Tag Archives: DC Easter Activities

March 27, 2015 · 8:08 am

The Weekend Round-Up: March 28-29

Cherry Blossom Festival events, spring and Easter celebrations, museum programs, live entertainment, plus scores of mainstay attractions around the area will keep the whole crew satisfied over the next few days. Happy Weekend!

Go Fly a Kite!
Where: Washington Monument Grounds
When: Saturday, 10am – 4:30pm
Admission: Free
The Blossom Kite Festival is, in my opinion, the best event during cherry blossom season (when the weather cooperates, anyway). The sight of thousands of kites in all colors, shapes, and sizes soaring around the Washington Monument is truly a sight to behold. It’s absolutely magical for my kids, and even for me as a jaded adult. The sails you see flying at the Festival each spring range from simple to pretty darn creative. Dragons, sharks, butterflies, giant soccer balls, even some that look like intricate works of art actually outnumber your basic diamond. And anyone can go fly their kites, so be sure to bring one. There’s a competition aspect to the event, too; expert kite enthusiasts will wow crowds with cool stunts, and prizes will be awarded to winners of various categories such as most beautiful, funniest, and aerodynamics.

Fabergé Egg Family Festival
Where: Hillwood Estate and Gardens
When: March 28, 10am – 5pm
Admission: $18/adult ($10/members), $5/ages 6-18, free for 5 and under
Celebrate spring’s arrival in traditional Russian style! Hillwood’s annual festival has programs, music, art, and activities for all ages. Adventure Theatre will apply their clever stagecraft to the Fabergé story with the new play, Fabergé’s Treasures. A favorite for all ages is the fun of stepping into “Fabergé’s Workshop” and using ribbons, gems, and appliqués to create delicate works of art in the style of Fabergé. Samovar Russian Folk Music Ensemble takes visitors back to Old Russia as they perform on traditional instruments, and the Kalinka Dance Ensemble performs Russian folk dances. And centuries-old Russian springtime games like egg-rolling and egg and spoon racing will entertain children of all ages. All activities take place throughout the day – see the schedule for specifics.

Easter Egg Decorating
Where: Brentwood Arts Exchange
When: Saturday, 1pm
Admission: Free
Fun! Glitter! Eggs! The Brentwood Arts Exchange promise all three at this free family-friendly workshop. Create beautiful decorated eggs that will impress friends and even the Easter Bunny. Children will receive their first two eggs for free. Additional eggs will be available to purchase 2 for $1.

More Eggcellent Celebrations
Where: Around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by event
Many places around the area are hosting egg hunts, Easter bunny visits, and more spring fun to celebrate Easter and the season. Even if you’re not big on the holiday, there are attractions beyond bunnies and candy-filled eggs for the whole fam. See this post for a list of them.

Friendship Between Nations Family Day
Where: National Archives
When: Saturday, 10am – 4pm
Admission: Free
Join the US National Archives and Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center for a free family day full of fun! From unique gifts to treaties, families can learn, play, and create with hands-on activities, like making your own treaty and a designing a medal to give as a special gift.

Music Makes Life Better
Where: Jammin’ Java
When: Saturday, 10:30am – 2:30pm
Admission:
The entertainment venue in Vienna is hosting its first ever music festival for kids to benefit the Rainbow Collection. Rocknoceros, The Great Zucchini, Rainbow Rock, Groovy Nate, and Mr. Gabe will all be part of the line-up, plus there will be face painting, games, and more! This special show will help support The HSC Pediatric Center — a pediatric specialty hospital that provides rehabilitation and transitional care to children and young adults. Rainbow Collection will also be rounding up some while you rock out to the bands, so consider bringing along something to donate. See the list of what they need here.

Go Monster Fish
Where: National Geographic Museum
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $11/adults, $7/ages 5-12, free for 4 and under
Discover some of the behemoth creatures that lurk in the world’s rivers at the National Geographic Museum’s brand new exhibit. Monster Fish: In Search of the Last River Giants just opened and is both visually compelling and full of cool interactives. Life-size sculptures of monster fish and games that are fun and educational will appeal to guests of all ages.

Show Time
Where: Local Theatres
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
* Arts on the Horizon presents Blossom’s Rainbow at The Athenaeum on Sunday
* Jack and the Beanstalk is at The Puppet Co. at Glen Echo Park
* And Old MacDonald’s Farm is the featured Tiny Tots show at the puppet theatre
* Blue is on the Imagination Stage
* Bright Star Theatre’s Happily Ever After is this week’s free Saturday Morning at the National show
* Catch the final performances of Creative Cauldron’s The Jungle Book this weekend
* Enjoy the NSO Family Concert The Magic Horn at the Kennedy Center on Sunday

Cherry Blossom Celebration
Where: Freer-Sackler Galleries
When: Saturday, 11am – 4:30pm
Admission: Free
The galleries dedicated to Asian art are celebrating the 2015 National Cherry Blossom Festival with a day full of Japanese art, anime and manga films, and family activities. The museum shop is hosting a trunk show of vintage Japanese garments as well as a signing of the newly released book Cherry Blossoms, featuring artworks from the Freer and Sackler collections.

Spectacular Spots Storytime
Where: National Museum of Natural History
When: Saturday, 1-3pm
Admission: Free
Young readers can learn about spotted creatures during this storytime with author Susan Stockdale as she shares her newest book, “Spectacular Spots.” From charging cheetahs to swooping owls, they’re all depicted in their natural habitats. Susan uses visual props to demonstrate the many steps involved in creating her books including connecting with Smithsonian scientists. The reading will take place in Q?rius Jr. (the discovery room on the 1st floor) , and a book signing will follow in the Museum’s Family Store from 2-3pm.

Environmental Film Fest
Where: Various locations
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: Varies by film
more than 150 films from across the globe will be screened around the DC-Metro area during the 23rd annual Environmental Film Festival. And there are several family-oriented flicks among them this weekend. Little movie-goers can watch a series of animated shorts at the Dorothy I. Height/ Benning Library on Sunday. The National Museum of Natural History is showing three films that kids can enjoy. Adventure Planet, playing at Sitar Center, is recommended for ages 6-12. Song of the Sea is part of the kids film program at The National Gallery. There are even more films that kids might enjoy – and learn from. View the website for showtimes and details.

Adventure in the Trees
Where: Adventure Park at Sandy Spring
When: All weekend long
Admission: Varies by age
The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring opens for the season this weekend! Kids as young as 5-years-old can experience fun and adventure on the ropes courses and ziplines in the park’s aerial 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 even more. It may seem like a pricey venture, but it’s worth it. Trust me.

Mmmm… Chocolate
Where: National Museum of the American Indian
When: Saturday & Sunday, 10:30am – 4:30pm
Admission: Free
It’s a celebration of Cacao at the American Indian Museum this weekend! One of the world’s most beloved foods, chocolate is considered by the Maya and Aztec peoples a “food of the gods” (and I wholeheartedly agree). This colorful two-day festival will feature music, dance, art, science and food. Demonstrations will be presented by Guatemalan gourd artists, while Bolivian cacao growers discuss chocolate production. There will also be chocolate beverage tastings and opportunities for children to make their own Mola from 10:30am-12pm and 1:30pm-3:30pm in the imagiNATIONS Activity Center.

Build Your own Bat House
Where: Riverbend Park
When: Sunday, 11am – 1pm
Admission: $8/register $15/bat house
Bats help eat mosquitoes, and pollinate plants, but they are having a hard time. Help these important animals thrive by building a bat house to hang in your yard. There are only a few spots left in this workshop, so register soon!

Portrait Story Days & Discoveries
Where: National Portrait Gallery
When: Saturday, 1-4pm & Sunday, 2-5pm
Admission: Free
Drop in at the Portrait Gallery to listen to a story about author Toni Morrsion and complete a hands-on activity. When you’re done there, pick up a Portrait Discovery Kit to explore the museum. For more about the program, see this post about one of our experiences there.

The Ins and Outs of DC
Where: Around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by adventure
If you’re simply looking for things to do outdoors or inside, depending on the weather or simply your preference, these posts are chock full of evergreen pursuits:
The Great Indoors
The Best Places in the DC Area to Enjoy a Beautiful Day Outdoors with the Kids

The Weekend Round-Up: April 19-20

Whether you’re looking for ways to celebrate the holiday or simply seeking fun things to do with the kids, there’s plenty to pick from, both special events and tried & true DC pursuits, to ensure a good time. Happy Weekend!

Festival of Spring
Where: Burnside Farm
When: Saturday & Sunday, 9am – 6pm
Admission: Starts at $3
Experience Holland in Haymarket, Va! Burnside Farm’s annual spring festival showcasing the season’s flowers just opened this week, and word has it the blooms – daffodils, tulips, and Dutch iris – are beautiful, and they’re just getting started. Stroll through the giant fields that contain over 50 different varieties of flowers in a rainbow of colors so and pick your own. This sounds like a sight to behold. Don’t forget the camera.

Eggcellent Celebrations
Where: Around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
Many places around the area are hosting egg hunts, Easter bunny visits, and more spring fun to celebrate Easter and the season. Even if you’re not big on the holiday, there are attractions beyond bunnies and candy-filled eggs that will have the whole family hopping with joy. See this post for a list of them.

Vacation at the Drive-In
Where: Union Market
When: Friday, 8pm (gates open at 6pm)
Admission: $10/car or free in the picnic area
Union Market, home to the highly acclaimed food market is bringing back their wildly popular Drive-In outdoor movie series this spring. Films will screen outdoors on Union Market’s 3-story wall on Fridays starting tonight with National Lampoon’s Vacation. Folks watch the movies from their parked cars and listen through their car radios or from the picnic area in front of the market. A variety of Union Market vendors and Suburbia will also participate serving themed food, drinks, and snacks. The Union Market Drive-In is $10 per car (tickets are available online), but seating in the picnic area will be first come first serve, free of charge.

Nats vs. Cards
Where: Nationals Park
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: Ticket prices vary
Take the kids out to the ballgame! The Nats are hosting the St. Louis Cardinals all weekend with an evening game tonight, an afternoon match-up on Saturday, and another game on Sunday. Take advantage of the Harris Teeter Family Pack. And don’t forget you can stay post0game on Sunday for Kids Run the Bases when children ages 4-12 can loop the in field after the final out.

Show Time
Where: Local Theatres
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
* Catch a performance of The Jungle Book at Adventure Theatre
* Cinderella: The Remix just opened at Imagination Stage
* See Once on this Island at Olney Theatre
* Fly away to Neverland with The Washington Ballet’s Peter Pan at the Kennedy Center
* Groovy Nate is playing the Saturday morning show at Jammin’ Java.
* The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is at Ford’s Theatre through May 17.

Awesome Con
Where: Washington Convention Center
When: Saturday, 10am – 7pm & Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Admission: $30/1-day pass, $50/2-day pass, free for kids 10 and under
This celebration of popular culture is DC’s comic-con, embracing all aspects of geekdom and pop culture. Expect a wide assortment of comic books, collectibles, toys, games, original art, cosplay, and much more. Special events will include fun with comic book artists, cool science and hands-on activities, trivia contests, and gaming tournaments. Especially for kids will be all-day art stations, children’s book readings, art projects, The Geek Balloonist, and more (view the full kids’ schedule.)

Revolutionary War Living History Day
Where: Congressional Cemetery
When: Saturday, 11am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Step back in time and learn about the Revolutionary War veterans and patriots interred at Historic Congressional Cemetery. Take a Revolutionary War tour of the grounds. Watch and learn about the musket through firing demonstrations, and listen to a concert featuring the music of the time as performed by the baroque trumpets from the Monumental City Ancient Fife and Drum Corps.

Tots to Teens Expo
Where: Washington Convention Center
When: Saturday 10am – 6pm
Admission: Free
Get direct access to a wealth of different businesses and services that help make life easier for DC-area families. There is no other regional event that focuses exclusively on products or services that cater to children and teens. The O.S.S.E. Tots to Teens Expo fills that void — and so much more. Some exciting fun things for kids include, but aren’t limited to: Bumper cars, Toddler & Tiara pageant, Roller skating, Tennis, Fencing, Kids cooking classes, Fitness stage, 3,000 sq feet of inflatables and much more.

Salting Fish
Where: Claude Moore Colonial Farm
When: Saturday, 1-4pm
Admission: $3/adults, $2/children & seniors
Visit the Farm family and learn about the important contributions the Potomac River makes in their lives, as they clean and salt down their yearly catch of herring. The public is invited to help scale, clean, and pack the fish into jars – and educational and fun activity!

Kids’ Farm Month
Where: National Zoo
When: April 1 – 30
Admission: Free
Celebrate the Zoo’s Kids’ Farm, sponsored by State Farm®, throughout the month of April with a variety of activities and events. Every day, the Zoo will have special animal encounters, keeper talks, and demonstrations. And you can stop by the lion/tiger information booth to pick up a special coloring sheet and seed packet.

The Ins and Outs of DC
Where: All over the area
When: All weekend long
Admission: Varies by adventure
If you’re simply looking for things to do outdoors or inside, depending on the weather or simply your preference, these posts are chock full of evergreen pursuits:
The Great Indoors
The Best Places in the DC Area to Enjoy a Beautiful Day Outdoors with the Kids

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Filed under All ages, Animals, Annual, DC, Farm, Festival, Free, Holidays, Live Entertainment, Maryland, Museums, Music, Nature, Outdoor, Seasonal, Spring, Theatre, Virginia, Weekend

Tagged as DC Children's Theatre, DC Easter Activities, DC Kids Activities, DC Kids Museums, DC Spring Activities for Kids, DC Weekend April 19-20, DC with kids, Kids Activities in Maryland, Kids Activities in Northern Virginia, Kids Entertainment in DC, National Cherry Blossom Festival, Things to do with Kids in DC, Things to do with kids in Northern Virginia, Thinsg to do with Kids in Maryland, Washington DC Events, Weekend in DC

March 29, 2013 · 6:26 am

The Weekend Round-Up: March 30-31

The National Arb is always a good bet in nice weather

The holiday on Sunday might make for a modest Round-Up this week, but don’t let that deter you from seeking out adventures. Celebrate Easter and the season, go fly a kite at one of the best events of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, catch a live performance, enjoy a museum program or exhibit. Or click through the last couple of links for a plethora of mainstay DC ideas. Happy Weekend!

Easter Celebrations
Where: Around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
Many places around the area are hosting egg hunts, Easter bunny visits, and more spring fun to celebrate Easter and the season. Early risers — the event starts at 7:30am Saturday — can hunt for eggs among wax presidents at Madame Tussauds. You can also enjoy storytime, arts & crafts, bounce sessions, and fun on the farm along with traditional festivities, so even if you’re not big on the holiday, there are attractions beyond bunnies and candy-filled eggs for the whole brood. See this post for a list of them.

Ignite Your Natitude
Where: Nationals Park
When: Friday, 2:05pm
Admission: Tickets start at $16
Opening Day is merely days away, and you can catch a preview of the 2012 National League East Champions before the new season officially starts in an exhibition game against the Yankees today. Perfect timing if the kids are home on spring break or out of school for the DCPS early dismissal. Think I might grab some seats myself!

Blossom Kite Festival
Where: Washington Monument Grounds
When: Saturday, 10am – 4:30pm
Admission: Free
Go fly a kite! Seriously. The Kite Festival is, in my humble opinion, the best event during cherry blossom season (when the weather cooperates, anyway). The sight of thousands of kites in all colors, shapes, and sizes soaring around the Washington Monument is truly one to behold. It’s absolutely magical for my kids, and even for me as a jaded adult. The sails you see flying at the Festival each spring range from simple to pretty darn creative. Dragons, sharks, butterflies, giant soccer balls, even some that look like intricate works of art actually outnumber your basic diamond. And anyone can go fly their kites, so be sure to bring one. There’s a competition aspect to the event, too; expert kite enthusiasts will wow crowds with cool stunts, and prizes will be awarded to winners of various categories such as most beautiful, funniest, and aerodynamics.

Show Time
Where: Local Theatres
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
Here’s the live entertainment on local stages this weekend:
– Catch Jack & the Beanstalk at The Puppet Co. or see a Tiny Tots show there.
– Enjoy theatre and reggae sounds at Adventure Theatre’s Three Little Birds
– See The Big Meow at Wooly Mammoth Theatre.
– From Here to There is Imagination Stage’s newest Early Childhood program
– Jason Invisible is still on stage at the Kennedy Center.
– Hello Dolly! is the latest Ford’s Theatre production.
– Swing into spring with the Uncle Devin Show at Jammin’ Java.
Get details on all of these productions in this post about entertainment this season.

Real Pirates
Where: National Geographic Museum
When: All weekend
Admission: $11/adults, $7/ages 5-12, free for 4 and under
Arrrr, matey! Real Pirates: The Untold Story of the Whydah from Slave Ship to Pirate Ship is Nat Geo’s newest exhibit with appeal for a range of ages. You can follow the ship’s history as you tour the displays, see and even touch artifacts recovered from its sunken wreckage, feel like you’re there as you view replicas of the ship, try your hand at knot-tying, and hoist the Jolly Roger. While you’re there, check out the Birds of Paradise exhibit, too. And if you get can’t to Pirates this weekend, you’ve got plenty of time to go — the exhibit will run daily through September 2.

Portrait Story Days
Where: National Portrait Gallery
When: Saturday, 1-4pm & Sunday, 2-5pm
Admission: Free
Drop in to listen to a story about a person who has influenced American history and culture and to create a special piece of art. This weekend, learn about artist Georgia O’Keeffe. And while you’re at the museum, do some more exploring. This post has background on the Portrait Story Days program and what else you can find at the NPG.

Read! Build! Play!
Where: Watha T. Daniel-Shaw Library
When: Saturday, 11am
Admission: Free
Join neighbors and friends at your local library for creative building sessions filled with guided activities, inspirational songs and time for free build especially for little ones. The LEGO DUPLO Read! Build! Play! experience demonstrates how reading coupled with construction play can engage, excite and encourage early literacy development, and spark exploration. Families are introduced to new ideas to encourage play and learning at home. The Watha T. Daniel-Shaw Library is located at 1630 7th Street NW.

The Weekend Round-Up: March 23-24

Cherry blossom silhouettes

The weather may not signal spring’s arrival, but many events around DC indicate the new season is here. Cherry Blossom festivities, Easter celebrations, annual museum programs, and other activities that occur this time of year are reminders that we’ve moved beyond winter, despite the cold. And luckily, many of them are happening indoors, so you can stay warm and cozy while enjoying your days out. Read about them below and get even more ideas in this post about inside fun around the DC-Metro. Happy Weekend!

Kites of Asia Family Day
Where: National Air & Space Museum
When: Saturday, 10am -3pm
Admission: Free
The first aviation-related objects collected by the Smithsonian were a group of Chinese kites, donated in 1876. Celebrate this unique start to the National Air and Space Museum’s collection by visiting on the Kites of Asia family day. Experience the artistry and beauty of Asian kites, see indoor kite flying, and make your own kite!

National Cherry Blossom Festival Family Days
Where: National Building Museum
When: Saturday, 10am – 4pm & Sunday, 11am – 4pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate the start of cherry blossom season at the National Building Museum’s 8th annual family festival for kids of all ages. The weekend will feature hands-on activities, interactive art demonstrations, and performances that celebrate spring and explore Japanese arts and design. View the website for specifics. And to see what other festivities are on the Cherry Blossom Festival calendar, see this post from a couple of days ago.

DC United vs. Columbus Crew
Where: RFK Stadium
When: Saturday, 3pm
Admission: Tickets prices vary
The DC United takes on the Columbus Crew at home this weekend, and you can catch the match along with loads of other family fun. Games are always a blast, and the VW Garage offers activities for all ages — face painting, a Zig Zag challenge, trivia, and more. Even better, you can score a Family Pack — 4 tickets, 4 hotdogs, and 4 drinks – for just $108! Get more info on the match and deal here.

Show Time
Where: Local Theatres
When: Throughout the Weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
Here’s the live entertainment on local stages this weekend:
– The Washington Ballet presents Cinderella at the Kennedy Center
– Catch Jack & the Beanstalk at The Puppet Co. or see a Tiny Tots show there.
– Enjoy theatre and reggae sounds at Adventure Theatre’s Three Little Birds
– See The Big Meow at Wooly Mammoth Theatre.
– From Here to There is Imagination Stage’s newest Early Childhood program
– Mother Goose: Jazz’n Blues! is this week’s Saturday Morning at the National performance.
– The Creative Cauldron in Falls Church presents Peter Pan and Wendy
– Jason Invisible opens at the Kennedy Center this weekend.
– Hello Dolly! is the latest Ford’s Theatre production.
– Marsha Goodman-Wood is playing the Saturday 10:30am show and The Banjo Man will provide the family entertainment on Sunday at Jammin’ Java.
– The NSO Family Concert: Tchaikovsky Discovers America will be perfomred at the Kennedy Center on Sunday.
Get details on all of these production in this post about entertainment this season.

Environmental Film Fest
Where: Various locations
When: Through March 24
Admission: Varies by film
Nearly 200 diverse and arresting films from 50 countries will be screened at 75 venues around the DC-Metro area during the 21st annual Environmental Film Festival. And there are several family-oriented flicks among them. Young film viewers can watch An Original Duckmentary, follow the journey of a sea turtle, enjoy the remarkable true story of an orphaned baby otter, learn about hummingbirds and hippos, and see many more engaging and inspiring films that salute the environment. View the website for showtimes and details on films.

Mary Poppins on Ice
Where: Gardens Ice House Patrick Arena
When: Saturday & Sunday, 1pm & 3:30pm
Admission: $10
See a children’s classic come to life on ice as the Gardens Figure Skating Club presents its ninth annual spring show Mary Poppins on Ice. The figure skating performance portrays a magical nanny who skates with her umbrella into an English household to care for rambunctious children and to teach the entire family that they love and need each other. Featuring over 60 skaters performing to music from the 1964 Disney musical and the ongoing theater adaptation based on the children’s book series by P.L. Travers, the cast includes local skaters from age 4 to adult, integrating skill levels ranging from beginner to advanced, creating a visually exciting theatrical experience. (Note: The giveaway has ended.)

Lowe’s Build and Grow
Where: Local Lowe’s Stores
When: Saturday, 10am
Admission: Free
Head to Lowe’s on Saturday, where kids can make a free wooden project with parent help. This session’s creation will be a Piranhakeet Chomper inspired by DreamWorks Animation’s THE CROODS! Each participant also receives a free apron, goggles, a project themed patch, and a certification of merit upon completion of their project. Go here to register.

Women in Aviation and Space
Where: Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
When: Saturday, 10am – 3pm
Admission: Free, but parking is $15
Bring the whole family the Dulles arm of Air & Space to learn about the incredible contributions of women in aviation, science, and aerospace. Enjoy hands-on activities, guest speakers, a theatrical presentation, book signings, and Flights of Fancy Story Time for young visitors.

Wahzhazhe, An Osage Ballet
Where: National Museum of the American Indian
When: Friday & Saturday, 3pm
Admission: Free
This contemporary ballet brings together unique and diverse qualities of Oklahoma history and culture: a reverence for classical ballet that was the legacy of two famous Osage ballerinas, Maria and Marjorie Tallchief, and the richness of Osage traditional music, dance, and textile arts. Catch a free performance in the American Indian Museum’s Rasmusen Theatre. And a word of advice: Get there on time! (We were a few minutes late on Wednesday and were not allowed to enter). Afterwards, head to the imagiNATIONS Activity Center on the third floor for play time, arts & crafts, and more.

Stories in Art
Where: National Gallery of Art
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: Free
Kids ages 4-7 can explore the work of artist René Magritte, as they hear a reading of the book Magritte’s Marvelous Hat by D. B. Johnson and step inside René Magritte’s imaginative world and explore the art of creating illusion. Then, they will do an art project inspired by her work. Sessions are at 10:30am, 11:30am, 12:30pm, and 1:30pm on Saturday, and 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm, and 2:30 on Sunday. Sign-in takes place in the East Building Atrium, beginning at 10am on Saturday (11am on Sunday) and continues until all spaces are filled. Admission is free. Read a KFDC review of the Stories in Art program here.

Clean Up at the Colonial Farm
Where: Claude Moore Colonial Farm
When: Saturday & Sunday, 10am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Help the local living history museum and working farm prepare for the 2013 season! Volunteers can rake leaves, clear and mulch paths, haul brush and firewood, move rail fences, waterproof outbuildings, whitewash the colonial farmhouse, split firewood, fill garden pots and more. There are jobs for every age and skill level – families are welcome. A picnic hot dog lunch and complimentary pass to one of the Farm’s 2013 Market Fairs will be given out to all volunteers. Bring work gloves and dress for weather. RSVP to volunteers@1771.org.

March Madness, Beyblade Style
Where: Martin Luther King Jr. Park
When: Saturday, 11am – 4pm
Admission: $5 entry fee
If your kid is a Beyblade enthusiast, consider checking out this tournament taking place in Silver Spring this weekend. Word has it these events are super fun, inclusive, and a great bargain. Registration begins at 11am, and the tourney time is around 12:30pm. The day should end around 3pm for most, 4pm for finalists.

Open House
Where: Theatre Lab
When: Saturday, 10am – 12pm
Admission: Free
Learn about Theatre Lab’s programs and offerings at their free Open House. There will be information their about camps and classes, plus the whole crew can enjoy some activities while you’re at it: Mini-classes for kids and adults as well as arts and crafts will be available to all guests.

Portrait Story Days
Where: National Portrait Gallery
When: Saturday 1-4pm, Sunday 2-5pm
Admission: Free
Drop in to listen to a story about a person who has influenced American history and culture and to create a special piece of art. This weekend, learn about early environmentalist Rachel Carson.

Explore Japanese Culture
Where: Library of Congress
When: Saturday, 10am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Inspired by Japan’s connection to the Cherry Blossom Festival, this event welcomes children and adults to explore Japanese culture through a variety of activities. Try your hand at origami, enjoy theater presentations, see a kimono demonstration, and more. This all takes place in the Young Readers Center located on the Ground Floor of the LOC’s Thomas Jefferson Building.

Culture Shock Dance
Where: Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall & Arts Center
When: Saturday, 6pm
Admission: $30/ages 6 and up, $20/5 and under
Culture Shock DC presents its 4th Annual Youth Showcase—”One Nation Under A Groove,” featuring the freshest and most talented young Hip Hop/Urban dance teams from ages 4 to 18 in the DMV and internationally. The schedule of events includes performances, workshops, dance battles, and more! Purchase tickets online here.