The birthday girl enjoying some nature at Roosevelt Island last weekend.
Free museum and art activities, family entertainment, and a strong recommendation to enjoy the nice weather while it lasts comprise this weekend round-up. As for our family, we’re adding a little celebration to the mix…
Three years ago today, life got a lot sweeter. And pinker. And sparklier. And crazier in the best way possible. All thanks to one very special and insanely adored baby girl (because at 3 or 43 or 103, she’ll always be my baby).
Happy Weekend! And a very, very happy birthday to my sweet Sashi.
Collection Connections – The National Postal Museum is hosting a drop-in workshop on Saturday from 12-3pm. Associated with the exhibit Collecting History: 125 Years of the National Philatelic Collection, guests of all ages can make a topical stamp collection to take home with them. The session will take place in the atrium, which is a sight in itself, showcasing several cool relics of postal transportation history – a mail truck, a train car, an airplane, even the cab of a tractor-trailer. The museum is conveniently located next to Union Station, a convenient Metro stop as well as a great place to grab a pre- or post-workshop bite to eat.
Movie Time at the Museum – Kids can explore art through film at the National Gallery of Art’s monthly film program. This weekend they’ll present Magic Silver on Saturday at 10:30am and Sunday at 11:30am. Here is the description from the website: “Princess Bluerose is a gnome living deep in the Norwegian mountains with her small community. They are responsible for making the transition between day and night. This moment, the “magic hour,” depends on the magic silver that only these gnomes possess. When the silver is stolen, the world is plunged into eternal night. Find out what happens when Princess Bluerose sets out on a remarkable journey to retrieve the silver and save the world from unending darkness.” The 84-minute movie is in Norwegian with English subtitles and is recommended for ages 7 and up. All film programs are shown in the East Building Auditorium unless otherwise noted. No registration is required. Programs are free and subject to change without notice. Seating is offered on a first-come, first-seated basis.
Oh, the Places You’ll Go! – Drop in to the National Portrait Gallery on Saturday from 1-4pm or Sunday from 2-5pm for Portrait Story Days. This weekend, listen to a story written by Ted Geisel (a.k.a Dr. Seuss) as you view his portrait, a sketch by Everett Raymond Kinstler, currently on display. Stay after to create a related piece of art and explore the rest of the museum.
Free Fun at CHAW – Help celebrate 40 years of the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop at one of their 40 FREE events in 40 days. A couple of the family-friendly variety will take place this weekend. On Saturday from 10-11:30am, kids ages 6 and up can join an animal mask-making workshop to design creature disguises then create a short play. Space is limited in the class, and registration is required. Later that day, all ages are welcome to view the CHAW’s 6th Annual Contemporary Photography Exhibition from 5-7pm. More info, registration, and the complete calendar of free events can be viewed on the website.
Squeals on Wheels – The first Saturday Morning at the National show is bringing a miniature petting zoo to the stage for an “Education Safari”. An experienced handler will teach the kids about caring for animals while providing an opportunity for “hands-on” visits. Shows take place at 9:30am and 11am, and tickets are required for admission. Free tickets are distributed half an hour prior to the start of shows on a first-come first-served basis. Only one ticket per person, and all attendees must be standing in line to receive a ticket. Children must be accompanied by an adult, who remains present for the entire performance. Seating is limited, so get there early!
Stage Time – Kids entertainment abounds this weekend with several new shows opening and a few in their for their final days. Catch Dr. Dolittle and Knuffle Bunny before curtains close, or see Mouse on the Move or a one-evening performance by the Airborne Comedians. Details, descriptions, and ticket info for all of these productions are available in this post about winter entertainment.
Geology Rocks!– It may be a new year, but the National Children Museum is welcoming guests to study some really old stuff. Join them on Saturday from 11am – 4pm as they go on a geological expedition right in the Launch Zone to learn about everything from rocks to minerals to crystals. Kids can discover how to identify rocks and minerals, how crystals form, and what kinds of minerals exist in their own homes. The day promises to be “bi-o-tite”!
Soar at the NBM – There are some super fly activities happening at the Building Museum on Sunday. Kids ages 8 and up can take part in a Model Airplane Workshop from 9-11am ($8/members, $14/non-members – registration required). And all ages can drop in from 11am – 4pm to see the DC Maxecuters demo all kinds of model planes through the Great Hall. Visit the website for more info and to register.
You are My Sunshine – Warm weather (for this time of year, anyway) is here, and it’s supposed to be remain at least through tomorrow! Get out and enjoy it while you can — this list of places to spend a great day outdoors has loads of ideas for fun al fresco. And if/when it cools down again on Sunday, this post with lots indoor suggestions is always good reference.
