Tag Archives: DC Spring Activities for Kids

June 13, 2014 · 7:22 am

The Weekend Round-Up: June 13-15

There are plenty of great ways to celebrate the weekend’s honorees — summer activities, fun on the farm, World Cup viewing, minor league ball, and much more. If you don’t find what you’re looking for here, then check out the list of outdoor ideas — you can plan a great day for Dad and enjoy the superb weather on the way. Happy Weekend! And a very Happy Father’s Day to all the dads!

Father’s Day at Mount Vernon
Where: Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens
When: Saturday & Sunday, 8am – 5pm
Admission: $17/adult, $8/ages 6-11, free for ages 5 and under
Spend the day with the Father of our Country! This weekend, guests can enjoy a meet-and-greet and photo ops with “General Washington” as well as a special “Father to the First Family” program. After, head to George Washington’s Distillery & Gristmill, located three miles from the estate on Route 235 South – entrance is included in admission to Mount Vernon.

Summer Fun
Where: Throughout the area
When: All weekend long
Admission: Varies by activity
Seize the season with a host of activities that only occur this time of year. Enjoy an open air concert at one of several series in the area. Go berry picking. Stay cool under the sun at an outdoor pool, sprayground, or water park. Ride mini-trains and carousels at local parks. And much, much more.

Father’s Day Fish-a-Rama Competition
Where: Great Country Farms
When: Sunday, 9am – 6pm
Admission: $8/child, $10/adult
Dads, friends, and families are invited to learn and be challenged at the annual Father’s Day Fish-a-Rama Competition on Sunday. Fishing by celeb Bryan Kelly of White Fly Outfitters will be there to demo fishing techniques. Guests can also enjoy catch and release fishing from the fishing ponds stocked with catfish, bass and blue gill of all sizes. Prepare to face off in the fun competitions that include prizes for the largest and most fish caught. Plan on bringing your own gear and a camera to capture all the fun. The play area will be open, too, and they’re hopeful that U-Pick opportunities will include the cherry orchard and blueberry fields.

Juneteenth
Where: Watkins Regional Park
When: Saturday, 12 – 5pm
Admission: Free, but some activities require a small fee
Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. The celebration at Watkins offers a great lineup of culturally inspired dance and musical performances, plus family activities. Face painting, the interactive playground, the animals at the Old Maryland Farm, miniature train and Carousel rides, and mini-golf will all be available, those requiring a fee at discounted prices. There will also be several vendors selling a variety of food.

Pilot for a Day
Where: National Air & Space Museum Udvar-Hazy Center
When: Saturday, 10am – 3pm
Admission: Free, but parking is $15
Join the Air & Space Museum for the 10th annual Become a Pilot Day! You’ll see nearly 50 vintage, recreational, and home-built aircraft flown in for one day only, including a special one this year: a United Airlines Boeing 777 you can enter! Inside the Center, enjoy presentations, demonstrations, and hands-on activities for all ages, including flight simulators.

Tinner Hill Blues Festival
Where: Various Falls Church locales
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: Varies by day
The Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation and the City of Falls Church will present the 21st Annual Tinner Hill Blues Festival, featuring outstanding national and regional talent. Along with the music, there will be loads of other activities. Free ones include Early Bird blues at the Farmers Market, Family Fun Blues Book Readings, a mini film fest of blues genre screenings, and live music gratis all over town. See the website for details on all of it.

World Cup Watching
Where: Around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free, but plan to spend on food and drinks
The World Cup has begin, so if you want to catch some matches and spend time with the kids, check out these suggestions for family friendly places to watch the tournament.

Spread the Happy with Nutella
Where: Kingstowne Center in Alexandria
When: Saturday, 10am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Nutella is celebrating 50 years as The Original Hazelnut Spread with a “Spread the Happy” Truck Tour around the U.S., and they’ll be in the DC area over the next couple of weeks. This Saturday, locals are invited to join the tour and receive complimentary samples of Nutella paired with various foods, play interactive games, have the opportunity to show their love for Nutella on social media, and participate in Nutella branded gear giveaways.

Anancy! Anansi! Folklore Festival
Where: Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library
When: Saturday, 10:30am – 12:30pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate Caribbean American Heritage Monthat the 3rd annual Anancy! Anansi! Folklore and Storytelling Festival. Children and adults will enjoy storytelling, face painting, movies,an art competition, and more. The first 100 families to register will receive a free Anancy storybook. The event is metro accessible via the Chinatown metro stop.

Show Time
Where: Local Theatres
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
* Creative Cauldron presents A Mid Summer Night’s Dream
* Single Carrot Theatre’s Rumpled is this week’s Saturday Morning at the National performance
* The Wizard of Oz is opening on the main stage and Snow Show is the featured Tiny Tots performance at The Puppet Co.
* Rocknoceros is playing the Saturday morning show at Jammin’ Java.

Astroblast! Space Camp National Tour
Where: Fairfax Corner
When: Saturday 10am – 4pm
Admission: Free
Kids can experience Sprout’s upcoming new original animated series Astroblast!TM by visiting the Astroblast! Space Camp Tour on its first nationwide stop on Saturday Sprout invites children and their families to an out-of-this-world interactive experience with Astroblast!-inspired activities, including the Zero Gravity Station, a Bungee Bounce and Moon Bounce House for all ages, the Moon Sand Creative Play Zone, “Worm Hole” tunnels, a Shooting Star Toss and more. Visitors will also receive their own photos with Astroblast! character cutouts to commemorate their visit. Fairfax Corner is located at 4100 Monument Corner Drive.

Bowie Baysox Specials
Where: Prince George’s Stadium
When: Saturday, 6:35pm & Sunday, 2:05pm
Admission: Tickets start at $7
The Force will be with the Bowie Baysox on Saturday when the team hosts Star Wars Night on Saturday, as the Baysox take on the Senators. Enjoy light saber battles and meet your favorite Star Wars heroes & villains in move quality costumes — see Storm Troopers, Darth Vader, Star Wars collectibles and more. Fans are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite Star Wars character, too. A fireworks extravaganza will light up the sky after the game. On Sunday, celebrate Dad playing catch on the field before the game (12:30-1:15pm).

Getting to Know Degas and Cassatt
Where: National Gallery of Art
When: Saturday, 11am & Sunday, 1pm
Admission: Free
The National Gallery’ of Art is kicking off their Children’s Film Program for the summer. During this session, join them for for two animated films about Edgar Degas and Mary Cassatt based on Mike Venezia’s Getting to Know the World’s Greatest Artists books. Learn about the life and work of the two artists who were friends and collaborators in later 19th-century Paris. Recommended for ages 4 and up.

Move it Movement Tour
Where: Six Flags America in Upper Marlboro
When: Saturday, 12-6pm
Admission: Free
The Move It Movement Tour, Cartoon Network’s summer campaign promoting healthy lifestyles for kids, will be stopping in the DC area this weekend. The event will feature multiple activity and learning stations, including an obstacle course, football-themed fun, a soccer shootout challenge, booths with info about health and fitness and a chill zone.

Kids Superhero Dash for Dad
Where: Pentagon Row
When: Sunday, 8am
Admission: $20-40 depending on race
Lace up your sneakers for the Seventh Annual ZERO Prostate Cancer Run/Walk – Capital Area! Join ZERO – The End of Prostate Cancer Sundayfor a 4-mile run/walk, 1-mile fun walk, and Kids Superhero Dash or Dad for kids ages 9 and under at Pentagon Row in Arlington. The run/walk series is taking place in 30+ cities nationwide in 2014 and raises awareness and funds to end prostate cancer, a disease affecting one in seven American men. Register in advance or on race day from 7-8:30am.

Engineering For Kids
Where: S.T.E.M. Discovery Center
When: Saturday, 9am – 1pm
Admission: Free
Join Engineering for Kids as they celebrate the grand opening of our brand new S.T.E.M. Discovery Center in Lakeridge, VA. Parents and children are invited to for the ceremonial ribbon cutting and to check out all the new activities they have to offer. Children will be able to participate in a variety of hands on activities at different stations in the center. Activities include LEGO Build Wall, LEGO Racer Build and Crash, Bubble Science, Giant Building Blocks, Straw Rocket Blast off, Magnet Ball Wall, Robotics Sumo Wrestling, and more! Parents will be able to socialize and learn more about our new program offerings. The S.T.E.M. Discovery Center is located at 1243 Dillingham Square in Lakeridge.

Father’s Day Backyard BBQ and Brunch
Where: Pinstripes Georgetown
When: Sunday, 9:30am – 10pm
Admission: $30/adult, $15/child, free for 5 and under
Dads are invited to put down their grilling tongs and relax at Pinstripes Georgetown’s Father’s Day Backyard BBQ. From 9:30am to 3pm, families can head out to the gorgeous outdoor patio overlooking the C&O Canal and fill their plates with char-grilled skirt steaks, burgers, grilled chicken, Italian sausage, baby back ribs, grilled corn, watermelon and more. The endless brunch buffet will also be available until 3pm and will serve up carved prime rib, create-your-own omelets, waffles, flatbreads and more in addition to the backyard feast. From 3-10pm, the BBQ buffet will be available at the bistro in addition to the regular menu. In addition to feasting, families are invited to challenge Dad to a fun game of bocce or bowling for added fun. Reservations are recommended, and can be made by calling (202) 625-6500.

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Filed under All ages, Annual, Art, DC, Educational, Exhibit, Farm, Festival, Free, Live Entertainment, Maryland, Museums, Music, Nature, Outdoor, Seasonal, Sports, Spring, Summer, Theatre, Virginia, Weekend

Tagged as 2014 World Cup, DC Children's Theatre, DC Kids Activities, DC Kids Museums, DC Sports, DC Spring Activities for Kids, DC Summer Activities, DC Weekend June 14-15, DC with kids, Father's Day 2014, Kids Activities in Maryland, Kids Activities in Northern Virginia, Kids Entertainment in DC, Things to do with Kids in DC, Things to do with kids in Northern Virginia, Thinsg to do with Kids in Maryland, Washington DC Events, Weekend in DC

May 30, 2014 · 7:22 am

The Weekend Round-Up: May 30 – June 1

Paddling the Anacostia

Folk music, a wine fest that’s family-friendly, a brand new carousel, baseball, a strawberry celebration, and outdoor pursuits are all among this week’s recs for family fun. And you can find even more on this big list of Everyday Play. Happy Weekend!

Washington Folk Festival
Where: Glen Echo Park
When: Saturday & Sunday, 12-7pm
Admission: Free
Get folksy at Glen Echo Park this weekend, as the Washington Folk Festival showcases the diversity of traditional music in Washington. All of the artists hail from the DC area, but cultures from around the nation, as well as the world, will be represented through music, dance, crafts, and stories. The public is invited to enjoy the festival that is renown in the folk community. Find more festival details here.

Vintage Virginia Wine & Food Festival
Where: Bull Run Park
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: $30/adults, $7/kids
It sounds like a grown-ups-only event, but the Festival offers plenty of family fun, too. Chef demos, food truck fare, live music, and a whole Family Tent with activities especially for kids are among the festivities. Oh, and there will be plenty of opportunity for wine tasting, too.

The Ol’ Ballgame
Where: Nationals Park
When: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
Admission: Ticket prices vary
The Nats are hosting the Texas Rangers this weekend, with an evening game on Friday and afternoon games on Saturday and Sunday. Take advantage of the Harris Teeter Family Pack promo, and enjoy other extras on Sunday, like Kids Run the Bases after the last out and Kids Socks for the first 10,000 fans 12 and under to arrive. Tickets are still available for all of the games, and it’s not too late to get in on the Jr. Nationals Kids Club – this post has more details about it.

“Summer” Fun
Where: Throughout the area
When: All Weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
Outdoor concerts, water fun, movies under the stars, and more ongoing seasonal fun has begun in DC. From Jazz in the Garden on Friday evenings to Sunday night family movies at the National Harbor to open swim at local pools, this Summer 2014 Guide has the scoop on where and when you can experience the joys of summer.

Rockin’ on the Riverfront
Where: The Yards Park
When: Friday, 6:30-8:30pm
Admission: Free
Kick off the weekend with free music in the fresh air. There will be a special Tour de Fat performance on the Yards Park boardwalk this evening. Catch the show along with great views of the Anacostia River from the comfort of a blanket spread out on the grass. Pack a picnic or purchase food there. BYOB is okay, too!

Carousel Grand Opening
Where: RIO Washingtonian
When: Saturday, 11am
Admission: Free, but carousel reides are $3
The RIO Washingtonian Center in Gaitherburg is celebrating the grand opening of their brand new Carousel. Festivities will include family entertainment, a strolling Dixieland band, and much more throughout the day! While you’re there, enjoy some of the other RIO’s lakefront attractions, among them paddleboats, a trackless train, and a playground, all situated along the picturesque boardwalk and lake.

Row Your Boat
Where: Potomac & Anacostia Rivers
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by boathouse
It’s forecast to be a beautiful weekend, and a great way to enjoy will be on the water, where you can paddle and explore. A bunch of places around the area rent kayaks, canoes, rowboats, and pontoons. Fletcher’s Boathouse is a popular place to go, and we recently rowed from the Ballpark Boathouse at Yards Park. Bladenburg Waterfront Park also has vessels for rent along with free pontoon boat tours on weekends from 5-5:45.

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, great food, and live music. 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!

Tour de Fat
Where: Yards Park
When: Saturday, 10am – 5:30pm
Admission: Free
This big, whimsical bike festival starts with a ride/parade to Yards Park, where attendees can expect a festival jam-packed with entertainment, local vendors, and New Belgium beer (sponsor of the event). Costumes are heartily encouraged. Check-in for the parade is at 10am, and it starts rolling at 11am. The party at Yards Park runs from 12 -5pm. Tour de Fat is said to be family-friendly and welcomes kids. Games, live entertainment, and a dance contest will be part of the fun.

Operation Kind Kids
Where: National Children’s Museum
When: Saturday, 10am – 1pm
Admission: $10
It’s a celebration of kindness at the National Children’s Museum. Preschoolers and caregivers are invited to attend and discover new ways to incorporate kindness into their daily routines. The special event will feature a variety of activity stations, including opportunities to express what kindness means to them on a collage wall, pick a flower to share with someone in their life, take a family photo op, and take home KIND Healthy Grains snack bars and calendars to track kind acts. Admittance will be free with the cost of museum admission.

Sports Festival
Where: Hadley’s Park
When: Sunday, 11am – 3:30pm
Admission: Free
KEEN Greater DC (Kids Enjoy Exercise Now). Is hosting Sports Festival 2014, an annual afternoon of activities and games for more than 300 ids and young adults with disabilities. Volunteers team up with KEEN athletes for events such as tug-of-war, obstacle course challenges, kick ball, and volleyball. This day celebrates 22 years that KEEN has provided free exercise and recreation programs for young people with developmental and/or physical disabilities.

Show Time
Where: Local Theatres
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
* Encore Stage & Studio’s newest production, The 12 Dancing Princesses, opens this weekend with performances Friday night, Saturday, and Sunday.
* See theatre on strings at The Puppet Co., where Pinocchio is on the main stage and Old McDonald’s Farm is the featured Tiny Tots show.
* Enjoy the NSO Family Concert: Mozart’s Magnificent Voyage at the Kennedy Center.
* Ellis Paul is playing the Saturday morning show “The Hero in You” at Jammin’ Java.

Strawberry Fields
Where: Area farms
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by location
The pick-your-own season is well underway! Many 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.

The Weekend Round-Up: May 23-26

The Korean War Memorial on the National Mall

Whether you seek events to observe Memorial Day, are ready to get your summer started, or just want to enjoy some extra quality time with the kids over the long weekend, these ideas for family recreation should have you covered. Happy Weekend! And a sincere thank you to those who have served and sacrificed for our country.

Summer in the City
Where: Throughout the area
When: All weekend long
Admission: Varies by activity
Celebrate the unofficial start of summer with an activity exclusive to this time of year. Outdoor public pools, spraygrounds, and water parks open Saturday; music and movies are playing under the stars; the strawberry picking season is underway; and blue crabs are making many a feaster very happy. The new guide to summer in DC has specifics on all of the special events and series that come with the warm months (and a select few are also mentioned below).

Jazz in the Garden
Where: National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden
When: Friday, 5:30-8:30pm
Admission: Free
The popular summer series is back for its second week this evening. Enjoy blues harmonica by Bruce Ewan along with big, bold works of art in the NGA Sculpture Garden on the Mall. Bring a blanket and a picnic dinner or buy a bite there. Note: Adult drinks are available from the pavilion; BYO alcohol is not permitted.

Sunset Celebration
Where: Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens
When: Saturday & Sunday, 6-9pm
Admission: $18/adults, $12/ages 6-11, free for children 5 and under
Visit Mount Vernon after the daytime crowds have departed for a special Memorial Day weekend celebration. Guests can take evening tours of the Mansion, relax and enjoy wine and desserts available for purchase, and delight in 18th-century music, dancing, games, and wagon rides. Stroll the lantern-lit grounds and immerse yourself in the 18th century as the sun sets on the plantation and costumed residents like the charming Lady Washington and her granddaughter Nelly interact with visitors. This family-friendly event celebrates the beginning of summer on the plantation.

Show Time
Where: Local Theatres
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
* Its the final weekend of The Jungle Book at Adventure Theatre. A special for KFDC readers: use the code “MOWGLI” when you buy your tickets for $2 off!
* It’s also your last chance to catch Cinderella: The Remix at Imagination Stage
* See theatre on strings at The Puppet Co., where Pinocchio is on the main stage and Penguin’s Playground and Teddy Bear’s Picnic are the featured Tiny Tots show.
* Enjoy the NSO Teddy Bear Concert: Two Divas and a Bear! at the Kennedy Center.

Memorial Day at Abe’s Place
Where: President Lincoln’s Cottage
When: Monday,
Admission: Tours are $15/adult, $5/child
President Lincoln’s Cottage will host an array of activities on Memorial Day to honor the men and women who have served in the U.S. military. Family-friendly activities will include guided tours of the first National Cemetery, commemorative ceremonies honoring veterans at multiple locations, picnicking opportunities on the grounds of the Soldiers’ Home, and tours of the Cottage, the seasonal residence of the Lincoln family during the Civil War. See the website for more information and a schedule of tours and activities.

National Memorial Day Concert
Where: West lawn of the Capitol
When: Sunday, 8-9:30pm, gates open at 5pm (or Saturday for the dress rehearsal)
Admission: Free
Why watch on TV when you can be there in person? The 2013 National Memorial Day Concert will take place on the west lawn of the Capitol on Sunday from 8 – 9:30pm. Gary Sinise and Joe Mantegna are hosting the event once again, and an all-star line-up of artists will join the National Symphony Orchestra in honoring those who have served and sacrificed for the U.S. If you’re planning to go, this FAQ page on the concert website is worth a read. If you can’t make Sunday’s show or don’t want to deal with the crowds, Saturday’s dress rehearsal is also always open to the public — gates open at 5pm, and the show begins at 8pm.

Homefront Street Cars
Where: National Capital Trolley Museum
When: Saturday, Sunday, & Monday
Admission: $5/child, $7/adult
Recall the role of the transit industry during wartime in observance of Memporial Day. Enjoy Tilley the Trolley and Billy the Bus, a wartime production of the Capital Transit Company, and Ten Seconds to Go, a wartime production of Kansas City Public Service. See the special exhibit, Homefront Street Cars.

Memorials on the Mall
Where: National Mall
When: All Weekend
Admission: Free
Tributes to those who have served our country will take place at the many memorials and monuments on the National Mall throughout the weekend. Times vary, but you can look for schedules on the National Park Service website. The Mall is guaranteed to be crowded, so plan accordingly.

Memorial Day Observance
Where: Arlington National Cemetery
When: Monday, 10:30am
Admission: Free
Observe the holiday at one of the most iconic spots to honor those who have served. A prelude concert by the United States Navy Band will begin in the amphitheater at 10:30am, and a wreath-laying ceremony will take place at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at 11am followed by an observance program in the amphitheater. Space is limited to standing room only for the wreath-laying ceremony, and seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis in the amphitheater. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to ensure access to these events and should plan to be seated no later than 9:30am. Read more about Arlington National Cemetery here.

National Memorial Day Parade
Where: Constitution Avenue NW, 7th to 17th Streets
When: Monday, 2pm
Admission: Free
The annual National Memorial Day Parade celebrates and honors American veterans with a grand procession through the city. Get a curbside view of military units and vehicles, marching bands, flag teams, and hundreds of veterans as they travel up Constitution Avenue.

Find even more ideas for family fun in these popular KFDC posts:
The Best Places in the DC Area to Enjoy A Beautiful Day Outdoors with the Kids
The Great Indoors

The Weekend Round-Up: May 16-18

18th-century fun awaits at Claude Moore’s Spring Market Fair

Once the rain ceases we’re in for stellar weather! There are loads of ways to enjoy it, both listed here and in the best of the outdoors post, plus activities happening indoors, too. Happy Weekend!

Family Movie Night
Where: Hillwood Estate, Museum, & Gardens
When: Friday, 5:30-8:30pm
Admission: $5
The historic locale is hosting a Family Movie Night this evening.. Along with the “Creature Feature” film screening, guests can explore the estate, picnic on the grounds, and enjoy an art project. Tickets can be purchased in advance online.

Good Neighbor Day
Where: Kenilworth Aquatic Garden
When: Saturday, 10am – 2:30pm
Admission: Free
Join Friends of Kenilworth Gardens for their second annual Good Neighbor Day! They’ll start the day at 10am with two hours of volunteer service in the park, followed by a family friendly celebration from 123:30pm that will include music from East of the River Police Boys and Girls Steelband, local drummers, park tours, scavenger hunts, face painting and family friendly fun. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the fun! RSVP recommended for volunteering only – contact tina@friendsofkenilworthgardens.org to sign up.

Colonial Spring Market Fair
Where: Claude Moore Colonial Farm
When: Saturday & Sunday, 11am – 4:30pm
Admission: $7/adults, $3/ages 3-12 & seniors
Celebrate spring at the Claude Moore Colonial Farm’s first Market Fair of the season. See colonial farm family and community members in costume and character. Watch the colonial blacksmith and cabinetmaker at work as well as spinners and pewter smith. Learn to dip candles or turn a piece of wood. Play quoits and other games, and watch a children’s puppet theatre. Dance and sing to period music. See chickens, turkeys, sheep, pigs and other animals. Enjoy a variety of food and drink for purchase including spit roasted rosemary chicken, spring vegetables, roasted olives, fruit pies and more. Colonial Tavern offers bonhomie and chilled beverages including craft beers, mulled wine, and fresh ginger ale. Colonial style wares such as soaps and crafts as well as herbs and flowers also for sale.

Nats vs. Mets
Where: Nationals Park
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: Ticket prices vary
Take the kids out to the ballgame! The Nats are hosting the Mets all weekend with an evening game tonight, a late afternoon match-up on Saturday, and another game on Sunday. Take advantage of the Harris Teeter Family Pack. And don’t forget you can stay post-game on Sunday for Kids Run the Bases when children ages 4-12 can loop the in field after the final out.

Fiesta Asia Street Fair
Where: Pennsylvania Avenue, from 3rd – 6th Streets
When: Saturday, 10am – 7pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate Asian Heritage Month at the annual street fair presented by the Asia Heritage Foundation and Passport DC. 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, dragon making, story telling, Okinawan Drumming, bamboo dancing, and more. While admission is free, be prepared to spend on food and marketplace fun.

Show Time
Where: Local Theatres
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
* Catch a performance of The Jungle Book at Adventure Theatre
* Cinderella: The Remix is playing on the Imagination Stage
* Enjoy theatre on strings at The Puppet Co., where Pinocchio is on the main stage and Baby Bear’s Birthday is the featured Tiny Tots show.
* The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is at Ford’s Theatre through May 17.
* Rocknoceros is playing a Saturday morning show at Ebenezers Coffeehouse.
* Seth Kibel has a CD release performance at Jammin’ Java on Saturday morning.

Dr. Seuss Meets the Ballet
Where: THEARC
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: Ticket prices vary
The Washington Ballet is concluding their 2013-14 season with captivating productions of George Balanchine’s Who Cares? and David Palmer’s Green Eggs and Ham at THEARC Theater. The production will also feature excerpts from Lucy Bowen McCauley’s Eight and CeCe Farha’s Aladdin. This affordable family series production showcases The Washington Ballet’s Studio Company. Look for a ticket discount to Sunday’s performances here.

Living Aloha
Where: National Museum of the American Indian
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday, 10:30am – 5pm
Admission: Free
In its 8th year, this 3-day festival at the American Indian Museum showcases Hawaiian artists, performers, and practitioners of traditional Hawaiian healing and culture. Visitors can learn about living a life of “aloha” through performances, demos, and hands-on activities for all ages, including Tincluding kapa (bark cloth) stamping, Hawaiian kite-making, and traditional games.

Gaithersburg Book Festival
Where: Gaithersburg City Hall
When: Saturday, 10am – 6pm
Admission: Free
The City of Gaithersburg welcomes you to their fifth 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.

Art Museum Day
Where: Local art museums
When: Sunday
Admission: Free
The Association of Art Museum Directors is celebrating the importance of art museums in our world for the fifth year with Art Museum Day, where museums around the country offer free admission and/or special programs for guests. Participating museums in our area are The Phillips Collection, National Museum of Women in the Arts, National Museum of African Art, National Portrait Gallery, and The Walters Art Museum the Baltimore Museum of Art.

Taste of Arlington
Where: Wilson Blvd., btwn Glebe Road & N. Quincy & N. Stuart to 9th.
When: Sunday, 12-5pm
Admission: Free, but you must purchase tickets to taste
Head across the river for a day of food, fun, and more food. Over 40 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, art for sale, a beer garden and champagne pavilion, and fun for kids – face-painting, a rock climbing wall, World Pup tournament, the build-a-bug pavilion, carnival games & more. Tickets are available for purchase through the Taste of Arlington website, or you can buy them the day of the event.

World Children’s Choir
Where: Falls Church Episcopal
When: Saturday, 7pm
Admission: $20/adult, $10/seniors & students, $30/family
People of all ages will enjoy this evening of song by a choir of young singers. The concert will include a delightful variety of music including European classical vocal works by Puccini, Tchaikovsky, and Richard Strauss; songs by British composer, John Rutter and American composer, James Selway; and Broadway show tunes. The concert will conclude with an audience sing-along.

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Filed under All ages, Annual, Art, DC, Educational, Exhibit, Festival, Free, Maryland, Museums, Music, Nature, Outdoor, Park, Seasonal, Sports, Spring, Theatre, Virginia, Weekend

Tagged as DC Children's Theatre, DC Kids Activities, DC Kids Museums, DC Spring Activities for Kids, DC with kids, Kids Activities in Maryland, Kids Activities in Northern Virginia, Kids Entertainment in DC, Things to do with Kids in DC, Things to do with kids in Northern Virginia, Thinsg to do with Kids in Maryland, Washington DC Events, Weekend in DC, Weekend May 17-18

May 9, 2014 · 8:26 am

The Weekend Round-Up: May 9-11

Spring in the city

On this very special of weekends, there are many kid ventures that moms will enjoy just as much as their babes. (For the stuff that’s geared toward little ones, let dad take the helm, while you go get a mani-pedi.) Here’s a run-down of the family fun happening over the next few days. Happy Weekend! And Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms!

Rockin’ on the Riverfront
Where: Yards Park
When: Friday, 6:30-8:30pm
Admission: Free
One of my favorite spring & summer activities starts up again this evening. The Yards Park Friday Concert series kicks off their 2014 season with the R&B sounds of Jimi Smooth. Food and beverages will be available for purchase, or you can BYO and make a picnic dinner of it with the family. The fountains should be on, and there’s plenty of space for kids to frolic, and, of course, the boardwalk where everyone can dance!

National Train Day
Where: Union Station
When: Saturday, 11am – 4pm
Admission: Free
All aboard for National Train Day! Events celebrating the occasion will take place all around the country, and Union Station’s will feature free kids’ activities sponsored by Chuggington, interactive and educational exhibits, model train displays and giveaways. Visitors will have the chance to tour private luxury railcars, freight and commuter trains, as well as current Amtrak equipment.

Shortcut to Europe
Where: EU Embassies
When: Saturday, 10am – 4pm
Admission: Free
Avoid the hefty 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. Get an idea of what to expect in this post about our experience at the Around the World Embassy Tour last year.

Side Yards
Where: Yards Park
When: Saturday, 5-10pm
Admission: Free
The first ever sideshow extravaganza Side Yards at The Yards will take place this Saturday. The evening of amusement and wonder invites locals to let their freak flag fly while taking in the sights and sounds of the DC area’s top circus performers. Three stages of entertainment will showcase the terrifying talents of contortionists, magicians, jugglers, fire breathers, sword swallowers and more. The event will also feature live concerts throughout the evening with music by Drop Electric, Shark Week, and U.S. Royalty. Delicious food on the boardwalk, a photo booth, body painter, fortuneteller, and beer garden by Bluejacket will round out the evening’s carnival delights.

Celebrate Petworth
Where: 800 block of Upshur Street NW
When: 12-6pm
Admission: Free
This festival on the heart of the Petworth neighborhood will celebrate creativity, diversity, culture, people, and quality of life, the core components of what make Petworth a vibrant and wonderful place to live. Anchored around four main themes — Art, Music, Food and Healthy Living, and Kids/Family — Celebrate Petworth will bring residents of the community together, not just for the day of the event, but through the creation of new opportunities for collaboration, partnership and engagement amongst residents, businesses, and non-profit organizations.

Mother’s Day Family Fest
Where: Smithsonian American Art Museum
When: Saturday, 11:30am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate your family and the caregivers in your life during this special program. Make portraits of loved ones like the ones artist Fasanella did of his parents; create a bouquet of paper flowers to give to someone special; and make a decorative family tree to display in your home with artist Alyson Johnson. Enjoy a puppet performance by Wits End Puppets in the museum. Then get your dancing shoes on, as folk band the Knuckle Dusters performs live!

Fun – & Asparagus! – on the Farm
Where: Great Country Farms
When: Saturday & Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Admission: $8/child, $10/adult
Great Country Farms salutes moms and grand moms during their annual Asparagus Mother’s Day Weekend. The whole family is welcome to spend the day enjoying beautiful views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, fresh blossoms, and the first produce of the season. The Farm’s unique Asparagus Bouquets create a new way to thank Mom for all the love and understanding she provides all year long. Let dad take the kids out to the five- acre play area, while Mom enjoys shopping in the Farm Market stocked with jams & jellies, honey, local meats, baked goods and great gift ideas! Or just relax over lunch and a strawberry sundae in our Roosteraunt concession stand. All visiting moms receive a chocolate dipped strawberry and everyone is welcome to purchase lunch in the Roosteraunt or bring a picnic to enjoy the great outdoors.

Family Fun Day
Where: National Postal Museum
When: Saturday, 11am – 5pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate two different yet uniquely connected themes: Chinese heritage and National Train Day. Through special exhibits, programs and events, the Postal Museum will showcase how trains and the people of China have long shared a very special place in American history. A variety of educational activities and demos will take place throughout the day, giving visitors of all ages opportunities to learn, engage, and take part in fun-filled activities, including a special celebration of the 145th anniversary of the completion of the intercontinental railroad as the museum honors the Chinese immigrants who built it.

Show Time
Where: Local Theatres
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
* Catch a performance of The Jungle Book at Adventure Theatre
* Cinderella: The Remix is playing on the Imagination Stage
* Enjoy theatre on strings at The Puppet Co., where Pinocchio is on the main stage and World on a String is the featured Tiny Tots show.
* The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is at Ford’s Theatre through May 17.
* Rocknoceros is playing the Saturday morning show at Jammin’ Java.

Maryland Faerie Festival
Where: Darlington, MD
When: Friday 5pm, Saturday & Sunday, 10am – 6pm
Admission: $5/ages 3-12, $15/ages 12-99
Indulge little faerie dreams at the annual festival inspired by faerie folklore and literature. From what I hear, it’s kind of like Renn Fest on a much smaller scale with facets that will delight children, especially those who believe in the faeries. Treasure hunts, a May pole, craft projects, giant bubbles, and acrobats are some of the activities kids (and adults) will enjoy. Art, craft, and jewelry vendors, plus classes on gardening and cooking will appeal to the bigger faeries in the crowd.

Toolkit for a Healthy Summer
Where: Koshland Science Museum
When: Saturday, 10am – 5pm
Admission: $7/adults, $4/students
Join the Koshland Science Museum for hands-on activities and more to prepare your family for a fun and healthy summer. Get food smart with the Perfect Picnic, an interactive game and mobile app from the Partnership for Food Safety Education. Sharpen your strategy skills while managing potential food safety problems in a virtual park.  Combine exercise and nutrition when you stop by the Capital Area Food Bank’s Smoothie Bike, and as you blend a mix of fresh fruit, take a moment to learn about Free Summer Meals for children and teens. Assess air quality and protect yourself from the sun with activities from Children’s National Mid-Atlantic Center for Children’s Health and the Environment.  Map your bike route to select a safe and scenic ride with the Washington Area Bicycle Association.

Team America Rocketry Challenge
Where: Great Meadow, The Plains, Va.
When: Saturday, 8:15am – 5pm
Admission: Free
Families are invited to Great Meadow in The Plains, Va. to spectate the 2014 Team America Rocketry Challenge, the world’s largest student rocket contest that’s bringing nearly 1,000 middle and high school students from across the country to the nation’s capital. The all-day event will feature competitive rocket launching and an outdoor expo with displays from more than 20 aerospace industry organizations. Families are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch (food available for purchase will be limited) as well as lawn chairs or a blanket. Parking is free and plentiful. Great Meadow is located at 5089 Old Tavern Rd. in The Plains, Va.

The Ins and Outs of DC
Where: All over the area
When: All weekend long
Admission: Varies by adventure
If you’re just looking for things to do outdoors or inside, depending on the weather or simply your preference, these posts are chock full of evergreen pursuits:
The Best Places in the DC Area to Enjoy a Beautiful Day Outdoors with the Kids
The Great Indoors