Tag Archives: DC Events February 2020

The Weekend Round-Up: February 28 – March 1

Vamos United! A new season of soccer kicks off this weekend



Happy Weekend!

Full STEAM Ahead
Where: National Children’s Museum | Downtown DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $10.95/age 1+

The new National Children’s Museum opened this week with an array of STEAM-inspired exhibits that offer fun and interesting ways to engage, learn, and exercise creativity. It’s geared toward kids up to age 12, and there are areas especially for littles. Read more about it in this new post. Tickets are timed entry, and it’s likely to be popular this first weekend, so reserve yours in advance!

Kids Consignment Sale
Where: Trinity United Methodist Church | Alexandria, VA
When: Saturday, 8am – 12:30pm
Admission: Free

Being a parent in Alexandria is challenging and expensive, but a little help comes every spring and fall from the MOMS Club of Alexandria NE Consignment Sale. The event offers thousands of children’s books, toys, clothes and supplies for ages 0-10.  Each sale is made possible by volunteer labor from MOMS Club members, consignors, and community members. The low prices and half-price sale help families stay on budget, and those volunteering find camaraderie among fellow parents. The sale is also very environmentally responsible, lowering the need for landfill and avoiding the need for new materials. Word has it they get some great brands and merchandise, and shoppers line up outside an hour before doors open to score some amazing finds! 

Intersect with the Performing Arts
Where: Atlas Performing Arts Center | H Street NE, DC
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: Varies – see the website

It’s the second weekend of the Atlas’ annual INTERSECTIONS festival that presents tons of fantastic performances in music, theatre, dance, film, and spoken word with several exhibitions especially for families. Saturday is a Family Fun Day with free and ticketed shows for young audiences plus a Creation Station by Happy Little Art Studio. On stage for kids: A free concert with Culture Queen, Imagination Stage’s Mouse on the Move, Elements Dance Company’s The World According to Mr. Rogers, and more! These are just the most family-friendly opportunities — the whole line-up throughout the Festival is worth checking out by adults.

Screen Time
Where: Showplace ICON Theatre | Tysons, VA
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free

A 110-year-old movie theater chain is opening a new location in the area. Coming soon is the Showplace ICON Theatre Tysons. It officially opens on March 6, but the soft opening is from Friday, February 28 – Wednesday, March 4. This will include FREE movies to the public, in addition to free popcorn and drinks to Extra Club Members (a free membership that the public can sign up for online).

DC Way Soccer Festival
Where: RFK Fields | Northeast DC
When: Saturday, 9:30-11am
Admission: Free

Are you ready to end winter memorably with super fun outdoor activities? Bring your kids this Saturday to the RFK Fields for DC Way’s Free Festival. It’s a great way to spend more time with your little athletes and play different games with them. Get ready for an obstacle course, 1v1, tic tac toe, and a parents vs players scrimmage. The festival is also an opportunity for a tryout session for anybody who is considering joining the club – children of any skill level ages 7 and older are welcome. 

Baby Scientist Book Readings
Where: Hooray for Books | Alexandria, VA
When: Saturday, 10:30am
Admission: Free

Join author Laura Gehl when she visits Hooray for Books to read her Baby Scientist board books: Baby Paleontologist, Baby Botanist, Baby Astronaut, and Baby Oceanographer. The Baby Scientist books introduce scientific concepts to babies, toddlers, and preschoolers in an entertaining and accessible way. With stories, props, songs, and games, there will be fun for all budding scientists!

Sensory Friendly Screening: The Call of the Wild
Where: Regal Rockville Center Stadium | Rockville, MD
When: Saturday, 10:30am
Admission: $6.50

Catch a Sensory-Friendly Screening of The Call of the Wild on Saturday morning. The newest My Way Matinee from Regal gives everyone the opportunity to experience a movie once a month with the sound turned down and the lights turned up. Watch the trailer for the movie here.

Snow Days
Where: Eastern Market Plaza | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Saturday, 11am – 2pm
Admission: Free

Head to Eastern Market Plaza to celebrate the last few weeks of winter! Enjoy FREE s’mores, games, and best of all, snow flurries! Before (or after) you do your weekend shopping — you can find fresh produce, art, jewelry, wearable items, and more — be sure to stop by for some fun.

Deeply Rooted
Where: US Botanic Garden | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free

The USBG is turning 200 this year, and the major exhibition of the bicentennial is “The U.S. Botanic Garden at 200: Deeply Rooted, Branching Outward,” on display now through October 15 in the Conservatory’s East and West Galleries. Explore historic images of the Garden, learn about plant exploration through the years, and discover how the Garden works day-to-day. Discover the original 3D images through historic 1800s stereoscope photos of the Garden, test your detective skills with botanical challenges in a set evoking a scientist’s station in an 1800s exploration ship, and see what notes you can identify in a recreation of the infamous corpse flower smell. Visitors will also see a life-size bronze sculpture of a corpse flower created especially for the Garden.

Black to the Future Festival
Where: Anacostia Arts Center | Anacostia, DC
When: Saturday, 1-5pm
Admission: Free

Join a celebration of black business, art, wellness, music, food, and lives. Bring the family and shop at the Melanin Market, a collective of black owned business owners and brands offering merchandise from jewelry to clothing to home goods. There will also be cooking demonstrations and delicious samples of local black-owned food vendors and beverage makers. Attendees will also have access to community impacts representatives, image and branding consultants, epicureans, and health conscious cuisine within the heart of the #food desert that has become of wards 7 & 8.

Show Time
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by show

* The Snowy Day and Other Stories by Ezra Jack Keats is on stage at Adventure Theatre
* Enjoy YAO YAO, which uses interactive screen art technology and live music to capture a whimsical adventure, at he Kennedy Center
* Thumbelina is making a big impression on the Imagination Stage.
* Zomo the Rabbit: A Hip-Hop Creation Myth is also at Imagination Stage on Saturday (read a KFDC review)
* Beauty and the Beast is the Main Stage show at The Puppet Co.
* And really little ones will enjoy Magic Toyshop, Sunday’s Tiny Tots performance there
* It’s the final weekend for Synetic Theatre’s production of Phantom of the Opera
* Make it a date night for Celia and Fidel, opening at Arena Stage this weekend

DC United Season Kicks Off
Where: Audi Field | Southwest DC
When: Saturday, 1pm
Admission: Tickets start at $30

Soccer season begins this weekend as the DC United play their first match at home against the Colorado Rapids. I recommend taking public transportation since parking can be difficult. Or park in the Navy Yard neighborhood and plan on brunch before or late lunch after the game — El Bebe, The Salt Line, and All Purpose are very convenient and my top recs for family-friendly spots to eat there.

Portrait Stories & Discoveries
Where: National Portrait Gallery | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Saturday & Sunday, 1-4pm
Admission: Free

Drop in at the National Portrait Gallery to listen to a story about Michelle Obama 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 and museum, go here and here.

Feel the Heritage Festival
Where: Charles Drew Community Center | Arlington, VA
When: Saturday, 1-6pm
Admission: Free

Join the Arlington County of Parks & Recreation as they celebrate Arlington’s rich African-American history at the 28th annual Feel the Heritage Festival. This Black History Month event will feature live music and dance, dozens of vendors, free activities for kids, delicious food, a cook-off competition (sign up here!), Hall of History with photos and artifacts for Arlington’s historically African-American neighborhoods and organizations, and more.

Wow in the World Pop Up Party
Where: Strathmore | Bethesda, MD
When: Saturday, 1pm & 5pm
Admission: $28-48+

The Wow in the World Pop-Up Party brings the insanely popular kids podcast out in the world. Host Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz weave STEM-themed interactive games and foley-infused comedy skits with science-themed songs from three-time Grammy-nominated kindie duo, and creators of the “Wow in the World” theme song, The Pop Ups. Sketches and games are inspired by topics from Wow in the World and bring Wowzers from the audience on stage to be lab assistants and game show contestants. This exciting show engages curious kids and their grown-ups in science, wonder, imagination, and music and leaves them all saying “WOW!” Ideal for ages 5–12.

Fun at Fairfax Parks
Where: Parks throughout 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. Take a Leap Day Wilderness Walk at Huntley Meadows. Celebrate Dr. Seuss’ Birthday at Hidden Oaks Nature Center. Check out a Maple Syrup Boil-Down at Colvin Run Mill. Details and registration for these and more activities this weekend and beyond are available here.

Park it in MoCo
Where: MoCo Parks | Montgomery County, MD
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity

Montgomery Parks also presents loads of special activities for visitors of all ages. Enjoy Fairy Tale Days or at Locust Grove Nature Center. Or sign up kids age 7+ for the Care of Magical Creatures there. Go on a Black History Month Walking Tour at Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park. Find details on all of these and even more events coming up.

NCAA B-Ball
Where: Colleges around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Ticket prices vary

As we get closer to March Madness, the college court action is getting more exciting. And with so many universities in the area, there’s always great b-ball going on. Here’s where you can watch it live this weekend:
* GWU women vs Richmond on Saturday at 2pm
* American women vs Holy Cross on Saturday at 2pm
* George Mason women vs. LaSalle on Saturday at 2pm
* Maryland men vs Michigan State on Saturday at 8pm (Go, Terps!)
* Howard men vs. Yale on Monday at 1pm
* Georgetown men vs. Xavier on Sunday at 2pm

STORYTIME: Owl Moon
Where: Hirshhorn Museum | National Mall, DC
When: Sunday, 11am – 12pm
Admission: Free

Hoo, hoo! Join the Hirshhorn for a wintery exploration of the night sky and an imaginary search for owls. THey’ll read aloud Owl Moon by Jane Yolen, and create our own wintery artworks. STORYTIME explores contemporary art through stories and movement. Each week features a fresh and fun theme. Bring your littlest art lover for an introduction to an artist on view, interactive read aloud, and a hands-on activity.

Last Call for Future Sketches
Where: ARTECHOUSE | Southwest DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $16-20/adult, $8-10/child

This weekend is the last chance to experience Future Sketches at ARTECHOUSE. Immerse in digital art as you enjoy fun and quirky designs, plus neat interactives that focus on faces. Purchase tickets online for a discount.

Complimentary Community Day
Where: National Museum of Women in the Arts | Downtown, DC
When: Sunday, 12-5pm
Admission: Free

The first Sunday of every month is a great opportunity explore the National Museum of Women in the Arts 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. It’s a fantastic mix of art that will appeal all ages — the collection includes bold and quirky designs that little museum-goers will love along with more profound works that big art enthusiasts will appreciate. Plan for a Fierce Women tour, offered 1-2pm or explore the museum on your own.

Laurie Berkner Band
Where: Gordon Center for Performing Arts | Owings Mills, MD
When: Sunday, 11am & 3pm
Tickets: $36-65

Best selling children’s music artist Laurie Berkner is returning to the DC area for two shows. A true pioneer in children’s music, beloved by generations of children and parents for over twenty years, she’ll be playing well-loved hits like “Bumblebee (Buzz Buzz)” and “We Are the Dinosaurs” along with newer songs. Kids should plan to bring their dancing shoes and a stuffed animal (for their heads). FYI: We took a toddler Owen to one of Laurie’s shows years ago, and it was a blast!

Hot Peas ‘N Butter
Where: Center for the Arts | George Mason University, VA
When: Sunday, 1pm & 4pm
Tickets:$15/adult, $10/child

Get the whole family on their feet dancing at an infectiously fun global music celebration. This family music ensemble blends together traditional Latin music, Afro-Caribbean rhythms, jazz, bluegrass, country, and rock. Singing in English, Spanish, French, Korean and Hebrew, Hot Peas ‘n Butter aims to show multi-cultural interconnectedness. Their repertoire of songs like “Number 1” and their signature Latin beat tracks “Somos Familia,” “Amistad,” “Que Llueva,” and “Round the World” enjoy radio play nationwide. Recommended for ages 2-6.

The Icing on the Skate
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by rink

There are only a couple of weeks left to skate under the sky, so take advantage while you can — especially over the nice, sunny weekend! Take in art as you skate at the Sculpture Garden; circle around Washington Harbour as you enjoy river views; meander along the Figure 8 path at Canal Park; or do some shopping then skate at Pentagon Row, Veteran’s Plaza, Rockville Town Square, or Reston Town Center. This post has details on alfresco (and indoor) ice skating options in the area.

The Ins & Outs of DC

Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend

Admission: Varies by adventure


Want even more options for fun things to do with the kids around the area? If you’re looking for activities outdoors or inside, depending on the weather or simply your preference, these posts are chock full of ongoing pursuits:

The Best Places in the DC Area to Enjoy a Beautiful Day Outdoors with the Kids

The Great Indoors

***MORE GOOD STUFF***
* There’s a giveaway going on for a chance to win a free private music lesson with International School of Music!
* National Theatre is saluting the troops with two Military Night performances of Bandstand on Tuesday, March 3 and Friday, March 6 — tickets are just $40 for patrons with military ID.
* Gap is going more sustainable and partnering with ThredUp — you can now drop off used clothes at Gap locations in exchange for store credit.
* 12 new restaurants and bars in the area
* The latest, greatest item at Trader Joe’s.
* Tiny kindnesses can make a huge impact ❤️

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Filed under 2020, All ages, DC, Free, Indoor Play, Live Entertainment, Maryland, Museums, Music, Seasonal, Special Event, Theatre, Virginia, Weekend, Winter

The Weekend Round-Up:
February 21-23

Disc golfin’ – a great way to enjoy a nice day outdoors with the fam


Happy Weekend!

INTERSECTIONS
Where: Atlas Performing Arts Center | H Street NE, DC
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: Varies by show–see the website

The Atlas is kicking off its annual INTERSECTIONS festival that presents tons of fantastic performances in music, theatre, dance, film, and spoken word with several exhibitions especially for families. Family Fun Days are this weekend with free and ticketed shows for young audiences plus a Creation Station by Happy Little Art Studio and an Instrument Petting Zoo with Capitol City Symphony. On stage for kids: Building Better People Productions’ Friendlier Fables & Thoughtful Tales, Imagination Stage’s Mouse on the Move, a free show by Mr. Skip, and more! These are just the most family-friendly opportunities — the whole line-up throughout the Festival is worth checking out by adults.

#OptOutside
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission:Varies by Locale

It looks like it’ll be great weather to get outside! You’ve got your pick of places around the DC-Metro for adventures in the fresh air. Take a hike, play some disc golf, hit a playground, explore a garden, visit animals, or see what else there is to do al fresco in this post with tons of inspiration for fun (hopefully) in the sun.

Wizards vs. Cavaliers
Where: Capital One Arena | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Friday, 7pm
Admission: Tickets start $10

Kick off the weekend with some basketball! The Wizards are hosting the Cavaliers on Friday evening. Plan on a pre-game dinner in Penn Quarter — there are plenty of family-friendly places to go in the neighborhood. Some recs: Carmine’s, Jaleo, Pi Pizzeria, Cava Grill, and Shake Shack. Before you get tickets, learn about the Wizards Kids Club that offers some great perks for young fans!

Ford’s For Me
Where: Ford’s Theatre | Downtown DC
When: Saturday, 9am
Admission: Free (reserve by phone: 202.347.4833)

Ford’s Theatre Society is hosting a sensory-friendly open house for families and those with cognitive and sensory processing disabilities. Guests are invited to explore Ford’s Theatre spaces with fewer crowds than a typical public entry time. Activities include time to explore Ford’s Theatre and Museum, a Lincoln-related craft activity in the Ford’s Theatre lobby, tactile costume interaction in the Museum, a puzzle activity in the balcony, a story time reading of Abe’s Honest Words: The Life of Abraham Lincoln By Doreen Rappaport, illustrated by Kadir Nelson, and more. Read more about Ford’s Theatre in this KFDC post.

Washington Justice for All
Where: The Anthem | Southwest DC
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: Ticket prices vary

The District’s first esports team, The Washington Justice, will be playing their first set of DC-based matches this weekend. And if, like me, you’re not familiar with esports, I’ll save you a Google search. Per Wikipedia, “esports often takes the form of organized, multiplayer video game competitions, particularly between professional players, individually or as teams.” There are several matches throughout the weekend, and both kids and adults can enjoy them.

Cartoon Skate
Where: Washington Harbour Ice Rink | Georgetown, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 12pm
Admission:

Join some costumed characters on the ice — a great way to enjoy the outdoors during winter and have some family fun. And for more places to skate the day away, see this post.

Thread of Evidence: Exploring the Science of Fibers and Textiles
Where: National Law Enforcement Museum | Judiciary Square, DC
When: Saturday, 1-3pm
Admission: $19.95/adult online, free/12 & under

Enjoy a fun-filled afternoon of STEAM activities at the National Law Enforcement Museum! For “scientists” of all ages, experiment with museum educators by participating in hands-on activities with a Fiber and Textiles theme. Practice your investigative skills with crime scene fiber pick-up, uncover the identities of textiles with a liquid test, and create your own fiber magnifier! Fibers and Textiles introduces participants to chemistry, optics, and engineering. Note: Science Saturday occurs the fourth Saturday of every month and is free with admission to the Museum. Admission for kids under 12 is always free. No need to register.

Show Time
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by show

* The Snowy Day and Other Stories by Ezra Jack Keats is on stage at Adventure Theatre
* The National Symphony Orchestra is performing a Mozart Mash-Up for young audiences at the Kennedy Center
* Thumbelina is making a big impression on the Imagination Stage.
* Zomo the Rabbit: A Hip-Hop Creation Myth is also at Imagination Stage on Saturday (read a KFDC review)
* See legendary prima ballerina Irina Kolesnikova in the US debut of Tschaikovsky’s Swan Lake at National Theatre
* It’s opening weekend for Beauty and the Beast at The Puppet Co.
* And really little ones will enjoy Baby Bear’s Birthday, Sunday’s Tiny Tots performance there
* Make it a date night for Synetic Theatre’s production of Phantom of the Opera

Maple Sugaring Days

Where: Brookside Nature Center | Wheaton, MD

When: Saturday & Sunday

Admission: $7


February is Maple Sugaring Month at Brookside Nature Center, and you can be a part of the maple sugaring process. Help collect the sap from trees, watch as its boiled down into sweet maple syrup, and enjoy a taste! This is the last weekend to take part in this program, and sessions fill up fast, so register now!

Portrait Stories & Discoveries
Where: National Portrait Gallery | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Saturday & Sunday, 1-4pm
Admission: Free

Drop in at the National Portrait Gallery to listen to a story about Frederick Douglass 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 and museum, go here and here.

Mardis Gras Celebration
Where: The Wharf | Southwest DC
When: Saturday, 4-7pm
Admission: Free

The Wharf is bringing New Orleans to DC! Come celebrate Mardi Gras with a free community-wide extravaganza featuring a lively parade down Wharf Street, a dance party with live music on District Pier, and a special fireworks finale.

Black History Month Celebrations
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity

February is Black History Month, and there are events and activities throughout the DC area to celebrate it. Museum programs (including an entire museum!), special tours and exhibits, story time sessions, and more will be enlightening and fun for all ages. See where they’re all happening here.

IKEA After Dark Bedtime Stories
Where: IKEA locations around the DMV
When: Saturday, 8=9pm
Admission: Free

Let IKEA help get your little ones ready for bed by reading classic bedtime stories in Smaland from 8-9pm. Drop them off in Smaland while you enjoy the IKEA After Dark FREE yoga and mediation session in the Restaurant. Pajamas, their favorite stuff friend, and blankets are all welcomed. RSVP required. (Note: This links to the College Park location, so be sure to RSVP to your location!)

Mark Nizer 4D
Where: BlackRock Center for the Arts | Gaithersburg, MD
When: Saturday, 7:30-9
Tickets: $20

The only live 3D show in the world! Okay, technically any on-stage performance is a live 3D show, but this world-champion juggler uses lights, music, special effects and his own incredible skill to put on a dazzling performance with thrills and outrageous laughs. Special 3D glasses available to the audience give a surreal sensation of depth that take this family-friendly show beyond anything you’ve ever seen on stage before!

2020 Family Gras
Where: Capitol Cider House | Petworth, DC
When: Sunday, 10am – 12pm
Admission: $10

Join Capitol Cider houser for their 2nd annual Family Gras, a family-friendly Mardi Gras celebration! Kids will enjoy complimentary face painting, balloon animals, festive crafts, and beads (gently) thrown from a cider house float. Adults will enjoy our stellar weekday happy hour, and as an added bonus, they’re flying in king cake from Gambino’s – a legendary New Orleans bakery. Tickets required for ALL AGES, and it’s highly recommended to purchase ahead. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2020-family-gras-tickets-92098871203

Cuenta Cuentos: STORYTIME in Spanish
Where: Hirshhorn Museum | National Mall, DC
When: Sunday, 11am – 12pm
Admission: Free

Bring the littlest art lovers for an introduction to an artist on view, interactive read aloud, and a hands-on activity. This week, take a close look at artworks in the exhibit Manifesto: Art x Agency and hear a reading of Mi Voz by Jose Fragoso. Stay to create an artwork that amplifies your own voice! All audiences are welcome to join this Spanish-language program, led by a multilingual educator. (FYI: Each week STORYTIME features a fresh and fun theme!)

Caps vs. Penguins
Where: Capitol One Arena | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Sunday, 12pm
Admission: Tickets prices vary

The Washington Capitals will be taking over Capital One Arena on Sunday afternoon when they host the Pittsburgh Penguins. If you want to plan on a pre-match brunch in Penn Quarteo, there are plenty of family-friendly places to go in the neighborhood. Some recs: Jaleo, Carmine’s, Oyamel, Shake Shack, and Pi Pizzeria.

2020 Relay-Palooza
Where: Jammin Java | Vienne, VA
When: Sunday, 1pm (doors open at 12pm)
Admission:

Join Relay For Life of Northern Virginia for their annual Relay-Palooza Battle of the Bands kickoff celebration benefiting the American Cancer Society. Doors open at 12 pm and the event begins at 1 pm. Local acts register to perform on the Jammin Java stage, then you get to vote to determine a winner. The winner of Relay-Palooza will get the chance to headline the 2020 Relay For Life event! This is a family-friendly event. Donations benefit the live-saving mission and programs of the American Cancer Society. 

***MORE GOOD STUFF***
* The giveaway for a Family 4-Pack of tickets to see A Snowy Day at Adventure Theatre is still going on.
* The new National Children’s Museum is opening VERY soon!
* I highly recommend Playa del Carmen for a family getaway!
* Saturday is National Margarita Day. Ole!


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Filed under 2020, All ages, DC

The Weekend Round-Up:
February 14-17

What better place to be than Washington, DC, on Presidents’ Day weekend?


Happy Valentine’s Day! ❤️ Happy Presidents’ Day! 🇺🇸 Happy Weekend! 😎

Family Social Time
Where: The Lane | Ivy City, DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $20/child

The newest play space/family social club on the scene opens this weekend — plan to check it out! It’s got both super cool play elements and lots of thoughtful details (get a glimpse here) to make it a place where kids and parents alike will enjoy hanging out. Let the kiddos romp while you grab a coffee (or get into the fun with them), play board games or make crafts together, explore the lovely space… and make new friends along the way. Register for a time slot to ensure admission!

Presidential Family Fun Day
Where: National Portrait Gallery | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Saturday, 11:30am – 3pm
Admission: Free

Every year the NPG kicks off Presidents’ Day weekend with a presidential party loaded with crafts, music, dancing, games and special tours of “America’s Presidents.” Celebrate the presidents with the Portrait Gallery, President Lincoln’s Cottage, the DC Public Library, the Washington Nationals’ Racing Presidents, artists, and experts from the Bureau of Engraving and Printing!

Washington Dollar Days
Where: Tudor Place | Georgetown, DC
When: Throughout February, 10am – 3pm
Admission: $1

Practice frugality our founding father would approve of: Pay just $1 per person for any regular tour in February, the month of George Washington’s birth. Tudor Place is the only historic house museum in the District with family ties to Martha and George Washington. Highlights of the Washington Collection will be on display as part of all house tours. See it all for one “Washington dollar!” Tours begin hourly, and it’s recommended you book ahead.

The Snowy Day & Other Stories by Ezra Jack Keats
Where: Adventure Theatre | Glen Echo, MD
When: Throughout the weekend
Tickets: $20.50

Ezra Jack Keats’ was a pioneer in children’s literature as his stories were the first to break racial barriers, and his stories are perfectly timed to come to life on stage at Adventure Theatre starting this month. This beautiful show follows the character of Peter and his friend Archie around the neighborhood in four of Keats’ beloved tales, The Snowy Day, Whistle for Willie, Goggles!, and A Letter to Amy. Renowned for his tender personality, the character of Peter faces relatable everyday challenges to which children of all ages will find delightfully entertaining.

Disney on Ice: Celebrate Memories
Where: Capitol One Arena | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Through Monday
Tickets: Start at $15 (find discount)

Your favorite Disney stories come to life at Disney On Ice presents Celebrate Memories. Sail along with Moana on her high-seas adventure and dance with Woody, Buzz and all the Toy Story friends. Feel inspired when love wins in Frozen and dreams come true for the Disney Princesses. Share the excitement and make new memories the whole family will treasure forever!

Show Time
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by show

* Enjoy the NSO Family Concert: Girl Power! at the Kennedy Center (find discount)
* Zomo the Rabbit: A Hip-Hop Creation Myth is on the Imagination Stage on Saturday (read a KFDC review)
* Spend Saturday morning with The Great Zucchini at Jammin Java
* See Rapunzel let down her hair for one last weekend at The Puppet Co.
* And really little ones will enjoy Baby Bear’s Birthday Sunday’s Tiny Tots performance there
* Take teens to The King’s Speech at National Theatre (find discount)
* Make it a date night for Synetic Theatre’s production of Phantom of the Opera

Portrait Stories & Discoveries
Where: National Portrait Gallery
When: Saturday & Sunday, 1-4pm
Admission: Free

Drop in at the National Portrait Gallery to listen to a story about Barack Obama 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 and museum, go here and here.

Valentine’s Day Cookie Decorating Class for Kids
Where: Willard Continental | Downtown DC
When: Saturday, 11am – 2pm
Admission: $45/child

Sweeten your Valentine’s Day weekend for your littlest ones at the Willard InterContinental. Led by Executive Pastry Chef Jason Jimenez, junior bakers will receive hands-on instruction to cookie decorating using a variety of techniques and decorating tools. Ideal for children ages 4-12 years old, and they must be accompanied by a parent or guardian (2 parents or guardians max per ticketed child).

Sensory Friendly Screening: Sonic the Hedgehog
Where: Regal Rockville Center Stadium | Rockville, MD
When: Saturday, 10:30am
Admission: $6.50

Catch a Sensory-Friendly Screening of Sonic the Hedgehog on Saturday morning. The newest My Way Matinee from Regal gives everyone the opportunity to experience a movie once a month with the sound turned down and the lights turned up. Watch the trailer for the movie here.

HBD, Frederick Douglass!
Where: Various locations | Anacostia, DC
When: Saturday
Admission: Free

Join the National Park Service as they celebrate the 202nd anniversary of the birth of Frederick Douglass as well as the Centennial of the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution. Following the Opening Ceremony at Anacostia High School Auditorium (1601 16th Street SE), there will be special themed house tours at Cedar Hill and an art program in the visitor center. There will also be programming at the Anacostia Arts Center and Anacostia High School that will include guest lectures, an exhibit by the DC League of Women Voters, and performances in the lobby.

Black History Month Celebrations
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity

February is Black History Month, and there are events and activities throughout the DC area to celebrate it. Museum programs (including an entire museum!), special tours and exhibits, story time sessions, and more will be enlightening and fun for all ages. See where they’re all happening here.

Model Trains and Thomas
Where: Historic Vienna Train Station | Vienna, VA
When: Saturday, 1-5pm
Admission: Free (donations accepted)

Chug on down to the Historic Vienna Train Station where you can see and hear HO scale model trolleys and trains, including Thomas and some of his friends on display and in operation. It’s a great family fun and activity for the young and young at heart. The Station is at 231 Dominion Road NE, Vienna, VA along the W&OD trail just past the Caboose.

Obata Teen Arts Workshop 
Where: American Art Museum | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Saturday, 1-3pm
Admission: Free

In this hands-on workshop, kids ages 12-16 are invited to learn about teacher and modernist artist Chiura Obata, who, as a Japanese American, played an important role in creating a cross-cultural dialogue despite widespread prejudice against Asian Americans. During World War II, Obata and more than one hundred thousand West Coast Japanese Americans were forced into incarceration camps. After touring the exhibition Chiura Obata: American Modern, participate in activities that examine how these experiences changed Obata’s art and connect to the struggles and dreams of America’s minority and immigrant communities today. This is free, but registration is required.

Wild Love
Where: City Wildlife | Northeast DC
When: Sunday, 12-5pm
Admission: Suggested donation $20/person, $40/family

Take advantage of this rare occasion to visit City Wildlife, the animal rescue and rehabilitation center, as it’s the only time of the year they open their doors to the public. At the 6th Annual Valentine’s Day Open House, get a behind-the-scenes tour of the rehabilitation facility, enjoy some goodies, and get a gift for your Valentine. Free-will donations are collected to ensure that the Center can help its animal patients.

Rumpus Room Family Valentine’s Day Dance Party
Where: Black Cat | 14th Street NW, DC
When: Sunday, 2-4:30
Admission: $12

They choo choo choose you…to join them with your entire family on the dance floor! (They get all the credit for the great Simpsons reference.) DC’s only family dance party is back with a special groove session to celebrate the holiday on Valentine’s Day weekend. Practice those sweet moves and get ready to have fun!

A rare opportunity to hang out in the Library of Congress Main Reading Room this weekend

Main Reading Room Open House
Where: Library of Congress | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Monday, 10am – 3pm
Admission: Free

Where you can usually only glimpse from a window above, you can visit on one of just two days per year it’s open to the public! The beautiful Main Reading Room of the Library of Congress is holding its semi-annual Open House on Presidents’ Day. Marvel at the magnificent architecture and design from within, check out the old card catalogs (remember those?), and see what the Library is highlighting at the event — African American history and culture, children’s books by and about Supreme Court Justices, the Blackwell Family tree (family of Arthur Ashe, Jr.) tracing family lineage back to 1735, and more. Be sure to stop by the Young Readers Center where there will be activity stations young visitors. This is a really neat event for all ages — I highly recommend it! Read more about the LOC in this KFDC post.

Party at George’s Place
Where: Mount Vernon Estate | Mount Vernon, VA
When: Monday, 9am – 5pm
Admission: $20/adult, $11/age 6-11, free/5 & under

Every Presidents’ Day weekend, George Washington’s former estate hosts special festivities in celebration of the first POTUS’ big day. Sample syrups, enjoy a musical to the President, and hear stories about his past birthday celebrations. Of course, take time to explore the grounds, mansion, and Education Center exhibits, including Be Washington, a great interactive experience that lets you step into his boots and make the tough decisions he faced. There will also be a special marching drill and dance demos along with ceremonial wreathlayings to honor Washington. Be prepared for a crowd — I can tell you from experience that a lot of folks show up to take advantage of the complimentary entry.

Presidential Urban Hike
Where: Various sites, DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free

If there’s any place to make a big deal out of Presidents’ Day, certainly it’s here in the nation’s capitol. And perhaps one of the best, fun, and active ways to celebrate it is on a tour of the memorials dedicated to the honorees. Walk the National Mall from the Lincoln Memorial to the Washington Monument (or vice versa). You can even go up in the Monument for a tour and a bird’s eye view of DC. From there, head over to Ford’s Theatre to learn about the life (and death of Abe Lincoln). For even more, stop by Madame Tussauds to see the US Presidents in wax.

George Washington Birthday Parade
Where: Throughout Old Town Alexandria, VA
When: Monday, 1-3pm
Admission: Free

Alexandria hosts the largest parade in the country celebrating George Washington’s birthday with marching bands, historic re-enactment troops, and more. Bundle up to watch the procession as it travels through Old Town. See the website for more info and route details.

Cool Hikes
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale

Enjoy the sunshine and winter beauty with some time on the trail. Enjoy the beauty of nature in winter, tramp in places with scenic views, hike and explore history at interesting locales, and savor a sunny day outdoors. This post has a a bunch of recommendations for places to walk in the woods with the kids (and it’s recently been enhanced with photos from some of our walks in the woods).

Rock the Rink
Where: The Wharf | Southwest DC
When: Monday, 1-4pm
Admission: $12/adult, $9/child

It’s ALL CAPS at The Wharf this winter. Through February, make Caps s’mores at the Capitals Campfire at The Wharf and check out the Washington Capitals décor and ice resurfacer at The Wharf Ice Rink. Join fellow hockey fans at The Wharf to show your Caps pride. From 1-4pm, skate at the Wharf Ice Rink with a DJ, Caps trivia and gear giveaways, a visit from Slapshot, and special Caps-themed drinks from Cantina Bambina. At 6:00pm, we’ll also broadcast the Capitals’ away game against the Vegas Golden Knights on a jumbotron at the Capitals Campfire. Throughout the day, fans wearing Capitals gear receive $5 off admission to the Wharf Ice Rink.

Ice It
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by rink

There are many more places to skate under. the sky, and with sunshine skies and cool temps throughout the weekend, it’s a great way enjoy some seasonal fun. Take in art as you skate at the Sculpture Garden; circle around Washington Harbour as you enjoy river views; meander along the Figure 8 path at Canal Park; or do some shopping then skate at Pentagon Row, Veteran’s Plaza, Rockville Town Square, or Reston Town Center. This post has details on alfresco (and indoor) ice skating options in the area.

***MORE GOOD STUFF***
* The Washington Wizards have fan clubs especially for kids that come with cool gear and fun perks, plus they offer camps and clinics, too!
* On March 11 at the National Museum of Women in the Arts, enjoy Cultural Capital: Motherhood Redux, an evening of poetry about motherhood.
* THiNK OUTSiDE is a monthly subscription box full of outdoor gear and resources that will get your kids away from a screen and outside exploring nature.
* This is true compassion.
* I want to see JoJo Rabbit and 1917.
* One of the best things I read last week.

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Filed under 2020, All ages, Annual, Art, DC, Educational, Exhibit, Free, Indoor Play, Live Entertainment, Maryland, Museums, Music, Parade, Seasonal, Special Event, Theatre, Virginia, Weekend, Winter