Tag Archives: David Smith

March 18, 2011 · 8:12 am

Weekend Picks

The museums are heavy on special family activities this weekend, but with the glorious weather forecast for the next few days, I’ve got several suggestions to get you outdoors, too. Happy Weekend!

Family Day: Kites of Asia – Go fly a kite! And make one, too. This free event at the National Air & Space Museum on Saturday welcomes guests to discover the artistry of kites from across Asia. Indoor kite flying, story telling, and hands-on art activities, kite-making included, are on the day’s agenda. The event runs from 10am – 3pm.

Take a Hike – It’s going to be excellent weather for tramping in the woods, though be choosy about where you go — I heard the line of cars waiting to get into the Maryland side of Great Falls last weekend was all the way out to MacArthur Boulevard. For more suggestions on where to walk in the woods, including several that don’t attract large crowds, check out this post about good area hikes with kids.

Goya: Awakened in a Dream – The National Gallery of Art’s Film Program for Children and Teens presents a movie about the artist Goya this week. Recommended for ages 7 and up, the screening will take place in the East Building Concourse auditorium at 10:30am on Saturday and 11:30am on Sunday. The program is free, and seating is offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Everyone’s Playground – Enjoy the sunshine and one of the best playgrounds in the area. If you have young children, and you haven’t been to Clemyjontri Park, I highly recommend taking them there. The play possibilities will seem endless to little ones. The carousel doesn’t open for another couple of weeks, but kids will be so enchanted with other parts of the park, they won’t miss riding the wooden horses.

Mail Females – Discover the history of women who have played important roles in the nation’s mail service. The National Postal Museum is hosting Women’s History Month Family Day from 11am – 3pm on Saturday. Guests can hear stories about postal women and try their hand at some of the jobs they performed.

DC United Opening Day – Kick off the start of the soccer season at RFK on Saturday evening. Tickets are still available for the 7:30pm game, including a couple of packages that come with freebies when you buy at least four tickets. For more information, see this post from a couple of days ago.

Reptile & Amphibian Day – Learn about reptiles and their important role in the ecosystem at this annual event at the National Aquarium. On Sunday from 10am – 4pm, guests can enjoy a variety of activities, including storytime and fun crafts. Aquarium staff will be on hand to answer questions and give talks throughout the day. Special highlights: The alligator exhibit and a shark feeding at 2pm. The event is free with admission – $9.95/ages 11 and up, 4.95/ages 3-11, children under 3 are free.

Picnic, Play, & Planes – Have you been to Gravelly Point, the small park along the GW Parkway next to Ronald Reagan Airport? The beautiful spot along the river is nice place to spread out a picnic, people watch, and kick around a soccer ball — if you really like airplanes. I have to warn about this one: it’s hit or miss with kids (and adults, for that matter). The park is located just beyond the airport runway, so planes take off or land (depending on which way they are going that day) literally right overhead. That’s the hit or miss part. It’s loud and potentially scary for those who don’t like the looks of a plane coming right at them, but quite exciting for those that love a thrill.

Portrait Story Days – Drop in at the National Portrait Gallery anytime from 1-4pm on Sunday to listen to a story about a person who has influenced American history and culture and to create a special piece of art. Rachel Carson, founder of the modern environmental movement, will be the subject this weekend.

CHAW Artday Concert – Catch a free Singing Lizard concert on Saturday morning at the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop. The Singing Lizard’s live shows are fast-paced, fun, and full of exciting songs that both kids and adults enjoy. The concert is from 10-11am in CHAW’s Black Box Theater.

On the Big Screen – Rain or shine, an IMAX film is great entertainment. Both the Johnson IMAX Theater at the Natural History Museum and Lockheed Martin IMAX Theater at the Air & Space Museum have several movies playing all weekend. For a couple of reviews, see my post about Arabia 3D and another one about Grand Canyon Adventure: River at Risk 3D.

Live Entertainment – A few new theater and musical shows recently opened on local stages. This post about spring entertainment from last week has info on what and who’s playing and where. Also be sure to check this post from a couple of months ago listing winter productions, several of which are still running.

Stories in Art –Sculptor David Smith is again the subject for this week’s children’s program at the National Gallery of Art. The workshop will start with a reading of “Half of the Elephant,” about an elephant on a humorous journey to find his missing half.. From there, the group will explore the work of David Smith, then build a sculpture with wood and metal. Hour-long sessions begin at 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm, and 2:30pm on Sunday. Sign-in will take place in the East Building Atrium, beginning at 11am that day and will continue until all spaces are filled. No admission fee required.

Go Green this Weekend

Playing among the old Capitol columns at the National Arboretum

Whether you celebrate Irish heritage, savor the weather and get outdoors, exercise your eco-consciousness at a wildlife refuge, or simply try something new, there are many ways to embrace “green” with the family this weekend. Here’s where you can employ your green around town the next few days. Happy Weekend!

Green in the City – I just recommended the U.S. National Arboretum last weekend, but with all the sunshine predicted for the next few days, I have no problem duplicating, and this time it’s topping the list. Our family visited on a surprise sunny day a couple of weeks ago for a lovely late-winter nature fix. There’s so much to explore on the 450 acres, but easy hikes through the woods, the old National Capitol columns in the middle of the Ellipse Meadow, and the koi pond where fish frequently poke their faces above the surface, were highlights for our brood. Don’t forget to check out the new Lunar New Year exhibit at the Bonai Museum on display until March 27.

I Love a Parade – If you’re looking for a family-friendly way to celebrate St. Patty’s Day, here’s some advice: 1) Avoid RFK 2) See this post from a few days ago with the scoop on several parades celebrating Irish culture that will be rolling through the streets this weekend.

Boogie Down at Eastern Market – Children’s music comes to the market this weekend as the Boogie Babes present a rare Saturday show. It’s a great chance for families who can’t make it during the week to see what the raves are all about. Local band Crash Chord will get kids grooving in Eastern Market’s North Hall at 10:30am. Cost is $10/family. The sun will be shining, so plan to stick around for some shopping and food sampling after the musical fun.

A “Wild” Birthday Bash– Celebrate the Birthday of the National Wildlife Refuge System at the Patuxent Research Refuge on Saturday from 10am – 3pm. Activities will include live animal viewing with feature performances by Reptile World at 11:30am and 1:30pm. There will also be children’s nature crafts and other activities, the first guided tram tours of the season, and food for purchase from the Crane Café sponsored by Friends of Patuxent. The event is free, though there are small fees for tram tours and food. The Refuge’s National Wildlife Visitor Center is located off of Powder Mill Road, 2 miles east of the Baltimore/Washington Parkway, just south of Laurel, Maryland.

Book it to Petworth – The newly renovated Petworth Neighborhood Library just opened a couple of weeks ago, and the Grand Opening Party is this Saturday from 10am – 4pm. Take a tour and join in other festivities, including art workshops, face painting, and more fun for all ages. And for a sneak peak at the new space, see this post from Prince of Petworth.

Glide ‘Neathe the Sky – This weekend is your last chance to hit the ice al fresco. Our local outdoor ice skating rinks are closing for the season Sunday or Monday. The National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden and Silver Spring Veteran’s Plaza ice rinks will shut down their Zambonis on March 13, and Pentagon Row will close it’s skating area on March 14.

Women in Aviation and Space – Learn about women’s contributions to aviation, science, and aerospace at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, the Dulles Annex of the National Air & Space Museum. On Saturday from 10am – 3pm, there will be presentations and activities for all ages to enjoy. In honor of Girl Scout Day, the Smithsonian is offering a discounted $5 rate for Girl Scouts and their families at the Airbus Imax Theater and Pulseworks flight simulators. Admission to the event and museum is free, but parking is $15/car.

Night at the Planetarium – There’s still room in the 5pm and 6pm shows presented by Friends of Arlington’s Planetarium. The first, “Mystery of Missing Seasons” is recommended for ages 5 and up, and the later screening “Solar Sytem Tour” is suggested for ages 3 and up. While guests wait for their show, there will be astronomically cool stuff to do outside the planetarium, including hands-on science activities and celestial viewing through multiple telescopes. These activities will engage both children and adults in fun science education before and after each show.

That’s Entertainment – A few new theater and musical shows are opening on local stages this week. This post about spring entertainment from a couple of days ago has info on what and who’s playing and where. Also be sure to check this post from a couple of months ago listing winter productions, several of which are still running.

What To Do This Weekend

There’s so much going on this weekend, it almost seems more appropriate to ask, “What isn’t there to do?” Museum family days, Mardi Gras celebrations, even some outdoor fun (if the weather cooperates) are all part of the mix. Here are details on all of them and more. Happy Weekend!

Tots Rock! – Rocknoceros at the Air & Space Museum. I almost feel like nothing more needs to be said. But in case you’re wondering, a planetarium show starring Big Bird and Elmo, plus “Flights of Fancy” story time will also be part of Saturday’s entertainment at the museum on the National Mall. Visit the website for a schedule of events, and note that tickets are required and seating is limited for planetarium shows.

Space for Children at House of Sweden – The Swedish Embassy welcomes families to experience what sounds like a unqiue exhibit on weekends through April 24. Two rooms of “interactivity creativity” celebrate the parent-child bond and encourage creative play. The free exhibit is open Saturdays from 11am – 4pm and Sundays from 12 – 5pm. Read more about it on the Embassy’s website.

Mardi Gras Festival – This party at the Rockville Town Square will have all the makings for a New Orelans-style celebration – the family-friendly version, anyway. Put on crazy balloon hats and whoop it up with a parade, live music, masks and beads, arts & crafts, a moonbounce, and plenty more Mardi Gras fun. The free event will take place Saturday from 10am – 2pm.

D.C. Color Splash! – If you follow KidFriendly DC on Facebook, you may have seen the Corcoran Gallery of Art’s 2011 Family Festival mentioned a few days ago. It sounds like a great opportunity to check out the museum and have a fun, art-filled day with the kids. Guests can try their hands at various art mediums, join in interactive performances, groove along with local musicians, and explore the hues and illuminations of the exhibit “Washington Color and Light.”

U.S. National Arboretum– There may be some rain in the forecast for this weekend, but we all know how quickly that can change around here. So, I’ll go ahead and recommend the Arboretum for some outdoor recreation. The plants aren’t yet blooming (I know from being there last weekend), but tramping through the woods, playing among the old Capitol columns, and visiting the Koi pond are always a thrill for kids. Don’t forget to check out the new Lunar New Year exhibit at the Bonai Museum on display until March 27.

Watkins Regional Park – If weather does work in our favor, another great outdoor pursuit is a visit to Watkins Regional Park. The train and carousel aren’t open this time of year, but you can see the animals at Old Maryland Farm and maybe even catch a pony ride. The Watkins Nature Center will have even more critters that guests can check out along with a squirrel gym that showcases squirrels performing tricks and eating corn. Pack a picnic for lunch al fresco, then play on the sprawling colorful playground.

Circus of High-Flying Events – It’s another Family Saturday at Intersections: A New America Arts Festival taking place at the Atlas Performing Arts Center. Starting at 11am and continuing into the evening , there will be all kinds of arts and activities for guests to enjoy, from a performance of Adventure Theatre’s “Mirandy and Brother Wind” to acrobatic acts by circus performers to a tap dancing production to a flamenco show. There will also be opportunities to take part in some movement and art workshops. Some of the activities are free – check the schedule to see which require tickets and what time they are happening.

Tie & Dye a Textile – Your kids can connect with their inner hippies at the Textile Museum’s monthly Arts for Families program. This Saturday, guests are invite to create their own colorful textiles as they explore tie-dyeing. Learn various fold and tie techniques to create unique designs on cloth to take home. This free activity runs from 2-4pm. Recommended for ages 4 -12.

Dance Your Socks Off – River Park Nursery School in Capitol Hill is hosting its annual Sock Hop and Silent Auction on Saturday from 4 – 7pm. Folks all over the area are invited to join the party. For details, check out this post from last week.

Merry Mardi Gras – Laissez les bons temps rouler! The Launch Zone at the National Children’s Museum will transform into New Orleans for a just-for-kids Mardi Gras celebration on Saturday from 11am – 4pm. Kids can make their own jester hats, traditional masks, and all of the other essentials for a traditional Mardi Gras parade. This is all free, just head on over to the National Harbor and join the fun.

Flying in the Great Hall – The National Building Museum’s Great Hall is one of the most magnificent spaces in the city. I bet it’ll be even more so with model airplanes soaring through it. Witness the spectacle this Sunday from 11am – 4pm when DC Maxecutors’ model planes take flight. It should be quite a sight. All ages are welcome to this free event.

Theatre on Strings – A few productions will be performed at The Puppet Co. this weekend. Tiny tots can enjoy “Old MacDonald’s Farm” on Saturday and “Penguin’s Playground” on Sunday. Both start at 10am. Tickets are $5 and available online. Tiny Tots shows are recommended for ages 0-4. Older children will enjoy “Jack and the Beanstalk,” showing both Saturday and Sunday at 11:30am and 1pm. Tickets are $10 and also available for purchase online.

Show Time – Several live family-friendly productions are in local theaters, and tickets are still available for some of this weekend’s performances. Check out this post to see what’s playing and how to reserve your seats.

Stories in Art –Sculptor David Smith is the subject for this week’s children’s program at the National Gallery of Art. The workshop will start with a reading of “Half of the Elephant,” n elephant on a humorous journey to find his missing half.. From there, the group will explore the work of David Smith, then build a sculpture with wood and metal. Hour-long sessions begin at 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm, and 2:30pm on Sunday. Sign-in will take place in the East Building Atrium, beginning at 11am that day and will continue until all spaces are filled. No admission fee required.