Tag Archives: DC Indoor Play

April 8, 2016 · 8:32 am

The Weekend Round-Up: April 9-10

Play ball!

More Styles On Sale Now at Tea Collection

Don’t let a little spring snow thwart your family fun. There’s plenty happening over the next few days to ensure a good time no matter what the weather. Happy Weekend!

Cherry Blossom Celebration
Where: American Art Museum
When: Saturday, 11:30am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Smithsonian’s American Art Museum welcomes you to a celebration of Japanese culture and the arrival of the cherry blossoms. A taiko drumming performance kicks off the afternoon, followed by other traditional Japanese music and dance, face painting, and cherry-blossom themed crafts. Colleagues from the Freer|Sackler can help you make your own Japanese fan. Create a koinobori windsock at one of our crafting tables or check out the spring book corner with our friends from MLK Jr. Memorial Library.

Southwest Waterfront Fireworks Festival
Where: Southwest Waterfront, 600 Water Street SW
When: Saturday, 1-9pm
Admission: Free
The annual fireworks show at the Southwest Waterfront is one of the highlights of cherry blossom season. It’s an all-day and part-evening affair with free live music and family-friendly festivities, including water-related activities, cultural experiences, and delicious foods. The grand finale will begin at 8:30pm when the starbursts of fireworks light up the night sky.

The Nats are Back!
Where: Nationals Park
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: Ticket prices vary
Baseball season is in full swing again, and the Nats are home for their first weekend of regular season games. Catch them against the Marlins on Saturday at 4:05 or Sunday at 1:35 — stay after the latter for Kids Run the Bases. For tips on doing Nats game without breaking the bank, see this post. And don’t forget to sign up little fan for the Jr. Nationals Kids Club to get all kinds goodies and discounts.

Buds
Where: Rock Creek Nature Center
When: Saturday, 10am
Admission: Free
Join friends from Casey Trees for tree-focused story time interspersed with songs and a craft project. Each family will leave with a list of “scavenger hunt items” while exploring the trails on their own after the program. Recommended for ages 18 months – 4 years.

Run of the Mill
Where: Peirce Mill, Rock Creek Park
When: Saturday, 11am – 2pm
Admission: Free
See the 2,000-lb millstones convert corn to corneal using good old-fashioned renewable energy of water. Miller Jeanne and the Friends of Peirce Mill invite you to discover DC’s only surviving gristmill in action. Be sure to explore the exhibits at Peirce Barn next door and hit the nearby trails, too! Read more about the historic site in this KFDC post about our visit there last fall.

Play in the Zone
Where: ZavaZone
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Starts at $19.50
The brand new Indoor Adventure Park dedicated to ages 5-105 calls itself a “gamechanger.” With ninja courses, ropes courses, trampolines, climbing challenges, zip lines, and more under one soaring roof, guests have their pick of active fun. Disclosure: We have yet to check it out ourselves, but it looks and sounds pretty awesome.

Swedish Explorations
Where: Sweden House
When: Saturday & Sunday, 12-5pm
Admission: Free
The Swedish Embassy in Georgetown has focused more on kids this year, and their new exhibition Next Level Craft shows it. Presenting works by more than 40 crafters, artists, and designers from all over Sweden, plus its own soundtrack and music video, it’s a showcase of handiworks and imagination, from traditional to modern. The exhibit will be open every weekend, with guided tours available. Be sure to stop in the library with kids books and toys, and join a story time session on Saturdays at 2pm.

Children’s Walking Tour of Penn Quarter
Where: Starts at District Architecture Center
When: Saturday, 10am – 12pm
Admission: $5/child
Discover buildings! This walking tour for children will take a hands-on approach to learning about architecture in the vibrant Penn Quarter neighborhood during a walking tour led by architect Mary Kay Lanzillotta, FAIA. As we walk along the streets, participants will learn new terms like keystone, cornice, pilaster, pediment, portico, and many more architectural features that make up buildings.

Explore the Universe
Where: Air and Space Museum
When: Saturday, 10am – 3pm
Admission: Free
This annual event focuses on how different cultures see the sky. Learn about telescopes and do some daytime observations (weather), see a planetarium show, watch The Chromatics out on an AstroCapella performance, enjoy story time, and more!

Enchanted Forest Cherrybration
Where: Clarks Elioak Farm
When: Saturday & Sunday, 10am – 2pm
Admission: $5 (some activities are extra)
Let little princesses dress up for this visit to the storybook-themed farm (you can read more about it in the list about outdoor outings). Clark’s Elioak will be celebrating Howard County’s “Cherrybration” Days with treats fit for young royalty and plenty of pink pizzazz. Children in a family will get a free hayride if at least one person in the family is dressed as a pink princess. Kids can also dress up in gowns on hand at the farm for a photo opportunity with “Princess Cherrybella.” A Truly Pink Treasure Hunt in the Enchanted Forest Maze will round out the weekend activities.

Show Time
Where: Local Theatres
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
* See Adventure Theatre’s delightful production of James and the Giant Peach
* Reserve free tickets to see Frog Prince, this week’s Saturday Morning at the National performance
* Marsha and the Positrons are playing the Saturday show at Jammin’ Java
* Catch a performance of Beauty and the Beast at The Puppet Co.
* And Bedtime Bunnies is the featured Tiny Tots show there
* Little ones will love Boxes, Boxes, Boxes at Imagination Stage
* NextStop Theatre’s production of Snow White begins this weekend
* Love That Dog will be on stage at BlackRock Center for the Arts
* Los Dos Burritos, a bilungual show for all ages will be at Wall of Books on Saturday and Colony Club on Sunday at 11am both days.

Fun at Fairfax Parks
Where: Several Fairfax parks
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 to enjoy. Have lunch with live animals at Huntley Meadows, take a wagon ride at Riverbend, join a princess tea party at Hidden Oaks, star gaze at Burke Lake, and more! Go here to see all of your options, this weekend and beyond, and register for activities.

Kids in the Kitchen
Where: Children’s National Medical Center
When: Saturday, 10am – 2pm
Admission: Free
The Junior League of Washington is hosting its annual healthy eating and fitness activity fair for children. Designed for ages 3 to 13, the event showcases ways for kids to eat smart and make healthy lifestyle choices. The lineup of activities will include exercise classes like Zumba, CrossFit and yoga, cooking fun with professional chefs, demos from nutrition experts, and more. There will also be crafts, games, goodie bags, and exciting raffle prizes, all to celebrate and promote nutritional literacy. Note that while this is a free event, advance sign-up is required.

DC United vs. Vancouver Whitecaps
Where: RFK Stadium
When: Saturday, 5:30pm
Admission: Tickets prices vary
Kick it at a soccer game as the DC United host the Vancouver Whitecaps on Saturday evening. Be sure to stop by the Fan Zone in section 222 for a variety of kids activities. For some extra goodies just for young fans, join the Kids Club!

Full STEAM Ahead: Awesome Astronomy
Where: Annmarie Sculpture Garden
When: Sunday, 1-4pm
Admission: Free
Families are invited to visit the Annmarie artLAB for hands-on investigations and challenges. This month’s astronomy-themed session features fun, engaging activities that will help kids explore, observe, ask questions, and make predictions about the world around them as they create and play! Perfect for all ages, and walk-ins welcome. Be sure to extend your visit to explore the rest of Annmarie, including the art-filled grounds and magical Fairy Lolly — more about it here (cost $5/adult, $3/child).

Family Workshop: Paper Trails
Where: Sackler Gallery
When Sunday, 1–4pm
Admission: Free
In celebration of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, explore the importance of paper across Asian artmaking traditions. With educators from the Freer|Sackler and the National Museum of Women in the Arts, use traditional Japanese papers and bookmaking tools and techniques to create your own artist’s book. Recommended for ages 6–12 and accompanying adults.

The Inside Scoop
Where: Around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
With un-springlike weather on the way, this post with over 70 ideas for indoor adventures around DC will help keep your crew sheltered and entertained all weekend long.

The Weekend Round-Up: April 2-3

Go fly a kite at the Washington Monument

Weather may factor in to your picks for activities with the kids this weekend, but there’s fun to be had no matter what the conditions outside. Happy Weekend!

Go Fly a Kite!
Where: Washington Monument Grounds
When: Saturday, 10am – 4:30pm (Rain date: Sunday, 12pm)
Admission: Free
The Blossom Kite Festival is, in my opinion, the best event during cherry blossom season. The sight of thousands of kites in all colors, shapes, and sizes soaring around the Washington Monument is truly a sight to behold. The sails you see flying at the Festival each spring range from simple to pretty darn creative. Dragons, sharks, butterflies, giant soccer balls, even some that look like intricate works of art actually outnumber your basic diamond. And anyone can go fly their kites, so be sure to bring one. There’s a competition aspect to the event, too; expert kite enthusiasts will wow crowds with cool stunts, and prizes will be awarded to winners of various categories such as most beautiful, funniest, and aerodynamics.

Marshmallow Harvest & Egg Hunt
Where: Great Country Farms
When: April 2-3, 10am – 5pm
Admission: $10/child $12/adult at the gate
Head to Great Country for the first “crop” of the spring — Marshmallow Picking! Do marshmallow peeps grow on trees? Be sure to check it out and harvest a few to roast on the bonfire with Farmer Bob. You can even purchase a s’mores kit to melt away that chocolate craving. Guests can also join a post-Easter egg hunt (by age – see the schedule) with over 18,000 treat-filled eggs. Plan to visit spring chicks and baby animals, check out the spring plantings in the greenhouse, take a hayride and rejoice in the new season.

Kite Fun Day
Where: Frying Pan Farm Park
When: Saturday, 10:30am – 12pm or 1-2:30pm
Admission: $10/child (reservations required)
Make a kite and watch it soar at Frying Pan’s special event on Saturday. All materials will be provided, and advanced registration is required. Plan to hang out and enjoy the may other attractions at the park after (or before) your session. Animal visits, wagon rides, and playgrounds are just a few of them!

More Fun at Fairfax Parks
Where: Several Fairfax parks
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 to enjoy. Take a wagon ride at Riverbend, celebrate cherry blossom season at Green Spring Gardens, volunteer for the Watershed Cleanup Day, build a bat house, join a nature play group, and more! Go here to see all of your options and register for activities.

Saturday Family Jazz Session
Where: Strathmore
When: Saturday, 11am
Admission: $10
Jumpstart a love for jazz with classes that nurture talent and spark musicality! Junior jazz aficionados can spend Saturday mornings singing, playing, and preparing for a lifetime of jazz appreciation at this fun, creative, kid-friendly series featuring classes with multi-instrumentalist and local jazz legend Seth Kibel and renowned jazz singer Rochelle Rice. Children under 7 must be accompanied by an adult. All attendees, regardless of age, must have a ticket.

The Outwin 2016 Family Day
Where: National Portrait Gallery
When: Saturday, 11:30am – 3pm 
Admission: Free
Families are invited to celebrate a day of storytelling while learning about contemporary portraiture. Enjoy portrait workshops led by artists featured in the newly opened exhibition The Outwin 2016. Additionally, Grammy-nominated artist Christylez Bacon will demonstrate how musicians use song as a narrative, and the Bowen McCauley Dance company tells their stories through dance.

Forklift Garden Party
Where: Community Forklift
When: Saturday, 9am – 4pm
Admission: Free
Throughout the winter, Community Forklift collects gently-used and surplus lawn & garden supplies as well as outdoor décor and furniture. Come spring, they put it all out for your shopping pleasureatt heir Annual Garden Party. Even more, along with the sale, the event will feature gardening demonstrations, experts, and vendors; activities for kids; local bands; and a farm-to-fork food truck.

Show Time
Where: Local Theatres
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
* See Adventure Theatre’s delightful production of James and the Giant Peach
* Reserve free tickets to see the Ballet Theatre of Maryland on Saturday Morning at the National Theatre
* Superman 2050 is on the Family Theater stage at the Kennedy Center Friday through Sunday
* Catch a performance of Beauty and the Beast at The Puppet Co.
* And Bedtime Bunnies is the featured Tiny Tots show there
* Little ones will ove Boxes, Boxes, Boxes at Imagination Stage
* The American Youth Chorus will perform their newest concert Songs of the Earth, Sea, & Sky on Saturday evening
* The U.S. Navy Commodores are kicking off National Jazz Month at Alden Theater on Saturday
* The Washington Ballet presents Hamlet at the Kennedy Center

Light City Baltimore
Where: Baltimore Inner Harbor
When: Through Sunday, 7pm – 12am
Admission: Free
See Baltimore’s Inner Harbor lit up with a temporary light art exhibition, a 1.5-mile light art walk with 28 illuminated artworks. The installations range from 15-foot sculptures to projections on the sides of buildings (and even on roofs!) and explore questions of social justice, sustainability and climate change, and history. This will be accompanied by 100 musical and street theater performances and 50 concerts, all free and open to the public.

Go Colonial
Where: Claude Moore Colonial Farm
When: Saturday & Sunday, 10am – 4:30pm
Admission: $3/adults, $2/ages 3 and up, free for 2 and under
The Claude Moore Colonial Farm opens for the first weekend of its 2016 season, welcoming visitors to explore family life on a pre-Revolutionary War working farm. There is a tobacco barn, farm house, garden, orchard, and animals. Guests can also interact with a family portraying life as it was back then. Read more about it in this post (ignore the “autumn” part; it’s a great outing in the spring, too).

April Maker’s Market
Where: Annmarie Sculpture Garden
When: Saturday, 9am – 1pm
Admission: Free
The Annmarie Maker’s Market is THE place to find all things handmade, homemade, or homegrown, including crafts, hanging baskets, organic skincare products, farm fresh produce, cut flowers, baked goods, batik and fleece clothing, handmade soaps and candles, herbal teas, ornaments, folkart, handmade gifts, and more! Delight in the local treasures to be found here! While you’re there, explore the amazing grounds, arts center, and Fairy Lolly, too ($5/adult, $3/child). More about it here.

Symphony for Babes
Where: Downtown Silver Spring Civic Center
When: Saturday, 10am & 11:30am
Admission: $12
Take wee ones to the symphony! The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra presents this Music Box Interactive Concert especially for babies and toddlers ages six months to three years with the theme Birtdie Melodies. Go early — 30 minutes prior the concert the lobby fills with a range of musical, creative and fun activities for little ones and families.

Family Game Day & Boutique Pop Up
Where: The Escape Lounge
When: Sunday, 11am – 6pm
Admission: Free (Escapes at regular prices)
You have your choice of adventures at The Escape Lounge this Sunday! Shop a special Yummi Yummi Goodness Boutique Pop Up offering up to 40% off children’s couture. There will also be board game competitions and puzzles, raffle drawings for amazing prizes, and beverages and light snacks. Of course, you can also opt for an Escape the Classroom or Escape the Oval Office experience, which I highly recommend (read more about it here)! 10% of proceeds from the event will be donated to the National Children’s Alliance in honor of National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Sumo-Sized Sunday
Where: North End Shaw
When: Sunday, 11am – 2pm
Admission: Free
The Shay and Atlantic Plumbing, mixed-use retail and residential projects in North End Shaw, are celebrating cherry blossom season by welcoming three world sumo wrestling champions — Yama, Byamba, and Takeshi — for Sumo-Sized Sunday. Attendees will have the chance to not only watch these world-renowned wrestlers engage in some friendly competition, but also try their hand at taking down one of the classically trained fighters. This will all take place in the lot adjacent to 945 Florida Avenue NW.