Creating Valentines at last year’s card making workshop at the Postal Museum
You can prepare for Valentine’s Day this weekend at one of several events celebrating it. But if you’re not quite ready to embrace Cupid’s holiday, there are plenty more activities going on that you and the kids are sure to love. Happy Weekend!
Discover the Dinosaurs
Where: Dulles Expo Center
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: Starts at $18
The whole family can explore the mystery of pre-historic life in a dynamic environment of learning, discovery, and fun! This unique hands-on exhibit features over 40 moving and replica museum-quality dinosaurs and gives you the opportunity to actually get close and touch the dinosaurs! Beyond the exhibit, more activities are available for kids of all ages – Triceratops and T-rex rides, gem and fossil panning, inflatables to bounce on, a dino dig, scavenger hunt, and much more.
African American Pioneers in Aviation
Where: National Air & Space Museum
When: Saturday, 10am -3pm
Admission: Free
Each February, the Museum celebrates the significant contributions African Americans have made to flight and space exploration despite the overwhelming obstacles they had to overcome. Visitors enjoy presentations, hands-on activities, and stories, and may have the opportunity to meet astronauts, fighter pilots, and others who will share stories of their challenges and accomplishments. They also learn about inspiring historic figures like Bessie Coleman through reenactments or story times. See the website for the day’s schedule.
Valentine’s Day Card Workshop
Where: National Postal Museum
When: Saturday, 12-4pm
Admission: Free
Love is in the details at the annual Valentine’s Day Card Workshop at the National Postal Museum. We’ve attended this event a couple of times, so I can tell you firsthand it’s a love-ly time. They’ll have pretty papers and neat valentine-themed stamps, asll you need to bring is your creativity to decorate your card. Visit the museum’s stamp store and send the cards to your loved ones with a special Postal Museum postmark. And for more about the museum, see this recent KFDC post.
Superhero Training
Where: Barston’s Childs Play
When: Saturday, 10:30am
Admission: Free
Barstons Child’s Play in Chevy Chase will host Batman and Spider-Man on Saturday to guide guests through a “Superhero Training Course.” Families are encouraged to wear their favorite superhero costumes and bring a camera – both will be available for photos afterward. Barston’s is located at 5536 Connecticut Avenue NW.
Creative Adventures in Film
Where: National Gallery of Art
When: Saturday, 10:30am & Sunday, 11:30am
Admission: Free
The National Gallery’s latest session of their Children’s Film Program encourages kids to stretch their imaginations and let the ordinary become extraordinary with a series of animated shorts. Recommended for ages 7 and up. Visit the website to view the list of films.
Show Time
Where: Local Theatres
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
* STOMP on over to National Theatre for an electrifying show
* Rumplestiltskin just opened on the Imagination Stage
* Enjoy theatre on strings at The Puppet Co., where Tales of Beatrix Potter is on the main stage and Old McDonald’s Farm the featured Tiny Tots show
* Next door at Adventure Theater, catch Miss Nelson is Missing.
* Orphie and the Book of Heroes is in its opening weekend at the Kennedy Center
* Peter and the Starcatcher is also running at the Kennedy Center.
* SteveSongs is playing three shows at Jammin’ Java on Saturday – 10:30am, 12:30pm, & 2:30pm
* Paul Hadfield: General Foolishness is the week’s free Saturday Morning at the National show
Olympics Training
Where: St. Elizabeths & Local ice rinks
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies
Take some inspiration from the Winter Olympics and hit the ice this weekend. Practice some triple axels or speeding around the rink. If you head to Washington Harbour, you can glide with characters at their weekly Cartoon Skate from 12-2pm. If the luge is more your thing, try a smaller inner tube version at the temporary ice slide at St. Elizabeths East. (Yes, the luging comparison is a stretch, but you do whoosh fast down an icy slope.)
Scientists & Inventors
Where: Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
When: Saturday, 10am – 3pm
Admission: Free, but parking is $15
It’s Super Science Saturday, the monthly program at the Air & Space Museum’s Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA. There will be demonstrations and hands-on activities that immerse children in science and technology topics related to aviation and space exploration. On Saturday, it’ll center around the theme “Scientists & Inventors.”
Urban Eyes – Family Activities
Where: CHAW
When: Saturday
Admission: Free
The Capitol Hill Arts Workshop presents free family-friendly gallery activities on Saturday in conjunction with the “Urban Eyes” Photography Exhibit currently on display in CHAW’s Gallery. Along with a chance to view the photos, there will be special games and art activities for kids.
Frozen Sing-Along
Where: Local movie theaters
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies
The special sing-along screenings of the season’s hit movie, Frozen, continue. Theater audiences are not just welcome, but encouraged to join in the film’s musical moments. Lyrics will be displayed on the screen, so you can belt out the tunes right along with Elsa, Anna, and friends.
In Every Language Love
Where: Freer & Sackler Gallery
When: Saturday & Sunday, 2pm
Admission: Free
Drop in to the museum showcasing Asian Art for an open house for all ages. After a slideshow of images representing love in Asian art, guests can use printing blocks inscribed with the word “love” in more than a dozen Asian languages to make valentines.
Happy Birthday, Frederick Douglass
Where: Various locations in Anacostia
When: Saturday, 10am
Admission: Free
The Frederick Douglass National Historic Site, Historic Anacostia, and the Anacostia Business Improvement District (BID) are hosting a community-wide 196th birthday party for Frederick Douglass on Saturday. Focusing on his lighthearted side, the event will showcase how he and other Washingtonians enjoyed their leisure time during the Victorian Era. Festivities will kick off at the Anacostia Playhouse with live music, performances by the winners of the 2013 Frederick Douglass Oratorical Contest, and guest speakers. Throughout the day there will be music, games, films, lectures, tours, two family-friendly plays about Frederick Douglass, and other programs at the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site, the Smithsonian’s Anacostia Museum, The Anacostia Art Center and other locations in historic Anacostia. Visit the website for a complete listing of programs & events.
Deadfall Days
Where: Claude Moore Colonial Farm
When: Saturday
Admission: Free
Volunteer to help the Farm prepare early for its 2014 season! Tasks include clearing fallen brush, branches and trees from forest surrounding the Farm’s fields; helping build up supply of the 18th century farm’s firewood; shoring up brush fence around Market Fair grounds; tidying up the Farm’s grounds; spliting new rails for fencing; and more. With jobs for both adults and kids, it’s a great family activity at one of the area’s most interesting attractions. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Wear winter outdoor clothing and gloves and bring bag lunch. To sign up, email volunteers@1771.org.
Winterfest Children’s Carnival
Where: The Learning Center for Young Children
When: Saturday, 10am – 2pm3
Admission: Free, but some activities require a fee
Escape the cold at the Winterfest Children’s Carnival in Kensington. Hosted by The Learning Center for Young Children (LCYC), it’s the perfect event for families with children in preschool and elementary school. Acclaimed local entertainer Frank Cassel, “The Banjo Man,” will play his blend of folk, bluegrass and children’s music. (Tickets for Cassel’s performances are $3 and will be sold at the carnival.) Fun-filled activities for kids include a moon bounce, face painting, crafts, and carnival games. A family photo booth captures the memories and a silent auction offers a chance to sample some of the area’s best restaurants, entertainment, and services. Lunch from Armand’s Pizza and gourmet desserts are available at the bake sale. If you’re feeling lucky, you can try your luck with a 50/50 raffle. LCYC and Winterfest are located in the Warner Memorial Presbyterian Church at 10123 Connecticut Avenue in Kensington, MD.
Family Fun Day
Where: Port Discovery
When: Sunday
Admission: $13.95/ages 2 and up
Head to the Baltimore children’s museum for a day full of activities the whole family can enjoy. There will be special story times, a percussion garden, interactive music experiences, and more. And the multiple levels of hands-on permanent exhibits will be open for exploration, too.
Baby Loves Disco
Where: Rock & Roll Hotel
When: Sunday, 11am
Admission: $18
It’s the annual Valentine’s Day Ball from the folks who bring the family dance party. Back on H Street, it will feature chocolate treats, make-your-own Valentine’s cards, mommy-daddy slow dances, arts & crafts, dance lessons, contests, unlimited juice boxes, snacks, cash bar for non-driving parents, and surprises galore.
Portrait Story Days
Where: National Portrait Gallery
When: Sunday, 2-5pm
Admission: Free
Drop in to the Portrait Gallery to listen to a story about a person who has influenced American history and culture and to create a special piece of art. On Sunday, learn about American scientist and inventor George Washington Carver.
