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 ❤️
