Tag Archives: Children’s Entertainment

December 21, 2015 · 8:49 am

Where to Play on the Weekdays: December 21-25

(Note: There was a correction to the Water Skiing Santa info. It will take place on Thursday, December 24, not Friday as originally posted.)

Monday – Skate under the sky before the weather takes a wet turn! Enjoy art as you glide at the Sculpture Garden; circle the rink at Washington Harbour; meander the paths at Canal Park; or do some holiday shopping then skate at Pentagon Row, Veteran’s Plaza, Rockville Town Square, or Reston Town Center. Several local rinks offer push aides to help newbie skaters. This post has details on alfresco (and indoor) ice skating options in the area, including bonus activities to enjoy while you’re there.

Tuesday – Go bowling! It’s a perfect activity for what’s expected to be a rainy day. Take advantage of Tots Playtime at Pinstripes in Georgetown. From 10am – 12pm on weekdays, ALL kids can bowl for $5 ($5/shoe rental) and parents are free (limit 4 kids per adult)! Eat while you bowl or stay after for lunch — they have a good kids menu and a pretty extensive main menu, too.

Wednesday – Catch a performance of A Lump of Coal for Christmas at Adventure Theatre. Recommended for all ages, showtimes are 11am & 2pm. Tickets are $19.50, and you can look for a deal on seats here.

Thursday – Bounce on over to Flight Trampoline Park in Springfield for a super fun jump session. On Christmas Eve they are offering buy one get one free admission. Be sure to check the schedule, as times vary by age. And admission varies by time and age, but starts at $11. I recommend buying tickets and filling out waivers in advance to avoid lines when you get there. You can also watch Santa have some fun before his big night out, as he water skis his way up the Potomac along with knee boarding reindeer, flying elves, the jet-skiing Grinch, and Frosty the Snowman in a dinghy! You can view it all for free from the waterfront in Old Town Alexandria starting at 1pm sharp – the best viewing spots will be from King to Prince Streets.

Friday – Have a very merry Christmas… and enjoy some activities out of the house, too! The U.S. Botanic Garden and Mount Vernon are open. If weather permits, get out for a hike. Or do what’s a tradition for many who don’t celebrate Christmas and go out for Chinese food and a movie.

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Filed under All ages, Annual, Christmas, DC, Educational, Exhibit, Holidays, Live Entertainment, Maryland, Movies, Museums, Outdoor, Seasonal, Theatre, Virginia, Weekdays, Winter

Tagged as Children's Entertainment, Christmas in DC, DC Holidays, DC Kids Activities, DC Museums for Kids, DC outdoors, Fun with Kids in Northern Virginia, Fun with Kids in Washington DC, Indoor Play for Kids, Things to do with Kids in DC, Weekdays December 21-25

December 13, 2015 · 5:29 pm

Where to Play on the Weekdays: December 14-18

Exploring the wetlands at Huntley Meadows

Monday – See an art show full of special works at the Hemp Hill Carroll Square Gallery in Chinatown. Presented by Tracy’s Kids Art Therapy Program, a non-profit that does art therapy with pediatric oncology patients, Who We Are showcases art created by the kids they help. This was recommended to me by a KFDC reader who is an art therapist for the organization, and I think it sounds wonderful. The Gallery is located at 975 F Street NW. Hours are 8am – 6pm. Admission is free.

Tuesday – Hike the woods and wetlands of Huntley Meadows Park in Alexandria. Look for little creatures along the way and stop to take in some gorgeous vistas. Bring along food for a picnic, or plan to grab a bite before or after — though it doesn’t feel like it while you’re there, the park is located close to a busy area with plenty of dining options. Open daily from dawn to dusk. Admission is free.

Wednesday – Do some shopping, enjoy a little live entertainment, and treat yourselves to some tasty eats at the Downtown Holiday Market. It’s like a little village in the heart of the city, where you can find all kinds of unique gifts, plus there will be live music from 12-2pm and 5-7pm. Make the most of your outing and pop into the National Portrait Gallery & American Art Museum, which are practically a backdrop for the market.

Thursday – Catch a colorful magic show with The Great Zucchini at Jammin’ Java. Doors open at 10am and the fun begins at 10:30am. General admission tickets are $5.

Friday – Visit Season’s Greenings, the U.S. Botanic Garden’s annual holiday exhibit on a weekday when the crowds thin out. See Pollination Station, the adorably whimsical model train display, easily one of the best around. Stroll the festively adorned conservatory and admire replicas of DC landmarks built entirely from plant materials. Be sure to pick up a plant scavenger hunt at the front desk for some fun as you tour the rest of the gardens. Hours are 10am – 5pm. Admission is free.

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Filed under All ages, Annual, Art, Christmas, DC, Educational, Exhibit, Free, Holidays, Live Entertainment, Museums, Music, Nature, Outdoor, Park, Seasonal, Theatre, Virginia, Weekdays

Tagged as Children's Entertainment, DC Holidays, DC Kids Activities, DC Museums for Kids, DC outdoors, Fun with Kids in Northern Virginia, Fun with Kids in Washington DC, Indoor Play for Kids, Things to do with Kids in DC, Weekdays December 14-18

December 6, 2015 · 10:31 pm

Where to Play on the Weekdays: December 7-11

Strolling the Rosary Portico at the Franciscan Monastery

Monday – Visit Santa in his headquarters at Tysons Corner Center, where he’ll be available for photos, and guests can enjoy other fun activities. After, head to The Plaza to grab a bite and let the kiddos play.

Tuesday – Experience the Magical Holiday Express at the B&O Railroad Museum. Along with festive model train displays, the event features tons of fun and activities for kids. Admission is $18/adults, $12/ages 2-12. Hours are 10am – 4pm Monday – Saturday (11am -4pm Sunday).

Wednesday – Choose between to cool events happening the same day: The grand opening of Wegmans Wonderplace, the first gallery on the National Mall designed for children 0-6! The 1,700-square-foot center, located in the American History Museum’s Innovation Wing, will provide the youngest historians with age-appropriate activities and experiences over the next 20 years. Opening day festivities from 10am – 3pm will include a meet-n-greet with “Walkaround Elmo” from Sesame Street; music and dancing with Coach, Williebob, and Boogie Bennie of the ever popular band Rocknoceros; cooking demos for kids and adults; face painting; balloon art, and more. There is also Winternational at Ronald Reagan Building. The lively midday celebration of international culture, travel, tourism, and trade takes place from 11am – 2pm. Admission to both events is free.

Thursday – See a holiday stage favorite on strings as The Puppet Co. presents The Nutcracker. Showtime is 10:30am. Tickets are $10. Plan to stay at Glen Echo Park after the show for a picnic and playtime — should be great weather for it!

Friday – Explore the beautiful grounds and cathedral of the Franciscan Monastery in Brookland. A DC “secret” to many, the “Oasis of Peace” welcomes visitors to stroll through the gardens and tour the church. Hours are 10am – 4:45pm. Admission is free.

Where to Play on the Weekdays: November 30 – December 4

Monday – Play the rainy day away at The Magic Ground! The new space just opened above the Columbia Heights Target. While we haven’t been yet, a KFDC reader told me that “it’s the exact place to bring your energetic-need-to-get-out-of-the-house-kiddos.” Hours are 8am – 8:30pm Monday – Thursday (9am – 10pm Saturday & 9am – 8pm Sunday), Admission is $10/hour or $15/all day.

Tuesday – Head to DC’s big train station to check out the little trains. Union Station’s annual Holiday Train Show is back in the West Hall, featuring an elaborate Norwegian mountain landscape. After (or before), grab a bite to eat or pop over to the Postal Museum next door for more fun. You can also go in the evening for the annual tree lighting, where Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski wil do the honors, the Norwegian Embassy will provide refreshments, The Carolers of Greater Washington will perform, and Santa will be on hand with presents for kids. Admission is free.

Wednesday – Let little ones bounce, climb, swing, tumble, and slide at the PG Sports & Learning Complex Gymnastics Center. The hour-long open play session begins at 11:30am, and admission is $6/child. (This also takes place on Tuesday at the same time.)

Thursday – Enjoy a musical morning with the Boogie Babes as they bring kiddie entertainment to Eastern Market at 10:30am. Admission is $5/child, and siblings 6 months and under are free. (FYI: You can also catch a Boogie Babes show at The Angelika Pop-Up on Wednesdays and The Atlas Performing Arts Center on Fridays.)

Friday – Take an autumn hike at Great Falls. Whether you opt for the Maryland or Virginia side, you can’t go wrong. Enjoy spectacular views of the falls and rapids from several overlooks, hike easy trails along the river or through the woods, and stop in the Visitor Center (there’s one on each side) to learn more about the area’s history and wildlife. The park is open 7am – dark, the Visitors Centers 10am – 4pm. Admission is $10/car, $5/person walking in.