Tag Archives: DC Weekend May 18-19

Step Up to the KazokuFit Family Obstacle Course Challenge

Kids take on the KazokuFit challenge

Kids take on the KazokuFit challenge



Obstacle courses are all the rage these days. Mud runs and other races that involve physical challenges along the way seem to take place all the time now. In fact, I did one of those mud runs with a group of girlfriends last summer and registered months ago to do it again this July. And I remember when I told Owen exactly what it involved — scaling walls, slogging through mud pits, crawling under gates, navigating webs of rope, whizzing down a slide into a giant puddle, climbing up a lofty net — the first thing out of his mouth was, “Can I do one? That sounds so fun!” He was right, it was so fun, but I had to give him the ol’, “Sorry, kiddo, it’s for grown-ups only.” Because at the time, there wasn’t anything like it for kids around here.

But that’s about to change thanks to KazokuFit, a new company that produces obstacle courses and adventure races with all ages in mind. DC’s first-ever family obstacle course challenge is happening this Saturday, May 18, at American University. KazokuFit founders Polina Gregory and Mark Shafer came up with the idea because they wanted their own kids to experience an obstacle course challenge — and they wanted to be able to join them.

kazuko_fatherson

The race is designed for families to do together, and with “We have no sidelines” as their tagline, families are encouraged to run, jump, crawl, and climb their way through it. The course is a half-mile long with obstacles specifically created to challenge family members of all ages. It can be repeated multiple times, and they actually want to see how many times racers can do it. Kids ages 6-14 can race with or without a parent (they are highly encouraged to join, though), while younger children must have an adult on the course with them.

There will be heats at 10am, 10:45am, 1:45pm, and 2:30pm. Cost is $25 for a single participant, $45/team of 2, $60/team of 3, $70/team of 4. A percentage of the proceeds will benefit the charity Journey 4 a Cure, a pediatric cancer foundation. You can register your family on the website.

And if you can’t make it this weekend, you’ll have another opportunity for a family obstacle course challenge on June 29 at the Brambleton Town Center in Virginia.

kazuko_great-wall

Events take place rain or shine, and there’s a chance of getting wet at the Brambleton event even if the sun is out. Sponsors Honest Tea, Drink More Water, and Whole Foods will provide healthy drinks and snacks, but there will not be other food/drink for purchase. The DC course will be located at the American University field at Massachusetts Avenue and 45th Street NW.

Oh, and they’ve created a pledge, which I really dig (especially the part about whining).

We will be our best selves.
We will embrace challenges.
We will give it our all.
We will forget how to whine.
We will not care if we get dirty, wet or tired.
Most importantly, we will do it as a family and have fun.

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by KazokuFit, however, I only promote activities, events, and services that I sincerely enjoy and think would appeal to KFDC readers.


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Filed under Competition, DC, Gradeschoolers, Outdoor, Preschoolers, Preteens, Sports, Spring, Summer, Teens, Weekend

Global Adventures with Passport DC

Making new friends at the Around the World Embassy Tour

Making new friends at the Around the World Embassy Tour



Every year, Cultural Tourism DC presents Passport DC, a month-long celebration of international culture that lets us explore the world without even leaving the city. Nearly everyday throughout May there are programs — music and dance performances, art exhibits, workshops, embassy events, street festivals, food tastings, and more — that bring global adventures to DC. Among them are a few signature events that are extra special and family-friendly.

Steel drums and dancing at the Embassy of Trinidad and Tobago

Steel drums and dancing at the Embassy of Trinidad and Tobago

One of them, the Around the World Embassy Tour, took place this past weekend. Forty countries from all over the world opened their embassy doors to the public for a glimpse into their cultures with everything from live entertainment, displays of art and traditional wares, music, dancing, food samples, rum shots (thank you, Nicaragua!). I’d always wanted to attend the event, but for some reason or another, couldn’t make it. So, when Passport DC extended a media invite this year, there was no way I was going to miss it, and my excellent “travel” companion, Sasha, and I embarked on the grand tour.

Llama, Taboot Taboot

Llama, Taboot Taboot: Photo ops at the Embassy of Peru

Early commitments kept us from getting over there until the last couple of hours, but we made the most with the time we had. We watched dances from Peru and Trinidad and Tobago, got to see (and take pics with) llamas and ponies, enjoyed the sounds of island music, pet an iguana, viewed beautiful art from Indonesia and Nicaragua, checked out mini markets of wares from around the world, and sampled food and drinks from a host of countries.

Indoensian dragon mask

Indonesian dragon mask

Our favorite, hands down, was Nicaragua. We’d been touring awhile, and Sasha’s little legs were ready to call it a day, but we kept seeing people walk by with funky straw hats and knew we had to go. And even though it was out of our way, I’m so glad we stopped by, because as soon as we walked in, it was a party. Staff greeted us with the hats and maracas (they know how to make a kid happy!), then directed us to the next room where island music blared, and samples of coffee and shots of rum and the traditional Nicaraguan drink were being offered. Yum. We followed the line of hat-wearing folks upstairs, and no one seemed to care that it was a bit slow-going…it was all smiles and even some dancing as we walked through a couple of rooms, sampling more coffee and traditional treats and viewing art on display. The party even continued in a little courtyard area on the way out, where food was for sale.

Next vacay destination: Nicaragua

Next vacay destination: Nicaragua

As if that wasn’t a great way to end our tour, it got even better as we left there and ran into a KFDC reader (who noticed “KidFriendly DC” on Sasha’s press pass) and her little girl. What a treat it was to meet you, Shawnte and Symone!

So, if you missed the Around the World Embassy Tour (or even if you made it), there are more opportunities to experience international adventures with Passport DC: This Saturday, May 11, is Shortcut to Europe: European Union Embassies’ Open House, a chance to check out the culture of 28 EU nations on a tour of their embassies. And on Saturday, May 18, the National Asian Heritage Festival: Fiesta Asia Street Fair welcomes the public to experience ASian culture on Pennsylvania Avenue from 3rd St & 6th St NW. Admission to both events is free.

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Filed under All ages, Animals, Annual, Art, DC, Eats, Educational, Exhibit, Festival, Free, Live Entertainment, Music, Outdoor, Spring, Weekend