A fusion of art, technology, and music at ARTECHOUSE’s new exhibit
Link up to loads of ideas for ongoing and seasonal activities:
* Ice Skating
* Best Outdoors in the DC Area
* Local Hikes with Kids
* Indoor Outings
* Little Kid Play
* Baltimore with Kids
* Stunning Spaces
* Peaceful Places
Washington Auto Show
Where: Washington Convention Center, DC
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: $12-15/age 13+, $6/age 6-12, free/5 & under
The annual Washington Auto Show revs up this weekend! And if there’s any “grown-up” event that is equally fun for kids and adults, this is it. The Auto Show is like a Truck Touch, but with automobiles — hundreds of them — on display for guests to check out. Other activities like Ride ‘n Drives with Jeep, an Art of Motion exhibit, exotic car display, and Subaru Love Pets area with dogs from local animal shelters will give guests even more to do and see. The show will be in town and running every day through January 30. Get a glimpse and an idea of what to expect in KFDC posts about it here and here.
All Aboard for Thomas & Friends: Explore the Rails!
Where: National Children’s Museum | Downtown DC
When: Saturday & Sunday (runs through May 15)
Admission: $15.95/age 1+
The world’s most beloved #1 blue engine will roll into National Children’s Museum this winter for exciting fun and adventure starting this weekend. Thomas & Friends: Explore the Rails!, an interactive exhibit inspired by the popular children’s series, includes all kinds of fun activities for kiddos. They can climb into the cab and see the inner workings, fix Percy’s wobbly wheel, explore the Island of Sodor, load coal onto cars, play conductor, and view a Thomas & Friends retrospective featuring model engines, drawings, manuscripts, and other collectibles. Of course there’s even more at the museum to enjoy — read more about it here.
Transient: Impermanent Paintings
Where: ARTECHOUSE | Southwest DC
When: Through March 6
Admission: $20-30/adult, $17/age 5-17, free/4 & under
The new digital exhibit at ARTTECHOUSE is a wonderful, vibrant escape from the cold. The fantastic fusion of art, music, and technology includes beautiful floor-to-ceiling projections on walls and floors along with music from a motorized piano that syncs up with the art. Watching the colors and patterns “dance” all around you is delightful, mesmerizing, and relaxing, too. Get a glimpse here.
Seasonal (Covid-Safe) Fun
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by place
Don’t let these omicron cold months keep you from getting out around the area. If you’re seeking recs for activities that are outdoors and Covid safe, this round-up is full of suggestions. From hikes to art experiences to seasonal sports to garden explorations to all-season fun, there are all kinds of things to do that keep social distancing and safety in mind. All you really need are good layers and maybe a little extra outdoor gear.
Corduroy
Where: Imagination Stage | Bethesda, MD
When: Through January 24
Tickets: $28
How about some family friendly live entertainment? Based on the books, here’s the description of Imagination Stages current show: We all need a friend, and Lisa is instantly drawn to the perfectly imperfect teddy bear on display at the department store. If only she can convince her stressed-out mother to buy Corduroy for her! Meanwhile, Corduroy is determined to find his missing button and become worthy of going to a real home. After the store has closed, he goes on a hilariously destructive search–with the Night Watchman in comical pursuit. Full of mischief and clowning, this story of unconditional love captures both the humanity and the merriment of the holiday season. Recommended for ages 3-9. Proof of vaccination required for patrons 12+.
Ice Skating
Where: Ice skating rinks around the DC area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by rink
Glide under the sky and stars — or indoors if that’s your preference. Get your skate on and and art at the Sculpture Garden. Glide over the Potomac on The Wharf’s awesome rink. Circle around Washington Harbour as you enjoy river views. Meander along the Figure 8 path at Canal Park. Do some shopping then skate at Pentagon Row, Rockville Town Square, or Reston Town Center. Or head to an ice arena for some skating out of the elements. This post has details on alfresco and indoor ice skating options in the area.
Jason Reynolds Book Talk
Where: Busboys and Poets | Columbia, MD
When: Sturday, 4pm
Admission: Free with registration
Author Jason Reynolds will be at Busboys and Poets in Columbia, MD, on Saturday afternoon to discuss and sign his two new books. STUNTBOY, an action packed illustrated novel “about the greatest young superhero you’ve never heard of” (recommended ages 7-12) and AIN’T BURNED ALL THE BRIGHT, a “smash up of art and text for teens that viscerally captures what it is to be Black. In America. Right Now.” (recommended ages 12-99). Reynolds will be joined by a local children’s author, Jessica Hebron aka Culture Queen. After the conversation there will be a quick Q&A, followed by book purchases and signing. Proof of vaccination required for ages 12+. The event will also be livestreamed.
Two-Wheel Time
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
It will be cold but sunny, so wear some layers and get out for a bike ride — you’ve got your pick of them around the area. Take in the winter scenery, get some exercise, and have fun — all while easily social distancing. This post has a bunch of pedal-worthy recs, with something for riders of all levels. This one is a particularly great stretch with young kids. And I just wrote about another fun family ride in this week’s Five Things.
The In Crowd
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by place
Cold temps may have you seeking indoor fun this weekend. This post has quick info for places to go, including open days and times, which you should be sure to note, as some venues have temporarily changed them. There are guidelines in place for Covid everywhere, masks are required in DC and some MD counties, and you can/should opt to wear one even without a mandate. Be sure to have proof of vaccination for everyone age 12+ in DC.
Exhibit A… and B, C, & D
Where: Museums around DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
There are several great exhibits to experience right now at our local museum. The whole family will be fascinated by FUTURES at the Arts & Industries Building. Laurie Anderson: The Weather at the Hirshhorn is a great one for tween ages and up. The Gun Violence Memorial Project at the National Building Museum is powerful and ever-timely. The Fossil Hall at the National Museum of Natural History is always an interesting one to explore. And, of course, the rest of our Smithsonians have permanent collections that we never get tired of seeing.
Fooduary
Where: National Harbor | Oxon Hill, MD
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free, but plan to spend on meals, etc.
Fooduary National Harbor is kicking off 2022 with a celebration of food and entertainment! Enjoy prix fixe menus, cooking demonstrations from chefs and bartenders, kits to make meals and more at home, and elevated entertainment that includes The Capital Wheel. Enjoy it all during Fooduary, which runs through January 30. Read more about National Harbor here (note that it’s about a summer visit a few years ago, but many features are still relevant now).
Art & Me Preservation Family Workshop
Where: Online
When: Saturday, 10-10:45am
Admission: Free
Join the Smithsonian’s team of art conservators for a virtual workshop to learn about how temperature affects artworks. From stone sculptures to photographs, discover how Smithsonian conservators preserve and protect these artworks from the elements. Then create your own sculpture and see what happens to it when it freezes. Cohosted by the American Art Museum and National Museum of Asian Art, this hands-on, art-making preservation workshop is designed for children ages three to eight and their caretakers. Sign up here.
Fun at Fairfax Parks
Where: Parks around Fairfax County, VA
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
There are new events from the Fairfax County Park Authority all the time, and this weekend has a fresh batch of nature-inspired activities for guests of all ages. Join an evening campfire at Lake Accotink. Squirrel around at Lake Fairfax Park. Go on a woodpecker hike at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park. Details and registration for these and many more nature activities this weekend and beyond are available here.
Watch the Wizards – Kids Day, Too!
Where: Capital One Arena | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Saturday, 7pm & Sunday, 3:30pm
Admission: Ticket prices vary
The Wizards have a couple of home games this weekend. See the on court action against the Toronto Raptors at 8pm on Friday and the Boston Celtics on Sunday at 3:30pm. The Sunday game is also a Kids Day, with exciting activities on the 100-level concourse, including caricature and balloon artists, poster coloring, and a photo booth.Plan on a pre-game dinner or lunch in Penn Quarter — there are plenty of family-friendly places to go in the neighborhood. Some recs: Jaleo, Carmine’s, Oyamel, and Shake Shack.
All Caps
Where: Capital One Arena | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Saturday, 7pm
Admission: Ticket prices vary
For sports action on ice, catch the Capitals on Saturday afternoon as they host the Ottawa Senators. See the above restaurant recs for a fam-friendly bite before the match.
Hoops U
Where: Colleges around the DC Area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by game
With so many universities in the area, there’s always some good college hoops action going on during the season — and it’s always a fun time for families. Here are some games to catch this weekend:
* Maryland men vs Illinois on Friday at 7pm (Go, Terps!)
* George Mason women vs La Salle on Friday at 7pm
* American women vs Loyola on Saturday at 2pm
* GWU women vs UMass on Saturday at 2pm
* George Mason men vs Dayton on Saturday at 7pm
* Maryland women vs Northwestern on Sunday at 1pm (Go, Terps!)
Fun, Hon!
Where: Inner Harbor Area | Baltimore, MD
When: All Weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
Head up I-95 for a change of city scenery. Explore the exhibits at Maryland Science Center. See some of the quirkiest, coolest art ever at the American Visionary Art Museum. Play the day away at Port Discovery. Get an eyeful of the underwater world at the National Aquarium. Go to the Baltimore Aquarium. Or view history in the works at the Baltimore Museum of Industry. This KFDC guide has info for all of it, plus even more recommendations for exploring Charm City.
Chill Out(side)
Where: Around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
I’m a big proponent of getting outdoors, no matter what the weather. And while this weekend will be cold, it’ll be sunny, so layer up and take advantage. Roam free at Dumbarton Oaks (no admission fee this time of year), the National Arboretum, or Brookside Gardens. Go for a hike at Great Falls, Patapsco Valley State Park, Turkey Run, or another place to hit he trail. Romp on the playground at Watkins, Cabin John, or Clemyjontri Parks. Find even more ideas in this post about great outdoor pursuits with kids — there are tons of al fresco adventures around the area.
***MORE GOOD STUFF***
* In case you weren’t aware, proof of vaccination is required for entry to many indoor facilities in DC for everyone ages 12+. (And I read that starting March 1, it will be for ages 5+.)
* There’s lots of good live entertainment coming to local stages over the next couple of months. This post has info so you can save your seats!
* Alexandria Restaurant Week begins this weekend, and Metro Washington Restaurant Week wraps up.
* A great reading challenge from Politics & Prose.
* Just made this — super easy and delish!
* If you’re looking for winter gear for kids, Backcountry has some good deals.
* Proof that everyone is now doing it.
