Tag Archives: August 2019

Explore the underground world of Luray Caverns at the annual Discovery Day

Happy Weekend!

Joys of Summer
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
Activities exclusive to the season are happening all weekend. See a special museum exhibit, like LAWN or Infinite Space. Have some water-inspired fun. Enjoy free music outdoors and movies under the stars. Go with the flow on local waterways. Hit the beach. Feast on seasonal treats. And so much more. Details on all of these joys of summer in DC can be found here.

Fair Game
Where: Arlington, Montgomery, and PW Counties | VA & MD
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
County fair season continues as Arlington’s annual fest is underway, and Montgomery and Prince William counties host their final days. All are chock full of amusement for everyone, with carnival rides and games, farm animals, live entertainment, pony rides, the junk food gamut, pig races, and so much more. This post has the whole scoop on all of the county fun.

Pokémon World Championships
Where: Washington Convention Center | Mount VErnon Square, DC
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: $10 to spectate
Pikachu and friends will be in town for the 2019 Pokémon World Championships August 16-18, bringing thousands of elite Trading Card Game (TCG) and video game players, supporters, and fans to the Washington Convention Center. The best players from all over the world will be competing for the title of Pokémon TCG, Video Game, or Pokkén Tournament World Champion—and for their share of the prizes, including more than $500,000 in scholarships. There’s plenty to do at the annual Pokémon World Championships if you don’t plan to participate in the main event — tournament viewing, game demos, a gaming longe, and more. A spectator badge includes access to all three days of the event and comes with two Pokémon TCG booster packs.

Nats vs. Brewers
Where: Nationals Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: Ticket prices vary
It’s a weekend of home games for the Nats as they host the Brewers. Catch them on Friday (7:05pm), Saturday (7:05pm), and Sunday (1:35pm). Take advantage of the new Kids Eat Free summer promo, and kids can run the bases after the Sunday game. Before you go, get some KFDC tips on doing Nats game without breaking the bank.

Anatomy of Sports
Where: National Museum of Health & Medicine | Silver Spring, MD
When: Saturday, 10am – 12pm
Admission: Free
Bones and muscles need to work together for optimal performance. Athletes of all ages should know how their bodies work in order to compete and stay healthy. During Anatomy of Sports, athletes will demonstrate their sport while medical illustrators and physical therapists reveal how muscles and bones work together. This session is perfect for families with children playing sports, the recreational athlete ,or the practiced sports enthusiast. Read more about the museum in this KFDC post from a few years back.

Annual Discovery Day
Where: Luray Caverns | Luray, VA
When: Saturday
Admission: $28/adult, $15/age 6-12, free/under 6
Join the annual celebration of the 1878 discovery of Luray Caverns, which will also highlight the new grand accessible entrance.  A main attraction throughout Discovery Day will be the Grand Illumination Tours. The first Grand Illumination took place in 1878, with The New York Herald reporting that a “thousand candles illuminated the antechambers making it nearly as bright as day.” Guests will experience the thrill of adventure from this bygone era as period-costumed guides tell of Luray Caverns’ storied past in special candle lighted sections throughout the caverns.  At the end of the day-long celebration there will be a spectacular fireworks display.  The spectacle will be coordinated with a recital by Jess Ratcliff from Luray Singing Tower, a 47-bell carillon located on the event’s perimeter. Read more about Luray Caverns in this KFDC post.

Around the World Cultural Food Festival
Where: Freedom Plaza | Downtown DC
When: Saturday, 11am – 7pm
Admission: Free
Celebrating the rich intercultural diversity, this annual food festival brings together authentic living traditions from different countries around the world. And the public will have the opportunity to learn, eat, dance, shop, and witness these vibrantly connected cultures and create their own connections with each and every single country presented in the event. Food and drinks are for purchase.

Big Dig Potato Harvest
Where: Great Country Farms | Bluemont, VA
When: Saturday & Sunday, 9am – 6pm
Admission: $10/child or $12/adult
Most people don’t know that store bought potatoes are usually last year’s harvest and are amazed by the flavor and texture of freshly harvested potatoes! At Great Country, you can take a wagon ride out to the fields to dig up your own potato treasures (and maybe get a little help from a tractor make it easier). After digging, play all day in the five-acre play area, with attractions including Putt Putt golf, the Farm Ninja Warrior obstacle course, mazes, swings, slides, animals to visit, and feed, and so much more!

Portrait Party for Young Learners
Where: Museum of Women in the Arts
When: Saturday, 10–11am
Admission: Free
Children ages 3 to 6 and their guardians can join a Young Learner Tour, designed to get little bodies moving, minds thinking, hands making and mouths talking about works of art. Participants go on an adventure through the galleries and look closely at works in the collection as they also learn about the museum, practice museum manners, and discover art concepts through discussions, a themed story, and hands-on activities.

Korean Family Day
Where: National Portrait Gallery | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Saturday, 11:30am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Bring the whole fam to the off-the-Mall Smithsonian museum to learn about Korean culture and celebrate the exhibition, Portraits of the World: Korea, with one-of-a-kind crafts, K-Pop workshops, Taekwondo demonstrations, and lively music. See more about the NPG here.

Show Time
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
* Enjoy fun and antics with The Cat in the Hat at Adventure Theatre
* Go on a Treasure Island adventure at Synetic Theatre (look for a ticket discount)
* Legally Blonde is running at Keegan Theatre (for tweens and up)
* Reserve free tickets for Stone Soup & Other Stories, this week’s Saturday Morning at the National show
* Disney’s Aladdin brings magic for the whole family to the Kennedy Center
* The Three Billy Goats Gruff is at The Puppet Co.
* Baby Bear’s Birthday is the featured Tiny Tots show there on Saturday
* Witness amazing acrobatic feats as Cirque de Soleil: Volta is performed Under the Big Top at Tysons II

Free Family Fun
Where: Glen Echo Park | Glen Echo, MD
When: Saturday & Sunday,
Admission: Free
While the beloved carousel it is closed for building renovations (re-opening Spring 2020), Glen Eco PArk is offering free activities over a few weekends in August and September 2019 to help you have loads of fun there, including a climbing wall, inflatable fun, photo ops, sidewalk chalk, and face painting. This along with the playground and picnic area (pick up food at the cafe in premises). And plan to combine all this with a performance of A Cat in the Hat at Adventure Theatre or The Three Billy Goats Gruff at The Puppet Co., too. And pick

Dear Evan Hansen
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $79-175
The musical that premiered here in DC at Arena Stage a few years ago then became a Broadways smash is back! Whether a family outing with older kids (not recommended for all ages) or a grown-up night out, I highly recommend seeing it if you can. Dear Evan Hansen is profoundly moving and full of songs and a story that will stick with you for a while. (I saw it back in 2015, and it’s still with me.) Tickets are mostly sold out on the Kennedy Center website, but you can find them on outlets like StubHub. PS: Bring tissues.

The Lion King: Kids Paint Party
Where: Creative Saints Loft | Hyattsville, MD
When: Saturday, 1-3pm
Admission: $25
Create memories with painting, music, and refreshments!  Kids will have an amazing time creating two own Lion King-themed masterpieces in a fun, jungle-themed room! Get messy in the DIY “slimy yet satisfying” grub pudding bar and enjoy some refreshing jungle punch and pizza! All supplied provided.

Ping Pong Lessons
Where: SPIN DC | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Saturday, 1pm
Admission: Free
Work on your ping pong skills with free lessons from the masters at SPIN! The lessons are taught by ping pong champions, like Malin Pettersson, a 13 time Swedish national champion and a grand opening manager at SPIN. Lessons cover skills such as how to hold a ping pong paddle, perfecting your ping pong stance, and how to hit a basic forehand, backhand, and serve. Free, but register in advance here.

Improv Workshop for Parents and Kids
Where: Source Theater | 1835 14th Street NW, DC
When: Sunday, 2-4pm 
Admission: Free
Washington Improv Theater proudly presents an Improv for All workshop designed for parents to take together with their kids! This two-hour workshop specifically focuses on kids ages 10-12 and will be taught by improviser (and mom) Ceci De Robertis. WIT’s free introductory Improv for All workshops are high-fun, low-stress classes designed to show you how improvisers create spontaneous, off-the-cuff theater. Our enthusiastic and friendly instructors work to make sure everyone is able to participate in a playful and trusting atmosphere. These workshops are free but registration is required as they tend to fully enroll.  

Groovy Nate & Cider
Where: Capitol Cider House | Petworth, DC
When: Sunday, 10:30-11:30am
Admission: Free
Catch some entertainment especially for kids at a place that usually caters to adults! Capitol Cider House is a family friendly cider that presents children’s shows every Sunday, and this weekend its Groovy Nate. Doors open at 10am. Full food and drink menus will be available.

Fun at Fairfax Parks
Where: Parks throughout 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. Learn campfire safety and enjoy s’mores around one at Hidden Oaks Nature Center on Friday evening. See grinding demos at Colvin Run Mill. Enjoy Dairy Days at Sully Historic Site. Details and registration for these and more activities this weekend and beyond are available here.

Walks in the Woods
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
Hit the trail to enjoy some outdoor time with the fam! Check out the flora, tramp in places with scenic views, hike and explore history at interesting locales, and enjoy a day of active fun. This post, started in the early KFDC days and updated several times since, has a a bunch of recommendations for good walks in the woods with the kids.

DC, Inside & Out

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 evergreen pursuits:

The Best Places in the DC Area to Enjoy a Beautiful Day Outdoors with the Kids

The Great Indoors

***MORE GOOD STUFF***
* Just posted a little round-up of 5 places to go shark tooth hunting near DC. (What took me so long?)
* The Brass Knob, the store full of antique treasures, is closing after 38 years.
* A supercute IG account to check out.
* So excited this movie is coming out this weekend — I loved the book!

Catch a Friday night concert by the US Army Band at the Capitol

Happy Weekend!

All’s Fair
Where: Montgomery, Prince William, & Howard Counties | MD & VA
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
County fair season continues as Montgomery and Prince William kick off their annual fests that are chock full of amusement for everyone in the fam. Carnival rides and games, farm animals, live entertainment, pony rides, the junk food gamut, pig races, and so much more. You can also find it in Howard County, where the fair is on for its final couple of days. This post has the scoop on all of the county fun.

Summer Swap Shop
Where: Wunder Garten | NoMa, DC
When: Friday, 2-6pm
Admission: Free
Join a fun day of live music, food trucks, and swapping! Summer Swap Shop will bring together people from the DC community to trade clothing, shoes, and accessories. All are welcome. Entry is free and the event is dog and kid-friendly. How does it work? 1. Bring your clothing and accessories (children’s clothing too!) to trade at the event. 2. For each item you bring, you will receive one ticket. 3. Use your tickets to “purchase” any item at the Summer Swap Shop — 15 ticket max per person. Every item costs one ticket.

Summer Time
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
The summer break from school may be starting to wind down — just a couple of weeks left for some DC schools — but summer fun around the area continues. Catch a concert outdoors to start the weekend on a musical note — see the U.s. Army Band on the west side of the U.S. Capitol steps, Jazz in the Garden at the NGA Sculptue Garden, the Friday Night Concert series at Yards Park, or one of several others around the area. Keep the seasonal pursuits going with a variety of options: Head to a farm for peach picking. Enjoy some water fun, either at an outdoor pool or a spray park. Feast on crabs. Take advantage of free admission for kids at the Newseum or see a seasonal exhibit like Wings of Fancy at Brookside Gardens, Fairy Houses at Annmarie Garden, or LAWN at the Building Museum. This post has all the details you need on all these summer joys.

Peach Daze Fuzzitval
Where: Great Country Farm | Bluemont, VA
When: Saturday & Sunday, 9am – 5pm
Admission: $10/child & $12/Adult
Celebrate peak peach picking season with Great Country Farms, Bluemont Vineyard, and Dirt Farm Brewing! Along with tons of fun activities, you can also learn how the peaches are grown and used in food and drink and enjoy the results as well. Kick off each morning with a Peach pancake breakfast, then later on get the whole family involved in peach eating and peach pit spitting contests and family water games. All the fun farm attractions will be open, and there will also be live music to entertain the crowd. And across the way at Bluemont Vineyard, enjoy special peach drinks and wine.

Ice Cream Making at the Mill
Where: Peirce Mill | Rock Creek, DC
When: Saturday, 11-11:55am
Admission: Free
Learn about the frozen treat brought over from France by Dolly Madison! Watch the ingredients being poured into the dasher, help turn the crank, and learn about the brine that freezes the cream. A historic recipe by Thomas Jefferson adapted for modern kitchens will be available. And if making ice cream makes you hungry, frozen treats will be available for purchase. Free–no reservations required. Peirce Mill is located in Rock Creek Park at 2401 Tilden Street, NW, at the intersection of Beach Drive and Tilden Street, NW (Park Road if approaching from the east). Read more about Peirce Mill here.

Girl Power Summer Jam
Where: Anacostia Park | Anacostia, DC
When: Saturday, 11:30am – 1:30pm
Admission: $10
This one is for the girls! Laurie Buckner of Body by Buckner is inviting all girls aged 5-14 to their Girl Power Summer Jam event. Attendees can expect a special event celebrating the strength and power of girls through fitness, games, music and food. The girls will also be treated to swag items from event partner Athleta and lunch from LEON Restaurant known for their “naturally fast food” menu. 

Show Time
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
* Enjoy fun and antics with The Cat in the Hat at Adventure Theatre
* Go on a Treasure Island adventure at Synetic Theatre (look for a ticket discount)
* Legally Blonde is running at Keegan Theatre (for tweens and up)
* Reserve free tickets for Clowning Around with Shakespeare, this week’s Saturday Morning at the National show
* Disney’s Aladdin brings magic for the whole family to the Kennedy Center
* The Ballad of Mulan is on the Imagination Stage for one more weekend
* The Three Billy Goats Gruff just opened at The Puppet Co.
* Penguin’s Playground is the featured Tiny Tots show there on Saturday
* Witness amazing acrobatic feats as Cirque de Soleil: Volta is performed Under the Big Top at Tysons II

Dear Evan Hansen
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $79-175
The musical that premiered here in DC at Arena Stage a few years ago then became a Broadways smash is back! Whether a family outing with older kids (not recommended for all ages) or a grown-up night out, I highly recommend seeing it if you can. Dear Evan Hansen is profoundly moving and full of songs and a story that will stick with you for a while. (I saw it back in 2015, and it’s still with me.) Tickets are mostly dols out on he Kennedy Center website, but you can find them on outlets like StubHub. PS: Bring tissues.

Movie at the Museum: Okko’s Inn
Where: National Gallery of Art | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 10:15am & Sunday, 11:15am
Admission: Free
Bring kids ages 8 and up to the East Building auditorium for a free film. The latest feature from famed anime studio Madhouse and director Kitaro Kosaka seamlessly blends immersive, idyllic landscapes with the storybook charm of Okko’s beloved ghosts. Okko’s Inn delivers a rare ghost story that – despite several floating characters – is firmly grounded in the trials and joys of humanity.

Open Studio: Sacred Sounds
Where: Freer|Sackler Gallery | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 12-4pm
Admission: Free
Take a moment to pause and listen to sounds in Encountering the Buddha on educator-led tours (12:30pm and 2:30pm). Learn about sacred verses called mantras and how they are a part of Buddhist practice. In the studio, drop-in anytime to engage your thoughtful mind by writing and illustrating your own poems inspired by artworks on view. All ages are welcome with an adult companion.

Lily Ponds Live
Where: Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens | Northeast DC
When: Saturday, 5-7pm
Admission: Free
Friends of Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens is hosting the first installment of the Lily Ponds Live! concert series at the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. This free concert will feature live jazz from the Kenny Rittenhouse Quartet, food trucks will be available. and there will be family activity stations sponsored by other local non-profits.

Pirates & Wenches Fantasy Weekend
Where: Rock Hall, MD
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: Free
Buccaneers and landlubbers of all ages! Head out to the Eastern Shore for a fun, unique experience. This town-wide family-friendly event will be loaded with kids activities, shows, and costume contests. Check out the website for details and schedules. Pirate attire is highly encouraged!

National Bowing Day
Where: Pinstripes | Georgetown, DC & Bethesda, MD
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: Starts at $12/person
Pinstripes is celebrating National Bowling Day by offering guests a free two hour bowling card to use on their next visit. Additionally, each location will offer one family a grand prize of free bowling for a year. Read more about Pinstripes in this KFDC post.

Wizard School Scavenger Hunt
Where: National Gallery of Art | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 2-4pm
Admission: $17.50/ages 10-17, $19.50/adult
Join Watson Adventures on a unique Harry Potter-themed scavenger hunt that kids and adults will love! Follow in the footsteps of young wizards on a field trip to the National Gallery in search of art that echoes characters, places and enchanted objects in the famed Harry Potter books and movies. The hunt is not an addition to or variation on Harry’s adventures, but instead references to the books will provide a surprising bridge to many strange and wonderful works of art. This hunt is designed for kids and adults to do together (but all-adult teams are allowed to compete separately) Kids must be accompanied by an adult. Read about this super fun adventure in this KFDC post.

Kick it with Spirit
Where: Maryland SoccerPlex | Boyds, MD
When: Saturday, 7pm
Admission: Tickets start at $25
Get your kicks at a Washington Spirit match! Our local women’s pro soccer team is hosting the Chicago Red Stars at their home field near Germantown. See a couple of players from the World Cup championship team, Rose Lavelle and Mallory Pugh, in action and enjoy some exciting soccer play while supporting women in sports!

DC Veg Fest
Where: Nationals Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Sunday, 11am – 6pm
Admission: Free
Bring the kids to the largest celebration of vegetarian and vegan living in the area. DC VegFest is a full day of delicious vegetarian and vegan cuisine, cooking demos, music, and more. This year’s exciting new location at Nats Park means even more fun: built-in shade, indoor restrooms, an awesome kids playground, and misting fans to beat the summer heat.

Go with the Flow
Where: Waterways around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by boathouse
Enjoy the weekend on the water, where you can paddle and explore. A bunch of places around the area rent kayaks, canoes, stand up paddleboards, rowboats, and pontoons. Fletcher’s Boathouse is a popular place to go, and you can also paddle from nearby Thompson Boathouse and Ballpark Boathouse next to Yards Park. Bladensburg Waterfront Park also has vessels for rent along with pontoon boat tours on weekends from 5-5:45 for a small fee. If you’re up for a bigger excursion, you can rent your own pontoon at Solomons Island. And you can see where else you can explore by water in this round-up of great places to go with the flow.

#OptOutside
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
Looks like it will be a great weekend to get outdoors, and there are tons of options around the DC-Metro for a great al fresco adventure. Take a hike, hit a playground, explore a garden, visit animals, or see what else there is to do under the blue skies in this round-up with all kinds of ideas for outdoor fun. (But if you’re seeking fun inside, The Great Indoors list has over 100 recommendations.)

***MORE GOOD STUFF TO KNOW***
* Starting this Sunday through next Saturday, it’s Tax-Free Week in Maryland. All qualifying apparel and footwear $100 or less, per item, are exempt from the state sales tax.
* Step Afrika’s annual Step Xplosion, a tour of all 8 DC wards featuring exciting free performances, will be from August 21-31.
* DC DPR announced that outdoor pools will close for the season on a rolling basis, starting as soon as this weekend.
* Still trying to plan a summer getaway? Check out these ideas for easy-from-DC family getaways. (And try VRBO for lodging — we recently found fantastic vacation accommodations through the site!)