Tag Archives: DC Winter Actvities

January 8, 2016 · 10:02 am

The Weekend Round-Up: January 8-10

There will be beautiful music to accompany the art on Saturday

With the hubbub of the holidays completely over, it’s time to delve into some 2016 fun! Happy Weekend!

NSO in Your Neighborhood Museum
Where: Smithsonian American Art Museum
When: Saturday, all day & 7:30pm
Admission: Free
The annual program that brings free chamber music, orchestral concerts, and educational events throughout a different neighborhood each year is back, this time in Penn Quarter. The American Art Museum will be one of the hosting venues on Saturday with family programming all day, including an instrument petting zoo, a concert for children, and pop-up performances leading up to the grand finale – an evening concert by the full orchestra in the Kogod Courtyard!

Health & Fitness Expo
Where: Washington Convention Center
When: Saturday, 9am – 5pm & Sunday, 9am – 4pm
Admission: Free
NBC’s annual exposition celebrates healthy living at the Washington Convention Center all weekend. There will be free health screenings, exercise and dance demos, opportunities to try new sports, giveaways, and lactivities especially for kids. The Convention Center is located at 901 Mount Vernon Place, NW. Metered street parking and garages are nearby, and you can take the Metro’s yellow line to the Mount Vernon stop.

Open House
Where: Royalty Learning Center
When: Saturday, 11am – 2pm
Admission: Free
Looking for early education options for your little one? Royalty Learning Center in Maryland is hosting an Open House on Saturday, where you can learn more about their programs that focus on education and uniqueness of each child. Meet the director and lead teachers, tour the center, and gain insight into their curriculum. Children are welcome, too! Light refreshments will be served.

Summer Camp Sampler
Where: Imagination Stage
When: Saturday, 9:45am – 12:45pm
Admission: Free
Get an up-close and personal taste of what summer camp is like at Imagination Stage – they promise you’ll have a blast! Sample camps are 20 minutes long, with the exception of longer drop-off Musical Production. Parents are encouraged to join the samplers for children in grades 2 or younger. Parents of campers in grades 3 or older are welcome to observe the sampler, but not required. Register for a sample class here.

Gustafer Yellowgold
Where: Jammin’ Java
When: Saturday, 10:30am
Admission: $10
The “cross between ‘Yellow Submarine’ and Dr. Seuss” is back with his unique multi-media performance of live music, animated illustrations, and storytelling. Plan to dine along with the show — the full lunch and drink menu will be available.

NSO Kinderclassics: Break it Down
Where: Kennedy Center
When: Saturday, 11am & 1:30pm
Tickets: $20
If your kids love to tinker, they’ll enjoy this high-energy concert, where they delight in dissecting the pieces and parts of music and instruments! There will also be pre-show fun in the Hall of States: Starting an hour before the concert, a Musical Instrument “Petting Zoo” gives children a chance to get up close with the instruments they’ll see played on stage, from violins and trumpets to oboes and flutes. Recommended for ages 4 and up.

Star Wars on the Really Big Screen
Where: Air & Space Museum & Udvar-Hazy Center
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $15/adult, $13.50/child
If you haven’t seen Star Wars: The Force Awakens yet (or if you have and are ready for a repeat), Smithsonian’s IMAX theaters are easily among the best places in the area to view them. Some of the key sequences of the film were shot using IMAX cameras, the highest-resolution cameras in the world, so only in IMAX theaters will those scenes expand vertically to fill the entire screen for a truly immersive experience. (Plus, Star Wars in the museums that showcase space!)

Ice It
Where: Local Ice Skating Rinks
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by rink
Get out and glide. Enjoy art as you skate at the Sculpture Garden; circle the rink at Washington Harbour; meander the paths at Canal Park; or do some holiday shopping then skate at Pentagon Row, Veteran’s Plaza, Rockville Town Square, or Reston Town Center. This post has details on alfresco (and indoor) ice skating options in the area. And note that both at Canal Park and Washington Harbor are hosting Cartoon Skate on Saturday morning!

Rock Creek Explorations
Where: Peirce Mill
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
Get a glimpse of Rock Creek Park’s past on a visit to the historic Peirce Mill. Tour three-levels of 19th-century machinery and find out water from the creek powered the mill to make flour and meal. Plan on some hiking, too — the site is situated right next to a couple of nice trails. This new post has details on an outing there.

Snow White
Where: Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Tickets: $15/adult, $10/child
Take your kids to see other kids perform as Encore Stage & Studio theatre brings a fairytale classic to the stage. Their signature by kids for kids is great for young audiences. This show is recommended for ages 4 and up, and there are a few performances throughout the weekend.

InterAct Story Theatre
Where: Wheaton Library
When: Saturday, 11am
Admission: Free
Enjoy the 4th installment of Wheaton Family Theatre Series as Arianna Ross and Story Tapestries with “The Giggling, Wiggling Book Worm,” a dynamic arts and literacy program for all ages. Combining a dramatic live storytelling performance with an engaging post-performance literacy workshop for kids and families, Arianna and fellow Story Tapestries artist Suzanne Richard leads guests in a literary adventure. Kids and adults alike will dance, sing, wiggle, and giggle as their inner bookworms read, write, draw, dance, and make music about new, exciting stories.

On the Imagination Stage
Where: Imagination Stage
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: Tickets start at $14
This weekend is the last chance to catch A Year with Frog & Toad at the Bethesda theatre — the musical inspired by the acclaimed children’s books is coming to a close. The youngest audiences will enjoy Wake Up, Brother Bear that includes hands-on activities along with the performance.

Jonathan Blum Retrospective
Where: Caos Gallery
When: Sunday, 12-6pm
Admission: Free
I love the work of Jonathan Blum and wanted to give him and his retrospective exhibit a shout-out. You may be aware of his art – the DC native now residing in Brooklyn occasionally sells his whimsical portraits (often of half-faces or animals sitting on serious heads) at Eastern Market and has some hanging in venues around town. Go to shop his art, or just to enjoy viewing it – kids will appreciate the fanciful faces just as much as you.

The Day the Dinosaurs Came to Noyes
Where: Kensington Town Hall
When: Sunday, 3-5pm
Admission: $15/family donation requested
Join the Noyes Children’s Library Foundation for a fantastic family event featuring dino-mite activities and crafts, plus a theater workshop by the teaching artists of Imagination Stage, based on the book “How Do Dinosaurs Learn to Read?” RSVP on the Noyes Facebook page.

NSO Goes Undercover
Where: International Spy Museum
When: Sunday, 4-5pm
Admission: Free
So, they may not be undercover, but members of the National Symphony Orchestra will again be playing in a different context as part of the NSO In Your Neighborhood program. A small ensemble will perform an espionage-themed concert for this family-friendly event. And patrons who attend this one will also receive a coupon for $5 off the price of admission to visit the museum’s exhibits!

Wizards vs. Raptors
Where: Verizon Center
When: Friday, 7pm
Admission: Ticket prices vary
Start the weekend with some hoops action as the Wizards host Toronto. And the Verizon Center is within the NSO in Your Neighborhood area, so expect a pre-game bonus: Members from the National Symphony Orchestra will be performing during the warm-ups!

Caps vs. Senators
Where: Verizon Center
When: Sunday, 7pm
Admission: Ticket prices vary
There will be some extra Senators in DC on Sunday as the Caps host Ottowa’s hockey team at the Verizon Center. And you can get a T-shirt along with seats to view the action on ice through from Certifikid.

The Weekend Round-Up: April 12-13

It’s a peak time to be in DC! The city is beautiful this time of year, and there are loads of ways to enjoy it — Cherry Blossom events, museum programs, live entertainment, spring celebrations, and more. And be sure to check the outdoor and indoor lists for activities beyond this round-up. Happy Weekend!

A Peek at the Peak
Where: Tidal Basin & National Mall
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
You may be able to catch the final days of the cherry blossom peak. The blooms have been spectacular this week and will, hopefully, still wow this weekend. Expect crowds and be prepared — this post has tips for families viewing the blossoms.

National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade
Where: Constitution Avenue, 7th – 17th Streets NW
When: Saturday, April 13, 10am – 12pm
Admission: Free
The pinnacle of cherry blossom festivities is, hands-down, the parade. Thousands of people line Constitution Avenue every year to watch the spectacle of lavish floats, giant helium balloons, marching bands, and a variety of performers travel through the city. Tickets for grandstand seats are available for $20, but you can stake out a spot along the curb for free. Plan to arrive early to get a good view — the crowds come out for this one, especially if it’s a pretty spring day like we’re expected to get on Saturday.

Sakura Matsuri
Where: 12th Street & Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
When: Saturday, 10:30am – 6pm
Admission: $10/ages 13 and up
Immediately following the Cherry Blossom parade, many folks head right over to Sakura Matsuri, the Japanese Street Festival that is America’s largest one-day exhibition of Japanese culture. Stretching down six city blocks from 9th to 14th Streets on Pennsylvania Avenue NW, there will be live music and dance performances, all kinds of Asian and Western foods, martial arts demos, Japanese art, and more. Be prepared for a crowd.

Explore the Universe
Where: National Air & Space Museum
When: Saturday, 10am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Understand how different cultures see the sky at this annual event at the Museum on the Mall. Learn about telescopes and do some daytime observations (weather permitting). Other hands-on activities around the museum include a chance to make a solar clock and build an astrolab. Go here for the complete schedule of activities.

Lantern Making Family Day
Where: Yards Park
When: Sunday, 10am – 2pm
Admission: Free
The Capitol Riverfront BID is hosting its 4th Annual Lantern Making Family Day as part of National Cherry Blossom festivities. Guests are invited to create paper lanterns, and all supplies will be included. There will also be martial arts performances by Hapmudo, a moonbounce, and games for children. Grab a bite to eat at nearby – there’s a Nando’s and everal other restaurants for a family-friendly meal.

Eggcellent Celebrations
Where: Around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
Many places around the area are hosting egg hunts, Easter bunny visits, and more spring fun to celebrate Easter and the season. Even if you’re not big on the holiday, there are attractions beyond bunnies and candy-filled eggs that will have the whole family hopping with joy. See this post for a list of them.

Cherry Blossom Family Day
Where: American Art Museum
When: Saturday, 11:30am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Spring has arrived! Celebrate D.C.’s famous cherry blossom season at the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Craft activities include: tissue paper blossoms, drawing your own cherry blossom tree, coloring sheets, folded Japanese screen painting, and origami! Learn how to “invite” birds into a garden with SI Gardens and make an origami passenger pigeon. Get your face painted and then watch a kimono dressing demonstration on stage. Enjoy performances of traditional Japanese music, dance and taiko drumming, and explore how Japanese art and culture have influenced American artists for decades with a scavenger hunt in the galleries.

Show Time
Where: Local Theatres
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
* Catch a performance of The Jungle Book at Adventure Theatre
* Cinderella: The Remix just opened at Imagination Stage
* Enjoy theatre on strings at The Puppet Co., where Hansel & Gretel is on the main stage and Baby Bear’s Birthday is the featured Tiny Tots show.
* See Once on this Island at Olney Theatre
* TreeHouse Shakers-Hatched, BlackRock Center for the Arts first-ever show for very young children, will be presented at 10am and 1pm on Saturday
* One Mic: Fresh Noise: A Mashup of Youth Voices–Game On! is at the Kennedy Center this weekend only
* Gustafer Yellowgold is playing the Saturday morning show at Jammin’ Java.
* The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is at Ford’s Theatre through May 17.

World Health Day Family Program
Where: National Museum of Health & Medicine
When: Saturday, 10am – 12pm
Admission: Free
If your babe is a budding doctor or scientist, then this Family Program will surely fascinate. In honor of World Health Day, the Museum is hosting a special event to showcase how the Department of Defense is working to combat vector-borne diseases around the world. How do conditions such as malaria, dengue, and yellow fever affect your health? Hands-on activities will demonstrate just that.

Marmalade at House of Sweden
Where: House of Sweden
When: Sunday, 12pm & 2pm
Admission: Free
Marmalade is delicious & sensory performance about meeting, mixing and moving for ages 2 and up. Mira and Viktor taste and feel in poetic movements and circus actions in an exquisite and visual experience together with the audience. Marmelade looks at the world through body, eye, feeling and taste. Upside down, behind and in front of you. Register to attend here.

Enchanted Cherrybration Weekend
Where: Clark’s Elioak Farm
When: Saturday & Sunday, 10a, – 5pm
Admission: $5 (rides cost extra)
Let your little princesses dress up for this visit to the storybook-themed farm (you can read more about it in this list about outdoor outings). Clark’s Elioak will be celebrating Howard County’s “Cherrybration” Days with treats fit for young royalty and plenty of pink pizzazz. Children in a family will get a free hay ride if at least one person in the family is dressed as a pink princess. Kids can also dress up in gowns on hand at the farm for a photo opportunity with “Princess Cherrybella.” A Truly Pink Treasure Hunt in the Enchanted Forest Maze will round out the weekend activities.

The Weekend Round-Up: April 4-6

The Nats are back!

There’s a LOT going on this weekend, from the Nats first home games of the season to a birthday party for Shakespeare to early Easter celebrations to fireworks to museum programs to live entertainment to seasonal markets and even more! If that’s not enough, you can find plenty of other ideas for activities with the kids, including the best of the outdoors around DC, on the Everyday Play page. Happy Weekend!

Ignite Your Natitude
Where: Nationals Park
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: Ticket prices vary
It’s the season home opener for the Nats today, and there’s going to be baseball all weekend long – today at 1:05pm, Saturday at 7:05pm, and Sunday at 1:35pm. First opponent up is Braves, and you still might be able to score tickets for all three games. Take advantage of the Harris Teeter Family Pack and enjoy other special promos on Sunday – it’s Kids Opening Day and Screech’s Birthday. And don’t forget you can stay after for Kids Run the Bases when children ages 4-12 can loop the in field after the final out.

Spring Easter Festival
Where: Ticonderoga Farm
When: Saturday & Sunday, 10am – 5pm weekends
Admission: $11.95, under 2 are free
With giant slides, an awesome jumping pillow, playgrounds, animals, mazes, and more, the farm in Vienna is a blast everyday (it’s open daily), but they take the fun up a notch on weekends for their annual Spring Easter Festival. Along with the permanent amusement, there are egg hunts, face painting, children’s games, and visits from the Easter Bunny. Be sure to check the website for timing of specific activities. For an idea of what’s there, see this post about their Winter Festival, which is much of the same, but with Easter instead of Christmas festivities. And this post about a class field trip has info and pics, too.

Egg Hunt & Marshmallow Harvest
Where: Great Country Farms
When: Saturday & Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Admission: $10/child $12/adult at the gate
After a long cold winter, nothing chases away the chill like a visit to the farm. Head to Great Country for the first “crop” of the spring– Marshmallow Picking! Do marshmallow peeps grow on trees? Be sure to check it out and harvest a few to roast on the bonfire with Farmer Bob. You can even purchase a s’more kit to melt away that chocolate craving. The Easter Bunny also hid some eggs, so guests can help find them during multiple egg hunts (by age – see the schedule) with over 18,000 treat-filled eggs. Plan to visit spring chicks and baby animals, check out the spring plantings in the greenhouse, take a hayride and rejoice in the new season. Don’t forget to bring your camera for photo ops with the Easter Bunny. Buy advance tickets online for only $10/adult — visit the website to purchase, and look for the schedule of events there, too.

Happy Birthday to the Bard!
Where: Folger Shakespeare Library
When: Sunday, 12-4pm
Admission: Free
Shakespeare is turning 450, and the Folger Shakespeare Library is celebrating with an Open House on Sunday afternoon. In true Renaissance fashion, there will be song and dance, jesters and jugglers, and opportunities to recite your favorite Shakespeare lines on stage. Especially for children will be fortune telling, shield making, quill writing, arts & crafts, Shakespeare portrait drawing, and a giant birthday cake with the cutting lead by Queen Elizabeth I. The event is free and will take place rain or shine. Some concessions will be available for purchase. The Library is located at 201 East Capitol Street SE.

Southwest Waterfront Fireworks Festival
Where: 600-900 Water Street, SW
When: Saturday, 1-9pm
Admission: Free
The big Cherry Blossom Festival event this weekend is the annual fireworks show at the Southwest Waterfront. It’s an all-day and part-evening affair with free live music and family-friendly festivities, including some especially for kids – think face painting, arts & crafts, and balloon art – cultural experiences, and all kinds of food. The grand finale will begin at 8:30pm when the National Cherry Blossom Festival Fireworks Show lights up the night sky.

Go Colonial
Where: Claude Moore Colonial Farm
When: Saturday, 10am – 4:30pm
Admission: $3/adults, $2/ages 3 and up, free for 2 and under
The Claude Moore Colonial Farm opens for the first weekend of its 2014 season, welcoming visitors to explore family life on a pre-Revolutionary War working farm. There is a tobacco barn, farm house, garden, orchard, and animals. Guests can also interact with a family portraying life as it was back then. Read more about it in this post (ignore the “autumn” part; it’s a great outing in the spring, too).

American Cool Family Day
Where: National Portrait Gallery
When: Saturday, 11:30am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Are you “American Cool”? Head to the Portrait Gallery for this special Family Day program and check out some “cool” music, art projects, and docent-led tours of the American Cool exhibition.

Robotics Expo
Where: National Air & Space Musem
When: Saturday, 11am – 4pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate National Robotics Week at the Air & Space Museum where several schools and organizations will demonstrate the innovative projects they have created. There will also be two sessions in Moving Beyond Earth (Gallery 113) in which each team will formally present their robotic project and will be interviewed by a Museum staff member. These sessions will take place at 11am and 1pm.

Gateway to Health
Where: St. Elizabeths East Gateway Pavilion
When: Saturday, 12-5pm
Admission: Free
Where there was an ice slide less than two months ago, will be a spring festival focused on health. Discover new foods, tastes, and ideas for healthy eating at the Whole Foods Market @ Gateway DC, shop DC’s finest food & retail vendors, see cooking demonstrations, and enjoy and fun activities for kids of all ages. And this is just the kick-off of a monthly market running the first Saturday of each month through spring and summer.

Show Time
Where: Local Theatres
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
* Catch an opening weekend performance of The Jungle Book at Advneture Theatre
* Inside Out, theatre aimed at the toddler and preschool crowd is on the Imagination Stage.
* Enjoy theatre on strings at The Puppet Co., where Hansel & Gretel is on the main stage and Snow Show is the featured Tiny Tots show.
* Mr. Gabe and the Circle Time All-Stars are playing at Ebenezers Coffeehouse on Capitol hill at 10:30am on Saturday.
* The Adventures of Robin Hood is in its second and final weekend at the Kennedy Center.
* Mr. Knick Knack will entertain the kiddie crowd at the Old Town Theatre on Saturday at 11am.
* Curtis Blues: Delta Blues is this week’s Saturday Morning at the National performance.
* The Diggity Dudes are playing the Saturday morning show at Jammin’ Java.
* The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is at Ford’s Theatre through May 17.

Cherry Blossom Yoga
Where: Washington Monument grounds
When: Saturday, 10am
Admission: Free
Join lululemon athletica on Saturday for the 5th Annual Cherry Blossom Yoga – a complimentary yoga class for all to enjoy in DC! Bring your mat, family, and friends to the Washington Monument to share an hour-long vinyasa yoga practice led by Mimi Rieger, lululemon athletica Ambassador, with assistance from some of DC’s finest yoga instructors. All ages and levels are welcome and the event is complimentary. Day-of registration begins at 9am and the yoga class begins at 10am, rain or shine. Avoid long lines on Saturday morning and register online here.

Au Pair in America Cultural Fair
Where: Spanish Ballroom at Glen Echo Park
When: Saturday, 1-3pm
Admission: Free
Are you curious about au pairs as a childcare option? On Saturday, Au Pair in America invites families to their Cultural Fair at Glen Echo Park to learn more about their programs. It’s a family affair with an afternoon of fun activities for all ages, including children’s activities, performances, visual displays, and a cultural parade.

DC MEETMarket
Where: Logan Circle, 15th & P St NW
When: Saturday, 11am – 5pm
Admission: Free
It’s Opening Day at the market in the heart of Logan Circle on Saturday. DC MEETMarket is a monthly outdoor community market held on the first Saturday of every month April through November. It’s a community event with local music, educational crafts and activities where individuals of all ages can enjoy themselves. To celebrate their first day of the new season, there will be a live painting & free raffle by No Kings Collective and Kelly Towles; live musical performances by America Hearts, Light Arms, and DJ vANNIEty Kills, hosted by Rock-n-Romp!; an interactive photo booth for all ages; and over 40 local vendors selling their goods. And as always, the market is free, open to the public, and always family and pet-friendly.

Kids’ Open House
Where: Alliance Française
When: Saturday, 9:30am – 12:30pm
Admission: Free
Bienvenue! The Alliance Française invites families to discover their programs for children 1 to 18 years old. Along with the opportunity to visit the classrooms and meet the teachers, guests can listen to stories in the library , watch a special performance created and presented by children in a Shadow Puppetry Workshop, and hear poems read by FREF students. Children can also attend a mini-class to get a taste for French language at the Alliance. And for those who are interested in registering, placement tests will be available for classes beginning in April.

Thread
Where: Union Market
When: Friday – Sunday
Admission: Free
Head to Union Market for Thread, a carefully curated collection of both nationally recognized brands and emerging, independent designers from around the country who embody an inventive and original spirit. This might be more exciting for adults most of the weekend, but you can do a little shopping, then grab a bite to eat at one of the many eateries. And if you go on Friday, you can enjoy a special FREE Boogies Babes happy hour show – at 4:30pm, Uno, Dos, Tres con Andres will entertain the kiddie crowd outside in the rear of the building, and word has it the scene will be super hip with lounge furniture, turf, and fun games for kids to enjoy.

Japanese Stone Lantern Lighting
Where: Tidal Basin NW Corner (17th & Independence Ave)
When: Sunday, 2:30-4pm
Admission: Free
The traditional Japanese Stone Lantern Lighting Ceremony, one of the highlights of the annual Cherry Blossom Festival, will be held on Sunday at the newly restored plaza surrounding the historic lantern. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the 360-year-old Japanese Stone Lantern, along with its grove of original cherry trees gifted from Japan 101 years ago, is a cherished symbol commemorating the friendship between the United States and Japan. Now the lantern, located at the northwest corner of the Tidal Basin, features a granite plaza with natural stone boulders and a memorial plaque commemorating the 1912 gift of cherry trees.

Art Jamz
Where: Crystal City Shops
When: Sunday, 12-2pm
Admission: $10
ArtJamz, America’s original public art studio and lounge, is headed back to Crystal City Shops to kick off Spring with a blast of creativity. There will be family-friendly sessions on Sunday for ages 3 and up. Enjoy pizza, 2 hours of studio time, a medium 16×20 canvas, unlimited to access to supplies and guidance from art-trained creative enablers.

Easter Basket Crafting
Where: 529 Kids Consign – Hollin Hall
When: Sunday, 12-1pm & 2-3pm
Admission: $20/child
The high-end consignment shop 529 Kids Consign is hosting a special Easter basket crafting workshop with Little Pincushion Studio in partnership with Little Choux Kidgoods. During the event, boys and girls ages 4 and older will have the opportunity to design and decorate Easter baskets with author, Little Pincushion shop owner and crafting extraordinaire, Annabel Wrigley. Parents will also enjoy 25% off a fabulous selection of full-price Easter attire.

Sugarloaf Crafts Festival
Where: Montgomery County Fairgrounds
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: $8, 12 and under are free
Do some shopping for arts, crafts, and more while you enjoy a family day out. The Sugarloaf Crafts Festival showcases works by more than 250 top artisans. Pottery, sculpture, glass, jewelry, fashion, home and garden décor, furniture and home accessories, and photography will be on display — and for sale! Even more, children can dress up in costumes and watch live demonstrations of copper spinning, papermaking, pottery wheel-throwing, jewelry making, and other media by the master craftspeople themselves.

Thank you, NPG, thank you very much
Where: National Portrait Gallery
When: Sunday, 2-5pm
Admission: Free
Drop in at the National Portrait Gallery for Portrait Story Days and listen to a story about a person who has influenced American history and culture and to create a special piece of art. This weekend, Elvis Presley is the king of the program.

The Weekend Round-Up: March 29-30

A sky full of sails at last year’s Blossom Kite Festival

The weather may dictate activities this weekend, but no matter what the conditions outside, you’ve got plenty of options for a good time with the kids. And for ideas beyond this round-up, check out the Everyday Play page with a lengthy list of mainstay fun around the DC-Metro. Happy Weekend!

Go Fly a Kite!
Where: Washington Monument Grounds
When: Sunday, 10am – 4:30pm
Admission: Free
The annual Blossom Kite Festival is, in my humble opinion, the best event during cherry blossom season (when the weather cooperates, anyway). The sight of thousands of kites in all colors, shapes, and sizes soaring around the Washington Monument is truly one to behold. It’s absolutely magical for my kids, and even for me as a jaded adult. The sails you see flying at the Festival each spring range from simple to pretty darn creative. Dragons, sharks, butterflies, giant soccer balls, even some that look like intricate works of art actually outnumber your basic diamond. And anyone can go fly their kites, so be sure to bring one. There’s a competition aspect to the event, too; expert kite enthusiasts will wow crowds with cool stunts, and prizes will be awarded to winners of various categories such as most beautiful, funniest, and aerodynamics. (Note: This was originally scheduled for Saturday, but will now take place Sunday due to weather.)

Make Your Mark
Where: National Archives
When: Saturday, 10am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Head to the National Archives and explore the many ways people have placed their signature on history, from developing a signature style to signing groundbreaking policy into law. To celebrate the opening of the new exhibit, “Making Their Mark,” this special Family Day welcomes all ages for hands-on activities in the Boeing Learning Center. Guests can write with a quill pen, make signature hats: pillbox hat, Lincoln hat, tri-corner hat, take a tour of the exhibit, enjoy story time, mock curate an exhibit, and much more.

Opening Weekend on the Farm
Where: Ticonderoga Farm
When: Saturday & Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Admission: $9.95 (under age 2 are free)
With spring comes a host of seasonal activities at Ticonderoga Farm! You can visit with the spring farm animals, do some bird watching and animal tracking, aalong with their myriad other attractions – think swings, hayrides, a maze, and much more. Be sure to check the website for timing of any specific activities. And this Saturday & Sunday is Spring Scout Weekend at the farm, so boy and girls can bring their troop# identification for FREE admission. For an idea of what’s at Ticonderoga, see this post about their Winter Festival and this one about a field trip there.

Garden Party
Where: Community Forklift
When: Saturday, 9am – 5:30pm
Admission: Free
Now in its fifth year, Community Forklift’s Garden Party has become a local tradition, drawing gardeners, hipsters, farmers, and families from around the DC area. Get low-cost garden supplies and seedlings, enjoy live music, participate in hands-on activities like barrel painting and seed planting, and join several free workshops for gardeners young and old. Concessions will be for sale starting at 11am. And adults, children, and (leashed) pets will earn discounts and possibly prizes for sporting their best garden party attire. Last year, the nonprofit reuse center celebrated the arrival of spring with over 1,200 visitors, and this year’s free event is expected to be even bigger! It will take place at their large warehouse at 4671 Tanglewood Drive in Edmonston, MD.

Environmental Film Fest
Where: Various locations
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: Varies by film
Over 200 diverse films from 38 countries will be screened at 65 venues around the DC-Metro area during the 22nd annual Environmental Film Festival. And there are a few family-oriented flicks among them this weekend. Nature Unfolds – Animated Shorts will be at the National Gallery of Art. And Africa: Kalahari and A Year in the Wild: Snowdonia will be screened at the Natural History Museum. Be sure to check the film festival website for showtimes and details on films.

Tree Fest
Where: Tudor Place
When: Saturday, 10am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Salute Tudor Place’s “witness trees” and other gifts of the natural world found in the city with a free festival in the Garden. Games, puppets, storytelling, a tree tour, and an artisanal Market Fair offering sustainable merchandise will be part of the festivities. You can also see a new white oak just planted in the North Garden to replace the towering sentinel lost last year.

Show Time
Where: Local Theatres
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
* Inside Out, theatre aimed at the toddler and preschool crowd is on the Imagination Stage.
* Enjoy theatre on strings at The Puppet Co., where Hansel & Gretel just opened on the main stage and Animal Crackers and Old McDonald’s Farm are the featured Tiny Tots show.
* The Adventures of Robin Hood is opening at the Kennedy Center.
* Strathmore presents Saturday Morning at the National performance.
* Rainbow Rockis playing the Saturday morning show at Jammin’ Java.
* See Ballet Hispanico Family Matinee at the BlackRock Center for the Arts.
* The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is at Ford’s Theatre through May 17.

Domo Origato, Mr. Roboto
Where: The Patriot Center
When: Through Saturday
Admission: Free
The FIRST Robotics Competition is the culmination of six weeks of work by teams of high school students from around the region. Combining the excitement of sport with the rigors of science and technology, they work with with hundreds of components, including engineering mainstays such as programmable radio controllers, motors, electrical circuitry and mechanical parts to build and program robots to perform prescribed tasks against a field of competitors. And the public is invited to check out the innovative creations that result from the contest!

Baby Love Disco
Where: The Fillmore in Silver Spring
When: Saturday, 11am
Admission: $15
The family dance party is back in the area, but this time in Silver Spring. The fun will feature BLD’s signature DJ and MC, along with other kids activities and snacks. The MC will pump up the crowd, and the DJ will spin G-rated dance tunes, while kids and parents groove along and enjoy the disco.

Are you Q?rius
Where: Natural History Museum
When: Friday 2-5pm, Saturday & Sunday 10am – 5pm
Admission: Free
With rain in the forecast, Q?rius is a great place to take shelter: 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.

Portrait Story Days
Where: National Portrait Gallery
When: Saturday, 1-4pm & Sunday, 2-5pm
Admission: Free
Drop in 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 labor leader and civil rights activist Dolores Huerta.

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Tagged as Blossom Kite Festival, DC Children's Theatre, DC Kids Activities, DC Kids Museums, DC Outdoor Activities, DC Spring, DC Weekend March 29-30, DC Winter Actvities, DC with kids, Kids Activities in Maryland, Kids Activities in Northern Virginia, Kids Entertainment in DC, National Cherry Blossom Festival, Things to do with Kids in DC, Things to do with Kids in Maryland, Things to do with kids in Northern Virginia, Washington DC, Washington DC Events, Weekend in DC

March 21, 2014 · 8:08 am

The Weekend Round-Up: March 22-23

Spring has sprung, and the weather actually reflects the season — for now. Celebrate it at the annual Cherry Blossom Festival that begins this weekend or get outdoors to savor warmer temps. You can prep for the Kite Festival at a special Air & Space event or enjoy several other museum programs. Live entertainment, a Stroller Brigade & 5K, a colonial farm clean-up, and movies (drive-in, too!) round out the options for fun. Happy Weekend!

National Cherry Blossom Festival Family Days
Where: National Building Museum
When: Saturday, 10am – 4pm & Sunday, 11am – 4pm
Admission: Free
The flowers may not be in bloom yet, but the National Cherry Blossom Festival is kicking off this weekend! Celebrate the start of it at the National Building Museum’s 9th annual family festival for kids of all ages. The weekend will feature hands-on activities, interactive art demonstrations, and dynamic performances that celebrate spring and explore Japanese arts and design. View the website for specifics.

Kites of Asia Family Day
Where: National Air & Space Museum
When: Saturday, 10am -3pm
Admission: Free
Start getting psyched for the annual Kite Festival at the Air & Space Museum’s annual celebration. Thrill to the beauty and artistry of kites on display and in the air – kites will actually be flying indoors! Visit the museum’s collection of kites and discover the diversity of kites from across Asia. Hands-on activity stations will demonstrate how kites are made, and guests can learn how kites helped the Wright brothers develop the first airplane.

Get Out and Celebrate Spring!
Where: Around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
With spring comes spring weather (for now, anyway…word has it we’re in for more snow next week?!), so get out and relish in it! Roam the glorious grounds of Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, stroll around the Tidal Basin and visit the memorials, play and picnic at Hains Point, take a hike in Rock Creek Park. Find more info about all these suggestions and loads more in this post about the best places in the DC area to enjoy a day outdoors.

Show Time
Where: Local Theatres
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
* Inside Out, theatre aimed at the toddler and preschool crowd is also on the Imagination Stage.
* Enjoy theatre on strings at The Puppet Co., where Sleeping Beauty is on the main stage and Teddy Bear’s Picnic is the featured Tiny Tots show.
* See Reptiles Alive: Live Animal Show at the Old Town Theatre on Saturday
* Jack’s Adventure by Bright Star Theatre is this week’s Saturday Morning at the National performance.
* Dave Brewer and the Pre-K Kingsare playing the Saturday morning show at Jammin’ Java.
* The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is at Ford’s Theatre through May 17.

Making Their Mark
Where: National Archives
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
It’s the opening weekend of the National Archives’ newest exhibit: “Making Their Mark” illustrates the many ways people have made their mark on history through a signature and offers something for all ages and interests. Guests can view everything from presidents’ signatures on groundbreaking legislation to signed sports memorabilia from momentous games to Michael Jackson’s patent for a “method and means for creating anti-gravity illusion.”

Family Drive-In
Where: Capitol Riverfront
When: Friday & Saturday, 7:30pm
Admission: Free
On Friday and Saturday evenings, catch “Groundbreaking at the Capitol Riverfront,” a drive-in movie series at the parking lot of First Street, SE and M Street, SE. Pull into the converted drive-in theater to watch great films and purchase popular DC food truck cuisine. Toy Story will be shown on Friday night, and The Matrix will be shown on Saturday night. Both screenings will begin at 7:30 pm. Both are free and open to the public.

Environmental Film Fest
Where: Various locations
When: Through March 30
Admission: Varies by film
Nearly 200 diverse and arresting films from 50 countries will be screened at 75 venues around the DC-Metro area during the 22nd annual Environmental Film Festival. And there are several family-oriented flicks among them this weekend. Little movie-goers can watch With My Friends, a series of animated shorts for ages 2-5. There’s a film incorporated into the National Gallery’s monthly program for kids (see below). Moon Man follows the journey of the title character on Earth. And Backyard Bugs investigates 16 different types of arthropods and explores a variety of backyard habitats. View the website for showtimes and details on films.

Movie at the Art Museum
Where: National Gallery of Art
When: Saturday, 10:30am & Sunday, 11:30am
Admission: Free
See more than art at the museum on the Mall. The Rooster Trademark Paper, part of the Environmental Film Festival, depicts the story of a young boy who dreams of becoming an artist, sees an advertisement for a visual arts competition and is inspired to enter. Although he works hard selling newspapers and making deliveries for a local store, he struggles to purchase the costly Rooster Trademark paper that all entrants must use to qualify for the contest. His passion and drive is bolstered by his community, as he strives to make his dream a reality. Recommended for ages 9 and up.

Puppets Go Smithsonian
Where: American History Museum
When: Saturday, 3:30pm & 4:30pm
Admission: Free
Head to the museum’s “Puppetry in America” exhibit on the first floor as Puppet Master Christopher Piper brings to life a Circus Bear and Cinderella’s bossy stepmother, and shows kids how to make a sassy hand puppet with a simple rubber ball. If Piper’s puppetry seems familiar, it’s probably because you’ve seen it at The Puppet Co. at Glen Echo!

Yappy Hour
Where: PetMAC DC
When: Sunday, 1-3pm
Admission: Free
Is your family looking for a new best friend? Home Buddies Washington D.C. by Camp Bow Wow, an in-home Doggy Day care franchise, is hosting a “Mutt Madness” event. The program aims to educate local members of the community on the many benefits of pet adoption. And Homeward Trails Animal Rescue will have lots of loveable and adoptable dogs there for guests to meet as potential new family member. PetMAC DC is located at 4220 Fessenden St NW.

Clean Up at the Colonial Farm
Where: Claude Moore Colonial Farm
When: Saturday & Sunday, 10am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Help the local living history museum and working farm prepare for the 2014 season! Volunteers can rake leaves, clear and mulch paths, haul brush and firewood, move rail fences, waterproof outbuildings, whitewash the colonial farmhouse, split firewood, fill garden pots and more. There are jobs for every age and skill level – families are welcome. A picnic hot dog lunch will be given out to all volunteers. Bring work gloves and dress for weather. RSVP to jengle@1771.org.

Stroller Brigade & 5K Race
Where: West Potomac Park at Hains Point
When: Sunday, 8am
Admission: See website
Bright Beginning’s 5k race and Stroller Brigade benefits homeless children in DC. Bright Beginnings, a DC-based non-profit, provides education, therapeutic and family-stabilizing services for 30-40% of DC’s homeless infants, toddlers and preschoolers, and their families, to give them the best chance of success in school and in life.

Portrait Story Days
Where: National Portrait Gallery
When: Sunday 2-5pm
Admission: Free
Drop in 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 athlete Wilma Rudolph.