Celebrating 7 years of this special guy
DC is going to be one happening place this weekend. Whether you’re ready to revel in the excitement or intent on avoiding it, there are plenty of ways to do both, all while having a great time with the kids. As for us, we’re planning to brave the crowds and do some celebrating…of the nation’s honorees, but even more for our special little guy, who is ringing in another year. Happy Weekend! (And a very happy birthday to my sweet O.)
Inauguration Celebrations
Where: Around the area
When: Throughout the long weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
Whether you’re seeking official festivities or activities inspired by the big occasion, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the inauguration over the long weekend. Get sworn in at George Washington’s estate, see special exhibits relating to the presidency, observe the National Day of Service by volunteering, be among the extended audience on the National Mall, watch the procession on Pennsylvania Avenue as the Inaugural Parade makes its way to the White House. This post has details on all these pursuits and more.
Geico Free Family Night
Where: National Children’s Museum
When: Friday, 5-8pm
Admission: FREE
Start the weekend at the National Children’s Museum, as they host their inaugural Free Family Night, sponsored by GEICO, on Friday evening. The free family nights will take place monthly, offering different hands-on activities and programs each time. January’s “Learning to be a Helper” theme will honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy of service. Note that tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis at the NCM box office beginning at 5pm. The museum will close for half an hour at 4:30 p.m. to give staff time to prepare for the event.
Stories in Art
Where: National Gallery
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: Free
The NGA’s drop-in program for kids ages 4-7 is back for its winter session! In its opening weekend, guests can explore the work of artist Pable Picasso, as they hear a reading of the book When Pigasso Met Mootisse by Nina Laden, see the geometric shapes and bold colors of his cubist paintings, then create a related art project. Sessions are at 10:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm, and 2:30pm on Saturday, and 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm, and 2:30 on Sunday. Sign-in takes place in the East Building Atrium, beginning at 10am on Saturday (11am on Sunday) and continues until all spaces are filled. Admission is free. Read a KFDC review of the Stories in Art program here.
Out of Many Festival
Where: National Museum of the American Indian
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: Free
In honor of the presidential inauguration, the NMAI presents Out of Many, a festival celebrating the music, dance, and storytelling of the region’s indigenous and multicultural communities. Activities for all ages will take place throughout the museum, from mask-making workshops for kids to storytelling in imagiNATIONS to traditional native dancing in the atrium. Check the schedule for times and details.
Let Them Entertainment You
Where: Local theatres
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
Be among the first audiences to see Winnie the Pooh at Adventure Theatre and Toyland at The Puppet Co. — both shows open today. Wake Up, Brother Bear will delight little ones at Imagination Stage. Encore Stage and Studio presents Honk, Jr. for one more weekend (get a ticket deal here). Rocknoceros is playing an MLK Day show at Jammin’ Java. Older children will enjoy Zorro at the Source Theatre. And the National Ballet of Canada is performing Alice in Wonderland at the Kennedy Center. Find more details and links in this post about winter entertainment.
Children’s Theater Festival
Where: Artisphere
When: Saturday, 11am – 5pm
Admission: $15/ages 13+, $10/ages 4-12, free for 3 and under
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 fun. All activities are Bilingual.
Smokey Robinson on the Millennium Stage
Where: Kennedy Center
When: Sunday, 6pm
Admission: Free
The R&B legend will take the Millennium Stage on Sunday evening along with the Let Freedom Ring choir in celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy. Free tickets will be given away up to two per person in line in the Hall of Nations starting at 4pm on a first-come, first-served basis.
NASA Sunday Experiment
Where: NASA Goddard Space Flight Visitor Center
When: Sunday, 1-3pm
Admission: Free
The activities, scientists, and engineers will inspire and wow at this monthly program that showcases Goddard’s world-renowned research and technological developments. Recommended for kids ages 5-10, the Sunday Experiment celebrates all things science, technology, engineering, and mathematics as it presents a new theme to visitors each session.
Dr. MLK, Jr. Celebration
Where: National Children’s Museum
When: Saturday, Sunday, & Monday
Admission: $10
To honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., NCM is presenting special programming to encourage children to be thoughtful leaders and helpers in their own communities. Families will be able to contribute to the Museum’s living quilt by decorating panels depicting how they wish to live like Dr. King. Other hands-on activities will include making books and journals highlighting our visitors’ hopes for peace and service.
Think Outside
Where: Around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
It looks like we may have our first nice day all week, so get out and savor it! Even if temps dip, you can still bundle up and enjoy the sunshine and replenish the vitamin D. What to do? Go check out this list of the best places in DC to spend a beautiful day outdoors with the kids. You’re guaranteed to find a suitable outing among them.
Celebrate MLK at AVAM
Where: American Visionary Art Museum
When: Monday, 10am – 6pm
Admission: FREE
The museum full of whimsical, imaginative art is offering free admission to a celebration in honor of the life and dreams of one of the greatest visionaries in America’s history. Join them for guided tours, birthday cake, music, special performances, workshops, and even more exciting entertainment at this FREE fun-filled day. For more on the museum, read about our recent visit there.
