Swing into the 2023 baseball season with Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum this Saturday, April 29, as they present a special Baseball Family Festival highlighting a recently opened exhibition!
Baseball: America’s Home Runexplores our national pastime through a unique, postal lens. Using material from the National Postal Museum’s collection; original stamp art from the United States Postal Service; and artifacts loaned by other Smithsonian museums, the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, and private collectors, this exhibition explores the surprising ways that baseball and postal history have been deeply intertwined since the early twentieth century.
The Baseball Family Festival will offer fun for all ages with activity stations, crafts, music, and virtual author readings. In-person American Sign Language interpretation will be provided for the author readings.
Baseball Bingo: Check off the activities you complete on a bingo card in the event program. and claim a prize (while supplies last) for completing any row of three!
Play Ball: Practice pitching, batting, and running the bases in the Historic Lobby using plastic bats and beach balls.
Baseball Stamp Puzzles: Flex your puzzles skills with postage stamp puzzles of famous baseball players.
Baseball Sewing Activity: Craft a baseball by sewing together two small paper plates with yarn.
Make Your Own Pennant/Stamp: Design your own postage stamp and sports pennant.
Tattoos & Trivia: Display your baseball pride with a temporary tattoo and test your baseball knowledge.
Book Corner: Explore baseball history with a wide variety of baseball-themed children’s books.
Virtual author readings and Q&A: At 1pm, Barb Rosenstock will read her book The Streak: How Joe DiMaggio Became America’s Hero and at 3pm, Rob Skead will read his book Something to Prove: The Great Satchel Paige vs. Rookie Joe DiMaggio. These will take place on Zoo, and both will answer questions afterwards.
There will also be activities from the museum partners, the National Museum of American History and National Portrait Gallery. Explore the role that Latinos have played in the history of baseball with hands-on crafts and real objects from the American History’s exhibit Pleibol! In the Barrios and the Big Leagues/En los barrios y las grandes ligas. And guests can try on baseball uniform pieces and pose like a baseball player for an instant portrait to use for making a baseball trading card.
Of course, be sure to visit the Baseball: America’s Home Runexhibit and tour the rest of the National Postal Museum, a KFDC favorite for all ages — read more about it here and here!
Baseball Family Festival
Where: National Postal Museum | 2 Massachusetts Ave NE, DC
When: Saturday, April 29, 11am – 4pm
Admission: Free, but reserve a spot!
This post is sponsored by the National Postal Museum, however, I only promote programs, events, and places that I genuinely believe in and think will appeal to KFDC readers.
Save the date for this coming Saturday, August 6! The National Postal Museum is hosting its first in-person Family Day in over two years — and if it’s anything like its pre-pandemic events, it’s sure to be a festive, well organized, and super fun time.
The United States Postal Service recently issued a series of five postage stamps depicting mariachi musicians. Designed by the Postal Museum’s Guest Artist, Rafael Lopez, the stamps joyfully celebrate the vibrant colors and sounds of mariachi music and Mexican culture.
This weekend, you can join Rafael for Music & Stamps Family Day, a celebration of Latinx music and the new mariachi stamps. He’ll be at the museum leading visitors through stories, musical performances, crafts, and games.
Keeping visitor comfort in mind, a Take-A-Break space will be available throughout the program for anyone who needs to step away from the festivities. And, of course, the rest of the museum is fantastic to explore — I’ve always recommended it as an especially great one with young children.
Music & Stamps Family Day
Where: National Postal Museum | 2 Massachusetts Ave. NE, DC
When: Saturday, August 6, 11am – 4pm
Admission: Free
This post is sponsored by the Smithsonian National Postal Museum, however, I only promote events, programs, and places that I genuinely believe in and think will appeal to KFDC readers.
Do you ❤️ celebrating Valentine’s Day with your little (and big) sweeties? If you’re looking for ways to celebrate (and prep for) the day, here are some ideas — both virtual and IRL — with something for everyone to love. Happy V-Day!
Spreading Kindness: Virtual Valentine Greetings
Where: At home
When: Through February 14
Admission: Your time and card making/baking efforts
Celebrate the Valentine’s Day by giving back with Eliana’s Light. Volunteers of all ages are welcome to create cards, poems, and paintings for children who have to be in a DC, MD, or VA pediatric hospital over the holiday. Pre-pandemic, these pieces of art would be delivered to their recipients, but this year volunteers should email them instead, and they will be shared through social media and email to give a boost to those who have been going through a lot over the past year due to the effects of COVID-19. This small act of kindness can have a big impact. More details about the program are here.
Virtual Workshop: Valentine Card Making
Where: The Paper Source | Online
When: February 10, 8-9:30pm
Admission: $30
Feel the love with some Valentine fun at Paper Source’s annual workshop. Perfect for virtual a hang out with friends or some cozy solo crafting time. Make one-of-a-kind cards that you can gift to your bestie, significant other, or family on Valentine’s Day. Recommended for ages 14+. You will need to pick up recommended supplies.
Valentine Cupcakes
Where: Sprinkles | Georgetown, DC
When: Order by February 9
Cost: Depends on your order
Sprinkle love to people you adore with Sprinkles Cupcakes seasonal boxes. They have special mixes, or you can customize your own. Orders must be places by February 9, and delivery or pick-up must be scheduled by February 14.
V’Day Sweet Shop
Where: Milk Bar | Logan Circle, DC
When: Through February 14
Cost: Depends on order
Milk Bar, the bakery that makes my favorite Birthday Cake, has special products for the holiday. Mini cakes, soft serve ice cream, and truffles are perfect desserts for an at-home date night or family celebration. Available for pick-up or delivery.
Make-Your-Own Sweet Treats
Where: Take home from Ice Cream Jubilee | DC & VA
When: Pre-order for pick up or local delivery Feb 11-14
Cost: $18
Craft some sweeties with your sweetie! Ice Cream Jubilee is offering a make-at-home ice cream cookie kit especially for the holiday. It comes with sugar cookie dough, a heart cookie cutter, dark chocolate, Valentine’s sprinkles, and a pint of Bold Vanilla. Makes around 4 mini-sandwiches.
Naked at the Museum Virtual Scavenger Hunt (for adults)
Where: Watson Adventures | Onlines
When: February 12, 13, & 14
Admission: $19
Watson Adventures’ wildly popular Valentine’s Day scavenger hunt is going virtual for the first time ever! Explore museums all over the country on a fun, flirty quest for beautiful and bizarre nudity in art. You might bump into a bronzed Adonis, encounter an incontinent Cupid, serenade moonlit sirens, walk in on handsy Egyptians, marvel at medieval codpieces, run across randy revelers, and see much more. Note: Participants must be clothed.
Virtual Nature Valentines
Where: Meadowside Nature Center | Online
When: February 13, 1-2pm
Admission:Free
Consider collecting outdoor items to create your very own nature valentine. Before the program, go on a walk and collect nuts, sticks, and other natural items. During the program, participants will share why they collected items and assemble valentines. A suggested list of supplies will be emailed before the program to help prepare. An adult may need to assist the participant. This program will take place using Microsoft Teams. Recommended for ages 5+.
Hike & Seek: I [HEART] Nature
Where: Locust Grive Nature Center | Rockville, MD
When: February 14, 2-5pm
Admission: $2/person
Looking for a little adventure? Work together with (or challenge!) your Valentines to nature trivia in a heart-themed scavenger hunt — it’s this month’s nature-themed Hike & Seek series puzzle. Register by Friday, February 12, to schedule a time slot and to receive a prize for completing the hunt. No drop-ins on the day of the program. Note that natural surface trails are not stroller accessible. See more about the program here.
Sweetheart Stroll
Where: MLKing Jr. Recreational Park | Silver Spring, MD
When: February 14
Admission: Free
Looking for a heart-healthy and fun activity for Valentine’s Day? Sign up for the Sweetheart Stroll at Martin Luther King Jr. Recreational Park on February 14th. Starting at 2pm, guests can walk or run along the 0.8-mile HeartSmart Trail. Be entertained and enchanted by multiple photo stations, string lights, and LOVE-ly decorations along the way. Watch for heartwarming messages along the path and a sparkling butterfly garden, too! Registration is required — see available time slots here.
Courtship in the Animal World Campfire
Where: Ellanor C. Lawrence Park | Chantilly, VA
When: February 14, 6pm
Admission: $8
What does it take to attract a mate in the animal world? Turtles, frogs, insects, birds and even fish all have unique techniques for finding that special someone. Learn about these techniques and enjoy a short hike before sitting around a campfire to roast marshmallows. Register in advance. Recommended for ages 4+.
Virtual Cake Pop Class
Where: Baked by Yael | Online
When: February 14, 4:30pm
Admission $39.95
Have your cake and eat it, too, at a virtual Baked by Yael cakepop class! They’ll teach you how to crumble the cake, mix it with frosting, and then roll, dip, and decorate your cakepops. The exact number of cakepops will vary depending on what size you choose to make your cakeballs. Some people end up with 12+ cakepops! The registration fee includes materials for one participant, a Home Cakepop Kit with baked cake, frosting, candy melts, edible glitter/sprinkles, cakepop sticks, and cakepop drying stand. (Please note that the gluten-free & vegan cakepops do not use frosting.). For just $25 more, we’ll include enough cake, frosting, candy melts, and cakepop sticks for an additional participant! See the website for more details.
DIY Valentines
Where: At Home
When: Whenever you have time
Admission: Just the cost of supplies
So, this is just my suggestion. One of my favorite annual programs is the National Postal Museum’s Valentine’s Day Card Workshop, and we tried to go every year. The museum would provide all kinds of supplies — pretty papers, stamps, washi tape, stickers, markers, and more — for guests to create Valentines. Everyone from families with young children to teens hanging out together to groups of adults attend, and there’s always a great sense of community. We’ll miss it this year, but we can still keep the make-your-own tradition going. So, grab some arty supplies and get creative at home. And make your loved ones’ (or a stranger’s — see the top listing) Valentine’s Day! And for more about the wonderful yet often overlooked Postal Museum (for when it’s open again), see this KFDC post.
The Valentine Dine
Where: Restaurants in Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: February 12-14
Admission: $20-60
Love the one your with this Valentine’s Day Weekend and enjoy favorite Capitol Riverfront restaurants while you’re at it. Whether you’re planning to spend the day with your sweetheart, friends, or family, they’ve curated a list of the sweetest dining deals sure to send Cupid’s arrow through your heart. Choose from a romantic dinner-for-two options at Bammy’s, Maxwell Park, or Osteria Morini; daytime dining choices at Jackie, La Famosa, Scarlet Oak, or Slipstream; and the ultimate indulgence from Coldstone Creamery, Ice Cream Jubilee, and Jeni’s. The best part? ALL gift card options come with awesome discounts, plus complimentary desserts or drinks included with several deals. Order in advance!
Valentine’s Day Specials Where: The Wharf | Southwest DC When: Through February 14 Admission: The cost of your meal
Many of the restaurants at The Wharf have special meals and deals for Valentine’s Day, both dine in and take out are available, depending on the place. Visit the websites of Colada Shop, Del Mar, District Doughnut, Hank’s Oyster Bar, La Vie, Mi Vida, Moon Rabbit, and The Grill for specifics and note that some need to be pre-ordered. Also, Shop Made in DC and Diament Jewelry have great last minute Valentine’s Day gifts including jewelry, travel sets, candles, and more.
Socially Distanced Date Nights for Everyone
Where: Restaurants in Adams Morgan, DC
When: February & March
Admission: Varies by place and activity
Adams Morgan is a great place for a date in DC, whether you’re a mom and daughter out for ice cream, a first date, or a married couple celebrating a double-digit anniversary. The Adams Morgan Partnership presents DATE NIGHTS with all kinds of specials, promotions and date lineups throughout the neighborhood during February and March 2021. Visit the website for a chart full of suggestions.
Our local museums host some fantastic events and activities for families. One that I especially love is the annual Valentine’s Day Card Workshop at the National Postal Museum. For one weekend every February, the museum provides a bountiful spread of supplies — patterned papers, postage and rubber stamps, gems and other 3-D embellishments, special cut-out scissors, washi tape, stickers, markers of every color (with a surplus of hearts, red and pink!) — for designing one-of-a-kind Valentine greetings. All guests need to bring is their own creative instincts and readiness for a good time.
This year’s workshop will be held on Saturday, February 8, and Sunday, February 9, from 10am to 4pm both days. You can drop in anytime to the open house event, and it’s appropriate for all ages. Everyone from families with young children to teens hanging out together to groups of adults come out for this one, and there’s always a great sense of community. The layout of the card-making stations and supply tables fosters sharing and friendliness, not to mention the theme of it all lends to a love-ly vibe.
The workshop takes place in the museum’s lower-level Atrium, which, for those new to the National Postal Museum, is full of various postal transports from over the years, including a real train car, semi-truck (yes, kids can climb in and pretend to drive!), a horse-drawn carriage, and airplanes hanging from the ceiling. And the museum’s pleasant staff and volunteers are always available to answer questions, provide examples of beautiful completed cards, or help in any other way.
A handmade card can be hard to come by these days. But this event is the perfect environment in which kids (and you!) can express their love for friends and family with a heartfelt note of affection and appreciation. They can also experience firsthand the satisfaction of crafting their very own unique creations from start to finish — and the pure joy of giving it to someone special.
Valentine’s Day Card Workshop
Where: National Postal Museum | 2 Massachusetts Ave NE, DC
When: Saturday & Sunday, February 8-9, 10am – 4pm
Admission: FREE!
* Plan to stay and explore the National Postal Museum — it makes for a great family experience! Read more about it here.
This post is sponsored by the Smithsonian National Postal Museum, however, I only promote events, programs, and places that I genuinely believe in and think will appeal to KFDC readers.
Make-your-own Valentines at the National Postal Museum’s annual workshop
Do you ❤️ celebrating Valentine’s Day with your little (and big) sweeties? If you’re looking for ways to celebrate and prep for the day, here’s an array of activities happening around the area over the next couple of weeks — with something for everyone to love. Happy V-Day!
Chocolate Lovers Festival
Where: Several locations in the City of Fairfax, VA
When: January 31 – February 2
Admission: Varies by activity
Valentine’s Day and chocolate go hand-in-hand, and you can savor it and then some at this sweetevent. The City of Fairfax presents its annual festival centered around one of the most wonderful things in the world: Chocolate! There will be all kinds of activities for all ages throughout the weekend, both chocolate and non-chocolate themed — tastings, story time, puppet shows, face painting, chocolate challenges, a chocolate caper mock trial, and much more. The schedule of events has details.
Valentine’s Day Cards for Kids & Cookies for Caregivers
Where: Your location in the DMV
When: Through February 14
Admission: Your time and card making/baking efforts
Celebrate the Valentine’s Day by giving back with Eliana’s Light. Volunteers of all ages are welcome to make cards for children who have to be in a DC, MD, or VA pediatric hospital over the holiday and cookies for the caregivers who support them. During this community service activity, participating adults and young people discuss topics such as empathy, kindness, helping others, volunteering, friendship, respect for diversity, and making a positive impact in life. The card and cookie recipients have reflected they’re touched and moved to know members of their community really care about them, and are sending them positive uplifts during their challenging times. This small act of kindness can have a big impact. More details about this volunteering program are here.
Heart String Art DIY Project
Where: Home Depot locations around the DMV
When: February 1, 9am – 12pm
Admission: Free
Create a loving memory with your child at this Heart String Art Workshop. As you help your child piece together the symbol of Valentine’s Day, they will develop hands-on skills by sanding, nailing, painting and more. Celebrate the moment as your child makes a unique keepsake. All kids’ workshop attendees must be accompanied by a parent or adult at all times. All kids get to keep their craft, receive a FREE certificate of achievement, a Workshop Apron, and a commemorative pin while supplies last. Register in advance — visit the website to find a store near you offering the class.
Kids Handmade Valentines Workshop
Where: The Paper Source | Various stores in the DMV
When: February 1, 1-3pm & February 5, 2-4pm
Admission: $30
Grab your BFF for a workshop that will give you heart eyes! Make 5-6 Valentines for your classmates, friends, and family using your favorite stickers, stamps, washi and more. Buy two seats at the same time and save 10% off each seat. For kids ages 6 and up. Area Paper Source locations are in Georgetown, Bethesda, Alexandria, and Reston.
Valentine’s Day Card Workshop
Where: National Postal Museum | Union Station Area, DC
When: February 8-9, 10am – 4pm
Admission: Free
Homemade love is in the air at the National Postal Museum’s annual Valentine’s Day Card Workshop! We’ve attended this event many times, so I can tell you firsthand it’s one you’ll adore. They provide pretty papers, stamps, and all kinds of Valentine-themed supplies for making cards; all you need to bring is your creativity and readiness for a good time. For more about the museum, see this KFDC post.
Open Studio: Love in Every Language
Where: Freer|Sackler Gallery | National Mall, DC
When: February 8-9, 12–4 pm
Admission: Free
Head to the ImaginAsia Studio in the Sackler Gallery for an afternoon all about love and art. Enjoy a digital slideshow of images of love in Asian art, then create Valentine’s Day cards using woodblock prints that say “love” in more than a dozen Asian languages, and fold heart-shaped origami.
Love Note Holder Workshop
Where: Lowe’s locations around the DMV
When: February 8, 9am – 12pm
Admission: Free
This monthly DIY workshop for kids has a focus on love…love notes, anyway. The project is perfect for holding all your child’s Valentine’s cards and treats. Workshops take 15-30 minutes, and children must be accompanied by parent/guardian. Check-in by 11am. Space is limited, so sign up in advance!
Unshrink My Heart
Where: Gateway Arts Center | Brentwood, MD
When: February 8, 2-4pm
Admission: Free
This annual Valentine’s workshop with an 80’s twist is back! Create handmade Valentine keepsakes for your loved ones using Shrinky Dinks amazing, shrinkable sheets. Craft your own jewelry, key chains, and any other Valentine’s Day gift you can imagine. Children will receive their first two sheets of blank Shrinky Dinks free, additional sheets will be available for purchase for 50 cents each.
Animal Sweethearts Dance
Where: Hidden Pond Nature Center | Springfield, VA
When: February 8, 10am – 12pm
Admission: $10
The social event of Hidden Pond’s winter season is back! There will be dancing, refreshments, crafts, and live animals to entertain. Recommended for children ages 3-5. Register in advance.
Valentine’s Party for Little Luv Bugs
Where: Foundry United Methodist Church | Downtown DC
When: February 8, 10:30–11:30am
Admission: Free, but please RSVP
Join Friends of Stead Park and Treehouse Atelier for a SWEET time making valentines and other fun crafts. Your family will also enjoy treats and hot chocolate. They also collaborating with Eliana’s Light (see above!) and asking kids to make additional valentines that will go to a child who will be in the hospital on Valentine’s Day. The church is located at 1500 16th St NW.
Animal Valentines
Where: Hidden Pond Nature Center | Springfield, VA
When: February 9, 1:30-2:15pm
Admission: $8
Play musical valentines and critter sweetheart games as you learn how animals find a mate. Meet live animals and make an animal valentine craft. Recommended for ages 4-8. Sign up in advance online.
Library Love
Where: DC Public Libraries | Around DC
When: Various dates
Admission: Free
Join story times, craft sessions, and sing-alongs at some of the city’s libraries; Valentine’s Day-themed activities are taking places on several dates over the next couple of weeks. Find one that your child will love here.
Nature Valentines
Where: Brookside Nature Center | Wheaton, MD
When: February 11, 1-2pm
Admission: $7
Everyone loves homemade Valentines and none are sweeter than those made by your preschooler! We’ll go on a short walk in search of nuts, sticks, and other natural items to decorate with, and then come inside and get to work! Recommended for ages 3-5.
Storytime: Love
Where: Hirshhorn Museum | National Mall, DC
When: February 12, 10-11am
Admission: Free
Can an artwork depict love? Join the Hirhshorn for a special Valentine’s Day program. Look at the large photo print Untitled (for Jeff) by Felix Gonzalez-Torres and read the book Love by Matt de la Peña. Following the story, little artists will create their own works for a friend or loved one.
Valentine’s Afternoon Tea
Where: Willard Continental | Downtown DC
When: February 14, 1-4pm
Admission: $68-75/adult, $30/age5-12
Enjoy a broad selection of the finest estate and boutique blended loose leaf tea, savory finger sandwiches, decadent pastries and The Willard’s famous freshly baked scones at this specialty tea service offered on Valentine’s Day. Reservations required — book on OpenTable. (PS: For a couple more Valentine offerings for adults, see the Willard calendar here.)
Woo at the Zoo (KidFree Suggestion!)
Where: National Zoo | Woodley Park, DC
When: February 14, 7-10pm
Admission: $50/FONZ members, $60/non-members
Bring a special someone, grab a cocktail, learn about animal mating and dance the night away at a throwback ‘80s prom. Tickets include complimentary desserts. Guests will be given one drink ticket each for a specialty cocktail, beer, or wine. The ‘80s prom dance party will feature a DJ in a heated tent, plus there will be trivia and an Instagram-friendly photo station. When purchasing tickets, guests can add an exclusive Valentine’s Day gift to their ticket—a mini Adopt a Species package to pick up at the Zoo the night of the event.
Seeing Deeper: Cathedral Prom (KidFree Suggestion!)
Where: Washington National Cathedral
When: February 14, 7:30-10:30pm
Admission: $20
Dive into a magical underwater experience at this Second Chance Prom, where everyone gets a do-over on the high school dances they want to relive, forget, or experience for the first time. They provide the crepe-paper seaweed, bubbles, and snacks for an evening of Enchantment Under the Sea, and all you need to bring is your sweetie, bestie, or just yourself to the this Valentine’s dance party. Flashback to your childhood and add bricks to a LEGO model to help reach the goal of 100,000 bricks by March 1.
Valentine’s Day Cookie Decorating Class for Kids
Where: Willard Continental | Downtown DC
When: February 15
Admission: $45/child
Sweeten your Valentine’s Day weekend for your littlest ones at the Willard InterContinental. Led by Executive Pastry Chef Jason Jimenez, junior bakers will receive hands-on instruction to cookie decorating using a variety of techniques and decorating tools. Ideal for children ages 4-12 years old, and they must be accompanied by a parent or guardian (2 parents or guardians max per ticketed child).
Naked Scavenger Hunts (KidFree Suggestion!)
Where: National Gallery of Art & American Art Museum, DC
When: February 15
Admission: $24
No, you don’t get naked on these scavenger hunts with Watson Adventures! Rather, you search for nude artworks throughout the museums by tracking down tricky clues and answer quirky questions to uncover alluring and amusing pieces. The National Gallery of Art hunt is at 1pm. The American Art Museum hunt is at 4pm. Follow links for more details about both.
Wild Love
Where: City Wildlife | Northeast DC
When: February 16, 12-5pm
Admission: Suggested donation $20/person, $40/family
Take advantage of this rare occasion to visit City Wildlife, the animal rescue and rehabilitation center, as it’s the only time of the year they open their doors to the public. At the 6th Annual Valentine’s Day Open House, get a behind-the-scenes tour of the rehabilitation facility, enjoy some goodies, and get a gift for your Valentine. Free-will donations are collected to ensure that the Center can help its animal patients.
Rumpus Room Family Valentine’s Day Dance Party
Where: Black Cat | 14th Street NW, DC
When: February 16, 2-4:30
Admission: $12
They choo choo choose you…to join them with your entire family on the dance floor! (They get all the credit for the great Simpsons reference.) DC’s only family dance party is back with a special groove session to celebrate the holiday on Valentine’s Day weekend. Practice those sweet moves and get ready to have fun!
All You Need Is Love 8: A Tribute to The Beatles & Love Songs (KidFree Suggestion!)
Where: Jammin Java
When: February 16, 7pm
Admission: $16
Are you in love, looking for love, or scorning love? Either way, this is how love songs are meant to be heard — intimate and stripped down. Jammin Java’s official Valentine’s tradition is back by popular demand. Anthony Fiacco, Todd Wright and Luke Brindley pay homage to the group that influenced every musician out there with covers of your favorite Beatles love songs as well as originals of their own. Three singer/songwriters sharing the stage, telling stories, and playing songs, it’s like seeing the best local musicians singing your favorite songs in your living room.
