Tag Archives: Autumn 2024

 

Happy Weekend!

Go straight to these round-ups of ongoing fun:
* The Great Indoors
* Off-the-Beaten-Path Museums
* Kid-Friendly Dining
* Indoor Action
* Best Outdoors in the DC Area
* Local Hikes with Kids
* Baltimore with Kids
* Bike Rides
* Stunning Spaces
* Peaceful Places

Fallin’
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
The trees may be losing their leaves,  but there’s still some autumn splendor left to enjoy. With sunshine in the forecast and foliage still brightening the landscape, this weekend will be a good time to relish in the season. This post has recommendations for where to savor it around the area.

Disney Encanto x CAMP
Where: Tysons Corner | Tysons, VA
When: Through early January
Admission: Starts at $32
The immersive experience inspired by the beloved movie opens at Tysons this weekend!  If tickets sold out too fast for you last year, there are plenty available this time around.  Read about what to expect behind CAMP’s magical doors.

DowntownDC Holiday Market
Where: 8th & F Streets NW | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Starts Friday thru December 23, 12-8pm
Admission: Free
The market has a new operator this year, but the location and, hopefully, the festive vibe, are still the same.  Browse a variety of vendor booths along the bustling open air market in the middle of Penn Quarter. Enjoy free live entertainment, too, along with treats and coffee drinks available for purchase After you’ve done your shopping and enjoyed a snack and music, you can pop into the National Portrait Gallery/American Art Museum that are literally right next to the market.

DC Holiday Market
Where: 1500 block of 19th Street NW | Dupont Circle, DC
When: Starts Friday thru December 15
Admission: Free
The original Downtown Holiday Market (and its operator) has a new name and location this year — the DC Holiday Market in Dupont Circle.  Just like at its previous location, the Market will feature over 30 small businesses with artisans, boutique brands, worldwide handcrafts and unique gift items. And just like at its old location, it’ll bring its signature style, local performers, bright festive décor, and yummy holiday treats.

ZooLights
Where: National Zoo | Woodley Park, DC
When: Starts Friday thru January 4, 5-9pm
Admission: $6
The fun, festive  light display at one of DC’s most beloved spots is back.  Thousands of environmentally-friendly lights and animal lanterns transform the Zoo into a holiday wonderland in the evenings. There are also live music performances, tasty winter treats, and lots of opportunities for holiday shopping.

A Gem of an Event
Where: George Mason University | Fairfax, VA
When: Saturday, 10am – 6pm & Sunday, 10am – 4pm
Admission: $6/adult, $4/ages 13-17, $3/12 & under
Kids (and adults) who like fossils, rocks, and/or gems are in for a treat. Northern Virginia’s 32nd Annual Mineral, Gem, & Fossil show will have all that and then some. Around 20 dealers will be selling collectibles, plus there will be demonstrations, exhibits, door prizes & kids activities, including mini-mines and a fossil dig. This takes place in Dewberry Hall in the Johnson Center at George Mason University.

More Night Lights
Where: Around the DMV
When: Evenings throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
Even more twinkling lights forming enchanting displays are open for the season, and they’re easily a holiday season favorite. Several parks and gardens, along with some city streets, in the area have transformed into sparkling wonderlands… find details about all of them in the holiday season guide.

Wizards vs Celtics
Where: Capital One Arena | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Friday, 7pm
Admission: Tickets start at $64 (check for deal)
The Wizards are playing the 2024 NBA Champions Celtics on Friday evening, which should be an exciting game. Make a longer outing of it and stop by the DowntownDC Holiday Market before or grab a bite to eat at a family friendly eatery in the neighborhood — this KFDC post has recommendations.

College Hoops
Where: Universities around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Ticket prices vary
The college basketball season has begun, and with so many schools in the area, there’s always some good hoops action going on — and it’s also a great time for families. Here are some games you can catch this weekend:
* GW women vs Georgia Southern on Saturday at 12pm
* Georgetown men vs St. Francis on Saturday at 12pm
* American women vs LaSalle on Saturday at 2pm
* Howard women vs New Hampshire on Saturday at 2pm
* George Mason men vs Ferrum on Saturday at 7pm
* Maryland women vs St. Francis on Sunday at 1pm

Tingle Bells
Where: ARTECHOUSE | Southwest DC
When: Starting Friday thru January 5
Admission: $17-30 (look for discount)
Step into a world of serenity and sensory wonder this holiday season with ARTECHOUSE’s Tingle Bells: An ASMR-Inspired Holiday Special, an immersive digital exhibition designed to soothe your senses and warm your spirit. Inspired by the soothing power of ASMR, this limited-run experience invites you to unwind in a sanctuary of sound and visuals designed to be oddly satisfying.

Get Your Skate On
Where: Ice rinks around the DC area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by rink
A couple of the areas best ice rinks are opening this weekend, and with cooler temps in the forecast, it’s really going to feel more like outdoor ice skating season.  Washington Harbour Ice Rink will begin welcoming skaters on Friday, and the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden opens Saturday, joining a few others that have been operating for a couple of weeks now.  This post has details on all of the places you can skate the day (and night) away!

Champions of Magic
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: Through December 1
Admission: $39-165
The Champions of Magic team is in town with an explosive show featuring thrilling and mind-bending illusions. Fusing their skills in grand-scale magic, a flair for spectacle, and undeniable showmanship, this interactive, high-energy show is sure to entertain the entire family. Combining their signature humor with groundbreaking magic, this team of illusionists presents a brand-new production unlike anything that has come before. Note that this production contains flashing lights and strobe effects.

Disney’s The Lion King Jr.
Where: TJ Community Center | Arlington, VA
When: Through Sunday
Admission: $15/aduolt, $12/child
In Encrore Stage & Studio’s adaptation of the beloved Disney animated film, young actors bring the story of Simba and his friends to life!. The young and carefree lion cub faces serious consequences that force him to flee his kingdom, leaving his cruel uncle Scar to rule in his place. With the help of his new friends Timon and Pumbaa, Simba learns the joys of “Hakuna Matata,” or “no worries,” until his past catches up with him. Will responsibility and honor win out? Discover the answer for yourself as you sing along to the classic songs of Elton John and Tim Rice, including “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight.”Recommended for ages 4+

Fall Bazaar
Where: Washington Waldorf School | Bethesda, MD
When: Saturday, 10am – 3pm
Admission: Free, but fees for activities 
Washington Waldorf School’s annual holiday market is one of the highest quality bazaars in the DC area with unique crafts and activities for children of all ages. They welcome many local artisans and offer an array of beautiful handcrafted items made by parents. There will also be live entertainment and tasty treats. Entrance is free, but activities require tickets to be purchased. All are welcome!

Family Activity: Friendship Bracelets
Where: DAR Museum | Downtown DC
When: Saturday, 10am
Admission: Free
Have a fun-filled time of creativity and crafting at the DAR Museum. In this hands-on activity, kids will learn how to make a project to take home, based on the Sewn in America: Making – Meaning – Memory exhibition. Museum educators will guide them through the process, providing all the materials needed to create a friendship bracelet. Recommended for ages 7+.

Littles Kidical Mass Bike Ride
Where: Lincoln Park | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Saturday, 10:30am – 12:30pm
Admission: Free
Hill Family Biking are hosting their first ever Littles Ride! It’s similar to their standard monthly ride, but catered to riders ages 2-6 on trikes, balance bikes, training wheels, and first pedal bikes with a shorter route, approximately one mile starting and ending at Lincoln Park by the Lincoln statue. After the ride, Library to Go-Go (AKA the Book Bike) Librarian Megan McNitt will lead story times with bike and Thanksgiving themed books. Older siblings are welcome to ride along, but they should either stay behind or ride alongside their younger sibling(s).

Fall Family Festival
Where: Lincoln Park | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Saturday, 11am – 1pm
Admission: Free
Join the Friends of Lincoln Park for a family-friendly fall festival on Saturday. There will be fall-themed games, arts & crafts activities, food & drinks, and more fun throughout. Friends from River Park Nursery School will throw a dance party, and at 12:30pm, Bright Bear Yoga will lead a 30-minute family yoga class (ages 3+ – bring a yoga mat).

Six
Where: National Theatre | Downtown DC
When: Through December 1
Admission: $25-99 
The Broadway show started its DC run this week…  Divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived. From Tudor Queens to Pop Icons, the SIX wives of Henry VIII take the microphone to remix five hundred years of historical heartbreak into a Euphoric Celebration of 21st century girl power! This new original musical is the global sensation that everyone is losing their head over! Recommended for ages 10+, but everyone is welcome.

Disney’s Frozen
Where: Olney Theater | Olney, MD
When: Through January 5
Admission: $41-110
Disney has asked a select few regional theaters to take a shot at their own productions of this animated classic, and it’s no surprise that Olney Theatre Center got the call! Their production promises to deliver everything families love about the adventures of Elsa, Anna, Kristoff, and Olaf, along with a unique production you won’t experience anywhere else. So get your tickets early; this promises to be a show so epic you won’t want to “Let It Go.”

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum
Where: Signature Theater | Arlington, VA
When: Through January 12
Admission: $59-126 (look for discount)
In one of the greatest musical comedies of all time, three households reside next to each other in ancient Rome. Just outside their doors, the exploits of a quick-thinking Roman slave, a braggart soldier, a beautiful courtesan, a lovesick young man and others devolve into uproarious chaos in a fast-paced, witty and monumental escapade. With mistaken identities, wily ruses, madcap chases, a love story, and a happy ending of course, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum’s audacious and irreverent spectacle has something for everyone.

18th Annual Capitol Hill Christmas Tree Lighting
Where: Eastern Market Metro Plaza | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Saturday, 5:30pm
Admission: Free
Join the community as the 20-foot evergreen tree is lit up in the large circle garden at Eastern Market Metro Plaza. The tree is beautifully decorated by the BID’s “men in blue” every December. Festive cheers and caroling always follow the grand illumination of the tree, while friends gather for hot chocolate and holiday treats.

Caps vs Devils
Where: Capitol One Arena | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Saturday, 7pm
Admission: Tickets vary — check for best prices
The Capitals are playing at home on Saturday night, hosting the New Jersey Devils. Plan an outing in the Penn Quarter neighborhood before… hit the National Portrait Gallery & American Art Museum or stop by the DowntownDC Holiday Market or enjoy a family dinner before the game!

Spirit Watch
Where: Around the DC area
When: Saturday, 8pm
Admission: Free
The Washington Spirit are playing in the NWSL championship match on Saturday night. If you want to watch with sister and fellow fans, there are some official watch parties happening around the area. See the. list of places here (and note that some require RSVP). There will also be a Watch Party on the field at Randall Rec Center with the match playing on a jumbo screen.

Portrait Gallery Art Studio
Where: National Portrait Gallery | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Saturday & Sunday, 1-4pm
Admission: Free
Drop-in at the National Portrait Gallery and get creative in their studio. Every weekend, visitors of all ages can explore a different artistic medium, getting inspiration from the museum’s collection and exhibitions.

Mapping the Solar System
Where: Nature Center Planetarium | Rock Creek Park, DC
When: Sunday, 11amn
Admission: Free
Catch a planetarium show in Rock Creek Park! On Sunday, learn about mapping the solar system from Earth to Jupiter’s moons in this planetarium program. Be sure to explore the rest of the Nature Center while you’re there — it’s a great place to explore with kiddos. Read about our experiences there back in the day (but note that Horse Center programs have changed) and about hiking in Rock Creek, which is easy to tack on to your outing.

Off the Beaten Museum Path
Where: Around DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by museum
If you want to do some indoor exploring, consider a not-so-well-known place.  Because if you don’t veer from the well trodden path of the National Mall now and then, you could miss out on some amazing museum exhibits and experiences. Check out this round-up of some these places in DC that may not be on your museum radar — but should be.

***MORE GOOD STUFF***

* I just shared the 2024 KFDC Holiday Gift Guide featuring all kinds of DC-inspired ideas. I promise it’s worth a look for the best DC experiences and products from local businesses!

* If you’ve got a kid interested in chess, check out Magnus Chess Academy — they’re running a special offer for KFDC readers now through Small Business Saturday, November 30.

* Chess enthusiasts can also look forward to the Thanksgiving Open, a chess tournament taking place next weekend, November 29 – December 1, in Dulles.

* The Folger Shakespeare Library is welcoming guests to its brand new café, Quill & Crumb, starting Friday. It’s housed in the historic Great Hall and will offer lunch, baked goods, snacks, and savory bites alongside coffee and tea service.

* National Geographic’s 2024 Pictures of the Year.

* Sleepwear (and much more) for the whole fam on super sale! How cute are these kids’ robes?

* Amazon’s Black Friday Week has begun, and there are some amazing deals to score!

* A bunch more early Black Friday sales worth a browse.

* 50 Notable Works of Fiction from 2024, according to the Washington Post.

* Afar Magazine shares where to go in 2025.  (I’d add all of these destinations, too.)

* Heads up for Swifties: The official Eras Tour book is coming soon.

* Dare you not to tear up at this.

* A very peri holiday 😂

 

 

Happy Weekend!

Link up to ongoing activities galore around DC:
* Best Outdoors in the DC Area
* Kid-Friendly Dining
* Local Hikes with Kids
* Indoor Action
* Off-the-Beaten-Path Museums
* The Great Indoors
* Baltimore with Kids
* Bike Rides
* Stunning Spaces
* Peaceful Places

Light Up the Season
Where: Around the area
When: Evenings
Admission: Varies by locale
Twinkling lights forming enchanting displays are easily a holiday season favorite.  A few opened last weekend, and several more are starting to welcome guests to their sparkling wonderlands.  A few are listed in this round-up, and you can see other locations in the 2024 Guide to the Holiday Season.  Some you can walk through for an up-close experience, others you tour by car. If you opt for the latter, dress the kids in PJ’s, turn up the holiday tunes, and bring along a thermos of hot chocolate. Either way, be prepared to be dazzled!

ICE, ICE, Baby
Where: National Harbor, MD
When: Starts Friday thru December 31
Admission: Starts at $27/child, $36/adult, free/under 3 
The popular holiday spectacle, ICE!, begins on Friday, and tickets are still available for opening day. This year it’s with an “A Charlie Brown Christmas” theme, and you walk through frozen holiday scenes depicting the story and slide down small ice slides — all kept at a very chilly 9 degrees. Read more about it, plus other National Harbor holiday activities, in this post from a couple of years ago.

Ice & Lights
Where: Cameron Run Park | Alexandria, VA
When: Starts Friday through January 5
Admission: Starts at $8.55, free/under 2 
Glide the evening away, see illuminate outdoor displays,and enjoy more festive fun  at Ice & Lights, The Winter Village at Cameron Run in Alexandria. The waterpark is transformed into a winter wonderland with an ice rink, beautifully lit photo ops, music, and more! Grab a slice of pizza, roast a marshmallow over the fire pits, and enjoy the winter village.

Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade
Where: Silver Plaza | Downtown Silver Spring, MD
When: Saturday, 10am – 12pm
Admission: Free
Larger than life inflatable turkeys and penguins, glittering floats, marching bands, dancing groups, and Santa and his elves!  Montgomery County’s annual procession is the only Thanksgiving Parade in the DC Metro area. Heralding the start of the holiday season, the parade steps off from Ellsworth Drive and Fenton Street and proceeds south on Georgia Avenue, ending at Silver Spring Avenue.

Roam Free
Where: Dumbarton Oaks Gardens | Georgetown, DC
When: Throughout the weekend, 2-5pm
Admission: Free
One of my favorite KFDC tips to impart because it’s one of my favorite places in DC:  From November through mid-March, there is no fee to roam the enchanting gardens at Dumbarton Oaks.  Stroll among the various plats, find lovely tucked away places to sit, and get ready for delights as you turn every corner. Hours are limited, but you can make a longer day of it with play time at Montrose Park next door, a hike at Dumbarton Oaks Park right behind the gardens, or a bite to eat at one of of the many options in Georgetown. This KFDC post about Dumbarton also has some food recs, this one has more suggestions for Georgetown eats, and this one from early KFDC days has more Dumbarton info and scenes.

Holiday Kick-Off Celebration
Where: Tysons Corner Center | Tysons, VA
When: November 15, 6-8pm
Admission: Free
Join Tysons for an enchanted evening to celebrate the start of the Holiday season. Enjoy Santa’s grand arrival, holiday performances, complimentary s’mores and custom beverages, a fireworks display, retailer market, giveaways, and more, all in the midst of our expanded Enchant Holiday Light Experience sponsored by George Mason University.

Kids DIY Workshop
Where: Lowes locations around the DC Area
When: Saturday, 10am – 1pm
Admission: Free
Kick-off the festive spirit with this DIY-U kids’ Holiday Countdown Chalkboard workshop! Mini builders will use their creativity and building skills designing a personalized chalkboard adorned with seasonal motifs, perfect for marking the days until your favorite winter celebrations. Not only will mini builders enjoy the process of creating their own festive decor, but they’ll also learn about timekeeping in a fun, interactive way. Be sure to register in advance before Saturday!

Family Workshop: Cram Thee with Food
Where: Folger Shakespeare Library | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Saturday, 11:30am – 12:30pm & 1-2pm
Admission: Free
Take a bite out of Shakespeare’s words and Elizabethan table manners. Shakespeare’s plays are filled with meals, feasts, and drama-filled dinner parties. Create an imaginary feast based on modern and Elizabethan table manners and act out an interrupted dinner party from Shakespeare’s plays.Note that the 11:30am workshop is recommended for ages 5–7, and the 1pm workshop for ages 8–14. Free registration required.

Sounds of US Festival
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: Saturday
Admission: Vaies by performance (some free)
This immersive new music festival draws inspiration from America’s upcoming 250th anniversary, reflecting on values that have shaped the nation — mentorship, innovation, and the passing of traditions — to envision a brighter future. The day will be filled with nonstop music, featuring both ticketed concerts and free performances. Seethe website for specifics and to reserve tickets.

Lucketts Holiday House
Where: Lucketts Store | Leesburg, VA
When: Through December 15, Thursday – Sunday
Admission: $20-25
Join Lucketts for their fabulous Holiday Design House and decked out Store. A magical holiday event filled with Christmas shopping, fun holiday murals + photo vignettes, Vanish wine garden and more. Your ticket gets you entry to the Design House, a 19th century farmhouse that Lucketts transforms into a winter wonderland. All decor inside is available for purchase and additional surprises will take place throughout each weekend. [Note: Admission to the store and grounds are free, just the Holiday House requires a ticket.]

Six
Where: National Theatre | Downtown DC
When: Through December 1
Admission: $25-99 
The Broadway show started its DC run this week…  Divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived. From Tudor Queens to Pop Icons, the SIX wives of Henry VIII take the microphone to remix five hundred years of historical heartbreak into a Euphoric Celebration of 21st century girl power! This new original musical is the global sensation that everyone is losing their head over! Recommended for ages 10+, but everyone is welcome.

Disney’s Frozen
Where: Olney Theater | Olney, MD
When: Through January 5
Admission: $41-110
Disney has asked a select few regional theaters to take a shot at their own productions of this animated classic, and it’s no surprise that Olney Theatre Center got the call! Their production promises to deliver everything families love about the adventures of Elsa, Anna, Kristoff, and Olaf, along with a unique production you won’t experience anywhere else. So get your tickets early; this promises to be a show so epic you won’t want to “Let It Go.”

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum
Where: Signature Theater | Arlington, VA
When: Through January 12
Admission: $59-126 (look for discount)
In one of the greatest musical comedies of all time, three households reside next to each other in ancient Rome. Just outside their doors, the exploits of a quick-thinking Roman slave, a braggart soldier, a beautiful courtesan, a lovesick young man and others devolve into uproarious chaos in a fast-paced, witty and monumental escapade. With mistaken identities, wily ruses, madcap chases, a love story, and a happy ending of course, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum’s audacious and irreverent spectacle has something for everyone. Recommended for age 6+.

Spirit in the Semis
Where: Audi Field | Southwest DC
When: Sunday, 12:30pm
Admission: Look for resale
The Washington Spirit are headed to the NWSL playoff semifinals after winning an exciting quarterfinal match last weekend! This round, they’re playing Gotham FC for a chance to move on to the finals.  Tickets are sold out, but you can check here for resale — there are good seats still available!

Disney in Concert: A Dream is a Wish
Where: Capitol One Hall | Tysons, VA
When: Sunday, 5pm
Admission: Starts at $22
Disney in Concert: A Dream is a Wish transports audiences into the musical world of classic and contemporary Disney Animated Feature films to discover that dreams really do come true. The stories of The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, Frozen, Aladdin, and more, are told through the talents of some of the region’s most brilliant young artists, with sweeping symphonic scores performed by YAA’s own brilliant orchestra, singers, and dancers, plus original Disney film footage.

Watch the Wizards
Where: Capital One Arena | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Sunday, 6pm
Admission: Tickets start at $32
The Wizards are playing at home Sundayevening. Catch the action on the court as they play the Detroit Pistons.  Plan on a pre-game meal in Penn Quarter — some family-friendly recs: Jaleo, Carmine’s, Reren, and Shake Shack.

U of Basketball 
Where: Colleges around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Ticket prices vary
The college basketball season has begun, and with so many universities in the area, there’s always some good hoops action going on — and it’s also a great time for families. Here are some games you can catch this weekend:  Maryland men vs Marquette on Friday at 8pm. Georgetown Men vs Notre Dame on Saturday at 1pm. Maryland women vs Towson on Sunday at 7pm.

Savor Autumn
Where: Around the DC area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
The trees may be starting to lose their leaves, but there’s still plenty of autumn left in the area — and a bunch of great ways to enjoy it. This post has recommendations for where to savor the season around the DMV.

***MORE GOOD STUFF***

* The round-up of places offering indoor fun and games is not just good for planning a family outing; many of the spots would also be great for birthday parties!

* This time of year is lovely to visit Glenstone, the indoor/outdoor art museum in Potomac.  Note that kids must be at least 12, and you don’t need to reserve tickets if you bring them, thanks to Guaranteed Entry.

* Destinations for the holiday season.

* A guide to Thanksgiving side dishes.

* Do you know these children’s books?

* Just added Orbital, the Booker Prize winner, to my to-read list.

* The very early sunset has made this a must-have for Teddy’s walks in the evenings. Other options: this and this.

* REI’s deals section is worth a browse… it icludes some great items like this duffle, these kids rain boots, and a variety of bikes.

* Have you seen My Old Ass? The sweet, funny, coming-of-age movie just started streaming (free on Prime Video, and teens could watch, too).

* Just a matter of time.