Happy Weekend!
Find tons of inspo for ongoing DC fun:
* Best Outdoors in the DC Area
* Local Hikes with Kids
* Bike Rides
* Indoor Places Around DC
* Off-the-Beaten-Path Museums
* Kid-Friendly Dining
* Baltimore with Kids
* Stunning Spaces
* Peaceful Places
Get in the Spirit!
Where: Audi Field | Southwest DC
When: Friday, 8pm
Admission: Ticket prices vary (check for deals)
The Washington Spirit are back at Audi Field for their home opener! Watch them take on the Portland Thorns under Friday night lights. Along with the soccer action, there also will be a performance by the new coed Spirit Crew Entertainment Team, light shows featuring fan-first tech, and more fun for fans. Concessions are available on the concourse, but you can also plan to grab a pre-game bite in the Navy Yard area — find firsthand recommendations for family-friendly places to go.
CAA Womens Basketball Tournament
Where: CareFirst Arena | Southeast DC
When: Through March 18
Admission: Ticket prices vary
There will be more women’s sports action in the area. The CAA division of the NCAA is holding its women’s basketball tournament in DC this year, and the quarterfinals, semis, and final are this weekend. Purchase tickets here.
Awesome Con
Where: Washington Convention Center, DC
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: Starts at $70/adult, $20/child
The mid-Atlantic’s premier pop culture convention brings a three-day celebration of television, movies, comic books, science, technology and more to DC. With hundreds of hours of programming, an impressive lineup of special guests and iconic characters, plus exciting activities for fans of all ages, this is one fun event. We’ve been and have had a blast checking out games, toys, comics, art, TV, and movie memorabilia, and more. And the cosplay is fantastic. Costumes encouraged.
Super Pet Expo
Where: Manassas Mall | Manassas, VA
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: $15-20/age 12+, $10-15/ages 4-11, free/3 & under
Expect a trove of activities that the whole fam — furry family members included — will love at the Super Pet Expo Watch dogs play capture the flag, see a dog fashion show, and marvel at champion stunt dogs performing Frisbee skills and stunts. You can also see and learn about hundreds of snakes and lizards. Plus, there will be lot of good info and pet products to buy along with loads of photo ops.
All About Rockets
Where: National Air & Space Museum | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 5pm
Admission: Free
Get a hands-on understanding of rockets in honor of the 100th anniversary of Robert Goddard’s first liquid-fueled rocket at this special Family Day event. Enjoy a rocket-themed day of building, make-and-take activities, and family-friendly science.
Fishing 101
Where: Aquatic Resources Education Center | Anacostia, DC
When: Saturday 10am – 12pm
Admission: Free
Join this beginner-friendly event designed for those new to fishing or looking to refresh their skills. Take a tour, learn basic fishing techniques, get acquainted with essential equipment, and discover the best local fishing spots. The event also includes hands-on practice and knot-tying instruction, all led by experienced anglers. The Center is at Anacostia Park, where there is even more fun for kids!
The World & Me: Save a Spider!
Where: Natural History Museum | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 12pm
Admission: Free
The museum is celebrating “Save a Spider Day” with a morning of special activities. See spider specimens and other arachnids up close, make observations at live tarantula feedings, and learn about the amazing diversity found within the different spider and arachnid species. Museum scientists will also share what they do to learn more about spiders. Drop in any time during the event.
Portraiture Festival
Where: National Portrait Gallery | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Saturday, 11:30am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate art, identity, and creativity at the National Portrait Gallery. Explore portraiture through educator-led tours, art-making activities and workshops for all ages. Stay until the end for an original performance by Moveius Contemporary Ballet, commissioned by the Portrait Gallery and choreographed by artist Diana Movius. Registration encouraged.
The Big Draw
Where: National Building Museum | Judiciary Square, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 5pm
Admission: Free
Drop in for all kinds of playful, hands-on creativity with artists, educators, and cultural partners. Explore activations and interactive experiences in the Great Hall, including hands-on workshops, storytelling sessions, and opportunities to meet local artists and cultural organizations throughout the day.
Saturday Morning Live!: Adventures in Time
Where: National Theatre | Downtown DC
When: Saturday, 10am & 11:30am
Tickets: Free!
Join National Theatre at their free entertainment series for kids as they take audiences on an interactive, musical journey into the past. Writing Stories! Wowser Bowser! introduces you to Washington, DC, icons Helen Hayes and Benjamin Banneker. Learn about their important contributions and discover how to write your own stories. Be sure to register for free tickets!
Freckleface Strawberry The Musical
Where: Adventure Theatre | Glen Echo, MD
When: Saturday & Sunday, 11a & 2pm
Tickets: $28
Freckleface Strawberry The Musical, based on the beloved New York Times best-selling book by celebrated actress, Julianne Moore, is a fun and touching family musical. Freckleface Strawberry will do anything to get rid of her freckles – from scrubbing them with soap to caking on makeup… and even wearing a ski mask to school! Will her schoolmates realize that it’s her under the mask? Will Freckleface be brave enough to finally face her complexion in the mirror? With the help of her loveable schoolmates, including an amazingly talented ballerina, a cutie jock, a charming ditz and a totally kooky teacher, Freckleface learns that everyone is different – and that’s what makes everyone special. Recommended fo all ages.
Cinderella
Where: The Puppet Co. | Glen Echo Park, MD
When: Fri, 10:30am | Sat & Sun, 11:30am & 2:30pm
Tickets: $16
Rod puppets convey the classic tale of rags to riches, love at first sight (twice!), and getting what we all deserve. Don’t miss this fan favorite production, or your magical midnight curfew!
Twelve Dancing Princesses (Doce Princesas Bailarinas)
Where: Creative Cauldron | Arlington, VA
When: Fri, 7:30pm | Sat, 2pm & 7:30pm | Sun, 2pm
Tickets: $18/student, $20/adult, $65/family 4-pack
A group of princesses, each more beautiful than the last, are locked in their room each night, but in the morning, their dancing shoes are completely worn through as if they had been dancing all night! Unable to find the cause, the King promises that anyone who can solve the mystery may choose one of his daughters to wed. Join our Learning Theater Ensemble as a brave young soldier reveals the secret and a magical dancing kingdom.
Inherit the Wind
Where: Arena Stage | Southwest DC
When: Fri, 8pm | Sat, 2pm & 8pm | Sun, 7:30pm
Tickets: $73-118 (look for discount)
Based on the real-life Scopes “Monkey” Trial, this electrifying courtroom drama pits two towering legal minds against each other in a small-town battle over science, religion, and the right to think freely. As the town becomes a stage for national attention, personal conviction clashes with public opinion in a trial that transcends its time. Inherit the Wind, the American classic byJerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee, is a searing, deeply human portrait of a country still wrestling with the cost—and courage—of progress. Recommended for teens and older.
1776
Where: Ford’s Theatre | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Saturday, 7:30pm
Tickets: $34-45 (look for discount)
This popular American musical is an insightful, vibrant, and humorous take on our founding fathers’ determination to do the right thing for their fledgling nation. As members of the Second Continental Congress struggle to reach consensus, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson argue for independence from the British monarchy. The ensuing debates defined our country. As we explore this historical moment through the evolving identity of America today, this robust, award-winning musical boldly brings our country’s beginnings to blazing life.
The Simon & Garfunkel Story
Where: National Theatre | Downtown DC
When: Saturday & Sunday
Tickets: $77+
Using huge projection photos and original film footage, and featuring a full live band performing all the hits, the immersive concert-style theater show chronicles the amazing journey shared by the folk-rock duo, Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel. It tells the story from their humble beginnings as Tom & Jerry to their incredible success as one of the best-selling music groups of the ‘60’s to their dramatic split in 1970. It culminates with the famous “The Concert in Central Park” reunion in 1981 with more than half a million fans in attendance.
Nowruz Family Festival
Where: Asian Art Museum | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 11am – 4pm
Admission: Free
Honor the Persian new year at the annual Nowruz Family Day. Dress in your Nowruz best and welcome spring with free attractions for all ages, including storytelling, hands-on activities, and more. Persian sweets and food will be available for purchase.Register in advance to make sure you get the best experience. Note that some activities have a limited capacity, with entry on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Art of Quillwork
Where: NMAI | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 11am – 4pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate the power of Indigenous art and design at the National Museum of the American Indian. Hear from the artists behind the porcupine quillwork that adorns two Gucci dresses on view in the special installation, Making a StatementJ and take tours of the exhibits. Kids and their families can stop by the imagiNATIONS Activity Center to learn how deer hide becomes clothing and accessories and design their own rawhide artwork with colorful floral patterns.
Ireland at the Wharf
Where: The Wharf | Southwest DC
When: Saturday, 1-7pm
Admission: Free
The Wharf is bringing the luck of the Irish to the waterfront with a free festival! Enjoy all the fun of a true Irish festival with Irish dancing, rugby on the big screen, bands and bagpipers, Guinness beer, Irish coffee, and whiskey (last three for the adults, obv.). All ages welcome. Slainte!
Model Train Open House
Where: Historic Vienna Depot | Vienna, VA
When: Saturday, 1-5pm
Admission: Free
Visit the historical Vienna Stain station to watch model train and trolley activities that realistically depict an actual railroad that existed in North Carolina in the 1950′s, the Western North Carolina (WNC). Locomotive, rail car, and towns industry in this layout is modeled after those places and things as they looked in that era. Thomas the Tank Engine (and a few of his friends) are chugging around among the bigger steam and diesel locomotives.
Climb On (& UP)
Were: Climb UPton | Arlington, VA
When: Saturday & Sunday, 10am -8pm
Admission: $52.95/age 15+, $42.35/age 8-15, $21.15/age 5-7
If the better weather has you itching for an outdoor adventure, the ropes course at Upton Hill Regional Park is now open weekends and holidays. With 90 elements on three levels, it offers plenty of challenges and lots of fun to enjoy an active day out. Opens daily March 28.
Caps vs Bruins
Where: Capital One Arena | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Saturday, 5pm
Admission: Ticket prices vary (look for discounts)
Catch some exciting hockey action as the Capitals host the Bruins on Saturday afternoon. Make a longer outing of it and visit the Portrait Gallery/American Art Museum before or after the match. Or plan to grab a bite to eat in the Penn Quarter neighborhood — this post about kid-friendly eats in DC has suggestions for places to go.
Pi Day
Where: National Children’s Museum | Downtown DC
When: Saturday, 5-6:30pm
Admission: $18.95/ages 1+
The National Children’s Museum’s is hosting its second annual Pi Day celebration. This special after-hours event honors the mathematical constant pi (3.14…) with hands-on activations exploring math, science, and art. Guests can enjoy slices of pizza pie, included with event admission, while participating in programs including STEAM Storytime + Design Challenge, Scales and Weights, Bike Gear Spirograph, Pi Art, and Pi Pixel Mosaic. Museum exhibits will also be open for exploration throughout the event. All recommended for families with children ages 0-12. Read more about the NCM in this KFDC post.
More PI Day Celebrations
Where: Mathnasium locations around the DC area
When: Saturday
Admission: Free
Mathnasium, the math learning powerhouse, is hosting FREE Pi Day celebrations at participating learning centers throughout the DC region. The events will include free pizza, prizes, hands-on STEM activities, games, and crafts – no calculators or registration required. Times vary by location, so visit the website to check details on the one closest to you.
Celebrate Women’s History
Where: Around DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
March is Women’s History Month, and there are so many great ways to celebrate it around DC, with something for all ages. See some exhibits, tour local landmarks, enjoy live entertainment… all of it showcasing women and their accomplishments. This post has details on where you can do that this month — and beyond!
Take a Hike
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
WE may have had some crazy weather this week, but this weekend should be nice — a great time to hit the trail. Enjoy the late winter temps, walk in places with scenic views, see the start of budding flowers, and savor a sunny day outdoors. This post has a a bunch of recommendations for walks in the woods with the kids. A few for right now: Great Falls, Rock Creek Park, Turkey Run Park, and Sky Meadows State Park.
***MORE GOOD STUFF***
* The last time it was Friday the 13th…
* If you want to get away for Spring Break, but don’t want to go too far, Colonial Williamsburg is a fun and easy destination. And see some more KFDC recommendations.
* The Library of Congress announced this year’s National Book Festival will be held on August 22.
* Can’t wait to try bumblebirds, the new fried chicken restaurant from Chef Carla Hall, opening on Capitol Hill this weekend.
* Just started reading this memoir on the recommendation of Darcy (and after realizing it’s the book version of this deeply moving Modern Love piece).
* GAP has a great 40% off sale this weekend…some picks: a cute spring cardigan | lots of great kids clothes | I have and love this versatile skirt/top set | linen shirts in so many colors
* Banana Republic is also 40% off and worth checking out… how pretty is this linen mini dress?
* Are you going to watch the Oscars on Sunday?
