Rhino sculptures for RiverRun at the Kennedy Center
1. RiverRun, an international festival celebrating the world’s rivers, begins today at the Kennedy Center! Fittingly starting on World Water Day and running through Earth Day, April 22, the festival will present all kinds of performances and events by talent from across the globe. Performing and visual artists, authors, chefs, filmmakers, climate experts, and more fascinating people will help carve an artistic path throughout the Kennedy Center — from the concerts halls and theaters to the Hall of States to The REACH to the outdoor grounds — with world-class performances, exhibitions, films, talks, workshops, and more events. View more details and the full schedule here.
2. Cherry Blossom Update: The iconic Tidal Basin trees are realllly close to peaking (see some pics here), but not quite there yet. My completely non-expert prediction is that they will be in full bloom in the next couple of days, which means it will be packed this weekend. Once again, I strongly recommend reading my Tips for Families Viewing the Cherry Blossoms if you plan to see them, and I can’t stress enough to avoid driving if you can. Not only is parking a pain, traffic getting to and nearby the blossoms can be a total cluster during bloom time, especially when big blossom events are happening like the annual Kite Festival on Saturday. And, generally, Metro is great way to get around anytime — and a DC thing to do!
Blossoms & Baseball Drive-in
Where: Akridge Lot | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Friday & Saturday, 7:30pm
Admission: $20/car
The Nats home opening series may be off but Blossoms & Baseball is still on. The Capitol Riverfront BID is welcoming the spring season back to the neighborhood with cherry blossom cheer and baseball-themed drive-in movies. Catch 42: The True Story of an American Legend on Friday evening and A League of Their Own on Saturday.
Egg Hunt Weekend
Where: Clark’s Elioak Farm | Clarksburg, MD
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: $8
Enjoy some spring and holiday fun at a place that looks straight out of a fairytale. The grounds are charmingly adorned with recovered installations from an old storybook park, making it magical for kids. Little ones (ages 1 to 3 and 4 to 6) will have a chance to hunt for eggs throughout the day! After hunting, they get to turn the eggs in for a goodie bag. The petting farm, rides, and play areas will be open for all to enjoy, too. Be sure to take a look at the website for a heads-up on how the egg hunts will run, so you can make the most of your day there. Read more about Clarks Elioak in the KFDC post about the best outdoor places in the area.
Easter Egg Hunt
Where: Potomac Overlook Regional Park | Arlington, VA
When: Through Sunday, 11am – 4pm
Admission: $8/child
Join Potomac Overlook Regional Park to take part in this ongoing event. Pick up your egg hunt sheet at the nature center, explore the park for 8 different “wooden eggs,” then return to the nature center with your completed sheet for a prize! No reservations required — just hop on over and experience a brand new kind of egg hunt in park that’s great for families to explore. Read more about Potomac Overlook in this KFDC post. And find even more egg-cellent adventures around the area here.
Bunnyland
Where: Butler’s Orchard
When: Saturday (& Monday)
Admission: $10
One of the more popular spring festivals in the area begins this weekend. Butler’s has all the trappings for seasonal fun: bunnies, eggs, and other Easter-related treats for young guests. More fun includes hayrides down the Bunny Trail, egg hunts, the Rubber Ducky Derby, giant slides, jumping pads, and a small petting zoo. Concessions are available, and there are also plenty of picnic tables if you prefer to pack a lunch. See the website for safety measures in place for Covid.
Cosmic Egg Portrait & Art Kit
Where: American Visionary Art Museum | Baltimore, MD
When: April 3
Admission: Free photo, $18/frame kit
Register for an egg-citing, free spring photo with the AVAM’s Cosmic Galaxy Egg sculpture. They’ll take a socially-distanced INSTANT photo of you that you can take home right away. Optional: Add a limited edition Cosmic Egg picture frame kit! And while you’re there, plan to explore the museum with some of the most wonderful, whimsical art around — read about it here. Museum admission is $15,95/adult, $9.95/child, free for ages 6 and under. Can’t attend, but want a frame shipped to you? Visit avam.org/shop.
Bunny Train Ride
Where: Walkersville Southern Railroad | Walkersville, MD
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: $18/adult, $17/senior, $14/age 1-12
All aboard for a trip back in time with the Easter Bunny! Travel over track that the Pennsylvania Railroad originally built in 1872. See Walkersville Southern’s turn-of-the- century railroad station and tool house, then visit with the Bunny on the train (who will also give each child an Easter gift!). Ride in vintage 1920s passenger cars or on an open flatcar as your rail excursion runs past a 100-year-old lime kiln, and then out into picturesque Maryland farm country. Enjoy juice and Uncle Ralph’s cookies in the museum after your ride. Reservations required!
Big Screen Drive-In
Where: Alexandria Drive-In Movie Theater | Alexandria, VA
When: Friday & Saturday, 7:30pm
Admission: $40/car
Catch a flick from the comfort of your car — an ideal way to enjoy some entertainment out of the house and social distance. Shrek will be shown on Friday, and The Mummy on Saturday, both at 7:30pm. Food trucks will be there both nights offering savory and sweet concessions with online ordering through Goodfynd! Purchase movie tickets in advance.
Outdoor Adventure
Where: Terrapin Adventures | Savage, MD
When: Ongoing
Admission: Starts at $29
With the Sandy Spring Adventure Park sold out all weekend (and most of April), this is an alternative to to try for a unique outdoor adventure. (Note: We haven’t been to this one, so I can’t offer insight based on experience, but the ropes course is much smaller.) Along with ropes courses, there’s also a climbing wall and archery. They also offer tubing, kayak, caving, and mountain biking tours. And you can get a deal on admission through CertifiKID.
Go with the Flow
Where: Parks in Northern Virginia
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by park
Paddling season his starting at a few locations within the NoVA Parks systems. You can rents kayaks, canoes, standup paddle boards, and pedal boats at Pohick Bay, Fountainhead, and Occoquan Regional Parks. There are even some special paddle tours offered that explore the nature of the area.
Petal Porch Parade
Where: At home & around the DC area
When: Through April 11
Admission: Free
Check out local porches decorated for cherry blossom season! Since we can’t have a big parade this year,folks were encouraged to get creative and show their blossom spirit by decorating their porches, yards, and windows to spread joy and connect communities. This map shows locations of all registered Petal Porches, so you can plan a walk or drive to see and share in the celebration of spring. On the weekend of April 10-11, a Petal Procession will drive through select Petal Porch Parade neighborhoods in and around DC.
Bloomaroo
Where: The Wharf | Southwest DC
When: Through April 11
Admission: Varies
The Wharf is celebrating spring and the blossoms with Bloomaroo, nearly of month of cherry blossom-themed art installations, food and drink specials and more festivities. Catch Anime Movies, including the newest Sonic the Hedgehog movie. Check out a special mural created by ARTECHOUSE, too. Restaurants at the waterfront destination will have cherry blossom-inspired menus, and keep an eye out for special samplings, beer dinners, and more. Ride the Wharf Jitney or hop on the Water Taxi for an up-close look at DC’s favorite landmarks — the cherry trees. For more about The Wharf, see this KFDC post.
Pop-Up Street Theater
Where: Locales around Arlington, VA
When: Sunday, 11am – 2pm
Admission: Free
Synetic Theatre will be clowning around with pop-up performances all around Arlington during the Festival. To work with these social distancing times, they are bringing back street theater as a pair of improv actors make appearances at the Art Wall in Virginia Highlands Park, the Crystal City Water Park, and the Long Bridge Park Esplanade.Follow @synetictheater on Instagram to see where they are and how long they’ll be there!
Dino Safari
Where: National Harbor | Oxon Hill, MD
When: Daily through April 19
Admission: $49.95/vehicle (up to 7 people); $59.95/larger vehicle
Running now through April 11, Dino Safari, brings prehistoric times to pandemic times, offering a drive-thru, no-contact yet immersive experience. You may be familiar with these Jurassic Park-inspired attractions, which feature life-size animatronic dinosaurs. This one is unique in its “Passport to Pangea” theme, transporting you through all seven continents — which were formerly one supercontinent, Pangea, in dinosaur times. Read a full review here.
Trail Time
Where: Around the DC Area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
There’s a link to the round-up of hike around the area at the top of this list, but specific recs are often helpful, as some places can get crowded on weekends, especially on a beautiful spring weekend. And some are just great for other reasons. I just posted about the hike to the beach at Calvert Cliffs State Park. Turkey Run Park is a good place to go when Roosevelt Island is overrun. Prince William State Forest is so big, there’s plenty of space for a nice walk in the woods. And Wye Island NMRA on the Eastern Shore is a lovely place to escape the city bustle.
***MORE GOOD STUFF*** * A local mom has started hosting Pop-Up Art Classes for young artists at spots around Alexandria, and the sessions look and sound so sweet. Follow her on Instagram to see where and when the classes will be popping up! *Planet Word reopened this week, and you can still reserve free tickets for later this month. I highly recommend it — the museum dedicated to language is fantastic! * After a very long wait (remember, it was closed for renovations pre-Covid?), the National Building Museum reopens April 9! * There’s a new post about Glenstone, the incredible modern art museum that sprawls over 300 gorgeous acres in Potomac. * The cherry blossom peak may be over, but there are more awesome flower blooms coming up, literally! Read about them here. * Darcy just shared 10 Happy Things for April, and her list is fabulous as ever.
Egg Hunt & Marshmallow Picking
Where: Great Country Farms | Bluemont, VA
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $10/child, $12/adult, $5/egg hunt
Head to the farm for good ol’ fashioned egg hunts and the first “crop” of the spring — Marshmallow Picking! (Do marshmallow peeps really grow on trees?) Your children will be amazed to harvest a few marshmallows to roast on the bonfire. The Easter Bunny also hid some eggs filled with treats to enchant the children, and Great Country needs help finding them. There will be multiple egg hunts with timed ticket entrance ($5 extra). Plan to see the spring chicks and baby animals, take a wagon ride, and enjoy the sprawling play area, too!
Celebrate Cherry Blossom Season
Where: Around the DC area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies
The flowers aren’t quite yet peaking, but events and activities to celebrate DC’s iconic bloom begin are happening. Seek out blossom-inspired art, join virtual programs, enjoy dining and shopping specials just for the season, and more. See the beginning of the bloom in at least one place, and bring the fun home with some related activities.
Petal Porch Parade
Where: At home & around the DC area
When: Through April 11
Admission: Free
Check out local porches decorated for cherry blossom season! Since we can’t have a big parade this year,folks were encouraged to get creative and show their blossom spirit by decorating their porches, yards, and windows to spread joy and connect communities. This map shows locations of all registered Petal Porches, so you can plan a walk or drive to see and share in the celebration of spring. On the weekend of April 10-11, a Petal Procession will drive through select Petal Porch Parade neighborhoods in and around DC.
Art in Bloom Where: Around the DC area When: Through March 31 Admission: Free
This visual arts exhibition spanning all eight wards of DC, plus a few areas in Maryland and Virginia, radiates the spirit of spring! Go on a Blossom Hunt to find 26 oversized cherry blossom statues painted by local artists and share on Instagram or Twitter with the #artinbloom tag. The NCB will randomly select winners of Festival prize packages.
Blossom Kite Fly
Where: Your backyard or local park
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: Free
The annual Kite Festival on the Mall — one of the best events of the NCBF (& anytime in DC, for that matter) — is not happening this year. Instead, the Festival encourages all to take part in the kite-flying tradition on their own — but with the help of workshops and demos. Find more information about registering here.
Bloomaroo
Where: The Wharf | Southwest DC
When: Through April 11
Admission: Varies
The Wharf is celebrating spring and the blossoms with Bloomaroo, nearly of month of cherry blossom-themed art installations, food and drink specials and more festivities. Catch Anime Movies, including the newest Sonic the Hedgehog movie. Check out a special mural created by ARTECHOUSE, too. Restaurants at the waterfront destination will have cherry blossom-inspired menus, and keep an eye out for special samplings, beer dinners, and more. Ride the Wharf Jitney or hop on the Water Taxi for an up-close look at DC’s favorite landmarks — the cherry trees. For more about The Wharf, see this KFDC post.
Dino Safari
Where: National Harbor | Oxon Hill, MD
When: Daily through April 11
Admission: $49.95/vehicle (up to 7 people); $59.95/larger vehicle
Running now through April 11, Dino Safari, brings prehistoric times to pandemic times, offering a drive-thru, no-contact yet immersive experience. You may be familiar with these Jurassic Park-inspired attractions, which feature life-size animatronic dinosaurs. This one is unique in its “Passport to Pangea” theme, transporting you through all seven continents — which were formerly one supercontinent, Pangea, in dinosaur times. Read a full review here. Use code KIDDC5 to receive $5 off your ticket!
Bunnyland
Where: Butler’s Orchard
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: $10
One of the more popular spring festivals in the area begins this weekend. Butler’s has all the trappings for seasonal fun: bunnies, eggs, and other Easter-related treats for young guests. More fun includes hayrides down the Bunny Trail, egg hunts, the Rubber Ducky Derby, giant slides, jumping pads, and a small petting zoo. Concessions are available, and there are also plenty of picnic tables if you prefer to pack a lunch. See the website for safety measures in place for Covid.
Easter Egg Hunt
Where: Potomac Overlook Regional Park | Arlington, VA
When: Saturday & Sunday, 11am – 4pm
Admission: $8/child
Join Potomac Overlook Regional Park any day from Saturday to April 4 to take part in this ongoing event. Pick up your egg hunt sheet at the nature center, explore the park for 8 different “wooden eggs,” then return to the nature center with your completed sheet for a prize! No reservations required — just hop on over and experience a brand new kind of egg hunt in park that’s great for families to explore. Read more about Potomac Overlook in this KFDC post. And find even more egg-cellent adventures around the area here.
NoVa Parking
Where: Various parks in Northern Virginia
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
Not only are many of the locales within the NoVa Parks system great places to go for outdoor recreation, other activities within some of them are now available. Batting cages, mini golf, kayak and canoe rentals, and disc golf are some of them. And some are just beautiful to roam around. Find things to do by activity, or check out individual parks and see what they have going on. A couple of specific recs: Fountainhead, Pohick Bay, and Meadowlark.
Movie at the Drive-In
Where: Alexandria Drive-In Movie Theater | Alexandria, VA
When: Saturday, 7:30pm
Admission: $40/car
Catch a flick from the comfort of your car — an ideal way to enjoy some entertainment out of the house and social distance. Remember the Titans will be on the big outdoor screen this weekend. Food trucks will be there both nights offering savory and sweet concessions with online ordering through Goodfynd! Purchase movie tickets in advance!
Camp Anthem
Where: The Wharf | Southwest DC
When: Friday/Saturday/Sunday through May
Admission:
The Anthem is bringing back its pop-up restaurant with tables seating up to 6 on the District Pier, each covered by a cabana tent. Enjoy a breezy lunch or dinner by the river at the waterfront destination. Reservations are required, and there is a $150 minimum per table, $50 per 2-top. There is a two-hour max at each table to allow thorough cleaning in between time slots.
Women’s History Month Virtual Festival
Where: National Portrait Gallery | Online
When: Saturday, 11am
Admission: Free
Join the Portrait Gallery in a virtual celebration of women making history!Explore the online exhibition “Where There Is a Woman There Is Magic,” which highlights leaders in sports, arts, science and activism. It’s part of a day-long lineup featuring events and activities for participants of all ages, including workshops, speakers, art activities and more!
Adventure in the Trees
Where: Adventure Park at Sandy Spring, MD
When: Sunday
Admission: Varies by age
The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring reopens for the season this weekend! The fun actually starts Saturday, but it’s already sold out, so reserve in advance for Sunday or a future date — reservations are now required due to Covid. Kids as young 5 can experience thrills on the ropes courses and ziplines in the park’s aerial adventure forest, the largest in North America. Children ages 5-6 and an accompanying adult have access to two of the easier courses. Older kids can do much more. It may seem like a pricey venture, but it’s so worth it. Trust me. Read more about the park in this KFDC post.
Pop-Up Street Theater
Where: Locales around Arlington, VA
When: Sunday, 11am – 2pm
Admission: Free
Synetic Theatre will be clowning around with pop-up performances all around Arlington during the Festival. To work with these social distancing times, they are bringing back street theater as a pair of improv actors make appearances at the Art Wall in Virginia Highlands Park, the Crystal City Water Park, and the Long Bridge Park Esplanade.Follow @synetictheater on Instagram to see where they are and how long they’ll be there!
Disc Golfin’
Where: Courses around the DC area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
Hit the links, the chain links, that is! Disc golf is a great way to enjoy a nice spring day outdoors with the family. Not only is it fun and challenging, the courses, many of them set up in scenic places, are lovely this time of year. This post has info about one in College Park, and there are also great courses at Seneca Creek State Park in Gaithersburg, Patapsco Valley State Park near Baltimore, and Burke Lake Park in Burke, VA.
Virtual Artful Conversations: Colored Pencil Techniques Where: National Gallery of Art | Online When: Sunday, 10am & 1pm Admission: Free
Sharpen up your colored pencils and your drawing skills during Artful Conversations. Please join the session with colored pencils, two sheets of paper to draw on, and an eraser. Registration is required for this free program. An adult is required to attend the session alongside the child(ren).
Sakura Sunday
Where: National Harbor | Oxon Hill, MD
When: Sunday
Admission: Free
On Sundays during cherry blossom seaosn, National Harbor is hosting free cultural activities, including Japanese inspired art creations, culinary classes, in person and virtual, and much more. See what else will be at the waterfront destination during the season.
It’s Cherry Blossom Season!
Where: Around the DC area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies
They might not be blooming just yet, but events and activities to celebrate DC’s iconic flowers begin this weekend as the National Cherry Blossom Festival kicks off. Seek out blossom-inspired art, join a virtual program, enjoy food, drink, and shopping specials just for the season, and much more.
Fun on the Farm
Where: Great Country Farms
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $12/adult, $10/child
It’s opening weekend for the Play Area at Great Country Farms! The five-acre area contains all kinds of fun that little ones love — rope swings, tractor tires, giant tube slides and more! See animals in the barnyard, get lost in a maze, and test agility skills on the farm ninja course. Reserve timed tickets in advance.
Maryland Day
Where: Various locations in Maryland
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies
This year’s Maryland Day celebration includes a weekend full of new experiences, both in-person and virtual. Join online museum and library programs, get into regional parks for free, see the Pride of Baltimore tall ship in Annapolis, visit the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, go to the Annapolis Maritime Museum or Chesapeake Children’s Museum, and much more. Find details for all of it here.
Drive-In Flick
Where: Alexandria Drive-In Movie Theater | Alexandria, VA
When: Friday, 7pm
Admission: $40/car
Drive-In movies are back for 2021 at the theater in Alexandria. Catching a flick from the comfort of your car is an ideal way to enjoy some entertainment out of the house and social distance. On the ticket this weekend: Hidden Figures on Friday (Princess Bride on Saturday, but looks like it’s sold out). Food trucks will be there both nights offering savory and sweet concessions with online ordering through Goodfynd! Purchase movie tickets in advance!
Cherry Blossom Celebration
Where: American Art Museum | Online
When: Saturday, 10am
Admission: Free
Celebrate the start of spring and the National Cherry Blossom Festival with the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Join a virtual program full of springtime fun for the whole family. Enjoy a lively performance of traditional Japanese Taiko drumming by the group Nen Daiko. Then learn more as the group demonstrates how they plan their performances and design their own instruments. Explore art, nature, and color with museum docents in the new virtual edition of their popular Art Cart series. For more activities, check out the Family Zone for seasonal crafts, coloring pages, videos, and more!
Family Bike Ride
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
Plan for a family two-wheel outing — you’ve got your pick of them around the area. Take in the start of spring scenery, get some exercise, and have fun, all while easily social distancing. This post has a bunch of pedal-worthy recs, with something for riders of all levels, and this route is particularly ideal with kids.
Bloomaroo
Where: The Wharf | Southwest DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
Celebrate spring and the blossoms at the The Wharf. Bloomaroo will bring nearly a month of cherry blossom-themed art installations, and specialty cocktails. Check out a special mural created by ARTECHOUSE, too. Restaurants at the waterfront destination will have cherry blossom-inspired menus, and keep an eye out for special samplings, beer dinners, and more. Ride the Wharf Jitney or hop on the Water Taxi for an up-close look at DC’s favorite landmarks — the cherry trees. For more about The Wharf, see this KFDC post.
Art in Bloom Where: Around the DC area When: March 20-31 Admission: Free
This visual arts exhibition spanning all eight wards of DC, plus a few areas in Maryland and Virginia, radiates the spirit of spring! Go on a Blossom Hunt to find 26 oversized cherry blossom statues painted by local artists and share on Instagram or Twitter with the #artinbloom tag. The NCB will randomly select winners of Festival prize packages.
Eastern Shore Nature Break
Where: Wye Island NRMA | Queenstown, MD
When: Ongoing
Admission: Free
There’s a new post about a lovely, peaceful place to enjoy a day outdoors on the Eastern Shore. Wye Island Natural Resources Management Area, just over the Bay Bridge, has 12 miles of trails to hike on its 2,400 acres with scenic views over the Wye River, old growth trees, and possible wildlife sightings. For even more hiking options around the area, see the round-up of walks in the woods.
Hike, Bike, and/or Paddle
Where: Fountainhead Regional Park | Fairfax Station, VA
When: Ongoing
Admission: Free
For a mix of outdoor recreation, Fountain Regional Park offers a few options. It’s known to be one of the better places for mountain biking in the area (riders should have some experience), and it has nice hiking, too, with the Bull Run Occoquan Trail winding through the park. even, more kayak and canoe rentals are now available. Read more about it all in this new post.
Pop-Up Consignment Shop
Where: Stoddert Elementary | Glover Park, DC
When: Saturday, 9:30am – 1pm
Admission: Free
PicklesDC is hosting an outdoor spring pop-up on Saturday. Shop quality brands in excellent condition — children’s clothing, shoes, and toys (size newborn – 12 years). This will take place in front of Stoddert Elementary School at 40001 Calvert Street NW.
StoryWalk:Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea Where: Downtown Kensington, MD When: Though April 11 Admission: Free
Families are invited to read the book Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea by Meena Harris on posted signs as they stroll through a garden setting in Kensington. This Noyes Library Foundation StoryWalk will be available for self-guided exploration at Clum-Kennedy Park (10298 Frederick Avenue). Written by Vice President Kamala Harris’ niece, Meena Harris, toe book is based on a true story about Kamala Harris and her older sister, Maya. Pick up a free craft kit on Saturdays and Sundays (9am to 4pm) outside the Noyes Library for Young Children (10237 Carroll Place) to complement the walk.
Ice Yards
Where: Yards Park | Navy Yard, DC
When: Saturday, 12-6pm
Admission: $60
Plan for a date or grown-up meet-up. Ice Yards is returning to your favorite neighborhood restaurants down at The Yards. Grab your closest friends and fam and join the fun — your ticket includes a reservation for 2-4 people for 90 minutes, free welcome cocktail, free Ice Yards giveaways, table side playlists, and cool prizes from Ice Yards rolling carts including shot glasses, shotskis, gift cards to your favorite restaurants and more! Participants will also be treated to complimentary s’mores making at each table. Follow the link for details and sign-up.
Environmental Film Fest
Where: Online
When: Through March 28
Admission: Free
Films from across the globe are being screened/streamed for the 29th annual DC Environmental Film Festival, presented virtually this year. There are a few flicks among them that kids will likely enjoy (and even more to consider for adults). View the website for more details and to view trailers.
Virtual Sassy Succulent Workshop
Where: American Visionary Art Museum | Online
When: Saturday, 11am
Admission: $0-10
Saturday, Mar. 20, 11am ET
Tune in as the AVAM uses fun rocks, soil, and bling to make your plant sassy, just in time for spring! All ages are welcome, and plant kits are available for local pick up ($10). Or, assemble your own supplies. This workshop complements the museum’s current mega-exhibition “The Secret Life of Earth.” RSVP here. (Note: You can also visit the museum in person — it’s open!)
Pop-Up Street Theater
Where: Crystal City Water Park | Crystal City, VA
When: Sunday, 11am – 2pm
Admission: Free
Synetic Theatre, which presents some of the most innovative shows around, will be clowning around with pop-up performances during the Festival. To work with these social distancing times, they are bringing back street theater as a pair of improv actors make appearances at the Crystal City Water Park
NoVa Parking
Where: Various parks in Northern Virginia
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
Not only are many of the locales within the NoVa Parks system great places to go for outdoor recreation, other activities within some of them are now available. Batting cages, mini golf, kayak and canoe rentals, and disc golf are some of them. Find things to do by activity, or check out individual parks and see what they have going on.
Parks and Rec
Where: Parks around 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. Enjoy the first day of spring as nature awakens at Green Spring Gardens. Take a family woodcock walk at Huntley Meadows. Discovert life under a log at Hidden Oaks Nature Center. Details and registration for these and many more nature activities this weekend and beyond are available here.
I-Spy Adventure
Where: Dumbarton House | Online
When: Sunday, 11-11:30am
Admission: $10-12
Join Dumbarton House for a virtual I-spy adventure recommended for ages 4 to 8! During this virtual program, children will explore collections items from the museum by looking for animals, objects, and colors. Fun and learning are sure to ensue! Admission price covers one household.
Make Room for Matzah
Where: Online
When: Sunday, 10-11am
Admission: $5/family
Join a virtual Passover workshop with PJ Library author and illustrator Alan Silberberg! He will premiere his hilarious new book, Meet the Matzah, and teach a doodling class to explore the foods and symbolism of Passover. Order a kit to have more fun Passover projects at home. Most appreciated by ages 4-7, though all are welcome. Signed copies of the books can be purchased through Politics & Prose.
Free Community Day
Where: National Museum of Women in the Arts | WDC
When: Sunday, 12-5pm
Admission: Free, but must reserve
The National Museum of Women in the Arts just reopened, and the first and third Sundays of every month are a great opportunity to explore it when admission is FREE! Works span the centuries, from the 16th to the present in a variety of mediums, highlighting women artists all over the world. If tickets aren’t available, plan to go another day — the admission fee is worth it!
Pre-Passover Experience and Story Trail
Where: Lincoln Park | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Sunday, 3-3:45pm
Admission: Free
Bring the kids for an outdoor story trail through Lincoln Park. Follow along the story of Passover and have great discussion with your family! Sit down and enjoy a kid-friendly pre-Passover model Seder there will be pre-packaged foods and activities for each child. Receive a Passover goody bag and craft for all those that register in advance (while supplies last). Register here.
Virtual Cakepop Class
Where: Online
When: Sunday, 4:30pm
Admission: $39.95
Wind down the weekend with something sweet. In this Cakepop class with Baked by Yael, kids will learn to roll, dip, and decorate their own cakepops!⠀Registration fee includes materials for one participant, a Home Cakepop Kit with baked cake, frosting, candy melts, cakepop sticks, and cakepop drying stand. (For just $25 more, they’ll include enough cake, frosting, candy melts, and cakepop sticks for an additional participant.) And Baked by Yael will donate 20% of each registration fee to Woodley Park Main Street.
The Great Indoors
Where: Around the DC Area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies
Even more places around the area are starting to open their doors for in person visits again. This post lists reopened venues, all of them with extra safety protocols in place for Covid.
***MORE GOOD STUFF*** * How to support the Asian American community. * Silver Knights has been teaching chess to local kids for 15 years, and they’re celebrating one year of their online chess club with a discount for KFDC readers! * Looking for a fun & unique camp for kids this summer? Camp Half-Blood is offering its first DC-based sessions at Rock Creek Park. * Trying to get through Best Picture nominated films… just watched The Trial of the Chicago 7, and Minari is up this weekend. * The latest, wonderful Humans of New York series starts here.
Hide and seek amid the trees of the Annmarie Fairy Lolly
Monday – It’s Lolly-Palooza at Annmarie Sculpture Garden in Solomons, MD! Celebrate the seasonal re-opening of their Fairy Lolly playground with extra-special activities each day of spring break, March 21-28 (closed March 27). Drop in for something different each day from 11am – 4pm — on Monday, enjoy bubble painting fun. Check in at the Murray Arts Building, then head over to the Fairy Lolly for magical play. Afterwards, stop by the artLAB and the Nature Nook for even more activities! Admission is $5/adult, $3/ages 6-17, free for 5 and under. Reservations are not required, and be sure to check the schedule to see what other activities will be featured this week. Read more about Annmarie in this post about one of our experiences there.
Tuesday – Roam around the lovely grounds, view wildlife in the ponds, and visit the Korean Bell Garden at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna. Admission is $5/adults, $2.50/ages 7-17 and seniors, free for ages 6 and under. Hours are 10am – 6pm this time of year. Later on at 4pm, join the Jr. Farmer Family Fun program and go behind the scenes to help the farmers at Frying Pan Farm Park. Help with farm chores like milking the cows, feeding the animals, and shelling corn — topics and activities vary by day. Children must be accompanied by an adult registered in the program.
Wednesday – Learn about the area’s wildlife, enjoy hands-on activities in the Nature Center, see the night sky, take a hike, and visit horses at Rock Creek Park. The Nature Center is open Wednesday – Sunday, 9am – 5pm, and admission is free. If you’re keen on seeing stars, there’s a planetarium show at 4pm. You can also visit the equine residents at the nearby Horse Center for free (though pony rides are not offered on weekdays this time of year).
Thursday – Catch a performance of James and the Giant Peach at Adventure Theatre, where they’re adding weekday shows March 24 – April 5 at 11am and 2pm. The show is a delight for all ages (we saw it over the weekend). Tickets are $19.50, but you might score discount seats here. After (or before) the show, plan to hang out on the playground, have a picnic lunch, and explore Glen Echo Park.
Friday – Go see the cherry blossoms! DC’s iconic trees should be peaking by the end of the week, and the sight of them in bloom truly is breathtaking. Head to the Tidal Basin and National Mall for quintessential views, and pop into the museums while you’re there. Before you go, be sure to check out these tips for families!
