Ice skating at the Sculpture Garden, quintessential DC winter recreation
Live entertainment, the last of the holidays, museum adventures, and a model rocket launch are all among the recommendations to kick off 2014 on a fun note. And for even more ideas for family recreation over the next couple of days, check out these outdoor pursuits (bundle up!) and the big list of indoor options, too. Happy Weekend! And Happy New Year!
Season Finales
Where: Around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
Yes, there is still some holiday season fun and entertainment to be had, but this weekend will be your last chance to enjoy it. Model trains are winding down instead of around, curtains are getting ready to close on shows, colorful lights are twinkling for the last time. Find out what’s still happening and get details in the KFDC Holiday Guide.
Lyle the Crocodile
Where: Imagination Stage
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: $12+
Recommended for ages 4-12, Lyle the Crocodile will run through January 10: When the Primm family moves into their New York City apartment, they are quite surprised to find a crocodile in their bathtub! But Lyle is a rather extraordinary crocodile and quickly becomes part of the family. Unfortunately, a nasty neighbor, Mr. Grumps, has it out for the reptile. He thinks poor Lyle is unfit for the neighborhood simply because he’s different. After a parade, a trip to the department store, and a stint in the zoo, Lyle saves the day and earns his place as a beloved friend and neighbor.
Saturday Morning with the grandsons, jr.
Where: Jammin’ Java
When: Saturday, 10:30am
Admission: $8 or $25/family 4-pack
the grandsons, jr., is the kids band version of DC-area roots rock superstars, The Grandsons. Kids and their parents will dig the upbeat mix of rock, swing, New Orleans R&B, country, latin music we call Americana. A full lunch and drink menu will be available at this all-ages show. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Aquarium
Where: Imagination Stage
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: $10-12
This is a show best for ages 1-5. With gentle music, beautiful puppets, and props, Jack and Calypso lead children and caregivers to a magical, interactive world where giant jellyfish fly through the air, sheep graze in the grass, and lemons create the sun in a “let’s pretend” sky.
Go Postal
Where: National Postal Museum
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
There’s no special event happening, but since I just posted about it, a visit to the National Postal Museum makes this round-up. It’s a place I like to consider a locals’ secret, often overlooked by tourists and overshadowed by its Smithsonian counterparts on the Mall. The atrium alone is quite a sight, showcasing various means of mail transportation — a mail truck, airplane, train car, cab of a semi, and Pony Express horses and buggy replica are on display, and a couple of them are open for guests to climb aboard. And even more interesting exhibits await beyond the main hall. When you’re done there, head next door to Union Station to grab lunch.
Ice Ice Baby
Where: Local ice rinks
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
Skate at the Sculpture Garden; join Washington Harbour’s Cartoon Skate on Saturday from 10am – 12pm; meander the icy paths at Canal Parks’s; or shop then skate at Pentagon Row, Veteran’s Plaza, or Reston Town Center. This post has details on both alfresco and indoor ice skating options in the area.
Baltimore, Hon!
Where: Charm City attractions
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
Zip up I-95 for some fun in our sister city. Explore the exhibits and loads of hands-on activities at the Maryland Science Center. See some of the quirkiest, coolest art ever at the American Visionary Art Museum. Play the day away at Port Discovery. Get an eyeful of the underwater world at the National Aquarium. Or tour the historic ships at the Inner Harbor.
Portrait Story Days
Where: National Portrait Gallery
When: Saturday 1-4pm, Sunday 2-5pm
Admission: Free
Drop in to the Portrait Gallery to listen to a story about a person who has influenced American history and culture and to create a special piece of art. This weekend, learn about American choreographer Alvin Ailey. Read more about the program in this post about our experience there.
Model Rocket Launch
Where: Goddard Space Flight Center
When: Sunday, 1-2pm
Admission: Free
Join the monthly model rocket launch at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. Anyone is welcome, and if you’ve got a model rocket to fly, bring it along (though there are some restrictions – see them here). The program takes place the first Sunday of every month at 1pm.
