Tag Archives: DC Winter Actvities

January 4, 2013 · 8:29 am

The Weekend Round-Up: January 5-6

One my favorite things in the world: this smile.

Her laughter is one of my absolute favorite things the world.

Flying things at the Building Museum, movies at the art museum, a sing-along to celebrate a childhood classic, the last of the holidays, outdoor adventures, and more are all part of this weekend’s picks for fun with the kids. And we’ve got our own special event going on here as my baby girl rings in another year. Happy Weekend! And a very Happy Birthday to my sweet Sashi.

A Day of Flying in the Great Hall
Where: National Building Musem
When: Sunday, 11am – 4pm
Admission: Free
Partake in some super fly activities at the Building Museum. All ages can drop in on Sunday to watch as the DC Maxecuters demo all kinds of model planes in and across the Great Hall. OF course, you can enjoy all the other NBM offerings the rest of the weekend, including the new PLAY WORK BUILD exhibit.

Performing Arts Training Studio Open House
Where: Performing Arts Training Studio in Columbia Heights
When: Saturday, 12-2pm
Admission: Free
The Performing Arts Training Studio celebrates their move to Columbia Heights with an Open House on Saturday afternoon. Join the fun that includes free face painting for kids, free t-shirts for youth and adults while they last, a chance to meet their team of Master Instructors, and opportunities to win complimentary classes. It’s also a great time to learn about and register for classes and summer camps for adults and youth ages 5-16.

Surreal Shorts
Where: National Gallery of Art, East Building Auditorium
When: Saturday, 10:30am & Sunday, 11:30am
Admission: Free
The NGA’s monthly film program for kids is back with a surreal series of animated shorts that encourages viewers to stretch their imaginations and let the ordinary become extraordinary. Oscar award-winning The Lost Thing follows a boy on a journey to find a home for a strange, misplaced object. Other films include Codswallop, Luminaris, and The Goat That Ate Time. Recommended for ages 7 and up, the program runs approximately 55 minutes. No registration is required, but seating is offered on a first-come, first-seated basis.

Schoolhouse Rock-noceros!
Where: Kennedy Center
When: Sunday, 6pm
Admission: Free
“Conjunction Junction, what’s your function?” If that brings back great memories from your childhood, too, then go celebrate it weekend. It’s the 40th anniversary of Schoolhouse Rock and the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage is marking it with a sing-along of all the great tunes that taught some of the fundamentals of the world around us — interjections, legislation, multiplication, and more. This is one concert where you’re sure to know all the lyrics. Local fave Rocknoceros will also be there for the free fun!

Stay Entertained
Where: Local theaters
When: All weekend long
Admission: Varies by venue
Seussical is in its final weekend at Imagination Stage, but Wake Up, Brother Bear is just starting up. The Kennedy Center presents A Brown Bear, a Moon, and a Caterpillar: Treasured Stories by Eric Carle. Cinderella is still fitting her glass slipper at Olney Theater. And Dave Brewer and the PrekKings are playing a Saturday morning show at Jammin’ Java. Get details on all of these shows in this post about entertainment in the new year.

Happy Birthday, JCC!
Where: JCC of Greater Washington
When: Sunday, 9am – 4pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate 100 years of the JCC at a Kick Off Birthday party open to everyone! Festivities will include cake and ice cream; a birthday cake contest; childrens’ inflatables; prizes and giveaways; dance and music performances; Camp JCC reunion; and the opening for the Washington Jewish Film Festival at the JCCGW with the acclaimed film, Hava Nagila. See the website for the schedule of events.

Eke Out the Holiday Fun
Where: Throughout the area
When: All weekend long
Admission: Varies by activity
It’s your final chance to enjoy the last of the season’s holiday fun. Trains and light displays, and even a couple of shows are keeping the holiday magic going for a few more days before they all shut down until next year. The KFDC 2012 Holiday Guide has details on where you can get your final fix.

Recreation on Ice
Where: Local ice rinks
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
Looks like it’s going to be great weather for outdoor ice skating these next couple of says, so lace up the skates and get gliding. Enjoy art as you skate at the Sculpture Garden; join Canal Parks’s Cartoon Skate on Saturday from 10am – 12pm; circle the new rink at Washington Harbour; 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.

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.

Sunny Days
Where: Throughout the area
When: All weekend long
Admission: Varies by activity
Don’t let a little cold weather keep you inside! Bundle up and get out to savor the winter sunshine. This list of places to spend a great day outdoors has loads of ideas for fun al fresco.

The Weekend Round-Up: December 29-30

A fun display at ZooLights, one of many holiday events still running

With cold temps and a wintry mix in the forecast, this round-up is heavy on indoor recommendations, and you can find even more ideas here and here. And… just in case you haven’t heard yet, KFDC if a finalist for favorite local blog in the Washington Post’s DC Tweeps contest. Voting ends on Monday, so if you think my blog is worthy of the title, please go let them know! Thanks, and Happy Weekend!

Holidaze
Where: Throughout the area
When: All weekend long
Admission: Varies by activity
The holidays themselves may be over, but many activities celebrating them are still going on, some for up to another week. Live entertainment, spectacular light displays, model trains, and seasonal events are some of the ways you can savor the holiday magic just a little bit longer. The 2012 KFDC Holiday Guide will tell you where to find them.

Kwanzaa Arts, Family Fun
Where: Anacostia Community Museum
When: Saturday, 11am – 1pm
Admission: Free
Make a variety of Zawadi (gifts) and greeting cards traditional art materials such as colored paper, glitter, rubber stamps, and discardable materials. Join artists Tamara Thomas and Diedra Bell for this fun, free workshop.

The Emancipation Proclamation Turns 150
Where: National Archives
When: Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Admission: Free
The National Archives will commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation with a special display of the original document in the East Rotunda Gallery. The commemoration will include extended viewing hours, inspirational music, a dramatic reading of the Emancipation Proclamation, and family activities and entertainment for all ages.

Uncle Devin’s Winter Wonderland Holiday Show
Where: Jammin’ Java
When: Saturday, doors open at 10am
Admission: $10
Enjoy the live, interactive musical experience recommended for children five and up. Uncle Devin is both a drummer and percussionist, and, therefore, is known as the original “Drumcussionist.” His drum set consists of a combination of natural drums/ percussion instruments, and the latest in electronic drums. This hybrid drum set allows him to play the normal drum groove along with the additional color that is normally played by additional percussionist and musicians. He also has uses an assortment of percussion instruments, including cowbells, triangles, shakers, congas and timbales, as learning tools for his message.

Experiential Exhibits
Where: National Geographic Museum
When: All weekend long
Admission: $8/adults, $6/seniors, $4/ages 5-12, 4 and under free
The National Geographic Museum is currently presenting a couple of exhibits that appeal to kids and adults alike. Birds of Paradise: Amazing Avian Evolution and 1001 Inventions: Discover the Golden Age of Muslim Civilization, like many of the museum’s exhibitions, are full-on experiences that utilize multimedia and a variety of interactive installations to educate, enrich, amuse, and wow guests. You can enhance your Nat Geo visit with a 3D movie — get up close and personal with prehistoric monsters of the deep in Sea Monsters 3D.

Show Time
Where: Local Theatres
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
If you’re over the holidays, but up for some live entertainment, there are a few productions on stages that are sans Christmas themes. a href=”https://tickets.imaginationstage.org/public/show.asp” target=”_blank”>Seussical is at Imagination Stage. The Shakespeare Theatre Company presents A Misdummer Night’s Dream (and we know firsthand that some kids will enjoy it). Young Robin Hood is at Round House Theatre. And A Brown Bear, a Moon, and a Caterpillar: Treasured Stories by Eric Carle is now running at the Kennedy Center.

Portrait Story Days
Where: National Portrait Gallery
When: Saturday, 1-4pm & Sunday, 2-5pm
Admission: Free
Drop in at the National Portrait Gallery 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 pop artist Andy Warhol.

Modern Family — Art & Fun
Where: Local art museums
When: All weekend long
Admission: Free
Check out some modern art with the kids. A few current exhibits may not have been curated with kids in mind, but they contain elements that any age can appreciate, even just for the aesthetics. Ai Weiwei: According to What? at the Hirshhorn, Roy Lichtenstein: A Retrospective at the National Gallery of Art, and the third floor of the Smithsonian American Art Museum all have works on display that are bold, interesting, and fun to just view (not touch!). And if it’s not your kids’ cup of tea, there’s plenty more to explore nearby all of those venues.

Winter Wonderland Art Workshop
Where: Little Loft
When: Saturday, 10am – 12pm
Admission: $15
Kids ages 2-5 can create a sparkling wintery project and make a snowflake for the new Sandy Hook Elementary (no explicit discussion of events – just snowflakes for the new school). There will also be stories on the half hour.

The Weekend Round-Up: December 22-23

Gliding the day away at Canal Park Ice Rink

Before you get started on plans for the weekend, here are a few things to note:

– It’s the last chance to experience many holiday activities, events, and shows, so be sure to keep that in mind if there’s something you’re really hoping to do this season.

– These recommendations are heavy on holiday fun, but you can find loads of non-holiday recs on the Everyday Play page in The Great Indoors post, or this compilation of outdoor ideas.

– If you’re looking for last minute gift ideas, you might consider making a donation to a great cause in someone’s name. The GIVE page has a nice list of charities, all suggested by KFDC readers.

– And speaking of giving, how about giving KidFriendly DC your vote? I’m a finalist for favorite local blogger in the Washington Post’s DC Tweeps contest. If you think KFDC is worthy of the title, please go let them know with your vote!

– As always… Happy Weekend!

Celebrate the Season
Where: Throughout the area
When: All weekend long
Admission: Varies by activity
If you haven’t yet gotten your holiday spirit on, this is the weekend to do it. There are only a few more days to enjoy some of the season’s best events and activities, and the vibe is sure to be extra festive with the big days right around the corner. Visits with Santa, train displays, lights shows, and holiday entertainment are happening around the area all weekend long. Check out the KFDC Holiday Guide for the scoop on all of them.

Family Fun & Fireworks
Where: National Harbor
When: Friday, 5pm
Admission: Free
Kick off the weekend at the National Hartbor’s last Friday Night Family Fun & Fireworks event of this holiday season. Enjoy an evening of family-friendly activities, including strolling entertainment, open houses at some the retailers, live music, and the grand finale, fireworks.

Rocknocreos Holiday Singalong
Where: Jammin’ Java
When: Saturday, 2pm
Admission: $10
The local band that’s a favorite of many a kid is back at the Vienna venue for their 6th annual holiday singalong. Join them in a chorus of seasonal tunes and Rockno classics. Tickets are still available for the 2pm show, but probably not for long!

Build, Break, and Create
Where: National Geographic Museum
When: Saturday, 1pm
Admission: Free
Explore the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics accomplishments of the Muslim world from the 7th to the 17th centuries through a variety of hands-on workshops. Presented in conjunction with the exhibit 1001 Inventions: Discover the Golden Age of Muslim Civilization, the program shows modern applications of historic innovations and provide unique connections to the world we live in. Note that while the event is free, there is an admission fee for the exhibit.

Show Time
Where: Local theatres
When: All weekend long
Admission: Varies by venue
Holiday-inspired entertainment is gracing many stages right now, there are a few non-seasonal shows running, too. Seussical is still at Imagination Stage, the Shakespeare Theatre Company presents A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Young Robin Hood is at Round House Theatre. For holiday entertainment, experience the ultimate holiday classic The Nutcracker performed by the Washington Ballet at Warner Theatre or catch a tot-friendly version at The Puppet Co. Join the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future as they lead Scrooge on A Christmas Carol journey at Ford’s Theatre. Enjoy A Little House Christmas with the Ingalls at Adventure Theatre. Watch Step Afrika perform a special holiday show at the Atlas Performing Arts Center.

Santa at the Playseum
Where: Playseum Bethesda
When: Saturday, 10-11:45am
Admission: $6
Enjoy some play time and visit with Santa at the Bethesda Playseum. Santa will read and act out a very special story time (The Night the Grinch Stole Christmas) and sing some of your favorite holiday songs. Parents may bring cameras to take pictures of your child with Santa. No extra fee. Doors open early at 9:00AM.

Fun on Ice
Where: Local ice rinks
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
Ice skating is the perfect way to celebrate the start of winter. Glide in the fresh air at an outdoor ice skating rink or practice your spins and axels at an indoor venue. If you want to share the rink with some furry characters, head to Canal Park on Saturday from 10am -12pm for Cartoon Skate. And for the rest, this post has all the details you need to get started.

Rock Creek Recreation
Where: Rock Creek Park
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
Get a nature fix, outdoors or in, at one of the nation’s largest urban parks. Take a hike, check out exhibits in the nature center, see a planetarium show. All of this is possible at Rock Creek Park. The nature center is open 9am – 5pm, and the Planetarium will be offering special programs throughout the weekend.

Holiday Magic on the Silver Screen
Where: AFI Silver Theater
When: All weekend long
Admission: $7/kids 12 and under, $8.50/adult matinee, $11.50/adult general
The AFI Silver Theatre in Silver Spring presents their annual Holiday Classics series. A nice mix of seasonal big screen favorites will play at various times throughout the weekend: A Christmas Story, The Muppet Christmas Carol, and It’s a Wonderful Life are a few that can be enjoyed by the whole family at both matinee and evening showings. You can view the full line-up of movies and schedule here.