Tag Archives: DC Winter Actvities

March 7, 2014 · 8:04 am

The Weekend Round-Up: March 8-9

Winter chillin' at the Arboretum

Winter chillin’ at the Arboretum



It’s a fun and interesting mix of special events and activities this weekend, from free art programs at local museums to storytime at NPR to show time at local theatres to the start of DC United’s season at RFK and lots more in between. Even better, the sun will be shining the whole time. And don’t forget to turn the clocks forward — a nice little sign that spring is on its way. Happy Weekend!

Family Day: The Great Escape!
Where: Corcoran Gallery
When: Saturday, 10am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Journey to Paris, New York, and the Wild West through music, art-making, and performances for all ages! This free event includes music, circus performances, cowboy and lasso demos, art making workshops, story time with DC Public Library, fancy face painting, a raffle, and more. Be sure to catch the exhibition American Journeys—Visions of Place, the inspiration for the day’s activities.

WORD with NPR
Where: NPR Headquarters
When: Saturday, 10am
Admission: $10
Take the kids to storytime with some of your favorite NPR journalists as they read popular children’s titles. NPR Weekend Edition Sunday host Rachel Martin guides kids and parents alike through the Books Always Everywhere “field day” of readings, projected illustrations, and live music. Readers include TED Radio Hour host Guy Raz and NPR Science correspondent Shankar Vedantam. A complimentary healthy snack, beverages, and fun activities are included in the ticket price. NPR Headquarters are located at 1111 North Capitol NE. Purchase tickets here.

Intersections Festival
Where: Atlas Performing Arts Center
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by Performance
It’s the final weekend of the Atlas Performing Arts Center’s 5th annual festival of the arts, and there will be several performances and activities for the entire family to enjoy: Under the Canopy from Arts on the Horizon, a free Boogie Babes show, storytime with a celebrity guest reader (the wonderful principal of my son’s school!), Lucky’s Tap Dancing Feet, the bilingual puppet show Fábulas Mayas, dance performances, and even more. Visit the Intersections website for show times, descriptions, and ticket info.

Lowe’s Build and Grow
Where: Local Lowe’s Stores
When: Saturday, 10am
Admission: Free
The home improvement store offers free bimonthly workshops just for kids. Guests can make a free wooden project (with parent help), and this session they’ll be building birdhouses. Each participant also receives a free goodies upon completion of their project. Go here to register.

Super Science Saturday
Where: Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
When: Saturday, 10am – 3pm
Admission: Free, but parking is $15
It’s Super Science Saturday, the monthly program at the Air & Space Museum’s Udvar-Hazy Center in Dulles. There will be demonstrations and hands-on activities that immerse children in science and technology topics related to aviation and space exploration. On Saturday, it’ll center around “The Space Shuttle” theme.

Mamma Mia!
Where: National Theatre
When: Through March 9
Admission: Ticket prices vary
If you like ABBA, Broadway shows, music that takes you back, or all of the above, I highly recommend seeing Mamma Mia! I caught the opening night performance (for the second time…the first nearly 10 years ago), and there are so many things to love about it – the singing, dancing, delightful plot, comedic moments, the amazing costumes, and the itch to jump up and belt out every single song along with the talented cast. It’s probably a little much for young children, but tweens and older kids would enjoy it. Of course, it would make a great date night or girls’ night out, too.

Henry IV Open Rehearsal
Where: Sidney Harmon Hall
When: Saturday 11am & 12:30pm | Sunday 11:30am & 1pm
Admission: Free
Have a little Shakespeare enthusiast or budding actor on your hands? Or maybe you’re a big fan of the Bard yourself? If so, this is a fun treat from the Shakespeare Theatre: Join the cast, crew, and artistic staff as they take the stage for the first time to rehearse for Henry IV. Watch Artistic Director Michael Kahn in action as he directs the players of his upcoming play at Sidney Harmon Hall. Seating is general admission and first-come, first-served.

Show Time
Where: Local Theatres
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
* There’s an NSP Teddy Bear Concert at the Kennedy Center. Imagination Duo is being performed both Saturday and Sunday.
* Encore Stage and Studio, theatre by kids for kids, presents The Secret Case of Sherlock Holmes.
* You can still see Rumplestiltskin on the Imagination Stage.
* It’s your last chance to catch Miss Nelson is Missing at Adventure Theatre.
* Enjoy theatre on strings at The Puppet Co., where Sleeping Beauty is on the main stage and Panda-Monium is the featured Tiny Tots show.
* Lauren O’Neill James Irish Dance is this week’s Saturday Morning at the National performance.
* The Great Zucchini is will be entertaining the crowd at Jammin’ Java Saturday morning.

Are You Ready for Some Futbol?
Where: RFK Stadium
When: Saturday, 7pm
Admission: Tickets start at $26
The DC United kicks off the new season at home with a match against Columbus Crew on Saturday evening. You can get a Home Opener pack, which includes 2 tickets + 2 caps for as low as $22 per seat – select section 314, 329, or 330 for home opener exclusive seating options.

Persian New Year Celebration
Where: Freer Sackler Gallery
When: Saturday, 11am – 5pm
Admission: Free
Dance, play, and feast your way into the Persian New Year at the Freer and Sackler Galleries. The museums’ sixth annual Nowruz celebration features free attractions for all ages—including Haft Sin table displays, “fire” jumping, chess and backgammon, cartoons from Iran, musical performances, stories by Xanthe Gresham, hands-on activities, and traditional Persian food.

Portrait Story Days: Georgia O’Keefe
Where: National Portrait Gallery
When: Sunday, 2-5pm
Admission: Free
Drop in to the Portrait Gallery to listen to a story about a person who has influenced American history and culture and to create a special piece of art. On Sunday, learn about American artist Georgia O’Keeffe. And for more about the program, see this post about our experience there.

Roam Free
Where: Dumbarton Oaks Gardens
When: Saturday & Sunday, 2-5pm
Admission: Free
There’s just over a week left to enjoy free admission along with the lovely gardens at Dumbarton Oaks. From November through mid-March, there is no fee to roam the grounds of the Georgetown locale. It’s a beautiful place to explore any time of year. Read more about about it and get a glimpse in this post from last fall.

Out and About
Where: Around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
It looks like we’re in for some relatively nice (as in, not snowy and freezing) weather this weekend so get outside and relish in it. Head to the National Arboretum, stroll the grounds of Brookside Gardens, hit the trail at Great Falls or Riverbend Park, visit the animals at Old Maryland Farm or the Zoo. Find more info about all these suggestions and many more in this post about the best places in the DC area to enjoy a day outdoors.

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Filed under All ages, Annual, Art, DC, Educational, Exhibit, Festival, Free, Live Entertainment, Maryland, Museums, Music, Nature, Outdoor, Park, Sports, Theatre, Virginia, Weekend, Winter

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February 28, 2014 · 7:46 am

The Weekend Round-Up: March 1-2

Family entertainment in the Atlas' Kogod Lobby at last year's INTERSECTIONS Festival

Family entertainment in the Atlas’ Kogod Lobby at last year’s INTERSECTIONS Festival



Celebrate the performing arts, Mardis Gras, French culture, and an early St. Patrick’s Day. See a show. Do some LEGO movie-inspired activities. Attend a healthy eating and fitness fair for kids. Catch some local sports action. Enjoy one last skate at a local rink. Details on these pursuits and others are below, and you can find even more ideas for family fun on the Everyday Play. Happy Weekend!

Intersect with Family Fun
Where: Atlas Performing Arts Center
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
There’s more family programming at the INTERSECTIONS Festival this weekend. Arts on the Horizon presents Under the Canopy throughout the weekend. GALA Hispanic Theatre & Wit’s End Puppets will perform Fabulas Mayas. Catch Boogie Babes’ Bridgette and Dawn as they play a Cafe Concert for the Very Young. See the Zip Zap Circus juggling acts and more in the Kogod Lobby on Saturday. And enjoy BodyWise Dance activities both Saturday & Sunday.

Alexandria St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Where: Old Town Alexandria
When: Saturday, 10am
Admission: Free
Celebrate the Irish holiday a couple of weeks early in Old Town Alexandria. Their annual parade kicks off at 12:30pm at Alfred and King Streets and will wind through Old Town, showcasing elected officials, Irish Ambassadors, military commanders, scout troops, high school bands, and local celebrities. See the parade route, so you can plan to stake out your viewing spot.

Mardi Gras Family Festival
Where: American Art Museum
When: Saturday, 11:30am -3pm
Admission: Free
The Big Easy’s Mardi Gras is unlike any festival in the world, and the American Art Museum is bringing New Orleans’s party to the Smithsonian. With bead art created by Beadazzled’s Kathleen Manning, costumes, crafts, and  zydeco music from Batimore’s The Crawdaddies, join the jubilee!

Show Time
Where: Local Theatres
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
* Encore Stage and Studio presents The Secret Case of Sherlock Holmes for its opening weekend
* You can still see Rumplestiltskin on the Imagination Stage
* Catch Miss Nelson is Missing at Adventure Theatre
* Enjoy theatre on strings at The Puppet Co., where Sleeping Beauty is on the main stage and is the featured Tiny Tots show
* Uno, Dos, Tres, Con Andres! is this week’s Saturday Morning at the National Performance
* Mr. Gabe and the Circle Time All Stars are playing at Ebenzer’s Coffeehouse on Saturday morning at 10:30am
* Justin Roberts is performing two shows at Jammin’ Java on Saturday

Hometown Hoops
Where: Smith Center
When: Sunday, 1pm
Admission: Tickets start at $10
It’s a local match-up on Sunday when GW and George Mason meet on the Smith Center basketball court. So, you can support area college teams and catch some exciting sports action all at once. Tickets are available online here.

Lego Movie Building Event
Where: Barnes & Noble locations
When: Saturday, various times
Admission: Free
Head to your local Barnes & Noble store for some LEGO Movie inspired fun. Kids will have an opportunity to aid the citizens of Bricksburg by building a creative LEGO device that can defeat the evil Lord Business and his Micro Managers.They get to take home their creation along with The LEGO Movie Inspiration Guide.

Francophonie Cultural Festival
Where: Around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by event
Starting this weekend, the vibrant sounds, sights, and tastes of the French-speaking and French-inspired world will come to DC for the annual Francophonie Cultural Festival. The largest Francophone and Francophile festival in the world presents six exciting weeks of concerts, theatrical performances, films, culinary tastings, literary salons, children’s activities, and more. Celebrating the creative artistry of the French-speaking world, the Festival is a voyage of exploration, discovery, and cultural sharing that emphasizes the diversity of the French language and cultures.  Events will take place throughout the area – see the website for the schedule, tickets, and information.

Kids in the Kitchen
Where: YMCA National Capital
When: Saturday, 10am – 2pm
Admission: Free
The Junior League of Washington is hosting its annual healthy eating and fitness activity fair for children on Saturday. The free event, designed for ages 3-13, showcases ways for kids to eat smart and make healthy lifestyle choices. Activities will include exercise classes (like Lava Barre, Zumba and Bar Method), cooking fun with professional chefs, and a visit from the Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures Mobile Dental Van for free dental screenings for kids up to age 12. There will also be crafts, games, goodie bags, and exciting raffle prizes – all to celebrate and promote nutritional literacy.

Women’s History Month Family Day
Where: National Portrait Gallery
When: Saturday, 4-7pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate Women’s History Month with a day of music, hands-on activities, and more. The event will take place in the Kogod Courtyard at the Portrait Gallery. While you’re there, tour the collections, too. This post has more details about the museum.

Dance Your Socks Off
Where: River Park Nursery School
When: Saturday, 4-7pm
Admission: $35/family
Have a blast and help support a local nursery school at River Park’s annual Sock Hop Party & Silent Auction, an awesome event for young families. Every kid’s favorite rock star, Mr. Skip, will be giving a special performance. There will be dancing, pizza, drinks, fun activities for kids, and an excellent silent auction for the adults. A family ticket is $35, and that covers all your food and drink at the party. Tickets are available online and at the door. The event will be held at the Lutheran Church of the Reformation located at 212 East Capitol Street NE on Capitol Hill.

Decades Skate
Where: Rockville Town Square
When: Saturday, 6pm
Admission: $8/adult, $7/child, $3/rentals
Glide through the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, and now at the Rockville Town Square Ice Rink. Starting at 6pm, music from a different decade will be played for an hour. Special requests are not only allowed but encouraged. Free neon giveaways will be available while supplies last.

Last Skate of the Season
Where: Canal Park Ice Rink
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: $8/adults, $7/kids, $3/rentals
Even though winter looks like it’s going to last forever, the skating season is coming to an end at Canal Park. It’s your last chance to glide along the icy meandering paths of the ice rink. Skate under the sky, take a hot chocolate and snack break in the Park Tavern restaurant, then skate some more. And for other places to glide the day away in the DC area, see this post about recreation on ice.

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. Read more about it in this new post.

Artful Adventures for Families
Where: National Portrait Gallery
When: Sunday, 12:30-2 & 3-4:30
Admission: Free
A museum tour, exciting and educational games, and hands-on activities designed by George Mason University’s art education masters students help parents and children discover connections between the artworks. While the event is free, you need tickets to attend – get them here.

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Filed under All ages, Annual, Art, DC, Educational, Festival, Free, Live Entertainment, Maryland, Museums, Music, Outdoor, Parade, Seasonal, Sports, Theatre, Virginia, Weekend, Winter

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February 21, 2014 · 9:29 am

The Weekend Round-Up: February 22-23

Take a winter hike at Turkey Run Park

Take a winter hike at Turkey Run Park



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We’re getting a taste of spring this weekend! So, along with all of the events and activities listed here, be sure to consult The Best Places in the DC Area to Spend a Beautiful Day Outdoor with the Kids. If there’s any perfect time to use it, that time is now. Happy Weekend!

Discover Engineering Family Day
Where: National Building Museum
When: Saturday, 10am – 4:30pm
Admission: Free
The Building Museum always hosts fantastic family events, and this annual festival is no exception. Celebrate National Engineers Week as you debunk the myths of engineering and discover how professional engineers turn an idea into reality. Hands-on activities allow kids to explore concepts such as thermodynamics, electricity, aerodynamics, and more, all while meeting real engineers and testing out ideas with activities designed especially for young guests. We’ve gone several years and have always had a great time. It gets crowded, but there are so many activities available, kids can always be involved in the fun. Recommended for children ages 4-12 with adult supervision.

African American Pioneers in Aviation
Where: Udvar-Hazy
When: Saturday, 10am – 3pm
Admission: Free, but parking in $15
Discover the contributions of African Americans to aviation and space exploration. Guests may include astronauts, fighter pilots, and others who will share stories of their challenges and accomplishments. Talk to museum experts, participate in hands-on activities, and hear aviation stories for children.

“Go Nuts” at the Intersections Festival
Where: Atlas Performing Arts Center
When: Saturday, 12pm
Admission: See the website
As the Festival kicks off this weekend, the Atlas will present their first Family Saturday in the Kogod Lobby. Join friends from DC Actors for Animals, Atlas Vet, Metro Mutts, and more for a day of fun activities for all ages. The Boogie Babes will also be there with The Singing Lizard for a Cafe Concert for the Very Young – show starts at 12pm.

Hang Out at Hains Point
Where: East Potomac Park
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
Mild weather is on the way, so take advantage and chill out at a lovely, peaceful DC locale. The southern most tip of East Potomac Park, Hains Point has a playground, picnic tables, plenty of space to run around, and great waterfront views. Lets the kids romp, and bring along food for al fresco lunch. Watch airplanes fly in (or out) from DCA across the river. Bring bikes for a family bike ride around Ohio Drive. This recent KFDC post has pics and more about it.

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. Read more about a Rock Creek outing in this KFDC post.

Show Time
Where: Local Theatres
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
* The National Symphony Orchestra and the Really Inventive Stuff theatre ensemble bring Peter and the Wolf to life at the Kennedy Center
* See Rumplestiltskin on the Imagination Stage
* Catch Miss Nelson is Missing at Adventure Theatre
* Enjoy theatre on strings at The Puppet Co., where Sleeping Beauty is on the main stage and and Penguin’s Playground are the featured Tiny Tots show
* Blue Sky Puppet Theatre’s Barker of Seville is this week’s Saturday Morning at the National Performance
* Arts of the Horizon is performing Under the Canopy

Ice Moves
Where: Local Ice Rinks
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by rink
Surely, the ice dancing gold has you itching to hone your Olympic-worthy moves. Perfect your twizzles under sunny skies or practice those step sequences indoors. This post has details to help you get your glide on.

Mardi Gras Family Day
Where: Anacostia Community Museum
When: Saturday,
Admission: Free
Enjoy the museum’s annual Mardi Gras Family Day, which includes celebratory traditions in South Africa this year. There will be storytelling, face painting, mask-making, and other hands-on activities, live performances, and more. Attendees can also participate in the Art of Adornment workshop with creative artist Januwa Moja-Nelson (workshop space is limited, sign up upon arrival).

The Art of Storytelling
Where: National Museum of the American Indian
When: Saturday, 12pm & Sunday, 10:30am
Admission: Free
This family experience will delight all ages as they listen to storyteller and musician Gregory Analla (Isleta/Laguna) as he shares songs and stories from his Pueblo culture. Analla reveals his culture through personal knowledge, family stories, language, history, music and more. 

ToTh Family Day
Where: Douglas Memorial Church Fellowship Hall
When: Saturday, February 22nd 2:00 pm to 5:30 pm
Admission: $5 or 3 canned goods
Enjoy a fun-filled family afternoon and pick up some great bargains at Toddlers on the Hill’s Family Day. There will be a large indoor yard sale, music featuring The Singing Lizard, games, sweepstakes, and more. Meet up with neighbors, find some good deals, and have fun with the kids, all while raising funds to sponsor a child from a low income family in the neighborhood for the next program year to attend a private, early childhood education program in the area. ALL proceeds go towards participation fees at Toddlers on the Hill. The Douglas Memorial Church is located at 800 11th Street NE.

Walk in the Woods
Where: Around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
How about hitting the trail to enjoy the break from snow?  This go-to KFDC post has a bunch of recommendations for good places to hike with kids. And one that’s not on the list, but great for family tramping: Turkey Run Park, just off the GW Parkway.

Portrait Story Days
Where: National Portrait Gallery
When: Saturday, 1-4pm & Sunday, 2-5pm
Admission: Free
Drop in at the Portrait Gallery to listen to a story about a person who has influenced American history and culture and to create a special piece of art. On Saturday, learn about American singer Marian Anderson. And on Sunday, the program will be about American tap dancer Bill “Bojangles” Robinson.

Hot Chocolate from the Panda Van
Where: National Zoo
When: Saturday & Sunday, 1-3pm
Admission: Free
A new Ford Transit Connect Van is coming to the Zoo to enable the park management team to conduct essential business all over the 129 acre property. And this weekend, it’s also bringing free hot chocolate for all Zoo visitors! From 1-3pm, look for the van covered with images of Bao Bao near the Olmstead Walk entrance at the Zoo bus lot to get your cuppa cocoa.

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Filed under All ages, Annual, Art, DC, Educational, Exhibit, Festival, Free, Live Entertainment, Maryland, Museums, Music, Ongoing, Outdoor, Park, Seasonal, Sports, Theatre, Virginia, Weekend, Winter

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February 13, 2014 · 9:31 am

Enter to Win Tickets to “Miss Nelson is Missing” at Adventure Theatre

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It’s yet another KFDC giveaway! And this one suits the snow day well, since it’s for an activity that is perfect on a winter day: A chance to see Miss Nelson is Missing, a family production on stage at Adventure Theatre.

Based on the book from the 70’s by Harry Allard, the show is recommended for ages 5 and up (though I have found that younger children can often enjoy the theatre’s shows suggested for older children, too). Here’s the official description:

Miss Nelson’s class is the worst! Spitballs flying and paper airplanes sailing across the room send the gentle, long-suffering teacher over the edge. Surprise…Miss Nelson turns up missing, only to be replaced by Viola Swamp, a petrifying substitute teacher. Will the students of Room 207 ever get Miss Nelson back?

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Miss Nelson is Missing is running through March 9, with both weekend and weekday performances. Run time is 55 minutes, and tickets are $19.

Giveaway: Want a chance to win a Four-Pack of Tickets to see Miss Nelson is Missing? Simply leave a comment below telling me your favorite book from your childhood. To be eligible, you must like KidFriendly DC on Facebook. The giveaway will run through the weekend, and a winner will be drawn at random and notified next week. Good luck!


Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Adventure Theatre, however, I only promote events, services, and activities that I truly believe in and/or think would appeal to KFDC readers.


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February 7, 2014 · 8:01 am

The Weekend Round-Up: February 8-9

Creating Valentines at last year's card making workshop at the Postal Museum

Creating Valentines at last year’s card making workshop at the Postal Museum



African-American_300x250_Ma

You can prepare for Valentine’s Day this weekend at one of several events celebrating it. But if you’re not quite ready to embrace Cupid’s holiday, there are plenty more activities going on that you and the kids are sure to love. Happy Weekend!

Discover the Dinosaurs
Where: Dulles Expo Center
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: Starts at $18
The whole family can explore the mystery of pre-historic life in a dynamic environment of learning, discovery, and fun! This unique hands-on exhibit features over 40 moving and replica museum-quality dinosaurs and gives you the opportunity to actually get close and touch the dinosaurs! Beyond the exhibit, more activities are available for kids of all ages – Triceratops and T-rex rides, gem and fossil panning, inflatables to bounce on, a dino dig, scavenger hunt, and much more.

African American Pioneers in Aviation
Where: National Air & Space Museum
When: Saturday, 10am -3pm
Admission: Free
Each February, the Museum celebrates the significant contributions African Americans have made to flight and space exploration despite the overwhelming obstacles they had to overcome. Visitors enjoy presentations, hands-on activities, and stories, and may have the opportunity to meet astronauts, fighter pilots, and others who will share stories of their challenges and accomplishments. They also learn about inspiring historic figures like Bessie Coleman through reenactments or story times. See the website for the day’s schedule.

Valentine’s Day Card Workshop
Where: National Postal Museum
When: Saturday, 12-4pm
Admission: Free
Love is in the details at the annual Valentine’s Day Card Workshop at the National Postal Museum. We’ve attended this event a couple of times, so I can tell you firsthand it’s a love-ly time. They’ll have pretty papers and neat valentine-themed stamps, asll you need to bring is your creativity to decorate your card. Visit the museum’s stamp store and send the cards to your loved ones with a special Postal Museum postmark. And for more about the museum, see this recent KFDC post.

Superhero Training
Where: Barston’s Childs Play
When: Saturday, 10:30am
Admission: Free
Barstons Child’s Play in Chevy Chase will host Batman and Spider-Man on Saturday to guide guests through a “Superhero Training Course.” Families are encouraged to wear their favorite superhero costumes and bring a camera – both will be available for photos afterward. Barston’s is located at 5536 Connecticut Avenue NW.

Creative Adventures in Film
Where: National Gallery of Art
When: Saturday, 10:30am & Sunday, 11:30am
Admission: Free
The National Gallery’s latest session of their Children’s Film Program encourages kids to stretch their imaginations and let the ordinary become extraordinary with a series of animated shorts. Recommended for ages 7 and up. Visit the website to view the list of films.

Show Time
Where: Local Theatres
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
* STOMP on over to National Theatre for an electrifying show
* Rumplestiltskin just opened on the Imagination Stage
* Enjoy theatre on strings at The Puppet Co., where Tales of Beatrix Potter is on the main stage and Old McDonald’s Farm the featured Tiny Tots show
* Next door at Adventure Theater, catch Miss Nelson is Missing.
* Orphie and the Book of Heroes is in its opening weekend at the Kennedy Center
* Peter and the Starcatcher is also running at the Kennedy Center.
* SteveSongs is playing three shows at Jammin’ Java on Saturday – 10:30am, 12:30pm, & 2:30pm
* Paul Hadfield: General Foolishness is the week’s free Saturday Morning at the National show

Olympics Training
Where: St. Elizabeths & Local ice rinks
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies
Take some inspiration from the Winter Olympics and hit the ice this weekend. Practice some triple axels or speeding around the rink. If you head to Washington Harbour, you can glide with characters at their weekly Cartoon Skate from 12-2pm. If the luge is more your thing, try a smaller inner tube version at the temporary ice slide at St. Elizabeths East. (Yes, the luging comparison is a stretch, but you do whoosh fast down an icy slope.)

Scientists & Inventors
Where: Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
When: Saturday, 10am – 3pm
Admission: Free, but parking is $15
It’s Super Science Saturday, the monthly program at the Air & Space Museum’s Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.  There will be demonstrations and hands-on activities that immerse children in science and technology topics related to aviation and space exploration. On Saturday, it’ll center around the theme “Scientists & Inventors.”

Urban Eyes – Family Activities
Where: CHAW
When: Saturday
Admission: Free
The Capitol Hill Arts Workshop presents free family-friendly gallery activities on Saturday in conjunction with the “Urban Eyes” Photography Exhibit currently on display in CHAW’s Gallery. Along with a chance to view the photos, there will be special games and art activities for kids.

Frozen Sing-Along
Where: Local movie theaters
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies
The special sing-along screenings of the season’s hit movie, Frozen, continue. Theater audiences are not just welcome, but encouraged to join in the film’s musical moments. Lyrics will be displayed on the screen, so you can belt out the tunes right along with Elsa, Anna, and friends.

In Every Language Love
Where: Freer & Sackler Gallery
When: Saturday & Sunday, 2pm
Admission: Free
Drop in to the museum showcasing Asian Art for an open house for all ages.  After a slideshow of images representing love in Asian art, guests can use printing blocks inscribed with the word “love” in more than a dozen Asian languages to make valentines.

Happy Birthday, Frederick Douglass
Where: Various locations in Anacostia
When: Saturday, 10am
Admission: Free
The Frederick Douglass National Historic Site, Historic Anacostia, and the Anacostia Business Improvement District (BID) are hosting a community-wide 196th birthday party for Frederick Douglass on Saturday. Focusing on his lighthearted side, the event will showcase how he and other Washingtonians enjoyed their leisure time during the Victorian Era. Festivities will kick off at the Anacostia Playhouse with live music, performances by the winners of the 2013 Frederick Douglass Oratorical Contest, and guest speakers. Throughout the day there will be music, games, films, lectures, tours, two family-friendly plays about Frederick Douglass, and other programs at the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site, the Smithsonian’s Anacostia Museum, The Anacostia Art Center and other locations in historic Anacostia. Visit the website for a complete listing of programs & events.

Deadfall Days
Where: Claude Moore Colonial Farm
When: Saturday
Admission: Free
Volunteer to help the Farm prepare early for its 2014 season! Tasks include clearing fallen brush, branches and trees from forest surrounding the Farm’s fields; helping build up supply of the 18th century farm’s firewood; shoring up brush fence around Market Fair grounds; tidying up the Farm’s grounds; spliting new rails for fencing; and more. With jobs for both adults and kids, it’s a great family activity at one of the area’s most interesting attractions. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Wear winter outdoor clothing and gloves and bring bag lunch. To sign up, email volunteers@1771.org.

Winterfest Children’s Carnival
Where: The Learning Center for Young Children
When: Saturday, 10am – 2pm3
Admission: Free, but some activities require a fee
Escape the cold at the Winterfest Children’s Carnival in Kensington. Hosted by The Learning Center for Young Children (LCYC), it’s the perfect event for families with children in preschool and elementary school.   Acclaimed local entertainer Frank Cassel, “The Banjo Man,” will play his blend of folk, bluegrass and children’s music.  (Tickets for Cassel’s performances are $3 and will be sold at the carnival.) Fun-filled activities for kids include a moon bounce, face painting, crafts, and carnival games. A family photo booth captures the memories and a silent auction offers a chance to sample some of the area’s best restaurants, entertainment, and services. Lunch from Armand’s Pizza and gourmet desserts are available at the bake sale. If you’re feeling lucky, you can try your luck with a 50/50 raffle. LCYC and Winterfest are located in the Warner Memorial Presbyterian Church at 10123 Connecticut Avenue in Kensington, MD.

Family Fun Day
Where: Port Discovery
When: Sunday
Admission: $13.95/ages 2 and up
Head to the Baltimore children’s museum for a day full of activities the whole family can enjoy. There will be special story times, a percussion garden, interactive music experiences, and more. And the multiple levels of hands-on permanent exhibits will be open for exploration, too.

Baby Loves Disco
Where: Rock & Roll Hotel
When: Sunday, 11am
Admission: $18
It’s the annual Valentine’s Day Ball from the folks who bring the family dance party. Back on H Street, it will feature chocolate treats, make-your-own Valentine’s cards, mommy-daddy slow dances, arts & crafts, dance lessons, contests, unlimited juice boxes, snacks, cash bar for non-driving parents, and surprises galore.

Portrait Story Days
Where: National Portrait Gallery
When: Sunday, 2-5pm
Admission: Free
Drop in to the Portrait Gallery to listen to a story about a person who has influenced American history and culture and to create a special piece of art. On Sunday, learn about American scientist and inventor George Washington Carver.

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Filed under All ages, Annual, Art, DC, Educational, Exhibit, Free, Live Entertainment, Maryland, Movies, Museums, Outdoor, Seasonal, Theatre, Virginia, Weekend, Winter

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