Tag Archives: DC Summer 2015

August 28, 2015 · 8:14 am

The Weekend Round-Up: August 28-30

Huzzah, it’s the weekend!

Celebrate the completion of the first week of school or savor the last of summer break with these recs for fun with the kids. And for even more ideas, check out the long list of indoor activities and big compilation of places to enjoy a day outdoors. Happy Weekend!

Huzzah for Ren Fest!
Where: Revel Grove in Crownsville, Md
When: Saturday & Sunday, 10am – 7pm
Admission: $19/adults, $16/seniors, free for 15 and under
Dost thou feel the merriment in the air? The Maryland Renaissance Festival is a glorious day trip back to medieval times that appeals to all ages and sensibilities. Enjoy jousting matches, kids shows, cheeky comedy, tight rope walkers, jugglers, puppetry, Celtic music… and that’s just some of the live entertainment. There are also pony rides, a pirate playground, a giant slide, and all kinds of fun, fascinating things to see. Walk among knights, maidens, pirates, and villagers in puffy shirts in a 16th-century village as you chomp on turkey legs and down cups of mead. It all begins tomorrow and will run every weekend through October 25, and this weekend kids ages 15 and under get in for FREE. Huzzah!

Rooftop Bash
Where: Whole Foods Tenley – Upper Deck
When: Friday, 4-7pm
Admission: Free
Party into the weekend and celebrate with the “Top of the Town” community at their very first Rooftop. CityDance Pop!, Whole Foods Tenley, and NE Sport & Health are hosting a rooftop bash complete with family-friendly workouts, free dance classes, and complimentary food & beverages. More fun for families includes moonbounces, cornhole, photo ops with a DC firetruck, raffles, and prizes. And DJ Roberto from Silenzio Productions will be on the 1’s and 2’s.

The Big Dig
Where: Great Country Farms
When: Saturday & Sunday, 9am – 6pm
Admission: $12/adult, $10/child
Harvest potatoes, enjoy a sweet breakfast, and have a blast at Great Country Farm’s annual Big Dig. Take the scenic drive out to the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains early for all-you-can-eat pancakes topped with homemade fruit syrups, then hop on a hayride that will take you out to u-pick fields where you can dig for gold — Yukon gold potatoes, that is. Breakfast is served from 9am – 12pm, and the hayrides run all day — and the fun doesn’t have to stop there. Along with breakfast and the Dig, admission includes access to the rest of the farm’s attractions, including a cow train, mazes, barnyard petting area, pick your own fields, and more. Visit the website for more information and directions. And purchase tickets online by noon today for a discount!

Summer Fun
Where: Throughout the area
When: All weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
There’s not much time left to enjoy some of the best activities of the season. Outdoor pools and spraygrounds, music and movies in the open air, mini golf and carousels rides at local parks and museums, or a good ol’ crab feast. The guide to Summer in DC has all the inspiration you need to eke out the most of the summer wind-down.

Shows on Strings
Where: The Puppet Co.
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by show
Return to the thrilling days of prehistoric yesteryear, where the Old West meets the old, old, old West at the Dew Drop Inn as The Puppet Co. presents Dinosaur Desperados on the main stage. The 50-minute show is recommended for ages 3-7. Take really little ones to see Old McDonald’s Farm on Saturday or Baby Bear’s Birthday on Sunday, both the featured Tiny Tots shows this weekend.

Open Garden Day
Where: American History Museum – Victoria Garden
When: Saturday, 10am – 1pm
Admission: Free
Discover ways to keep summer on the shelf in the winter months. Learn about canning and pickling garden produce, see seed saving demonstrations, create your own seed packets and other crafts, and take home free wildflower seeds. Garden experts will also be on hand to answer gardening “how-to” questions and take you on an exploration of the summer bounty in the Victory Garden.

Groove with Nate
Where: Lubber Run Amphitheater
When: Saturday, 4pm
Admission: Free
Enjoy some musical fun at the amphitheater in Arlington as local fave Groovy Nate entertains the crowd with his unique blend of blends of music, puppetry, movement, and comedy. It’s a great experience for the younger set, encouraging participation with wonderfully wacky handout instruments.

How ‘Bout Them Apples?
Where: Area farms
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
The apple picking season has begun! Several farms in the area have opened their orchards for guests to start gathering. This list of area farms and orchards offering pick-your-own opportunities has details. And I always recommend calling ahead to be sure the pickings are good the day you plan to go.

Movie Night in Rock Creek
Where: Carter Barron Amphitheatre
When: Saturday, approx. 8:15pm
Admission: Free
See a movie under the stars right in our city park. On Saturday, ease on down the road to catch a screening of The Wiz. Gates open at 7pm, and the film will begin at dusk, shortly after 8pm.

Dragon Boat Regatta
Where: Southwest Waterfront
When: Saturday, 8am – 5pm
Admission: Free
The 2nd annual Capital Harbor Dragon Boat Regatta will be an experience for atheletes and spectators alike. The family-friendly event features the best premier and local dragon boat teams from along the east coast racing in multiple distances over the course of the day. The public is welcome to watch this unique event for free.

A Sprinkling of Fairy Dust
Where: Annmarie Sculpture Garden
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission:
Take a day trip out to Solomons, MD, for an enchanting array of artistic delights. View eye-popping works, both indoors and out, hunt for fairy houses (which are only there for another week!), play in the Fairy Lolly, and create some of your own art with inspiration from all you see there. Trust me, it’s worth the hour-plus drive.

Indoor Swim
Where: National Building Museum
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $5-16 (see details below)
You only have a couple more weeks to jump in at The BEACH, the Building Museum’s big summer installation that is a blast for all ages. The architectural simulation of a beach, there is a beach chair lined seashore that slopes gently into the ocean, and the “water” consists of nearly one million recyclable translucent plastic balls. It’s pretty cool just to view — but even better to experience. Admission is $5/youth member, $10/adult member and $13/youth non-member, $16/adult non-member.

Sing-along at Millennium Stage
Where: Kennedy Center
When: Sunday, 6pm
Admission: Free
The Kennedy Center’s daily free entertainment series presents the Ship’s Company Chanteymen for an evening sing-along. Wearing their 19th century naval uniforms, the group will share old salts’ songs with the audience, who is not just welcome, but encouraged to join in!

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

Tagged as DC Children's Theatre, DC Festivals, DC Kids Activities, DC Summer 2015, DC with kids, Fun with Kids in Washington DC, Things to do with Kids in Maryland, Things to do with kids in Northern Virginia, Washington DC Events, Weekend August 29-30

August 21, 2015 · 8:29 am

The Weekend Round-Up: August 21-23

Waiting for a table at Mike's Crab House isn’t so bad with a view like this

Summer break is winding down in DC, but this round-up of local fun around the area will help you and the kids make the most of these final days. Happy Weekend!

Think Outside
Where: Around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
Looks like it’s going to be a glorious DC weekend, so get out and take advantage of activities outside. Take a hike, hit a beach, explore a garden, visit animals, or see what else there is to do al fresco in this post with tons of ideas for outdoor fun.

Nature & Animals & Fun… Oh, My!
Where: Watkins Regional Park
When: Throughout the Weekend
Admission: Free
The recently opened Wizard of Oz themed playground is a new draw that will delight children, but there are plenty of other tried and true things to do at Watkins Regional Park in Upper Marlboro, MD. Visit the animals at Old Maryland Farm. Go for a spin on the Chesapeake Carousel, take a ride on the Miniature Train, and play a round of Mini Golf. Drop in at the Nature Center, where feathery and reptilian residents are on view. Get details on all of it in this recent post.

Hatch Day
Where: Rock Creek Nature Center
When: Saturday, 10am – 2pm
Admission: Free
Join Rock Creek Park in celebrating Hatch Day, the 20th birthday of resident box turtle Pokey – it was two decades ago that he hatched from his egg! Pokey is a quite an unusual turtle because he loves people. Kids are invited to meet Pokey and earn a junior ranger badge as they enjoy a day of activities, including a turtle obstacle course, Ranger Reads storytime, worm hunts, and a Pokey dance competition.

Get Crabby
Where: Annapolis
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Depends on how much you order!
It’s not a true DC summer if you don’t take advantage of one of the area’s best offerings: blue crabs! Feasting on the steamed Old Bay-spiced creatures is a seasonal treat, and doing so at a waterfront crab house on the Chesapeake Bay is a bonus. Cantler’s in Annapolis is an institution, and we recently had a fantastic experience at Mike’s Crab House in Riva — the crabs were delicious, the scenery gorgeous, and there’s a great outdoor waiting area if tables aren’t immediately available. After your feast, head into downtown Annapolis for ice cream at Kilwin’s and a stroll around town — it’s going to be perfect weather for it!

All’s Fair
Where: Montgomery & Prince William Counties
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
County fair season continues in Montgomery and Prince William counties this weekend, where their annual fests are chock full of amusement for everyone. Carnival rides and games, farm animals, live entertainment, pony rides, the junk food gamut, pig races, and so much more. These are the last few days of both, so get there while you can. This post has the whole scoop on all of the county fun.

Nats vs. Brewers
Where: Nationals Park
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: Ticket prices vary
The Nats are back at home for a weekend of baseball against the Milwaukee Brewers. Catch a game on Friday or Saturday evenings (both at 7:05pm) or Sunday afternoon (1:35pm). Stay after on Sunday for Kids Run the Bases when children ages 4-12 can loop the infield after the final out. And be sure to check out these tips on how to do a Nats game without breaking the bank!

Magical Moments from the Movies
Where: Wolf Trap
When: Friday, 7:30pm
Admission: $26-50
Kids and their parents can “Let It Go” on Friday evening as Wolf Trap presents Disney in Concert: Magical Moments from the Movies. Whether they’re pirates or princesses, children are invited to dress as their favorite Disney character to enjoy film clips and live singers performing scenes from beloved Disney classics, including Frozen, Mary Poppins, Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, and more. Thirty minutes prior to the performance, children are invited to participate in a parade from the Plaza and onto the Filene Center stage.

Friday Night Fishing
Where: Diamond Teague Park
When: Friday, 5-8pm
Admission: Free
Join Anacostia Riverkeeper at the dock at Diamond Teague Park for catch and release fishing – a wonderful parent/child experience with the Anacostia River. This evening is the first in the series that will take place every Friday through September 4. Diamond Teague Park is located at 100 Potomac Avenue SE, between Nationals Park and Yards Park.

Summer Staples
Where: Around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
Free concerts in the fresh air, outdoor swimming, movies under the stars, sprayground fun… Activities exclusive to this time of year can be enjoyed all weekend long. Details on all of these seasonal staples and more can be found in the guide to Summer in DC.

Arts Open House
Where: BlackRock Center for the Arts
When: Saturday, 10am – 1pm
Admission: Free
Get a taste of all that BlackRock has to offer at their annual Open House. Sample art glasses, view gallery exhibits, and enjoy a family-friendly live performance by local rock group The Grandsons. Kids can join an “Around the World” themed scavenger hunt, and adults can browse a fine arts and crafts sale hosted by the Art League of Georgetown.

Anatomy of Sports
Where: National Museum of Health & Medicine
When: Saturday, 10:30am – 12:30pm
Admission: Free
Play a sport? Learn how your body works and stay off the sidelines! Bones and muscles need to work together for optimal performance. Athletes of all ages should know how their bodies work in order to compete and stay healthy. During the event, athletes will demonstrate their sport while medical illustrators and physical therapists reveal how muscles and bones work together. Anatomy of Sports is perfect for families with children playing sports, the recreational athlete, or the practiced sports enthusiast.

Baysox Appreciates the Kids
Where: Prince George’s Stadium
When: Saturday,
Admission: $7-15
The the kids out to the minors for a fun local baseball experience. A smaller stadium means good views from just about every seat, and lower costs for almost everything means you can indulge a little more. There’s also a great play area for children, not to mention it’s Kids Appreciation Night – fireworks, a T-shirt giveaway, and a Halloween Party (kids encouraged to dress in costume), and an invasion by Minions during the game!

Show Time
Where: Local Theatres
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
* It’s your last chance to cat-ch Garfield: The Musical with Cattitude at Adventure Theatre
* Fly away to Neverland at a performance of Peter Pan in the ThreeSixty Theatre at Tysons. We caught a show, and it was spectacular!
* See a show on strings at The Puppet Co. where Dinosaur Desperados is the new main stage production
* And Panda-Monium is the featured Tiny Tots shows at the puppet theatre
* Ben Tufts and Friends present The Great Zucchini + Rainbow Rock + John Henry at Jammin’ Java on Saturday.

Dear Evan Hansen
Where: Arena Stage
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Tickets prices vary (details below)
This weekend is your last chance to see what the raves are all about. Whether a family outing with older kids (not recommended for all ages) or a grown-up night out, I highly recommend seeing this show. The world premiere musical is incredibly moving, brilliantly performed, and full of songs and a story that will stick with you for a while. Tickets start at $55, and for families with kids/teens interested in a theatre outing, Arena offers pay-your-age tickets (for patrons 30 and under) and the Family Fun Pack (four seats for $125). More details about both programs are available here. Bring tissues.

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

August 14, 2015 · 7:18 am

The Weekend Round-Up: August 14-16

Play in the trees at the Adventure Park at Sandy Spring

Looking for a unique pursuit with the kids? There are lots of special events and activities going, and this round-up has all the deets. And if you’re seeking an adventure that’s tried and true, you can find plenty of ideas for that, too. Happy Weekend!

All’s Fair
Where: Montgomery, Prince William, & Howard Counties
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
County fair season continues as Montgomery and Prince William kick off their annual fests that are chock full of amusement for everyone. Carnival rides and games, farm animals, live entertainment, pony rides, the junk food gamut, pig races, and so much more. You can also find it in Howard County, where the fair is on for its final weekend. This post has the scoop on all of the county fun.

Outdoor Kids Corner
Where: Union Market
When: Friday, 5:30pm
Admission: $25
Start the weekend with something creative and sweet! Cookbook author and illustrator Marcella Kriebel is hosting a workshop for kids ages 6-12 to indulge in a classic soda float while making some art celebrating the drink. All materials and supplies are included – for both the art and the treat. And kids will return home with a great new piece for the kitchen fridge.

Superhero Science Saturday
Where: U.S. Navy Museum
When: Saturday, 10am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Do you have what it takes to be a science superhero? Find out at the U.S. Navy Museum on Saturday, where they’re hosting a special event for to test your superhero potential. Try on body armor, and you’re your invisibility skills with ghillie suits. Design your own LASER maze. Build a car that moves faster than a speeding train. There’s even more, not to mention the museum itself is packed with fascinating exhibits – you can read more about it in this KFDC post.

Mobilize on H Street
Where: Atlas Performing Arts Center
When: Saturday, 1-4pm
Admission: Free
Join the Atlas in bringing balance, beauty, and connection to the H Street community at a mobile making workshop. Help create an installation of over 50 mobiles — you can design, paint, and balance pieces for the project with kinetic artist and performer Kevin Reese. The final work will be unveiled at the H Street Festival on September 19. Register for a 90-minute workshop here.

Summer Fun
Where: Around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
The summer break from school may be starting to wind down, but the summer fun around the area continues. Catch a concert outdoors to start the weekend on a musical note — Jazz in the Garden on the National Mall and Rockin’ on the Riverfront at Yards Park are local faves. Keep the seasonal pursuits going with a variety of options: Head to a farm for peach picking. Go for for a swim, either at an outdoor pool or The BEACH at the Building Museum. Take advantage of free admission for kids at the Newseum. Feast on crabs by the water. This post has all the details you need on all these summer joys.

Zip through the Trees
Where: Adventure Park at Sandy Spring
When: All weekend long
Admission: Varies by age
Hang out in the trees at the Adventure Park at Sandy Spring. Kids as young as 5 years old can experience fun and adventure on the ropes courses and ziplines in the park’s aerial forest, the largest in North America. Children ages 5-6 and an accompanying adult have access to two of the easier courses. Older kids can do even more. It may seem like a pricey venture, but it’s so worth it. Trust me.

Colonial Tobacco Harvest
Where: Claude Moore Colonial Farm
When: Saturday, 1-4pm
Admission: $3/adult, $2/child, free for 2 and under
Harvest time is here! Tobacco was a precious crop for Colonial Virginians, used to purchase goods not produced on the Farm. Help the Claude Moore Colonial Farm family gather their ripened tobacco plants, clean the leaves, and hang them inside the barn to cure. It’s an event that’s educational and fun for all ages!

Gamer Family Festival
Where: Smithsonian American Art Museum
When: Saturday, August 15, 11:30 am
Admission: Free
Imagine a whole day inspired by the video games in the American Art Museum’s collection. Play the game Flower, create pixel art and other crafts, catch up with museum partners at MAGFest, and enjoy live music and performances. All of this will take place in the lovely Kogod Courtyard.

Clear the Shelters
Where: Washington Humane Society Adoption Centers
When: Saturday, 12-7pm
Admission: Free, and adoption fees waived
Is your family looking for a new furry member? The Washington Humane Society, along with several other shelters in the region, is taking part in NBC’s nationwide push to find homes for pets in need. Made possible by the ASPCA, pet adoptions centers across the are waiving adoption fees for one day to encourage potential pet owners to help #ClearTheShelters. The Washington Humane Society New York Avenue and Georgia Avenue Adoption Centers are among the participating shelters.

Show Time
Where: Local Theatres
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
* Watch a Dickens classic come to life at Round House Theatre, where OLIVER! is on stage for its final weekend
* Cat-ch Garfield: The Musical with Cattitude at Adventure Theatre
* Fly away to Neverland at a performance of Peter Pan in the ThreeSixty Theatre at Tysons. We caught a show, and it was spectacular!
* See a show on strings at The Puppet Co. where Dinosaur Desperados is the new main stage production
* And Magic Toyshop is the featured Tiny Tots shows at the puppet theatre

Hilarious Hounds
Where: National Gallery of Art
When: Saturday, 10:30am & Sunday, 11:30am
Admission: Free
See movie shorts for little ones at the NGA this weekend. Laugh out loud as William Wegman’s famed Weimaraner dogs use everything from apples to zucchini to teach kids their letters in Alphabet Soup. The program also includes animated shorts featuring pups facing everyday challenges with comic results. After the films,pick up an activity sheet to explore paintings in the Gallery’s collection that include canines.

(Geo)Cache in on Fun
Where: Around the Area
When: Anytime
Admission: Free
In honor of International Geocahcing Day, take the kids on a treasure hunt and have a little adventure along the way. Geocaching is a perfect way to be active and enjoy a day outdoors. Whether you search in the city or seek out a destination that requires a hike in the woods, locating the hidden cache will be a thrill for everyone. See this post about our first foray into the pursuit.

Dear Evan Hansen
Where: Arena Stage
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Tickets prices vary (details below)
Whether a family outing with older kids (not recommended for all ages) or a grown-up night out, I highly recommend seeing this show. The world premiere musical is incredibly moving, brilliantly performed, and full of songs and a story that will stick with you for a while. Tickets start at $55, and for families with kids/teens interested in a theatre outing, Arena offers pay-your-age tickets (for patrons 30 and under) and the Family Fun Pack (four seats for $125). More details about both programs are available here. Bring tissues.

Goats in the Graveyard
Where: Congressional Cemetery
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
The herd of 30 goats is still hanging out at Congressional Cemetery to help with grounds maintenance. They’ll be there through August 20 eating vines, poison ivy, ground cover, and even fallen debris, while also “depositing” fertilizer. But the goats aren’t the only reason to go; Congressional Cemetery is a beautiful and historic spot in the District, the final resting place of many famous folks, including J. Edgar Hoover, John Philip Sousa, and Choctaw Chief Push-ma-ta-ha. Open dawn to dusk.

And Speaking of Cemeteries…
Where: Arlington National Cemetery
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
There may not be goats, but a tour of Arlington National Cemetery is DC area must-do. The grounds are lovely and peaceful to stroll, and there’s a lot of interesting history to be gleaned and fascinating sights to behold, the Changing of the Guard topping the list. This KFDC post has details and photos of a visit there.

Ice Screeeam!
Where: Various DC locations
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: Free
Who wants free ice cream? (Me!) Good Humor is on a mission to bring joy to the mundane moments of everyday life and transform DC into a capital of Joy, one neighborhood at a time. Hence, the Good Humor “Welcome to Joyhood” tour is here to give out FREE Good Humor treats. You can track their whereabouts on Twitter, but I got the scoop (pun intended) that they’ll be at the National Zoo & Lafayette Square on Friday, in Georgetown on Saturday, and Penn Quarter & Dupont Circle on Sunday.

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Filed under All ages, Annual, Art, Date Night, DC, Educational, Festival, Free, Indoor Play, Live Entertainment, Maryland, Museums, Music, Nature, Outdoor, Park, Seasonal, Summer, Theatre, Virginia, Weekend

August 7, 2015 · 8:29 am

The Weekend Round-Up: August 7-9

Checking out the USS Barry on a paddling excursion

Looks like we have a beautiful weekend ahead of us, so along with this round-up of awesome ways to enjoy it, give this list of outdoor locales a browse, too. Happy Weekend!

Fair Play
Where: Howard & Arlington Counties
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
Carnival rides and games, farm animals, live entertainment, pony rides, the junk food gamut, pig races. Yes, it’s county fair season, and a couple of them are ON this weekend — the Arlington County Fair has already begun, and the Howard County Fair starts Saturday. This post has the scoop on all of the county fun.

Summer Steps
Where: National Portrait Gallery
When: Friday, 5pm
Admission: Free
Start the weekend with a super cool step show! The performance, the culmination of the Summer Steps camp program, will feature over 150 amazing students as they celebrate a week of intensive training with the award-winning artists of Step Afrika. It’s a great event for the family in one of DC’s most beautiful museums.

‘Tis the Season
Where: Throughout the area
When: All weekend long
Admission: Varies by activity
Take advantage of the host of activities that only occur this time of year. Enjoy an open air concert at one of the many series in the area. Get wet at an outdoor pool, sprayground, or water park. Feast on crabs. Ride mini-trains and carousels at local parks. And so much more…

Citi Open Tennis
Where: Rock Creek Park Tennis Center
When: Friday – Sunday
Admission: Ticket start at $10
Enjoy the on-court excitement along with other fun activities as the Citi Open Tennis Tournament wraps up. With the quarter finals on Friday, the semis on Saturday, and the final matches on Sunday, the event is sure to serve up some excellent tennis.

Nats vs. Rockies
Where: Nationals Park
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: Ticket prices vary
It’s a weekend at home for the Nats as they host the Colorado Rockies. There are games tonight and Saturday evening at 7:05pm, and on Sunday at 1:35pm. Don’t miss the special fun — Signature Sundays welcome fans to arrive early to meet select players and get autographs and Kids Run the Bases invites young fans ages 4-12 to do just that after the game.

Fest Africa
Where: Silver Spring Civic Center
When: Saturday & Sunday, 1-8pm
Admission: Free
The 13th Annual African Cultural Festival ‘FestAfrica 2015′, hosted by Afropolitan Youth Association, is a two-day celebration of African Culture & Heritage. The festival will feature music by local and international African Artists and dance performances, African cuisine, vendors, games for children, a health fair, a career fair, a tourism fair, and more. Bring a lawn chair or stand and enjoy great performances!

Antique Bike Show
Where: Patriot Harley-Davidson
When: Saturday, 9am – 6pm
Admission: $5 suggested donation
Go hog wild at this event hosted by the Antique Motorcycle Club of America. Benefiting the Wounded Warrior Project, you can check out cool rides and vote for your favorite. Along with the vintage bikes, there will be food trucks and live entertainment by blues band The Nighthawks (11am – 3pm). And the bike with the most votes will receive a Best in Show trophy. Patriot Harley-Davidson is located at 9739 Fairfax Blvd.

Show Time
Where: Local Theatres
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
* See a Dickens classic come to life at Round House Theatre, where OLIVER! is on stage through August 16
* Cat-ch Garfield: The Musical with Cattitude at Adventure Theatre
* Fly away to Neverland at a performance of Peter Pan in the ThreeSixty Theatre at Tysons. We caught a show, and it was spectacular!
* Enjoy Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods at Wolf Trap as Dan Zanes take the outdoor stage
* Journey to the musical cosmos at Arts on the Horizon’s Space Bop
* Experience Double Trouble on the Imagination Stage
* And little ones will love Aquarium, also at the Bethesda theater
* See a show on strings at The Puppet Co. where Snow White and the 7 Dwarves is the current main stage production for the final weekend
* And Clowing Around is the featured Tiny Tots shows at the puppet theatre

Hilarious Hounds
Where: National Gallery of Art
When: Saturday, 10:30am & Sunday, 11:30am
Admission: Free
See movie shorts for little ones at the NGA this weekend. Laugh out loud as William Wegman’s famed Weimaraner dogs use everything from apples to zucchini to teach kids their letters in Alphabet Soup. The program also includes animated shorts featuring pups facing everyday challenges with comic results. After the films,pick up an activity sheet to explore paintings in the Gallery’s collection that include canines.

Milestones in Aviation & Space
Where: National Air & Space Museum
When: Saturday, 10am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Explore the past, present, and future of flight and space exploration at this Family Day. Celebrate the amazing accomplishments in aviation and aerospace, from jets making Hawaii a more accessible vacation destination to the CST-100 taking astronauts into space. With presentations and hands-on activities, this event will have something to offer everyone.

Open Studio Saturday
Where: Freer | Sackler
When: Saturday, 12pm & 2pm
Admission: Free
Discover Peacock Room REMIX with a gallery guide or on a family-friendly tour. With inspiration from the exhibit, return to the ImaginAsia classroom to experiment with art materials, solve creative challenges, and collaborate with friends and family.

Wildlife Tracking Awareness Day
Where: National Zoo
When: Saturday, 10am – 2pm
Admission: Free
Visit the Zoo’s residents and learn how threats to biodiversity and wild animals impact wildlife populations around the world. Educational booths and activities, animal demos, keeper and scientist talks, plus a special exhibit highlighting efforts to combat wildlife trafficking will be part of the day’s program.

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, or you can explore the Anacostia from Ballpark Boathouse in the Navy Yard. Bladensburg Waterfront Park also has vessels for rent along with free pontoon boat tours on weekends from 5-5:45.

Goats in the Graveyard
Where: Congressional Cemetery
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
A herd of 30 goats will be hanging out at Congressional Cemetery through August 20 to help with grounds maintenance by eating vines, poison ivy, ground cover, and even fallen debris, while also “depositing” fertilizer. But the goats aren’t the only reason to go; Congressional Cemetery is a beautiful and historic spot in the District, the final resting place of many famous folks, including J. Edgar Hoover, John Philip Sousa, and Choctaw Chief Push-ma-ta-ha. Open dawn to dusk.

Peachy Keen
Where: Local farms
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
It’s peach picking time at many local farms; the summer fruits are ripe and ready for harvest. If you want to get them at their peak, check out this list of area farms that offer pick-your-own. And it’s always a good idea to check websites or call for updates to see what’s available when you plan to go.

May the Yoga Force Be with You
Where: lil omm
When: Sunday, 2:30-3:30pm
Admission: $30/family
Families with kiddos 4-8 years are invited to learn the ways of the Force to “battle” evil Sith lords and use yoga poses to become AT-AT walkers, Chewbacca, and Jabba the Hutt, and other characters! This one-hour “playshop” will be a fun way to merge your child’s love of Star Wars with yoga-inspired movement. Costumes welcome, but light sabers should stay home.

Tennis on the Big Screen
Where: National Harbor
When: Sunday, 12:30pm
Admission: Free
If you can’t make it to the tennis tourney, head to National Harbor where they’ll be showing the Citi Open on the waterfront Jumbotron on Sunday. The 18’ x 32’ foot LED screen located on the plaza is great for viewing sports events. Bring lawn chairs to set up on the plaza green, or grab a meal and drinks and watch from a nearby outdoor patio. And if you want to make a day of it at National Harbor, this post details all there is to do there.

Full STEAM Ahead!
Where: Annmarie Sculpture Garden
When: Sunday, 1-4pm
Admission: Free for little ones, $5/adult, $3/ages 6-17
The amazing Garden & Arts Center in Solomons, Md, is injecting creativity and fun into STEM by adding Art, and turning Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math into STEAM! The program, designed for toddlers and preschoolers, uses hands-on investigations and challenges as children explore, observe, ask questions, and make predictions about the world around them as they create and play. Drop in this Wonderful Water-themed session, and plan to explore the rest of the grounds and exhibits while you’re there – it’s seriously fantastic! Read more about Annmarie in this KFDC post.

Sing-Along for Statehood!
Where: The U.S. Capitol
When: Sunday, 10am
Admission: Free
Inspired by John Oliver’s recent, glorious Last Week Tonight segment on DC Statehood, a group of Capitol Hill parents and their kids are riding the momentum to bring awareness to DC’s cause. Not only will the song featured in the segment be the event anthem, DC’s youth will be the ones belting it out, just like Oliver’s version. If your child wants to join, see this post for more info and a link to the lyrics for advance practice!

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

July 31, 2015 · 8:28 am

The Weekend Round-Up: July 31 – August 2

Seat yourself at the Newseum for Nationals at 10

There’s something to indulge just about every interest in this latest round-up. Lego mania, Fair play , Nats news, a peachy celebration, live entertainment, and STEM fun are just some of the ways to pique yours. Happy Weekend!

Fairfax 4-H Fair & Carnival
Where: Frying Pan Farm Park
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: Depends on activities (see details below)
Head on down to the 4-H fair! From Friday through Sunday, enjoy carnival rides, amusements, treats, farm animals and rabbits, rides and displays, horse and dog shows, the tractor pull, kids crafts and face painting, plus plenty of good food, drinks and live music. Held at Frying Pan Farm Park, hours for the many activities vary by day, so be sure to check the website before you go. Carnival ride tickets are $1 or 24 for $20 (most rides take 3-5). Unlimited carnival ride tickets are $25, and you can get a $5 off unlimited rides coupon here.

BrickFair ‘15
Where: Dulles Expo Center
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: $12, free for ages 3 and under
The nation’s largest LEGO Fan Festival will be enthralling guests of all ages this weekend. BrickFair brings together LEGO enthusiasts from across the country to showcase their amazing brick constructions, from tiny intricate works to elaborate, towering creations. Over 800 exhibitors will be there to display their designs, along with vendors selling all things LEGO — T-shirts, hats, mini figures, models, and more. And guests can use it all as inspiration to do some building there themselves!

Nationals at 10
Where: Newseum
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: $10/adults, free for kids
Celebrate opening weekend of the exhibit Nationals at 10: Baseball Makes News, which debuts at the Newseum today. On Saturday, enjoy a special Family Day full of ballpark fun — decorate baseball keepsakes, race across a giant gameboard, play fun games, take a swing in the Great Hall of News, and enter to win tickets to an upcoming home game. Even more, adult admission will be just $10 all weekend, not to mention kids are free thanks to Newseum’s Summer Fun Deal!

Peach Fuzztival
Where: Great Country Farms
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: $12/adult, $10/child
Great Country Farms is teaming up with Bluemont Vineyard and Dirt Farm Brewing to celebrate the start of peach picking season! Along with tons of fun activities, you can also learn how the peaches are grown and used in food and drink and enjoy the results as well. Kick off each morning with a Peach Pancake Breakfast at Great Country Farms, then later on get the whole family involved in a Peach Eating and Peach Pit Spitting Contests and Family Water Games. All the fun farm attractions will be open, and there will also be live music to entertain the crowd. Over at Bluemont Vineyard, enjoy special peach drinks and wine. And the newly opened Dirt Farm Brewing will release their 2nd summer seasonal, made with the farm’s fresh peaches.

Citi Open Tennis
Where: Rock Creek Park Tennis Center
When: Saturday & Sunday, gates open at 9am
Admission: Ticket start at $10
Enjoy the on-court excitement along with other fun activities as the Citi Open Tennis Tournament swings into action this weekend. Saturday is the first day of qualifying rounds, and there will also be live entertainment. Sunday is National Parks Kids Day and will include a USTA Play Day, story time, Platform Tennis, appearances by local mascots, face painters, and more.

Seize the Summer Days
Where: Throughout the area
When: All weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
Summer is zooming by, so seize the season while you can with activities that only occur this time of year. Start the weekend of with a free outdoor concert this evening, then continue the fun on Saturday and Sunday with water play at a pool or spray park. Take it indoors at special summer program like The BEACH at the Building Museum or Wings of Fancy at Brookside Gardens. Complete it all with a family movie under the stars at National Harbor on Sunday night. Get details about all of these summer diversions and even more here.

Heritage Family Day & Helicopters
Where: Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
When: Saturday, 10am – 3pm
Admission: Free, but parking is $15
Celebrate the global feats in the fields of science, math, technology, and engineering. Meet scientists and engineers who are active in fields such as robotics, aerospace design, and aviation, and develop your own skills through hands-on activities.

Show Time
Where: Local Theatres
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
* See a Dickens classic come to life at Round House Theatre, where OLIVER! is on stage through August 16
* Cat-ch Garfield: The Musical with Cattitude at Adventure Theatre
* Families with teens shouldn’t miss Dear Evan Hansen at Arena Stage. And if your kiddos are young, make it a date night
* Fly away to Neverland at a performance of Peter Pan in the ThreeSixty Theatre at Tysons. We caught a show, and it was spectacular!
* Enjoy Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods at Wolf Trap as the Pushcart Players take the outdoor stage
* Experience Double Trouble on the Imagination Stage
* And little ones will live Aquarium, also at the Bethesda theater
* Rainbow Puppets’ Pirate Party is this week’s free Saturday Morning at the National performance
* See a show on strings at The Puppet Co. where Snow White and the 7 Dwarves is the current main stage production
* And Bunny Business and Merlin’s Magic are the featured Tiny Tots shows at the puppet theatre
* Andrew & Polly are playing the Saturday morning show at Jammin’ Java

Civil War Tours to Treasure
Where: Anacostia Community Museum
When: Saturday, 11am – 2pm
Admission: Free
Get a personal docent-led tour of the exhibition How the Civil War Changed Washington and participate in a self-guided treasure hunt activity. Kids will receive a free museum token for finishing the hunt. Each Tours to Treasure program lasts approximately 90 minutes; recommended for families and children ages 6 and up. Sign up on the website or call 202.633.4844.

Hit the Harbor
Where: National Harbor
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
Make a family day of it at National Harbor! There are a bunch of activities and attractions to keep the whole gang amused and entertained for hours. Go for a spin on the Capital Wheel, paddle (or pedal!) on the Potomac, climb around gigantic art, ride whimsical creatures on the carousel, grab a bite to eat and have a sweet treat, catch a free outdoor movie, and even more. This new post has details about our recent experience there.

Stop & Smell the White House Roses
Where: White House Rose Garden
When: Sunday, 10am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Spend the day at the White House – the outdoors area, anyway. This Open House is a fabulous, free garden party to celebrate and explore the Kennedy Rose Garden through activities, discussion, crafts, and more. With activities for all ages to enjoy, families are encouraged to attend.

Pop-Up Sing-a-Long
Where: lil omm
When: Sunday, 3:30-4:40pm
Admission: $10/family
Families are invited to celebrate and enjoy music with your baby or toddler (children of all ages are welcome)! You’ll get to preview Meadowlark Music’s Sing-a-long Socials with singing, guitar, dancing, rhyming, laughing, clapping, tapping, drumming, and a few props here and there — all to enhance experiencing music together. Register in advance on the website.

Geared Up
Where: Fillmore Silver Spring
When: Sunday,
Admission: $10 donation
Join Bach to Rock, America’s music school for all ages, for Geared Up, a benefit concert and fashion show in Silver Spring on Sunday. The event will include raffles, makeovers, and live performances by B2R student bands that won their respective Battle of the Bands competitions, including Maryland students from B2R Gaithersburg and B2R Bethesda. All proceeds from the event will go toward backpacks for underprivileged students in Montgomery County.

Indoor Play
Where: Local indoor play areas
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Various by venue
If you can’t stand the heat, head indoors to play! There are lots of places in the area to run, bounce, climb, swing, flip, and slide — all in the cool comfort of the indoors. This post has a bunch of recommendations for playground-style fun out of the sun.