’s aerial adventure forest, the largest in North America. Children ages 5-6 and an accompanying adult have access to two of the easier courses. Older kids can do much more. It may seem like a pricey venture, but it’s so worth it. Trust me. Read more about the park in this KFDC post.

Pop-Up Street Theater
Where: Locales around Arlington, VA
When: Sunday, 11am – 2pm
Admission: Free
Synetic Theatre will be clowning around with pop-up performances all around Arlington during the Festival. To work with these social distancing times, they are bringing back street theater as a pair of improv actors make appearances at the Art Wall in Virginia Highlands Park, the Crystal City Water Park, and the Long Bridge Park Esplanade.Follow @synetictheater on Instagram to see where they are and how long they’ll be there!

Disc Golfin’
Where: Courses around the DC area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
Hit the links, the chain links, that is! Disc golf is a great way to enjoy a nice spring day outdoors with the family. Not only is it fun and challenging, the courses, many of them set up in scenic places, are lovely this time of year. This post has info about one in College Park, and there are also great courses at Seneca Creek State Park in Gaithersburg, Patapsco Valley State Park near Baltimore, and Burke Lake Park in Burke, VA.

Virtual Artful Conversations: Colored Pencil Techniques
Where: National Gallery of Art | Online
When: Sunday, 10am & 1pm
Admission: Free
Sharpen up your colored pencils and your drawing skills during Artful Conversations. Please join the session with colored pencils, two sheets of paper to draw on, and an eraser. Registration is required for this free program. An adult is required to attend the session alongside the child(ren).

Sakura Sunday
Where: National Harbor | Oxon Hill, MD
When: Sunday
Admission: Free
On Sundays during cherry blossom seaosn,  National Harbor is hosting free cultural activities, including Japanese inspired art creations, culinary classes, in person and virtual, and much more.  See what else will be at the waterfront destination during the season.

***MORE GOOD STUFF***
* In case you haven’t seen it, there’s a brand new post about Where to Go & What to Do During Spring Break 2021
* DC Way now offers weekly Skills Clinics, Strikers School, & Goalkeeping School
* Race for a cause with the 11th Annual Fairfax Run for the Children
* Don’t tell my mom, but this made me laugh. (Happy Passover to all celebrating!)
* More McSweeney’s because this nails it.
* Half-vaxed here and totally feeling this!

 

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March 21, 2021 · 8:57 am

Scenes from the Start of Spring at the National Arboretum

 

This spring had to be the most anticipated one ever.  I mean, we always look forward to emerging from the cold and darkness of winter, to color returning to the landscape as trees begin to flower, to longer days, to renewal.  But this year it’s about so much more.

With this spring comes hope and optimism in a way that we couldn’t have fathomed in previous years. After a year of fear, uncertainty, disruption, and heartbreak that Covid heaved upon us, we are finally seeing a light at the end of the tunnel. There’s still a ways to go, but that glimmer is getting brighter all the time.

This first day of spring did not disappoint.  The sun was shining, the weather pleasant, and it was a Saturday, so we could be out and about to enjoy it all.  We did that at one of our very favorite places in DC:  The National Arboretum.  We hadn’t been in awhile, because we thought there was a no dogs rule — we like being able to bring Teddy on our outings, especially if we’re hiking around outdoors — but we just learned that our pup can go to the Arb as long as he’s leashed.

So, that’s where we headed to ring in the new season.  If you’ve been reading KFDC awhile, you probably know how much I love the Arboretum — it tops the round-up of best outdoor spots.  (You can see more about it here, here, here, and here.) It’s a wonderful place to go any time of year, but this visit was especially auspicious as some of the cherry trees were blooming…on the first day of spring!

There is a self-guided cherry blossom tour to follow through the US National Arboretum app, or you can do what we did and see them as you wander around randomly and just refer to the app for the few that are blooming right now.

 

Be sure to explore the rest of the Arboretum to see even more bloom beginnings — rhododendrons, dogwoods, daffodils — and the many collections of plants and trees.  The Capitol Columns in the Ellipse Meadow are quite striking and have to be one of the most photographed spots in DC.

 

Get out and celebrate spring and all the hope that comes with it this year. The U.S. National Arboretum is located in Northeast DC, off of Bladensburg Road and New York Avenue, the entrance at 24th & R Streets (from Bladensburg). Hours are 8am – 5pm. Admission is free.

PS: We are happy to report that Teddy loves the Arboretum just as much as we do.  And now that we know he can go, he’ll be a regular visitor, too!

 

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March 19, 2021 · 7:17 am

The Weekend Round-Up: March 19-21

 

Happy First Spring Weekend!

It’s Cherry Blossom Season!
Where: Around the DC area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies
They might not be blooming just yet, but events and activities to celebrate DC’s iconic flowers begin this weekend as the National Cherry Blossom Festival kicks off. Seek out blossom-inspired art, join a virtual program, enjoy food, drink, and shopping specials just for the season, and much more.

Fun on the Farm
Where: Great Country Farms
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $12/adult, $10/child
It’s opening weekend for the Play Area at Great Country Farms! The five-acre area contains all kinds of fun that little ones love — rope swings, tractor tires, giant tube slides and more! See animals in the barnyard, get lost in a maze, and test agility skills on the farm ninja course. Reserve timed tickets in advance.

Maryland Day
Where: Various locations in Maryland
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies
This year’s Maryland Day celebration includes a weekend full of new experiences, both in-person and virtual. Join online museum and library programs, get into regional parks for free, see the Pride of Baltimore tall ship in Annapolis, visit the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, go to the Annapolis Maritime Museum or Chesapeake Children’s Museum, and much more. Find details for all of it here.

Drive-In Flick
Where: Alexandria Drive-In Movie Theater | Alexandria, VA
When: Friday, 7pm
Admission: $40/car
Drive-In movies are back for 2021 at the theater in Alexandria. Catching a flick from the comfort of your car is an ideal way to enjoy some entertainment out of the house and social distance. On the ticket this weekend: Hidden Figures on Friday (Princess Bride on Saturday, but looks like it’s sold out). Food trucks will be there both nights offering savory and sweet concessions with online ordering through Goodfynd! Purchase movie tickets in advance!

Cherry Blossom Celebration
Where: American Art Museum | Online
When: Saturday, 10am
Admission: Free
Celebrate the start of spring and the National Cherry Blossom Festival with the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Join a virtual program full of springtime fun for the whole family. Enjoy a lively performance of traditional Japanese Taiko drumming by the group Nen Daiko. Then learn more as the group demonstrates how they plan their performances and design their own instruments. Explore art, nature, and color with museum docents in the new virtual edition of their popular Art Cart series. For more activities, check out the Family Zone for seasonal crafts, coloring pages, videos, and more!

Family Bike Ride
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
Plan for a family two-wheel outing — you’ve got your pick of them around the area. Take in the start of spring scenery, get some exercise, and have fun, all while easily social distancing. This post has a bunch of pedal-worthy recs, with something for riders of all levels, and this route is particularly ideal with kids.

Bloomaroo
Where: The Wharf | Southwest DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
Celebrate spring and the blossoms at the The Wharf. Bloomaroo will bring nearly a month of cherry blossom-themed art installations, and specialty cocktails. Check out a special mural created by ARTECHOUSE, too. Restaurants at the waterfront destination will have cherry blossom-inspired menus, and keep an eye out for special samplings, beer dinners, and more. Ride the Wharf Jitney or hop on the Water Taxi for an up-close look at DC’s favorite landmarks — the cherry trees. For more about The Wharf, see this KFDC post.

Art in Bloom
Where: Around the DC area
When: March 20-31
Admission: Free
This visual arts exhibition spanning all eight wards of DC, plus a few areas in Maryland and Virginia, radiates the spirit of spring! Go on a Blossom Hunt to find 26 oversized cherry blossom statues painted by local artists and share on Instagram or Twitter with the #artinbloom tag. The NCB will randomly select winners of Festival prize packages.

Eastern Shore Nature Break
Where: Wye Island NRMA | Queenstown, MD
When: Ongoing
Admission: Free
There’s a new post about a lovely, peaceful place to enjoy a day outdoors on the Eastern Shore. Wye Island Natural Resources Management Area, just over the Bay Bridge, has 12 miles of trails to hike on its 2,400 acres with scenic views over the Wye River, old growth trees, and possible wildlife sightings. For even more hiking options around the area, see the round-up of walks in the woods.

Hike, Bike, and/or Paddle
Where: Fountainhead Regional Park | Fairfax Station, VA
When: Ongoing
Admission: Free
For a mix of outdoor recreation, Fountain Regional Park offers a few options. It’s known to be one of the better places for mountain biking in the area (riders should have some experience), and it has nice hiking, too, with the Bull Run Occoquan Trail winding through the park. even, more kayak and canoe rentals are now available. Read more about it all in this new post.

Pop-Up Consignment Shop
Where: Stoddert Elementary | Glover Park, DC
When: Saturday, 9:30am – 1pm
Admission: Free
PicklesDC is hosting an outdoor spring pop-up on Saturday. Shop quality brands in excellent condition — children’s clothing, shoes, and toys (size newborn – 12 years). This will take place in front of Stoddert Elementary School at 40001 Calvert Street NW.

StoryWalk: Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea
Where: Downtown Kensington, MD
When: Though April 11
Admission: Free
Families are invited to read the book Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea by Meena Harris on posted signs as they stroll through a garden setting in Kensington. This Noyes Library Foundation StoryWalk will be available for self-guided exploration at Clum-Kennedy Park (10298 Frederick Avenue). Written by Vice President Kamala Harris’ niece, Meena Harris, toe book is based on a true story about Kamala Harris and her older sister, Maya. Pick up a free craft kit on Saturdays and Sundays (9am to 4pm) outside the Noyes Library for Young Children (10237 Carroll Place) to complement the walk.

Ice Yards
Where: Yards Park | Navy Yard, DC
When: Saturday, 12-6pm
Admission: $60
Plan for a date or grown-up meet-up. Ice Yards is returning to your favorite neighborhood restaurants down at The Yards. Grab your closest friends and fam and join the fun — your ticket includes a reservation for 2-4 people for 90 minutes, free welcome cocktail, free Ice Yards giveaways, table side playlists, and cool prizes from Ice Yards rolling carts including shot glasses, shotskis, gift cards to your favorite restaurants and more! Participants will also be treated to complimentary s’mores making at each table. Follow the link for details and sign-up.

Environmental Film Fest
Where: Online
When: Through March 28
Admission: Free
Films from across the globe are being screened/streamed for the 29th annual DC Environmental Film Festival, presented virtually this year. There are a few flicks among them that kids will likely enjoy (and even more to consider for adults). View the website for more details and to view trailers.

Virtual Sassy Succulent Workshop
Where: American Visionary Art Museum | Online
When: Saturday, 11am
Admission: $0-10
Saturday, Mar. 20, 11am ET
Tune in as the AVAM uses fun rocks, soil, and bling to make your plant sassy, just in time for spring! All ages are welcome, and plant kits are available for local pick up ($10). Or, assemble your own supplies. This workshop complements the museum’s current mega-exhibition “The Secret Life of Earth.” RSVP here.  (Note:  You can also visit the museum in person — it’s open!)

Pop-Up Street Theater
Where: Crystal City Water Park | Crystal City, VA
When: Sunday, 11am – 2pm
Admission: Free
Synetic Theatre, which presents some of the most innovative shows around, will be clowning around with pop-up performances during the Festival. To work with these social distancing times, they are bringing back street theater as a pair of improv actors make appearances at the Crystal City Water Park

NoVa Parking
Where: Various parks in Northern Virginia
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
Not only are many of the locales within the NoVa Parks system great places to go for outdoor recreation, other activities within some of them are now available. Batting cages, mini golf, kayak and canoe rentals, and disc golf are some of them. Find things to do by activity, or check out individual parks and see what they have going on.

Parks and Rec
Where: Parks around Fairfax County, VA
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
The Fairfax County Park Authority hosts all kinds of events on weekends for guests of all ages. Enjoy the first day of spring as nature awakens at Green Spring Gardens. Take a family woodcock walk at Huntley Meadows.  Discovert life under a log at Hidden Oaks Nature Center. Details and registration for these and many more nature activities this weekend and beyond are available here.

I-Spy Adventure
Where: Dumbarton House | Online
When: Sunday, 11-11:30am
Admission: $10-12
Join Dumbarton House for a virtual I-spy adventure recommended for ages 4 to 8! During this virtual program, children will explore collections items from the museum by looking for animals, objects, and colors. Fun and learning are sure to ensue! Admission price covers one household.

Make Room for Matzah
Where: Online
When: Sunday, 10-11am
Admission: $5/family
Join a virtual Passover workshop with PJ Library author and illustrator Alan Silberberg! He will premiere his hilarious new book, Meet the Matzah, and teach a doodling class to explore the foods and symbolism of Passover. Order a kit to have more fun Passover projects at home. Most appreciated by ages 4-7, though all are welcome. Signed copies of the books can be purchased through Politics & Prose.

Free Community Day
Where: National Museum of Women in the Arts | WDC
When: Sunday, 12-5pm
Admission: Free, but must reserve
The National Museum of Women in the Arts just reopened, and the first and third Sundays of every month are a great opportunity to explore it 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. If tickets aren’t available, plan to go another day — the admission fee is worth it!

Pre-Passover Experience and Story Trail
Where: Lincoln Park | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Sunday, 3-3:45pm
Admission: Free 
Bring the kids for an outdoor story trail through Lincoln Park. Follow along the story of Passover and have great discussion with your family! Sit down and enjoy a kid-friendly pre-Passover model Seder there will be pre-packaged foods and activities for each child. Receive a Passover goody bag and craft for all those that register in advance (while supplies last). Register here.

Virtual Cakepop Class
Where: Online
When: Sunday, 4:30pm
Admission: $39.95
Wind down the weekend with something sweet. In this Cakepop class with Baked by Yael, kids will learn to roll, dip, and decorate their own cakepops!⠀Registration fee includes materials for one participant, a Home Cakepop Kit with baked cake, frosting, candy melts, cakepop sticks, and cakepop drying stand. (For just $25 more, they’ll include enough cake, frosting, candy melts, and cakepop sticks for an additional participant.) And Baked by Yael will donate 20% of each registration fee to Woodley Park Main Street.

The Great Indoors
Where: Around the DC Area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies
Even more places around the area are starting to open their doors for in person visits again.  This post lists reopened venues, all of them with extra safety protocols in place for Covid.

***MORE GOOD STUFF***
* How to support the Asian American community.
* Silver Knights has been teaching chess to local kids for 15 years, and they’re celebrating one year of their online chess club with a discount for KFDC readers!
* Looking for a fun & unique camp for kids this summer? Camp Half-Blood is offering its first DC-based sessions at Rock Creek Park.
* Trying to get through Best Picture nominated films… just watched The Trial of the Chicago 7, and Minari is up this weekend.
* The latest, wonderful Humans of New York series starts here.

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Filed under 2021, All ages, Coronavirus, COVID-19, DC, Maryland, Outdoor, Seasonal, Social Distancing, Spring, Virginia, Weekend

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March 16, 2021 · 11:36 am

The Best Family Activities to Celebrate the 2021 Cherry Blossom Season

 

Cherry blossom season is one of the best times of the year to be in DC.  Not only is the city at its prettiest when the iconic flowers are in bloom, there usually are loads of special events and activities to celebrate it all.  It’s also when I share my tips for viewing the famous flowers, an annual post that I love and have been updating since 2011 that others seem to enjoy as well (it’s always very highly viewed and shared).

For obvious reasons, so much about cherry blossom season is different this year.  It still remains to be seen what kind of access to the Tidal Basin the National Park Service will allow to see the peak bloom, which is predicted to occur April 2-5.  Big, beloved in-person events like the Kite Festival, National Cherry Blossom Parade, and Sakura Matsuri have been cancelled  along with museum programs that used to be IRL.  And my annual viewing tips… well, much of them apply to seeing them at the Tidal Basin, so they may not get a redux this spring.

However, there still are some fantastic ways to celebrate cherry blossom season!  The National Cherry Blossom Festival (NCBF), running March 20 – April 11, has reimagined many of its events as at-home or virtual activities to present them safely for Covid.  And even though we may not be able to experience the bloom at its best near the National Mall, there are other spots to enjoy the pink and white brilliance around the area.  I’ve highlighted the best of all of it for families to help you plan for a peak experience. Happy Spring!

 

Peak bloom in Stanton Park

Cherry Blossom Viewing
Where: Around the DMV
When: Late March – Early April
Admission: Free
Viewing the cherry blossoms is the top thing to do during the season. As we’re still awaiting guidelines for viewing at the Tidal Basin this year, here’s a tip that comes straight from my annual post from previous years: Seek out other spots to see the bloom. Several places around the DC-Metro area are well known for their annual cherry blossom displays.  The National Arboretum also has a nice collection of the trees and offers a beautiful, peaceful environment in which to enjoy them. National Harbor has 200 trees planted on it grounds.  Stanton Park on Capitol Hill flourishes with pick and white come spring. Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, MD, has a lovely collection of cherry trees.  In Northern Virginia, Green Spring Gardens and Meadowlark Botanical Gardens have some of the pretty trees to see, too.  (Thinking I should just put together a whole post about viewing sites…) In the meantime, check out these scenes from a peak bloom past.

Renewal 2121
Where: ARTECHOUSE | Southwest DC
When: March 15 – September 6
Admission: $24/adult, $17/age 4-15, free/under 4
ARTECHOUSE introduces a new exhibit every season, and spring is always inspired by the cherry blossoms in some way. Here’s the description of year’s show, Renewal 2121: “Transporting us 100 years into the future, it immerses us in an industrial city where nature fights to survive amid an overdeveloped metropolis. This is a future that will arrive if humanity continues unchecked at its current pace. However, there is a hopeful message to be discovered as blossoms are seen peeking through the plastic, concrete and neon lights, ready to renew the season with the help of those willing to take action.”

National Cherry Blossom Festival Opening Ceremony
Where: Online
When: March 20, 6pm
Admission: Free
The Festival’s signature Opening Ceremony, an artistic celebration of the 1912 gift of trees from Tokyo to DC is also an annual tribute to the longstanding friendship between Japan and the United States. Watch a livestream of the event that will feature special performances from acclaimed artists with ties to both countries.

Petal Porch Parade
Where: At home & around the DC area
When: March 20 – April 11
Admission: Free
Since we can’t have a big parade, locals are invited to get creative and show their cherry blossom spirit by decorating their porches, yards, or windows — and spread joy to neighbors and connect communities across the region! The National Cherry Blossom Festival will produce a virtual map with locations of all registered Petal Porches, so you can plan a walk or drive to see and share in the celebration of spring.  On the weekend of April 10-11, a Petal Procession will drive through select Petal Porch Parade neighborhoods in and around DC. So, get your neighbors to register and join in the springtime celebration to increase your chances of having the Petal Procession cruise through your ‘hood!

Bloomaroo
Where: The Wharf | Southwest DC
When: March 20 – April 11
Admission: Free
Celebrate spring and the blossoms at the The Wharf. Bloomaroo will bring nearly a month of cherry blossom-themed art installations, and specialty cocktails. Anime Movie Days will have 13 anime movie screenings, including the newest Sonic the Hedgehog movie, from March 26 through April 11 — all films will be dubbed in English. Check out a special mural created by ARTECHOUSE, too. Restaurants at the waterfront destination will have cherry blossom-inspired menus, and keep an eye out for special samplings, beer dinners, and more. Ride the Wharf Jitney or hop on the Water Taxi for an up-close look at DC’s favorite landmarks — the cherry trees. For more about The Wharf, see this KFDC post.

Book Hill in Bloom
Where: Book Hill Community | Georgetown, DC
When: March 20 – April 11
Admission: Free
Georgetown is celebrating cherry blossom season at its Book Hill community. More than 25 small businesses on upper Wisconsin Avenue are participating by decorating their storefronts with pink and cherry blossom-themed decorations, offering special promotions, and donating prizes for an enter-to-win drawing.

 

Art in Bloom on Capitol Hill

Art in Bloom
Where: Around the DC area
When: March 20-31
Admission: Free
This visual arts exhibition spanning all eight wards of DC, plus a few areas in Maryland and Virginia, radiates the spirit of spring! Go on a Blossom Hunt to find 26 oversized cherry blossom statues painted by local artists and share on Instagram or Twitter with the #artinbloom tag. The NCB will randomly select winners of Festival prize packages.

Sakura Sundays
Where: National Harbor | Oxon Hill, MD
When: Sundays during the Festival
Admission: Free
With in-person Sakura Matsuri, the annual Japanese street fair presented during the Festival, off this year, National Harbor is stepping in. Free cultural activities, including Japanese inspired art creations, culinary classes, in person or virtual, and much more will be offered there.  See what else will be at National Harbor during the season.

Virtual Cherry Blossom Celebration
Where: American Art Museum | Online
When: March 20, 10am
Admission: Free
Join the Smithsonian American Art Museum for a virtual program full of springtime fun for the whole family. Enjoy a lively performance of traditional Japanese Taiko drumming by the group Nen Daiko. Then learn more as the group demonstrates how they plan their performances and design their own instruments. Explore art, nature, and color with SAAM‘s docents in the new virtual edition of our popular Art Cart series. For more activities, check out their ongoing Family Zone for seasonal crafts, coloring pages, videos, and more. Register here.

ChalkWalk
Where: Alley off 7th St NW (btwn H & G) | Gallery Place, DC
When: March 20 – April 30
Admission: Free
Visit DowntownDC’s ChalkWalk to step into an immersive spring art experience.  It will be a unique, Instagrammy, and cherry blossom-inspired 3D art installation backdrop to celebrate spring in the city. Share your photos using the hashtag #ChalkWalkDC for a chance to win prizes from the DowntownDC BID.

Pop-Up Street Theater
Where: Locales around Arlington, VA
When: March 21 & 28 April 4 & 11 | 11am – 2pm
Admission: Free
Synetic Theatre, which presents some of the most innovative shows around, will be clowning around with pop-up performances all around Arlington during the Festival. To work with these social distancing times, they are bringing back street theater as a pair of improv actors make appearances at the Art Wall in Virginia Highlands Park, the Crystal City Water Park, and the Long Bridge Park Esplanade.

Blossom Kite Fly
Where: Your backyard or local park
When: March 27-28
Admission: Free
The annual Kite Festival on the Mall — one of the best events of the NCBF (& anytime in DC, for that matter) —  is not happening this year. Instead, the Festival encourages all to take part in the kite-flying tradition on their own — but with the help of workshops and demos. Find more information about registering here.

Celebrating Cherry Blossoms
Where: National Museum of Asian Art | Online
When: March 27, 10-10:45am
Admission: Free
Just in time for peak bloom, ring in the arrival of spring with the art doctors in this online Art & Me Preservation Family Workshop. From paintings to Japanese tea bowls, discover how Smithsonian conservators preserve these colorful artworks. Then try your hand at making your own cherry blossom-inspired creation. Designed for ages 3-8 and caretakers. Register in advance, one per family, and a Zoom link and list of suggested materials will be sent to participants 24–48 hours in advance of the workshop.

Blossoms & Baseball Drive-in
Where: Akridge Lot | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: April 2 & 3, 7pm
Admission: $20/car
The Capitol Riverfront BID is welcoming the spring season back to the neighborhood during MLB Opening Day Weekend with cherry blossom cheer and baseball-themed movies featuring 42: The True Story of an American Legend and A League of Their Own.

Kimono for Kids
Where: GWU & Textile Museum | Online
When: April 3, 11am – 1pm
Admission: Free
Kids can enjoy an interactive discussion of Japanese traditional clothing, plus a simple craft project made from materials found at home and inspired by Japanese textiles in this program led by staff from the George Washington University Museum and The Textile Museum. Be sure to register to get the program link.

Virtual Sakura Matsuri
Where: Online
When: April 3, 12-3pm
Admission: Free
Join Japan-America Society of Washington DC for the Sakura Matsuri – Virtual Community Gathering. Enjoy stage performances and the opportunity to interact live with many of your favorite Sakura Matsuri exhibitors, vendors and participants.

* Do you know of a great cherry blossom event that’s not listed here?  Let us all know in the comments!

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Filed under 2021, All ages, Coronavirus, COVID-19, DC, Exhibit, Maryland, Outdoor, Seasonal, Spring, Virginia, Virtual Programs, Weekdays, Weekend

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