Tag Archives: DC Events for Families

May 18, 2012 · 6:20 am

The Weekend Round-Up: May 19-20

See the turkeys during Claude Moore Colonial Farm's Market Fair

As if this round-up of special events isn’t enough, this list of outdoor pursuits is also a must-view this weekend if the glorious forecast holds up. (If not, then go here for indoor ideas.) Happy Weekend!

Andrews Air Show
Where: Andrews Air Force Base
When: Saturday & Sunday, 8am – 5pm
Admission: Free
There’s excitement in the air! The Blue Angels, Golden Knights, and many more thrilling aerial performers will take to the skies this weekend at the 2012 Joint Service Open House and Air Show. The public is invited to Andrews Air Force Base to view amazing air stunts, as well as cool ground attractions on Saturday and Sunday. And to top it all off, admission to the show is free!

Music by the River
Where: The Yards Park
When: Friday, 6:30-8:30pm
Admission: Free
Kick off the weekend with free music in the fresh air. The Justin Trawick Group will be performing on the Yards Park boardwalk this evening. Catch the show and lovely views of the Anacostia River from the comfort of a blanket spread out on the grass. Get there early to let little ones splash in the fountains, and pack a picnic or purchase food there for dinner under the stars.

Market Fair
Where: Claude Moore Colonial Farm
When: Saturday & Sunday, 11am – 4:30pm
Admission: $6/adults, $3/ages 3-12 and seniors, free for 2 and under
Celebrate spring at the local colonial museum and working farm’s first Market Fair of the season. There will be loads of activities for all ages to enjoy: Dance and sing to period music. Play quoits and other games, and watch a children’s puppet theater. See chickens, turkeys, pigs and other farm animals. Take a fencing lesson or watch the Blacksmith in action. Order herbs and flowers from the plant vendor and browse other colonial market stands. Purchase roast chicken, fresh vegetables, fruit pies and more. Tavern offers fresh lemonade and ginger ale, wine, beer and ale. Along with the special festivities, enjoy the ongoing offerings as you stroll the living history museum grounds and see farm family and community members in character and costume.

Strawberry Fields
Where: Area farms
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by location
The pick-your-own season has officially begun! Just about all local farms have opened their strawberry patches to the public, so you can get out there and reap the fruits. See this post for a list of area farms where you can gather your own strawberries, several offering much more than just picking.

Artomatic
Where: 1851 S. Bell Street, Crystal City
When: Throughout the weekend (runs through June 23)
Admission: Free
Art, anyone? The DC area’s biggest free creative arts event launches today at 6pm in Crystal City. Featuring work by more than 1300 artists, performers, musicians, filmmakers, fashion designers, and creatives of all kinds, the month-long festival is “by artists, for everyone.” The first time I ever attended one it was held on U Street on one floor of open space above a restaurant. About 10 years later, all kinds of art will be showcased throughout ten floors in building that is slated for demolition. And it’s not just art to look at — there will also be workshops, tours, and seminars for all ages throughout the month. Especially for children this weekend are a paper quilting bee, a bubble wrap art workshop, and a drum circle for kids. Learn more about Artomatic here and check out the schedule here.

Park It
Where: Parks around the area
When: Saturday
Admission: Free
Celebrate Kids to Parks Day! The National Park Trust wants everyone to have an American park experience, so they’re inviting every family in America to visit a national, state, or local park and play outdoors on Saturday. As their mascot, Buddy Bison says, “Explore outdoors, the parks are yours!” Many parks around the area will be hosting special programs for the day — find out where you can participate one!

Happy Birthday, Hello Cupcake!
Where: Hello Cupcake Capitol hill
When: Friday – Sunday, 12-6pm each day
Admission: Free
To mark their first year on Capitol Hill, Hello Cupcake is hosting a three-day celebration at their Barracks Row location. From Friday through Monday, there will be all kinds of events, activities, and giveaways, including free cupcake decorating classes, games, samples, and face painting.

Strawberry Jubilee
Where: Great Country Farms
When: Saturday & Sunday, 9am – 6pm
Admission: $10/child, $12/adult
The largest U-pick strawberry festival is this weekend, rain or shine. Get ready for lots of fun activities for all ages, including the popular diaper derby, pie-eating contests, tart toss, strawberry princess, KidzArt, great food, live music, and Strawberry wine-tasting with Bluemont Vineyard. As if that’s not enough to keep the family entertained for the day, there’s also the five-acre play area, complete with the Pumpkin Jumpin’ Pillow, slides, a pedal cart track, rope swings mazes, a tractor tire mountain, Cow Train ($2), and animal encounters. Whew!

Strike a Pose
Where: Smithsonian American Art Museum
When: Saturday, 11:30am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Explore the art of photography with at this special Family Day with activities for all ages. Be inspired by the museum’s exhibition, Annie Leibovitz: Pilgrimage, and discover the world through a new lens. Borrow a camera or bring your own for a photo-scavenger hunt and document your travels in an album to take home. Visit the photo station to practice your pose and add your portrait to the American Art Museum’s Flickr page.

Gaithersburg Book Festival
Where: Gaithersburg City Hall
When: Saturday, 10am – 6pm
Admission: Free
The City of Gaithersburg welcomes you to their third annual literary event! Festivities will include the chance to see and meet some of the world’s best writers, from best-sellers to acclaimed up-and-comers; join in literary workshops; and a full day of fun at the Children’s Village. The Gaithersburg City Hall is located at 31 South Summit Avenue. For more specifics, see the Festival website.

A-Mazing Animal Fest
Where: Bladensburg Waterfront Park
When: Saturday, 12-4pm
Admission: Free
Enjoy a fun-filled family event featuring birds of prey, reptiles, farm animals, a puppet show, food vendors, arts and crafts, and much more at the park located right on the Anacostia River. While you’re there, take a ride on the water — canoe, kayak, and rowboat rentals are also available on weekends from late May to the end of October.

Taste of Arlington
Where: Wilson Boulevard in front of Ballston Common Mall
When: Sunday, 12-5pm
Admission: Free, but you must purcahse tickets to taste
Head across the river for a day of food, fun, and more food. Over 35 Arlington restaurants will be offering samples of their fare at the annual street festival in downtown Ballston. And while the food is the main focus, there will be plenty more to enjoy, including live entertainment, children’s activities, a moon bounce, and street performers. Tickets are available for purchase through the Taste of Arlington website, or you can buy them the day of the event.

Say “Om”
Where: National Mall
When: Saturday, 1:30-4:30pm
Admission: Free
In celebration of DC Yoga Week, help create the largest outdoor yoga class in DC ever! Yogis from around the city will gather at the Sylvan Stage on the Washington Monument grounds for a collective practice that welcomes children, too.

Fiesta Asia
Where: Pennsylvania Ave., from 3rrd – 6th Streets
When: Saturday, 10am – 7pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate Asian Heritage Month at the annual street fair presented by the Asia Heritage Foundation. This showcase of Asian art and culture will include music and dance performances, martial arts demos, food, hands-on activities, and more. Especially for kids is the Kiddiz Cool Lounge, with origami, sidewalk chalk, doll making, henna art, story telling, balloon art, and more. While admission is free, be prepared to spend on food and marketplace fun.

Best in Shows
Where: Theatres around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by performance
Last weekend to catch Rapunzel at Imagination Stage. Five Little Monkeys is at Adventure Theatre. Tiny Tots and Pinocchio are on the puppet stage. Milkshake Trio performing at Jammin’ Java. Details on all of them in this post about live entertainment in late spring.

Monsuno Monster Power Tour
Where: Pentagon City Mall & Anime Pavilion
When: Saturday 10am – 9:30pm, Sunday 12-3pm
Admission: Free
So, I’m just starting to get wind of the new craze, but if it’s anything like Bakugan or Beyblades, I know there are some kids who will be pretty excited about this event. Stop by Pentagon City Mall on Saturday and Anime Pavilion in Falls Church on Sunday for special demonstrations on how to launch, spin, and battle by Monsuno Monster Power experts. Get freebies, exclusive discount coupons and more!

SunWise Kick Off
Where: National Children’s Museum Launch Zone
When: Saturday,
Admission: Free
Head to the Launch Zone to help kick off a summer of sun safety! The NCM, along with the US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) SunWise program, have put together fantastic programs designed to encourage kids to be “sun wise” this summer. Guests will learn about UVB rays and SPF through exciting activities, such as making your own sun visor and UV color-changing bracelet. In addition, at 1pm and 2 pm, NCM will present its original production of Princess Sunni’s Birthday, where the audience can help Princess Sunni learn about sun safety while completing the Ancient Royal Challenges so she can become queen. The performances run approximately 20 minutes and are best suited for ages 3 to 8.

Encore Bookfair
Where: Barnes & Noble in Fairfax
When: Saturday, 12-4pm
Admission: Free
Join Encore Stage & Studio for a day of fun and theater at our Barnes & Noble Bookfair! A percentage of purchases will support Encore’s many exciting education and production programs including costumes, props and set dressing, score, and sound effects for our Act III performance of Pirates of Penzance, as well as scholarship for students to attend our summer camps! Also at the book fair will be a sneak preview of Encore’s upcoming performance, Charlotte’s Web at 3pm; face painting with a Charlotte’s Web character, and bookmark making. The Barnes & Noble is located at 12193 Fair Lakes Promenade Drive in Fairfax.

Arrrr… Merriment!
Where: Spotsylvania, VA
When: All Weekend, 10am – 5pm
Admission: $9, free or ages 5 and under
Ahoy! The shire is awash with pirates and privateers of all ages at the Virginia Renaissance Faire this weekend. Take a trip to the 16th century and join the festivities that include historical re-enactments, jousting, costume displays, crafts for kids, food and drink, shopping, and more. This is all taking place on the grounds of the Lake Anna Winery every weekend through June 10. Go here for directions.

The Weekend Round-Up: May 11-13

My favorite Mother's Day presents

With all of the special honorees in mind, this round-up includes pursuits that moms will enjoy just as much as their babes. (For the more kid-focused ventures, let dad take over while mama hits the spa… hint hint, Levi!) And be sure to have a gander at the outdoor list for ways to take advantage of the weather while you celebrate the day. Happy Weekend! And a very Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms!

Street Arts in the Park
Where: The Yards Park
When: Saturday, 12-6pm
Admission: Free
Judging by the performance we caught last weekend and all the great things I’ve been hearing from people who have been lucky enough to catch the festival throughout the week, this is going to be da bomb! Head to the Yards Park to celebrate the conclusion of Look Both Ways: Street Art Across America, the Kennedy Center’s week-long series of free performances around the city. Spend the day with a huge cast of eclectic characters and astounding artists — there will be all kinds of free performances and workshops all day long. Go here for the day’s schedule.

Bike DC
Where: Throughout DC and NoVa
When: Sunday
Admission: Adults start at $30, ages 13 – 19 starts at $15, free for ages 12 and under
Take a Mother’s Day bike ride! Once a year, bicyclists have a special opportunity to explore and enjoy Washington and Arlington on two wheels. Parts of Pennsylvania Avenue and the George Washington Parkway will be closed for this non-competitive ride through the area. Choose the full 24-mile route or the shorter family route (recommended for young children). See the website for specifics.

Mother’s Day at Mount Vernon
Where: Mount Vernon Estate
When: Saturday & Sunday, 8am – 5pm
Admission: —$15/adults, $14/seniors, $7/ages 6-11, free for 5 and under
Join the “Mother of Our Country,” Martha Washington, and her granddaughter “Nelly” as they celebrate this special weekend with visitors. Listen to “Lady Washington’s” reminiscences of motherhood and her sage advice to her youngest granddaughter. While supplies last, Martha Washington will hand out lavender sachets of her own recipe for
mothers.

Garden Fest
Where: Enid E. Haupt Garden
When: Friday 11am – 1:30pm, Saturday 11am – 3pm
Admission: Free
The beautiful Haupt Garden at the Smithsonian Castle will be buzzing as Garden Fest connects people and plants through educational demonstrations and engaging hands-on fun. This year’s theme, “Gardening for Healthy Living,” will feature live music and a variety of activities for children and families. Kids will dig plant-inspired art activities, plant science at the Curiosity Zone, dancing, and a garden scavenger hunt. Adults can enjoy the same, plus vegetable growing demos, gardening book sales and signings, flora displays, and many other horticultural exhibits.

LEGO® Master in Action
Where: National Building Museum
When: Saturday & Sunday, 12-4pm
Admission: Free
Meet and talk with LEGO® Certified Professional Adam Reed Tucker as he completes the White House model for the LEGO® Architecture: Towering Ambition exhibit. Adam will lead tours of the exhibition at 2:30pm and 3:30 pm on both days. Along with the LEGO celeb encounter, there willl be LEGO® design challenges for guests — become your own LEGO® master and build with thousands of bricks in the Great Hall.

Shortcut to Europe
Where: EU Embassies
When: Saturday, 10am – 4pm
Admission: Free
Avoid the steep airfare and jet lag, and explore The Continent from this side of the pond. Passport DC invites you to join European Union embassies and the EU Delegation for a day of international food, dancing, kids entertainment, exhibitions, vacation planning, and more. Get a rare behind-the-scenes look at the embassies, some of which are among Washington’s historic and architectural treasures. Free shuttle bus service will be available throughout the day, and some embassies are convenient to Metro for walking. Admission is free, but bring identification, as some embassies will conduct security checks.

The Dirty Sock Funtime Band
Where: Jammin’ Java
When: Saturday, 10:30am
Admission: $10
Beloved by millions of families for their high-energy music videos on the Nick Jr. channel’s Jack’s Big Music Show, The Dirty Sock Funtime Band returns to the DC area for the first time since 2007, with a show for the whole family at Jammin’ Java. If you’re not familiar with the band, read more about them and sample some tunes on their website.

Last Call for Suprasensorial
Where: Hirshhorn Museum
When: All weekend
Admission: Free
The final days of Suprasensorial: Experiments in Light, Color and Space, are this weekend, and I highly recommend experiencing it if you haven’t yet. It may not have been created with kids in mind, but many of the installations can be appreciated on several levels, including from a child’s perspective. All of the displays are interactive in some way, and a few are exceptionally fascinating — and quite fun. Read more about it in this post. UPDATE: A KFDC reader just let me know that the exhibit has been extended until August 19. (But I still think it’s a great activity for this weekend.)

Imagination Playground
Where: National Children’s Museum Launch Zone
When: Sunday, 12-4pm
Admission: Free
You’re invited to drop in for a play date at the Launch Zone! Children can experience a fantastic day of playing and building with the new Imagination Playground. Their imaginations will guide them as they build castles, pirate ships, and more out of foam blocks and loose parts – the opportunities are endless!

Go Postal for Trains
Where: National Postal Museum
When: Saturday, 12-3:30pm
Admission: Free
Drop in and ride the rails with the Postal Museum to celebrate National Train Day! Sort railway mail, make a transportation-themed stamp collection, learn about Owney the railway mail dog, and watch model trains whiz by courtesy of Rappahannock Model Railroaders.

May Fair
Where: Turtle Park
When: Saturday, 11am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Friendship ‘Turtle’ Park’s annual spring carnival is its largest event of the year. There will be pony rides, games, face painting, food, and more. Entertainment will include Turley the Magician, Mad Science, and a performance by Groovy Nate. For more info, see the Turtle Park website.

Art & Asparagus Mother’s Day Weekend
Where: Great Country Farms
When: Saturday & Sunday, 9am – 6pm
Admission: $8/child, $10/adult
Forget the flowers for Mother’s Day this year and replace them with a unique – and tasty – bouquet of asparagus, fresh from the farm! The veggies will be at their peak, so Great Country Farms is offering them along with other special treat. The whole family can enjoy a theatrical performance put together just for Mom by Theaterpalooza (Saturday Only). And while the children are challenging themselves in them farm’s five-acre play area, Mom can walk among local artists and admire their talents. On Sunday, there will be a special brunch at the Stables at Bluemont Vineyard, just across the street from GCF. See the website for details.

Horse Around at the Movies
Where: AFI Silver Theater and Cultural Center
When: Saturday, 11am (box office opens at 10:30am)
Admission: Free
In recognition of the Preakness Stakes to take place just up the road in Baltimore, the American Film Institute Silver Theatre and Cultural Center in downtown Silver Spring are hosting a free screening of the charming 1961 horse classic, MISTY. Be sure to stick around after the screening when movie goers will be able to meet live horses outside the theatre, courtesy of the Maryland-National Capital Park Police! There will be more horse-themed movies throughout the weekend (though not free), several appropriate for children — go here for the schedule.

Super Science Saturday
Where: Udvar-Hazy Center
When: Saturday, 10am -3pm
Admission: Free, but parking is $15
It’s a Super Science Saturday at the Dulles arm of the Arm & Space Museum. Through demonstrations and hands-on activities, visitors of all ages will become immersed in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics topics related to aviation and space exploration. This month’s program will focus on Astronomy.

Gyotaku Fish Printing
Where: National Museum of Natural History
When: Saturday, 1-3pm
Admission: Free
It’s Second Saturday Arts & Sciences at the Natural History Museum. During this month’s session, try your hand at the art of Japanese fish printing. Learn the techniques of this traditional art form as well as the basic anatomy of fish. Then take your “catch” home with you.

Berry Good
Where: Schlagel Farms
When: Daily 8am – 7pm
Admission: Free (but you gotta pay for the berries you pick)
Schlagel Farms in Waldorf, Md, always begins their pick-your-own season ahead of other area farms, and their berries are ripe and ready now. Hat and sunscreen recommended. Greehouse flowers and other bedding plants are also for sale.

Best in Shows
Where: Theatres around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by performance
Rapunzel at Imagination Stage. Five Little Monkeys at Adventure Theatre. Tiny Tots and Pinocchio on the puppet stage (ticket discount here). Emily Loves to Bounce and an NSO Family Concert at the Kennedy Center. Details on all of them in this post about live entertainment in late spring.

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Filed under All ages, Animals, DC, Educational, Exhibit, Farm, Festival, Free, Live Entertainment, Maryland, Movies, Museums, Music, Outdoor, Park, Spring, Theatre, Trains, Virginia, Weekend

Tagged as DC Children's Theatre, DC Events for Families, DC Museum Programs for Kids, DC Weekend Activities, kids in DC, Washington DC Kids Activities, Washington DC Mother's Day WEekend, Weekend May 12-13

May 4, 2012 · 6:57 am

The Weekend Round-Up: May 4-6

Big fun on a big rig at Cheverly's Truck Touch last year

Explore the world right here in DC, get up close and personal with some of the coolest rides on the road, celebrate la dia, root for the hometeam, walk among butterflies, catch a live show… These are just some of the ways to enjoy family time over the next few days. And along with the list of ideas for weekend fun with the kiddos, here’s one more suggestion just for the grown-ups: Margaritas under the Supermoon. Happy Weekend!

Truck Touch
Where: Cheverly Nursery School
When: Saturday, 10am – 2pm
Admission: $5/ages 1-12, free for adults
Over 20 vehicles will be on display for young motorists-in-the-making to explore at Cheverly Weekday Nursery’s annual fundraiser. Children can sit in the driver’s seat of a fire truck, honk the horn of a dump truck, run around inside the trailer of an 18-wheeler, check out the inside of a police car, stand on the back of a garbage truck, and get behind the wheel of many more cool rides. And the fun doesn’t end there—games geared toward little ones, concessions, balloons, and more will also be available. The event will be held in the Cheverly United Methodist Church parking lot. All proceeds benefit the nursery school and Mother’s Day Out.

Around the World Embassy Tour
Where: More than 40 Embassies
When: Saturday, 10am – 4pm
Admission: Free
Sample Australia’s famous vegemite, experience a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony, play classic Venezuelan games — all in one day! Passport DC invites the public to an open house of more than 40 embassies from six continents. The free event will showcase art, music, children’s activities, culinary delights, and more. It’s also your chance to check out the interiors of those huge mansions along Mass Ave that you usually just admire from the street. Free shuttle bus service will be available throughout the day (see route on the website), and many embassies are convenient to Metro for walking. Admission is free, but bring identification, as some embassies will conduct security checks. For more tips on making the most of your day, go here.

Flower Mart
Where: National Cathedral
When: Friday 10am – 6pm, Saturday 10am – 5pm
Admission: Free
The annual spring festival, in its 74th year, at the National Cathedral will take place today and tomorrow. While plant sales, floral and horticultural displays, and boutique booths will be of more interest to grown-ups, there will also be tasty foods, music and entertainment, games and rides, the All Hallows Guild antique carousel, and other fun activities to delight kids as well. Admission is free, though concessions and some activities will cost a fee. Proceeds from other sales benefit the Cathedral’s gardens, grounds and woodlands. See the website for the entertainment schedule.

Music by the River
Where: The Yards Park
When: Friday, 6:30-8:30pm (weekly through Sept. 14)
Admission: Free
The Yards Park annual Friday Evening Concert series begins tonight! From now through the summer, wind down every week with free music in the fantastic riverside setting. Bring a blanket and a picnic dinner (or purchase food there) to sit in the lovely tiered grassy area and watch bands play on the boardwalk stretching along the Anacostia River. And don’t forget about the fountains that welcome kids to play (swimsuits and change of clothes recommended).

Cinco De Mayo Festival
Where: National Mall
When: Saturday,
Admission: Free
Celebrate the day with the Maru Montero Dance Company as they host the 20th annual National Cinco de Mayo Festival to celebrate Latin American dance, music and crafts. Live performances will include salsa, Mexican folk dancing, mariachis, and other dance and music. The children’s pavilion will host arts and crafts activities where young people can make piñatas, braid hair, build dancing puppets, and enjoy a day of fun activities. For more info, see the festival website.

Space Day
Where: National Air & Space Museum, National Mall & Dulles
When: Saturday, 10am – 3pm
Admission: Free, parking is $15 at Udvar-Hazy
Have some out-of-this-world fun at the Air & Space Museum on the National Mall and in Dulles as they celebrate the arrival of Space Shuttle Discovery to the Museum’s collection. In DC, guests can learn about some of Discovery’s accomplishments, including its most significant payload-Hubble Space Telescope; find out from Astronaut Patrick Forrester what it is like to live and work in space; and meet the shuttle’s most famous passenger-Buzz Lightyear. There will also be opportunities to learn how space suits are made, do hands-on activities, and listen to stories about space. At the Udvar-Hazy Center, visitors can see the shuttle in its new home in the James S. McDonnell Space Hangar, learn about some of the shuttle’s most significant missions, and meet astronauts Pam Melroy, Stephen Bowen and Tom Jones. Guests can also check out Space Shuttle Lego kits, enjoy show-and-tell demos of amateur radio satellites and storytime, try simulated space shuttle landings, and do more hands-on activities.

Family Day
Where: National Postal Museum
When: Saturday, 12-3:30pm
Admission: Free
You may know the story of the Hindenburg disaster, but did you know it was a flying post office? Learn about the luxurious life on board the Hindenburg, the postal clerks who processed mail in transit, the mail that survived the crash, and more in hands-on activities and a fascinating tour with curator Cheryl Ganz. This event is presented in connection with the Museum’s exhibit Fire & Ice: Hindenburg & Titanic.

Nats vs. Phillies
Where: Nationals Park
When: Friday 7:05pm, Saturday 1:05pm, Sunday 8:05pm
Admission: Tickets start at $10
The Nats are hosting the Phillies this weekend, and there are promos that families in particular will enjoy for the afternoon games. Harris Teeter Family Fun Packs are available for for both games, kids ages 4-12 can run the bases after the final out on Saturday.

Wings of Fancy
Where: Brookside Gardens
When: Saturday, 10am – 4pm (runs through September 12)
Admission: $4/ages 3-12, $6/adults
It’s opening day of Brookside’s yearly live butterfly exhibit. See butterfly species from around the world in the park’s South Conservatory. Of course, the butterflies aren’t the only reason to visit gardens in Wheaton; its 50+ acres are gorgeous, with an amazing variety of flora, all kinds of plant collections, a cute little children’s garden, a Nature Center on premises, and open grassy spaces. Go here to see what’s in bloom now.

Look Both Ways: Street Arts Across America
Where: Kennedy Center & other DC venues
When: May 6-12
Admission: Free
The Kennedy Center presents this week-long series of free performances and events at the Kennedy Center as well as locations around Washington. The program includes large-scale spectacles, street musicians, parade culture, puppetry, circus arts, chalk drawings, clowning, and more . From a circus-punk marching band and political puppet theater to jugglers, contortionists, and stunt dogs, the electric energy of live interactive performance invades the streets of Washington. On Sunday at 6pm, Happenstance Theatre, a Chicago-based circus-punk marching band Mucca Pazza, will brings its sweet sounds indoors, using trombones, marching drums, accordions, and more to get the audience moving.

Show Time
Where: Theatres around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
Rapunzel at Imagination Stage. Five Little Monkeys at Adventure Theatre. Pinocchio and Tiny Tots on the puppet stage. A Kinderkonzert at the Kennedy Center. This new post about live entertainment in late spring. This brand new post about live entertainment in late spring has details on all of these shows and more.

International Children’s Festival
Where: Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center
When: Sunday, 12-4pm
Admission: Free
Here’s another opportunity from Passport DC to go global this weekend. In it’s 6th year, the International Children’s Festival lets children of all ages travel the world in a single day. More than 20 embassies will be represented at the Meridian International Center with fun entertainment and hands-on activities to help introduce kids to different world cultures.

Happy Birthday, Launch Zone!
Where: National Children’s Museum
When: Saturday, 11am – 4pm
Admission: Free
The National Children’s Museum is celebrating three years of the Launch Zone, and you’re invited to join in the fun. Be a part of the festive birthday celebration, complete with hands-on art projects, special guests, giveaways, and more. As a special reverse birthday present from the NCM to you, see the unveiling their new Imagination Playground, a breakthrough playspace that encourages child-directed, unstructured free play!

Hike And Yoga Adventure
Where: Meet at Rock Creek Nature Center
When: Sunday, 10-11am
Admission: Free
lil omm students and their families are invited to join a hike and outdoor yoga adventure! Hayley (and her friendly dog Lulu) will guide families through wooded trails in Rock Creek Park and pause along the way to align bodies like the surrounding nature-inspired findings. Meet outside the Nature Center at 5200 Glover Road NW at 9:45. Pre-registration is required. Participants should wear comfy walking shoes and bring water. No mat needed.

And don’t forget to check out the indoor and outdoor lists for even more ideas!