Magnolias in bloom at Indiana Plaza
Happy Weekend!
Link up to posts full of ideas for ongoing & seasonal fun:
* Best Outdoors in the DC Area
* Off-the-Beaten-Path Museums
* The Great Indoors
* Local Hikes with Kids
* Ice Skating
* Baltimore with Kids
* Bike Rides
* Stunning Spaces
* Peaceful Places
Bloom Town: Magnolias
Where: A couple of DC locations
When: Through the warm months
Admission: Mostly free
The cherry blossoms aren’t the only bloom in town, and there’s one happening now that’s pink-ening up parts of DC: Magnolias! Specifically, saucer magnolias are now blooming, and they’re sensational! One of the best places to see them is the Enid A. Haupt Garden behind the Smithsonian Castle, and you can plan on museum visits, too. There is also a gorgeous display of blooming magnolia trees at Indiana Plaza, at the corner of 7th Street, Pennsylvania, and Indiana Ave. — plus, picnic tables with swing seats and nearby places to get a good bite (or bring back to the tables) make it worth the stop. And for more about upcoming local blooms, see this post — it was created a few years ago, but it’s updated every year to reflect new dates for festivals and any other pertinent info.
Celebrate Women’s History
Where: Around DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
March is Women’s History Month, and there are so many great ways to celebrate it around DC, with something for all ages. See some exhibits, tour local landmarks, enjoy live entertainment, attend a festival… all of it showcasing women and their accomplishments. This post has details on where you can do that over the next month — and beyond!
Roam Free
Where: Dumbarton Oaks Gardens | Georgetown, DC
When: Throughout the weekend, 2-5pm
Admission: Free
There’s only a little over a week to take advantage of free admission to Dumbarton Oaks Gardens. Fom November through mid-March, there is no fee to roam the beautiful grounds. (It’s one of my favorite KFDC Tips to impart because it’s one of my favorite places in DC.) Stroll among the various plats, find lovely tucked away places to sit, and enjoy a delightful, relaxing wander around a peaceful place. Hours are limited, but you can make a longer day of it with play time at Montrose Park next door, a hike in Dumbarton Oaks Park right behind the the garden, and/or a bite to eat at one of of the many options in Georgetown. This KFDC post about Dumbarton also has some nearby food recs and this one from earlier KFDC days has more info and scenes.
Storytime
Where: National Gallery of Art | National Mall, DC
When: Friday, 10am
Admission: Free
Join the museum to play and hear Mo Willems’ Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus in English and Spanish. All ages are welcome, especially the youngest visitors. The program will take place in the East Building Atrium — no registration required.
DC Camp Fair
Where: J.O. Wilson Elementary School | NoMa, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 2pm
Admission: Free
Not yet sure about your camp and child care plans for summer? Make plans to attend the DC Camp Fair, hosted by the J.O. Wilson PTA. It’s your chance to visit camp exhibitors representing a wide variety of summer programs, ranging from traditional camps to academic, arts, music, sports, early childhood, and special interest camps. Many of these camps operate in and around Capitol Hill, while some others might provide transportation. Bonus: You can enter a drawing to win free week(s) at camp.
Kids Flicks Two
Where: National Gallery of Art | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 10:30-11:45am
Admission: Free
The National Gallery of Art presents this series of short films recommended for ages 8-1. Kid Flicks Two is full of journeys big and small, from a young artist’s trek to school and a passerby’s neighborhood stroll to the search for a loving home and the path to understanding between friends.
See Some Wizardry
Where: Capital One Arena | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Saturday, 5pm & Sunday, 7:30pm
Admission: Ticket prices vary
The Wizards have a couple of home games this weekend. See the on court action against the Toronto Raptors on Satrday and the Milwuakee Bucks on Monday at 3pm. Plan on a pre-game dinner or lunch in Penn Quarter — there are plenty of family-friendly places to go in the neighborhood. My top recs: Jaleo, Carmine’s, Oyamel, and Shake Shack.
Drop-In Art Making
Where: National Gallery of Art | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 11am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Get your creative juices flowing as you make some art at the National Gallery of Art. On the first Saturday of every month, the East Building Atrium is transformed into a drop-in art making space! Activities are inspired by the museum’s collection and designed for all ages and abilities. During this session, make art related to works in Called to Create: Black Artists of the American South, there will also be tours of the exhibit at 1pm and 3pm.
“Frozen” Singalong with Outcalls
Where: The Clarice | College Park, MD
When: Saturday, 10:30am
Admission: $59/family 4-pack, $18.50/adult, $13.50/child, free/under 2
Everyone knows all the words to the soundtracks of “Frozen!” At this show, you can sing along to songs from both movies as they are performed by the classically trained opera singers Outcalls. It’s a show the whole family can enjoy, from the soaring high notes of “Let it Go” and “Into the Unknown” (for the kids) to subtle jokes about just how ridiculous both these movies are (for us parents). Everyone is encouraged to dress in costume! Photos with the princesses will be available for purchase before and after the show!
Alexandria St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Where: Old Town | Alexandria, VA
When: Saturday, 12:30pm
Admission: Free
Don your green and line the streets of Old Town Alexandria to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day a bit early at the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade! Go early for a Fun Dog Show at 11am at King & N. Royal Streets as costumed dogs strut their St. Paddy’s spirit. A Classic Car Show will begin at 9am at the 100 block of N. Pitt Street, between King and Cameron Streets. The big procession kicks off at 12:30pm at Alfred and King Streets, then winds through Old Town, showcasing elected officials, Irish Ambassadors, military commanders, scout troops, high school bands, and local celebrities.
Sleeping Beauty on Strings
Where: The Puppet Co. | Glen Echo Park, MD
When: Fridays, 10:30am |Saturday & Sunday, 11:30am & 1pm
Admission: $15
In the Puppet Co.’s version of Sleeping Beauty, a funny frog storyteller ribbits the tale of offended fairies, silly royalty, and magic spells. Relive this classic fairy tale in this lovely Legacy rod-puppet show. Directed by Elizabeth Dapo. Recommended ages 4+. Run time approximately 45 minutes.
What Makes a Winner
Where: Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre | Arlington, VA
When: Through March 12
Admission: $15/adult, $12/child
Join Encore Stage & Studio for this updated retelling of the famous Tortoise and the Hare and other classic fables… What happens after the Tortoise beats the Hare in the race? Join Encore Stage & Studio for a new spin on the classic story in its world premiere of What Makes a Winner written by Lynne Childress. When Terri the Turtle and Ray the Rabbit become co-captains on a new racing team, Ray comes to find that he’s got a lot to learn about the true meaning of friendship. This unlikely duo meet all kinds of woodland creatures in their journey to make the perfect team. Together they learn that the most rewarding med
The Mortification of Fovea Munson
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom
When: Through March 19
Admission: $20
Mary Winn Heider brings her uproarious book to musical life in this world premiere Kennedy Center commission. Fovea Munson is stuck working at her parents’ cadaver lab, but she is by no means Dr. Frankenstein’s snuffling assistant, Igor! That is, until three disembodied heads start talking. To her. Out loud. And they need a favor. March 18 at 11am is a sensory-friendly performance. Recommended for ages 10+.
The Hula Hoopin’ Queen
Where: Imagination Stage | Bethesda, MD
When: Through April 8
Admission: $12-39 (look for discount)
A new show opens at Imagination Stage this weekend… Kameeka is confident that today she will finally beat her rival, Jamara, and become the Hula-Hoopin’ Queen of 139th Street in Harlem. But she has to prepare for Miz Adeline’s birthday party, and almost ruins the day. Until Miz Adeline confesses that she’s also got the itch–the hula-hoopin’ itch! Her fingers start snappin’. Her hips start swingin’. Soon everyone’s hips are swinging as the party spills out onto the street.
Into the Woods
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: Through March 19
Admission: $35-159 (look for discount)
Here’s a reason to be happy ever after… Into the Woods just opened at the Kennedy Center, and this production is recommended for ages 4 and up. Bring the whole family for a show that got rave reviews on Broadway! And FYI: $35 Rush tickets will be available for every performance beginning each performance day at 5pm at the Kennedy Center Box Office, except matinee performances when Rush tickets will go on-sale at 12pm. Tickets are subject to availability and have no guaranteed location. Two tickets max per person.
Beauty and the Beast
Where: Synetic Theater | Rosslyn, VA
When:Through April 3
Admission: $35-65
This fresh adaptation is a sparkling and inspiring Gothic romance full of wonder, mystery and redemption expressed through Synetic’s unique stage effects, expressionistic design, puppetry and movement. No sing-alongs or talking teacups from Disney’s animated film in this piece of theater art. Though just as magnificent, this show’s got bite. Note that this production of Beauty and the Beast contains fantasy violence and may be scary to younger children.
Play with Extra Zip
Where: Beauvoir Outdoors | National Cathedral, DC
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: Free
The National Cathedral Elementary School’s playground is easily one of the best in the city. With lots of climbing and sliding structures and spaces for all ages, plus a super fun zipline, your whole crew is guaranteed to have a blast there.
Hit the Trail
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
Looks like goo hiking weather, so get out in nature to enjoy some QT together. This post has a bunch of recommendations for great places to go with kids. A few specific suggestions for this weekend: Riverbend to Great Falls is always a fave, Patapsco Valley State Park has a lot of great hiking options, hit the trail right in the city at Rock Creek Park, or enjoy the glorious nature of Prince William Forest Park.
Model Rocket Launch
Where: Goddard Space Flight Center
When: Sunday, 1-2pm
Admission: Free
Join the monthly model rocket launch at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. Anyone is welcome, and if you’ve got a model rocket to fly, bring it along (though there are some restrictions – see them here). The program takes place the first Sunday of every month at 1pm.
Ice Skating Wind Down
Where: Ice rinks around the DC Area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by rink
Skate your last loops at our local ice rinks. Both Canal Park and the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden rinks close after Sunday. A couple of others have already shut down for the season, and a couple more are only open through next weekend. See this post listing them all for details on where you can glide under the sky one last time this winter.
***MORE GOOD STUFF***
* There are still spots available for silhouette portrait sessions with Cut Out Artist Karl Johnson.
* Eater’s 15 hottest new restaurants around DC this March.
* An interesting read about DC’s food influencer scene.
* We recently played this dice game with friends (kids, too) and it was so much fun!
* City moms, too 🤣
