The enchanting Fairy Lolly at Annmarie Sculpture Gardens
Monday – Take a drive out to Solomons, MD, to Annmarie Sculpture Gardens for artistic delights and autumn splendor. Tour beautiful works, both indoors and out, play in the Fairy Lolly, and create some of your own art with inspiration from all you see there. Even better, the grounds are gorgeous there now. Trust me, it’s worth the hour-plus drive. Hours are 9am – 5pm in the gardens, 10am – 5pm at the arts center. Admission is $5/adult, $3/ages 6-17, free for 5 and under.
Tuesday – Check out your local library. Drop in for story time, sing-a-longs, art & crafts, and other activities, or just go to browse for books. See this post from the early KFDC days for a little background and quick links to libraries around the area.
Wednesday – See a show especially for little ones at The Puppet Co. The lights stay on, and doors remain open during Tiny Tots performances for the youngest audiences. Old McDonald’s Farm is this week’s production. Showtime is 10am. Tickets are $5 for everyone, including babies.
Thursday – Bring girls ages 4-14 on a fundraising play date. Cookies and Confidence with Rosie will help support Rosie Riveters, a non-profit that aims to provide a fun space for girls ages 4-14 to imagine, create, and play while developing their skills in STEM. From 9:30-11:30am at Tea with Mrs. B, guests will use math skills to identify shapes and use them to build turkey puzzles, while gobbling down scrumptious cookies. A $5 donation per participating child is suggested. And you can find STEM fun for both girls and boys at the Children’s Science Center Lab at Fair Oaks Mall in Fairfax. Hours are 10am – 6pm. Admission is $12.
Friday – Go ice skating under the sky! All of our local outdoor rinks are open and welcoming folks to glide. Several offer push aids to help newbie skaters, and most are located in places with even more to do beyond the rink. This post has all the details on all of them.
Ice skating at the Sculpture Garden, quintessential DC winter recreation
Live entertainment, the last of the holidays, museum adventures, and a model rocket launch are all among the recommendations to kick off 2014 on a fun note. And for even more ideas for family recreation over the next couple of days, check out these outdoor pursuits (bundle up!) and the big list of indoor options, too. Happy Weekend! And Happy New Year!
Season Finales
Where: Around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
Yes, there is still some holiday season fun and entertainment to be had, but this weekend will be your last chance to enjoy it. Model trains are winding down instead of around, curtains are getting ready to close on shows, colorful lights are twinkling for the last time. Find out what’s still happening and get details in the KFDC Holiday Guide.
Lyle the Crocodile
Where: Imagination Stage
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: $12+
Recommended for ages 4-12, Lyle the Crocodile will run through January 10: When the Primm family moves into their New York City apartment, they are quite surprised to find a crocodile in their bathtub! But Lyle is a rather extraordinary crocodile and quickly becomes part of the family. Unfortunately, a nasty neighbor, Mr. Grumps, has it out for the reptile. He thinks poor Lyle is unfit for the neighborhood simply because he’s different. After a parade, a trip to the department store, and a stint in the zoo, Lyle saves the day and earns his place as a beloved friend and neighbor.
Saturday Morning with the grandsons, jr.
Where: Jammin’ Java
When: Saturday, 10:30am
Admission: $8 or $25/family 4-pack
the grandsons, jr., is the kids band version of DC-area roots rock superstars, The Grandsons. Kids and their parents will dig the upbeat mix of rock, swing, New Orleans R&B, country, latin music we call Americana. A full lunch and drink menu will be available at this all-ages show. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Aquarium
Where: Imagination Stage
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: $10-12
This is a show best for ages 1-5. With gentle music, beautiful puppets, and props, Jack and Calypso lead children and caregivers to a magical, interactive world where giant jellyfish fly through the air, sheep graze in the grass, and lemons create the sun in a “let’s pretend” sky.
Go Postal
Where: National Postal Museum
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
There’s no special event happening, but since I just posted about it, a visit to the National Postal Museum makes this round-up. It’s a place I like to consider a locals’ secret, often overlooked by tourists and overshadowed by its Smithsonian counterparts on the Mall. The atrium alone is quite a sight, showcasing various means of mail transportation — a mail truck, airplane, train car, cab of a semi, and Pony Express horses and buggy replica are on display, and a couple of them are open for guests to climb aboard. And even more interesting exhibits await beyond the main hall. When you’re done there, head next door to Union Station to grab lunch.
Ice Ice Baby
Where: Local ice rinks
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
Skate at the Sculpture Garden; join Washington Harbour’s Cartoon Skate on Saturday from 10am – 12pm; meander the icy paths at Canal Parks’s; or shop then skate at Pentagon Row, Veteran’s Plaza, or Reston Town Center. This post has details on both alfresco and indoor ice skating options in the area.
Baltimore, Hon!
Where: Charm City attractions
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
Zip up I-95 for some fun in our sister city. Explore the exhibits and loads of hands-on activities at the Maryland Science Center. See some of the quirkiest, coolest art ever at the American Visionary Art Museum. Play the day away at Port Discovery. Get an eyeful of the underwater world at the National Aquarium. Or tour the historic ships at the Inner Harbor.
Portrait Story Days
Where: National Portrait Gallery
When: Saturday 1-4pm, Sunday 2-5pm
Admission: Free
Drop in to the Portrait Gallery 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 American choreographer Alvin Ailey. Read more about the program in this post about our experience there.
Model Rocket Launch
Where: Goddard Space Flight Center
When: Sunday, 1-2pm
Admission: Free
Join the monthly model rocket launch at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. Anyone is welcome, and if you’ve got a model rocket to fly, bring it along (though there are some restrictions – see them here). The program takes place the first Sunday of every month at 1pm.
Holiday events and live entertainment might dominate this round-up, but you can find plenty beyond that among DC’s ongoing activities and mainstay attractions. For ideas and details, check out the Everyday Play page. Or to plan by weather, go straight to the outdoor recs or have a look at the The Great Indoors list. Happy Weekend!
Holidaze
Where: Throughout the area
When: All weekend long
Admission: Varies by activity
The big holiday may be over, but many activities celebrating them are still going on, some for up to another week. Live entertainment, spectacular light displays, model trains, and seasonal events are some of the ways you can savor the holiday magic just a little bit longer. The 2013 KFDC Holiday Guide will tell you where to find them.
Uncle Devin’s Winter Wonderland Holiday Show
Where: Jammin’ Java
When: Saturday, doors open at 10am
Admission: $8
Enjoy the live, interactive musical experience recommended for children five and up. Uncle Devin is both a drummer and percussionist, and, therefore, is known as the original “Drumcussionist.” His drum set consists of a combination of natural drums/ percussion instruments, and the latest in electronic drums. This hybrid drum set allows him to play the normal drum groove along with the additional color that is normally played by additional percussionist and musicians. He also has uses an assortment of percussion instruments, including cowbells, triangles, shakers, congas and timbales, as learning tools for his message.
Kwanzaa Arts, Family Fun
Where: Anacostia Community Museum
When: Saturday, 10:30am – 2:30pm
Admission: Free
Join artists Tamara Thomas and Diedra Bell as they activate the creative imagination for this fun, free workshop. While the workshop is free, space is limited, so call to reserve a spot: 202.633.4844.
Portrait Story Days
Where: National Portrait Gallery
When: Saturday, 1-4pm & Sunday, 2-5pm
Admission: Free
Drop in at the National Portrait Gallery 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 American artist Joseph Cornell .
Aquarium
Where: Imagination Stage
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: $10-12
This is a show best for ages 1-5. With gentle music, beautiful puppets, and props, Jack and Calypso lead children and caregivers to a magical, interactive world where giant jellyfish fly through the air, sheep graze in the grass, and lemons create the sun in a “let’s pretend” sky.
Fun on Ice
Where: Local ice rinks
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
If the weather is conducive to outdoor ice skating, lace up the skates and get gliding. Enjoy art as you skate at the Sculpture Garden; circle the rink at Washington Harbour; meander the paths at Canal Park; or shop then skate at Pentagon Row, Veteran’s Plaza, Rockville Town Square, or Reston Town Center. This post has details on both alfresco and indoor ice skating options in the area.
Millennium Stage Family Night
Where: Kennedy Center
When: Saturday, 6pm
Admission: Free
It’s a Target Family Night at the Kennedy Center’s free evening performance of “Holiday Vaudeville” on Saturday. The show blends holiday music and non-stop laughter with Cajun cellist Sean Grissom and modern-Klezmer quartet the Alexandria Kleztet. (It will also be performed on Friday night, though it’s not a designated Family Night — however, families are always welcome.)
Lyle the Crocodile
Where: Imagination Stage
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: $12+
Recommended for ages 4-12, Lyle the Crocodile will run through January 10: When the Primm family moves into their New York City apartment, they are quite surprised to find a crocodile in their bathtub! But Lyle is a rather extraordinary crocodile and quickly becomes part of the family. Unfortunately, a nasty neighbor, Mr. Grumps, has it out for the reptile. He thinks poor Lyle is unfit for the neighborhood simply because he’s different. After a parade, a trip to the department store, and a stint in the zoo, Lyle saves the day and earns his place as a beloved friend and neighbor.
Winter Break Festivities
Where: Port Discovery
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: $13.95
The children’s museum in Baltimore has special activities going on all weekend (and Monday) for Winter Break. The multiple levels featuring all kinds of a hands-on exhibits are always a blast, too!
The Polar Express 3D
Where: American History Museum
When: Saturday & Sunday, 12-2:40pm
Admission: $5
Catch a short flick at the American History Museum. Based on the book by Chris Van Allsburg, The Polar Express follows a doubting young boy as he embarks upon an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole. Multiple 12-minute screenings will be shown each hour.
Winter Festival
Where: Kettler Capitals Iceplex
When: Saturday
Admission: Depends on activities
Celebrate the season and the upcoming 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi. Activities will include broomball, skating, skills demonstrations, and hockey. At the Mini-Olympics competition, kids can show off their skills, earn points for their team, and win awards. And the Broomball Tournament will have everyone racing down the ice to the net.
Get Out!
Where: Throughout the area
When: All weekend long
Admission: Varies by locale
Looks like we’ll have at least one sunny day this weekend, so get out and bask in the sunshine. Head to the National Arboretum, stroll the grounds of Brookside Gardens, watch airplanes at Gravelly point, hit the trail for a hike, visit the animals at Old Maryland Farm or the Zoo. Find more info about all these suggestions and scads more in this post about the best places in the DC area to enjoy a day outdoors.
One of many clever details in Santa’s Workshop on the Ellipse. Where do you fall on the Naughty-or-Nice-O-Meter?
We’re getting 70-degree weather on the weekend that winter officially begins, and I’m barely blinking an eye. That’s because meteorological ironies are starting to become the norm around here. So, even though many of the events in this round-up take place indoors, I strongly suggest heading outside, too. Take advantage of the unseasonable conditions while they last, because you never know when Snowmageddon II is going to hit. And if you’re all about holiday fun, there are activities galore to make you merry. Happy Weekend!
Holiday, Celebrate!
Where: Throughout the area
When: All weekend long
Admission: Varies be venue
All of the area’s big holiday events and activities are in full swing. Holiday on the Ellipse, Season’s Greenings at the U.S. Botanic Garden, Holly Trolley Fest, Christmas on the Potomac, train and light displays, and more. Get the full rundown on all of them in the 2013 Guide to the Holidays in DC.
Night Lights
Where: Around the area
When: Evenings
Admission: Varies by locale
Twinkling lights forming enchanting displays are easily a holiday season favorite. Visit one of several parks or gardens (or the Zoo!) in the area that has transformed into a sparkling wonderland. Some you can walk through for an up-close experience, others you tour by car. If you opt for the latter, dress the kids in PJ’s, turn up the holiday tunes, and bring along a thermos of hot chocolate — it doesn’t get much cozier than that!
Be the Artist Family Program
Where: National Portrait Gallery
When: Saturday, 2-4pm
Admission: Free
Children are invited to explore portraiture in depth. Participants will take a look at the portrait by Lucy Fradkin and create a multimedia piece. While the class is free, tickets are required.
The Polar Express 3D
Where: American History Museum
When: Saturday & Sunday, 12-2:40pm
Admission: $5
Catch a short flick at the American History Museum. Based on the book by Chris Van Allsburg, The Polar Express follows a doubting young boy as he embarks upon an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole. Multiple 12-minute screenings will be shown each hour.
Recreation on Ice
Where: Local ice rinks
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
If unseasonably high temps don’t melt the ice, hit the rink at Canal Park for its first open weekend. Or Skate with Santa at Washington Harbour. And for more places to glide the weekend away, both indoors and out, see this post listing area ice rinks.
Rocknoceros Holiday Singalong
Where: Jammin’ Java
When: Saturday, 11am & 2pm
Admission:
Get in the holiday mood and ready to sing as one of the area’s favorite kids bands returns to Jammin’ Java for their seventh year of fun holiday songs and Rockno classics. Belt out the tunes along with them, and enjoy a full lunch and drink menu, too.
More Holiday Entertainment
Where: Local theatres
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
Much of the live entertainment on area stages right now is holiday-inspired. Enjoy the ultimate holiday classic The Nutcracker performed by the Washington Ballet at Warner Theatre or catch a tot-friendly version at The Puppet Co. Join the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future as they lead Scrooge on A Christmas Carol journey at Ford’s Theatre. Enjoy The Twelve Days of Christmas at Adventure Theatre. Get details on these shows and others in the 2013 Holiday Guide.
Aquarium
Where: Imagination Stage
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: $10-12
This is a show best for ages 1-5. With gentle music, beautiful puppets, and props, Jack and Calypso lead children and caregivers to a magical, interactive world where giant jellyfish fly through the air, sheep graze in the grass, and lemons create the sun in a “let’s pretend” sky.
Lyle the Crocodile
Where: Imagination Stage
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: $12+
Recommended for ages 4-12, Lyle the Crocodile will run through January 10: When the Primm family moves into their New York City apartment, they are quite surprised to find a crocodile in their bathtub! But Lyle is a rather extraordinary crocodile and quickly becomes part of the family. Unfortunately, a nasty neighbor, Mr. Grumps, has it out for the reptile. He thinks poor Lyle is unfit for the neighborhood simply because he’s different. After a parade, a trip to the department store, and a stint in the zoo, Lyle saves the day and earns his place as a beloved friend and neighbor.
Chocolate House Workshop & Tea
Where: Tudor Place
When: Saturday, 1:30-3pm
Admission: $25/child, $10/adult
Begin by sampling period teas and delicious desserts at a festive holiday tea. After the tea ceremony, costumed interpreters lead children in a chocolate workshop, helping them craft deliciously decorated chocolate houses to take home. Recommended for ages 5 and up.
Christmas at Mount Vernon
Where: Mount Vernon Estate
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $17/adults, $8/ages 6-11, free for ages 5 and under
Mount Vernon decks the halls with themed Christmas trees on the estate and festive greenery in the Mansion. Tour the rarely-open third floor of the Mansion and get a glimpse of how the Washingtons might have decorated and entertained during the holiday season. Other special activities to enjoy: Watch chocolatiers produce chocolate using 18th-century techniques. Learn dances and hear stories about Christmas at Mount Vernon from costumed friends and family of the Washingtons. Meet Aladdin the Camel and see the National Thanksgiving Turkey after its official “presidential pardoning” at the White House.
Gravelly Point is a great place to watch airplanes, play ball, and just hang out and relax
Monday: Get started on Summer Reading with DC public libraries. The program presents special events for kids of all ages all summer long. Check the calendar to see what’s on the schedule at your local library this week.
Tuesday: Head to the National Building Museum for play and storytime. The Book of the Month program takes place in the Building Zone at 10:30am and 11:30am with readings of Mouse Shapes by Ellen Stohl Walsh. Admission to the Building Zone ($3/non-members) is timed and on the hour, but if you don’t make it in, just head up to the PLAY WORK BUILD exhibit (for non-members: $8/adult, $5/child; free for members) or tee up for indoor Mini Golf ($5/non-member, $3/members and reduced with exhibit).
Wednesday: Watch the airplanes, kick a soccer ball, have a picnic, or just hang out at Gravelly Point. The park located just off the GW Parkway next to Ronald Reagan Airport is a great place to enjoy a nice day, offering views of the river and airplanes taking off or landing right overhead. (Warning: Some kids find that part exciting, others might be frightened by the loud noise and sight of an airplane coming right at them.)
Thursday: Play in the sprays at Canal Park. The recreational space in the Capitol Riverfront neighborhood has both a gentle, shallow fountain that is perfect for really little ones, plus a bigger one for more enthusiastic play where the ice rink is in the winter. Admission is free. Get a glimpse of it here.
Friday: Visit the National Arboretum on one of the two weekdays it’s open to the public; recent budget cuts prompted its closing Tuesday-Thursday. Go for nature walks through the woods, visit the Washington Youth Garden, romp in open green spaces and at the old Capitol columns, picnic in the Grove of State Trees… so many ways to enjoy one of the loveliest places in the city. Hours are 8am – 5pm, and admission is free.
