Tag Archives: DC Weekend January 18-19

January 16, 2025 · 6:13 pm

The Weekend Round-Up: January 17-20

Dinos beyond DC at the Maryland Science Center

Happy Long Weekend!

Go-to KFDC posts loaded with inspo for area fun:
* The Great Indoors
* Off-the-Beaten-Path Museums
* Kid-Friendly Dining
* Best Outdoors in the DC Area
* Local Hikes with Kids
* Bike Rides
* Stunning Spaces
* Peaceful Places

Celebrate MLK
Where: Around the DC area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies
MLK Day may be on Monday, but there are events and activities that pay tribute to the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. throughout the whole weekend. Volunteer opportunities, art adventures, self-guided tours of local sights, and special events are some of the many ways you can celebrate the day. This post has details on all of them.

Museums Beyond DC
Where: Museums around MD & VA
When: Ongoing
Admission: Varies by museum
With all that’s going on this weekend, DC might be a place you want to avoid, especially around the National Mall. But if you want to enjoy a museum outing, it’s a great time to check out one beyond the District. There are a bunch of museums in Maryland in Virginia that are great to explore with kids — see a round-up of them here.

Inside Action
Where: Around the DC area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by place
The cold continues, so if you’re seeking indoor places that offer opportunities for active fun and games, there are plenty around DC. From pickleball and roller skating to tennis and ping pong to escape rooms and scavenger hunts to an indoor waterpark, you’ve got options galore!

Let’s Sing Taylor
Where: Warner Theatre | Downtown DC
When: Friday, 7:30pm
Tickets: Start at $35
Let’s Sing Taylor – A Live Band Experience is a tribute to the music of Taylor Swift. They can show you incredible things, including the most faithful and lively covers of Queen Taylor’s expansive and sacred catalog. The show brings the communal experience of celebrating Taylor’s music in a live setting to Swifties near and far.

Welcome to Animationland
Where: National Children’s Museum | Downtown DC
When: Saturday through May
Admission: $18.95
The National Children’s Museum welcomes Animationland to their Visiting Exhibit Hall starting this weekend. The STEAM-infused exhibition allows young visitors to examine the intersection of science and arts through the creation of their very own animated movies, from the physics of motion and the geometry of photography to the narrative techniques of storyboarding and the imaginative design of characters.

Grey Skies Blue
Where: The Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: Fri, 7pm | Sat & Sun, 1:30pm & 4pm
Tickets: $25
Dance and theater merge in SHapeshift’s Grey Skies Blue. Join a group of friends as they uncover personal truths through dynamic movement. Grey Skies Blue follows eight friends over the course of a summer, as they share their own stories through captivating movement, thoughtfully exploring themes of social justice, sexual identity, addiction, and betrayal. Recommended for ages 9+.

What the Constitution Means To Me
Where: Round House Theatre | Bethesda, MD
When: Fri, 8pm | Sat, 2pm & 8pm | Sun, 2pm
Tickets: $50-89
As a teenager, Heidi Schreck traveled across America, earning her college tuition by winning constitutional debate competitions. Now, as an Obie Award-winning playwright, she takes a closer look at the Constitution and its effects on four generations of women in her family. What the Constitution Means to Me is a profoundly personal look at our nation’s most debated document and how it could evolve to fit our modern times. Recommended for teens and older.

Paper Dreams
Where: Imagination Stage | Bethesda, MD
When: Saturday & Sunday, 10am & 11:30am
Tickets: $22.50
This charming and dreamy dance-based performance for little ones imagines two friends who live inside a wastepaper basket! Together they discover what imaginative ideas might unfold from a crumpled piece of paper–can mistakes inspire our greatest ideas? Because the show is non-verbal, it can be enjoyed by people speaking all languages and of any age. DC Theatre Arts called Paper Dreams “an enchanting production that…educates and entertains and sparks inquiry into the creative process for young and old alike.”

Cub Corner: Engineering
Where: College Park Aviation Museum | College Park, MD
When: Saturday, 10:30-11:30am
Admission: $5/adult, $2/child
Get ready for some engineering fun during this month’s program at the museum all about aviation. Kiddos can enjoy a special reading of the inspiring Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty. Afterward, they can unleash their creativity by making their own paper helicopters, just like Rosie would! Ideal for learners ages 3-6.

NSO Music for Young Audiences: Old MacDonald’s Symphony
Where: The Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: Sat, 10:30am, 12pm, 1:30pm | Sun, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4pm
Tickets: $15
The whole farmyard is getting ready for a hoedown—but it needs your help with the farm chores. This immersive show, developed specifically for toddlers, will have audience members laughing and dancing along with Old MacDonald and the farmhands. Join for a silly adventure featuring puppets, storytelling, dancing, and a string quartet from the National Symphony Orchestra. Recommended for ages 0–5. (KFDC Tip: Pair a performance with a visit to the Moonshot Studio — see below.)

Animate Your Vision at Moonshot Studio
Where: The REACH | Kennedy Center, DC
When: Saturday & Sunday, 11am – 4:30pm
Admission: Free
Get creative at this studio within The REACH at the Kennedy Center, where all are welcome and encouraged to partake in various art projects and activities. This weekend, Moonshot Studio is celebrating animation with zoetropes, flip books, and stop motion animation — visitors can animate their wishes and wants, hopes and dreams for 2025.

The Twelve Dancing Princesses
Where: Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre | Arlington, VA
When: Saturday, 11am & 3pm | Sunday, 3pm
Tickets: $15/adult, $13/child
Encore Stage & Studio, know for its by kids for kids theatre, presents this production… Once upon a time, a king leaves his twelve daughters in their bedroom each night. In the morning, their shoes are worn out from dancing! Desperate to know what they are up to, the king enlists the help of potential suitors to find out. Dance along with us in this lively production. Recommended for ages 4 and older.

Model Train Open House
Where: Historic Vienna Train Station | Vienna, VA
When: Saturday, 1-5pm
Admisison: Free
Stop by the Historic Vienna Train Station where you can see and hear HO scale model trolleys and trains including Thomas and some of his friends on display and in operation. It’s a great family activity for the young and young at heart. Hosted by the Northern Virginia Model Railroaders, the station is located at 231 Dominion Road NE in Vienna, VA.

Caps vs Penguins
Where: Capital One Arena | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Saturday, 7pm
Admission: Ticket prices vary (look for discounts)
Watch some hockey action as the Capitals host the Pittsburgh Penguins. Make a longer outing of it and visit one of the nearby museums before — the Portrait Gallery/American Art Museum are right across the street from the arena. Or plan to grab a bite to eat in the Penn Quarter neighborhood before (or after) the game — this post about kid-friendly eats in DC has suggestions for places to go.

All Downhill…
Where: Around the region
When: Through winter
Admission: Varies
Between the long weekend and snow in the forecast, it’s a good time to get in some skiing! There are a bunch of resorts within a few hours’ drive that are great for young, newbie skiers (and experienced swooshers, too). SkiPA is a good resource for finding slopes to suit your crew. The closest resorts to check out: Liberty, Whitetail, Seven Springs, Hidden Valley, Bryce, Snowshoe, Roundtop, and Wisp.

Recreation on Ice
Where: Ice rinks around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
Get outside, be active, and have fun ice skating! Enjoy art as you skate at the Sculpture Garden; skim over the meandering paths at Canal Park; circle the rink at Washington Harbour; glide over the Potomac at The Wharf, or do some shopping then skate at Pentagon Row, Tyson’s Corner, Veteran’s Plaza, Rockville Town Square, or Reston Town Center. This post has details on alfresco (and indoor) ice skating options in the area.

Inside Action
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
If you want to let the kids burn some energy, but aren’t so keen on cold, take them to an indoor play. There are lots of places around the area where they can be active in warm spaces. And many of them have areas for you to stay comfy while they do. This post has info on where to go.

(W)Hoop it Up!
Where: Colleges around the DC area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Ticket prices vary
Catch some college hoops action! With so many universities in the area, there’s always exciting play on local courts. Here where you can watch it this weekend:
* Georgetown men vs. DePaul on Friday at 8pm
* George Mason men vs. GWU on Saturday at 12:30pm
* American women vs. Holy Cross on Saturday at 2pm
* Maryland men vs Nebraska on Sunday at 12pm (Go, Terps!)
* Howard men vs. Morehouse on Monday at 4pm (MLK Day)

School’s Out! with Rocknoceros
Where: Jammin Java | Vienna, VA
When: Monday, 11am (Doors open 10:30am)
Admission:
If the kids are bouncing off the walls by Monday, take them to rock out at Jammin Jawa. The kindie rock fave in the DC area will be playing a rousing set of classic singalongs and catchy original songs that will delight music fans of all ages.

Free Parking
Where: National Parks
When: Monday
Admission: Free!
It’s the first fee free day of the year for national parks, which means there’s no cost for entry where they usually charge to get in. Take advantage of complimentary admission and the day off from school. Some ideas: Hit the trail at Shenandoah or Great Falls, explore Prince William Forest Park, go to Fort McHenry, or visit Harpers Ferry.

Winter Inspo
Where: Around the DMV
When: Ongoing
Admission: Varies by locale
If you like getting outside no matter what the weather, this post (written during the height of Covid) is full of recs for activities that take place in the fresh air. From hikes to art experiences to seasonal sports to garden explorations to all-season fun, there are plenty fo ways to have fun outdoor. Just be sure to bundle up!

***MORE GOOD STUFF***

* In case you missed it in this week’s Five Things, see a list of all the road closures in DC on Monday.

* There are a few live entertainment events coming to EagleBank Arena soon that are especially great for families.

* If you’re looking for a musical theater camp for your kid this summer, check out Theater J’s programs.

* With more snow is in the forecast, it’s a good time to stock up on these.

* Kids book recs for January/February.

* Winter calls for more board games, and we just had a blast playing this one with friends.

* C ioppino sounds like a perfect dish to make this weekend.

* The 30 best places in Europe for traveling with children.

* Haha… yep.

Where to Celebrate MLK Day Around the DC Area (2025)

Whether you’re looking for ways to teach kids about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., want to give back to the community to honor him, or hope to partake in another special activity to observe MLK Day, these ideas will have you covered. And note that Inauguration Day is on Monday, so you may want to get out of dodge to celebrate MLK…there are several good recommendations to do that.

Day of Service
Where: Various locations around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Just your time
If you want to volunteer on the MLK, Jr. Day of Service, there are many ways and places you can do so around the area. Start here to find opportunities that suit your family. A good option for the whole gang is an outdoor volunteer clean-up at a local park, and there are a lot of them happening throughout the weekend. Check here, here, here, and here.

More Family Volunteer Ops
Where: Various locations around the DMV
When: Ongoing
Admission: Just your time
For more places to volunteer as a family that aren’t included in the official MLK Day of Service database, this KFDC post has suggestions — whether on the actual day or at a later time inspired by the holiday. All of the organizations listed welcome kids to help out, though some have age requirements, so be sure to note them.

MLK Peace Walk, Parade & Fair
Where: Entertainment & Sports Arena| SE, DC
When: January 18, 10:30am
Admission: Free
Commemorate the life of MLK, Jr. with a Peace Fair and Parade that take place indoors this year. Participants will march into the arena from Cypress Street, leading into a day full of activities, including “parade” performances; a Health & Wellness Fair to support community well-being; and free groceries, local merchandise, and more!

Messages to Dr. King: Plate Art with Rain Young
Where: Anacostia Community Museum | Anacostia, DC
When: January 18, 12-2pm
Admission: Free
Get creative with the Anacostia Community Museum to celebrate MLK. Join local artist and arts educator Rain Young for a hands-on workshop dedicated to expressing personal messages to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through art. Using oversized plastic plates as a canvas, explore ways to share messages of unity, hope, and dreams for a better world. All ages and skill levels welcome.

MLK Larger than Life: A Community Event
Where: Annmarie Sculpture Garden | Lusby, MD
When: January 18-30, 11am – 4pm
Admission: Free, but RSVP required
Join Annmarie Sculpture Garden for an uplifting community art event and exhibit inspired by the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Each year on this weekend, Annmarie Sculpture Garden invites guests of all ages to help create a community art installation in honor of a dream. This weekend, join visiting artist Zsudayka Nzinga and contribute mixed media work to an ever-growing display — learn how to make a collage using a Japanese technique known as chigiri. These collaged works will come together to create several larger than life human silhouettes. Be sure to RSVP! Read more about the wonderful Annmarie Sculpture Garden here.

Let Freedom Ring!
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom
When: January 19, 7:30pm
Admission: Free
This annual performance in honor of MLK Day is a DC tradition. The Kennedy Center and Georgetown University host this musical celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy. This year the concert will be hosted by Taye Diggs, featuring performances by Christopher Jackson, esperanza spalding, and the Let Freedom Ring Choir, led by Music Producer Nolan Williams, Jr. Free tickets will be given away, up to two per person in line, in the Hall of Nations starting at 4:30pm on a first-come, first-served basis.

MLK at the Library
Where: Libraries around the DC area
When: Through January 20
Admission: Free
Many public libraries are hosting MLK-inspired events and activities for both kids and adults. There are crafts, story times, open mic poetry, take home reading challenges, and more. The above link take you to DC Public Library website where you can find details. And for quick links to see what’s happening at public libraries outside of the district, see this very early KFDC post (scroll all the way down for links).

MLK Dare to Dream Day
Where: American Visionary Art Museum | Baltimore, MD
When: January 20, 10am – 5pm
Admission: Free
Get out of DC on Inauguration Day and head up to Baltimore to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at one of the neatest art museums around. Along with the exhibits, enjoy open mic, art-making, music, dance, and more. And for this special day of remembrance, the museum will be open on a Monday, and all festivities (including museum admission) will be FREE! Be sure to RSVP!

MLK Service and Learning Day
Where: Frying Pan Farm Park | Herndon, VA
When: January 20, 10:30am
Admission: Free
Introduce your young ones to Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as we gather at the Frying Pan Farm Park Visitor Center to learn about Martin Luther King and the importance of giving back to our community. Rotate through stations to hear about the Civil Rights Movement, participate in a service project, and reflect on the power of community cooperation. All participants must be registered.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Tribute
Where: City Hall | College Park, MD
When: January 20, 1pm, 2pm & 4pm
Admission: Free
Blast into the past and honor the incredible contributions of African Americans to our nation’s history. Enjoy a dazzling 40-minute program that combines an enchanting laser light show with an inspiring soundtrack, transporting students through time and highlighting the profound impact of African Americans on our culture and history.

Visit Memorials
Where: National Mall & Tidal Basin, DC
When: Ongoing
Admission: Free, registration required
Pay tribute to Dr. King at places that honor his legacy. Visit the MLK Memorial, a powerful and poignant site along the Tidal Basin. From there, you can head to the Lincoln Memorial, where Dr. King gave his famous “I Have a Dream” speech and look for his words etched in the stone at the top of the steps.

Free Parking
Where: National Parks
When: January 20
Admission: Free
In honor of MLK Day, it’s the first fee free day of the year for national parks, which means there’s no cost for entry where they usually charge to get in. Take advantage of complimentary admission and the day off from school. Some ideas: Hit the trail at Shenandoah or Great Falls, explore Prince William Forest Park, go to Fort McHenry in Baltimore, or enjoy hiking and history at Harpers Ferry. Find even more national parks around the area and beyond. (PS: You can do your own trash cleanup while you’re there!)

The People’s Holiday: A Love of Literacy
Where: NMAAHC | National Mall, DC
When: January 26 (or anytime)
Admission: Free, but be sure to RSVP
The National Museum of African American History & Culture is celebrating a week later because of the inauguration. At this special Community Day, there will be a service project to make literacy packets for pre-readers across DC. Inspired by grassroots organizer, Ella Baker, visitors will learn about the power of the thank you note — and be encouraged to write one with a fountain pen. Using the prose of Dr. King and others, people can create a poetry collage. And note that a visit to the museum is insightful and enriching anytime, so consider it for another day over MLK weekend. Be sure to read the KFDC Guide to visiting the museum with kids before you go.

The Weekend Round-Up: January 18-20

8! Where’d the time go?

So, the above photo might not scream “DC with kids,” but I had to highlight the special honoree of our weekend who’s turning the big 8 (not too mention, he’s totally a DC kid). He’ll get to choose the fun for the next few days, though with all that’s going on around the area, I think it’ll be a win-win for everyone. Happy Weekend! And a very Happy Birthday to my sweet O.

Children’s Theater Festival
Where: Artisphere
When: Saturday, 11am – 5pm
Admission: $15/adults, $10/ages 3-13, free for under 4
Enjoy a full day of theater and much more. Artisphere presents six hours of theater and other activities to delight the entire family. Coloring, reading, drawing, ballet, music, and dance performances will be part of the day’s festivities. And all activities at Festival de Teatro para Ninos are Bilingual.

Wizards Family Fun
Where: Verizon Center
When: Saturday & Monday
Admission: Starting at $59 for 4
Bring your family out to a Wizards game with a Pepsi Family Fun Pack! Available for most Friday, Saturday, and Sunday games starting at just $59, and include 4 game tickets, 4 Wizards hats and 4 24oz Pepsi products on game night. The Wizards host the Pistons on Saturday and the 76ers on Monday.

Celebrate MLK
Where: Around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies
MLK Day may be on Monday, but there are events and activities to honor and celebrate it throughout the weekend. If you’re looking for ways to observe the holiday, this post has a few ideas.

Annie Sing-a-long
Where: Old Town Theater
When: Saturday, 11am
Admission: $12
Sing along to the soundtrack as the classic film about the spunky, endearing red-haired orphan plays on the big screen. Surely, you know all the words to “Tomorrow” and “Hard Knock Life.” And if not, the lyrics will be displayed on the screen, so there will be no excuse for not bellowing out the tunes with Annie and the rest of the audience. Doors open at 10am. The Old Town Theater is located at 815 ½ King Street in Alexandria.

All Aboard for a Model Train Open House
Where: Historic W&OD Train Depot
When: Saturday, 1-5pm
Admission: Free
Chug on down to Vienna to watch model train activities that realistically depict an actual railroad that existed in North Carolina in the 1950’s, the Western North Carolina (WNC). Every hill, town, building, locomotive, rail car, and industry in this layout is modeled after those places and things as they looked in that era. Well, almost everything. To satisfy popular demand, expect an occasional Thomas the Tank Engine sighting (and a few of his friends) chugging around among the bigger steam and diesel locomotives. The W&OD Train Depot is located at 231 Dominion Road in Vienna.

Ice Slide!
Where: St. Elizabeths East Gateway
When: Weekends through February 15
Admission: $5/adults, free for kids
We haven’t been yet, but I heard this is a blast. A snow slide apparently has been rented for part of the season, and the public is invited to whiz gleefully down it. Considering we have so few good sledding days, this is a welcome winter treat! St. Elizabeths East Gateway is located at 2700 Martin Luther King Avenue SE, and parking there is free. Update: We visited the ice slide Friday after school, and you can read all about it here.

Show Time
Where: Local theaters
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
Live entertainment on area stages abounds this weekend!
-There are a few reasons to applaud the beloved puppet theater at Glen Echo Park: A new Main Stage production, Tales of Beatrix Potter, is opening AND Tiny Tots, shows for the sippy cup set is back with Snow Show on Saturday and Winter Wonderland on Sunday.
-Next door at Adventure Theater, Miss Nelson is Missing, is also beginning its run.
-Billy Kelly and the Blah Blah Blahs are playing the 10:30am show on Saturday at Jammin’ Java and Recess Monkey will be there on Sunday.
-Mr. Gabe is playing at Ebenezer’s Coffeehouse on Capitol Hill on Saturday morning.
-You can catch the second and final weekend of Encore Stage & Studio’s The Little Mermaid, Jr.
-Really little ones will enjoy Aquarium at Imagination Stage.
-Theatre on the Run in Arlington presents Mouse in the House, an adaption of the book The Mouse of Amherst.
-Hear the NSO Ensemble Concert Connections: Music Matters at the Kennedy Center.
-Enjoy a special MLK Day performance by the grandsons jr. at Jammin’ Java on Monday.
More details, or links to them, can be found in this post about live entertainment around the DC area this winter.

Later, Skater
Where: Local ice rinks
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
With sunny days on the way, it’ll be a great time to get gliding at local rinks. Skate amid art at the Sculpture Garden; join Washington Harbour’s Cartoon Skate on Saturday from 10am – 12pm; meander the icy paths at Canal Park; or shop then skate at Pentagon Row, Veteran’s Plaza, or Reston Town Center. This post has details on both alfresco and indoor ice skating options in the area.

Hello, Bao Bao!
Where: National Zoo
When: Saturday, 8am – 4:30pm
Admission: Free
One of the National Zoo’s newest residents will make her public debut on Saturday. Bao Bao, the five-month old panda cub, will be on view for all visitors (FONZ members got to get a first look last weekend). The panda house at the David M. Rubenstein Family Giant Panda Habitat will have extended hours Saturday through Monday, and visitors will be allowed into the panda house on a first-come-first-served basis.

Are you Q?rius
Where: Natural History Museum
When: Friday 2-5pm, Saturday & Sunday 10am – 5pm
Admission: Free
The new interactive and experiential learning space at the Natural History Museum is, in a word, AWESOME. Visitors can view up close – and in many cases handle – real artifacts and specimens from the museum’s collections. Microscopes let young guests feel like real scientists, and drawers full of everything from animals species to cultural relics are accessible for examination. And even though it’s been promoted as a space for teens and tweens, younger children definitely can appreciate it, too.

1964: Civil Rights at 50
Where: Newseum
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $22.95/adult, $13.95/ages 7-18, free for 6 and under
On Friday, the Newseum will open “1964: Civil Rights at 50,” a yearlong exhibit about Freedom Summer, a bold campaign organized by civil rights groups in 1964 to register black voters in Mississippi. “1964” features powerful images of Freedom Summer, from volunteer training sessions in Ohio to clashes with segregationists and the search for three missing civil rights workers who were later found murdered. The photographs were taken by Ted Polumbaum, a freelance photographer working for Time magazine, whose passion for social justice led him to Mississippi in the summer of 1964. The Polumbaum photographs are part of the Newseum’s permanent collection and will be on display in the exhibit through Dec. 28, 2014.

Portrait Story Days
Where: National Portrait Gallery
When: Sunday, 2-5pm
Admission: Free
Drop in at the National Portrait Gallery to listen to a story about a person who has influenced American history and culture and to create a special piece of art. This weekend, learn about American clergyman and civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr.

Go Bananas
Where: B’nai Israel Schilit Nursery School
When: Monday, 10:30am (doors open at 10am)
Admission: $8
“BANANAS” is coming to B’nai Israel Schilit Nursery School in Rockville, MD, on Monday off from school. The Blue Sky Puppet Theatre performance is a 45-minute show that includes original “sing-a-long” songs and involves puppets operated above a six-foot tall curtain. Set against the backdrop of a talent contest, themes of healthy living issues are explored in a fun, upbeat, and positive way. The interactive show is designed for preschool, primary and intermediate school-aged children.