Happy Weekend!
Quick links to posts full of ideas for ongoing & seasonal activities:
* The Great Indoors
* Off-the-Beaten-Path Museums
* Best Outdoors in the DC Area
* Local Hikes with Kids
* Ice Skating
* Baltimore with Kids
* Bike Rides
* Stunning Spaces
* Peaceful Places
Early Bloomers
Where: Around the DC area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
Some of the cherry trees around the area have begun blooming early. Try to catch them showing off their pretty pink flowers at Congressional Cemetery, the National Arboretum (note that the linked post and pics are from 2020), National Harbor, and in LeDroit Park.
Black History Activities
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout February (and beyond)
Admission: Varies by activity
Black History Month is winding down, and there are many great events and activities throughout the DC area to celebrate it — during this last weekend of February and beyond. Museum programs, guided and self-guided tours, visits to significant sites, and more are enlightening and entertaining for all ages. See the round-up of them here.
Mind Tricks & More Fun
Where: Museum of Illusions | CityCenter DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $23.50/age 13+, $16.50/age 5-12
The unseasonably amazing weather isn’t going to last, so if you’re looking for something unique and fun to do indoors, consider the new(ish) Museum of Illusions. All of the exhibits and installations are interactive in some way, whether you’re staring at pictures to watch them “move,” standing within an exhibit to feel its effects, solving some kind of puzzle, or placing yourself just so to create an illusional scene. There’s a band new post with more about it with a glimpse of what you’ll experience there.
Celestial Navigation and the Underground Railroad
Where: Josiah Henson Museum and Park | North Bethesda, MD
When: Saturday, 11am – 12:30pm
Admission: Free
This educational program explores the crucial role of the night sky in guiding and empowering freedom seekers on their journeys north along the Underground Railroad. Historian Dr. Sylvea Hollis, astronomer Dr. Lou Strolger, and PhD candidate Sophie Hess will provide more insight as you observe the stars. The free, family-friendly program will take place at the Josiah Henson Museum and Park visitor center and does not include museum admission. Recommended for ages 6+.
Into the Woods
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: Through March 19
Admission: $35-159 (look for discount)
Here’s a reason to be happy ever after… Into the Woods just opened at the Kennedy Center, and this production is recommended for ages 4 and up. Bring the whole family for a show that got rave reviews on Broadway! And FYI: $35 Rush tickets will be available for every performance beginning each performance day at 5pm at the Kennedy Center Box Office, except matinee performances when Rush tickets will go on-sale at 12pm. Tickets are subject to availability and have no guaranteed location. Two tickets max per person.
The Hula Hoopin’ Queen
Where: Imagination Stage | Bethesda, MD
When: Starts Saturday through April 8
Admission: $12-39 (look for discount)
A new show opens at Imagination Stage this weekend… Kameeka is confident that today she will finally beat her rival, Jamara, and become the Hula-Hoopin’ Queen of 139th Street in Harlem. But she has to prepare for Miz Adeline’s birthday party, and almost ruins the day. Until Miz Adeline confesses that she’s also got the itch–the hula-hoopin’ itch! Her fingers start snappin’. Her hips start swingin’. Soon everyone’s hips are swinging as the party spills out onto the street.
Fun at Fairfax Parks
Where: Parks throughout Fairfax County, VA
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
The Fairfax County Park Authority hosts all kinds of events on weekends for guests of all ages. Explore Black History at Frying Pan Farm Park. Join a maple sugariing session at Colvin Run Mill. Take a winter bird walk at Lake Accotink. Details and registration for these plus more activities this weekend and beyond are available here.
Weekend Workshops
Where: National Portrait Gallery | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Saturday & Sunday, 11:30am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Drop in at the National Portrait Gallery to do some art making! All ages are welcome to get creative at Weekend Workshops. Learn about artists and changemakers, then create art inspired by their stories. Of course, explore the whole museum while you’re there. See more about the National Portrait Gallery here.
Caps vs. Rangers
Where: Capital One Arena
When: Saturday, 1pm
Admission: Ticket prices vary
Catch some sports action on ice. The Caps are hosting the New York Rangers at home on Saturday afternoon. Make a longer outing of it in Penn Quarter — grab a meal or pop in to the National Portrait Gallery/American Art Museum before or after the hockey match.
Vamos United!
Where: Audi Field | Southwest DC
When: Saturday, 7:30pm
Admission: Tickets start at $30
Soccer season begins this weekend as the DC United play their first match at home against Toronto. Tickets are still available to cheer on the black and red! I recommend taking public transportation since parking can be difficult. Or park in the Navy Yard neighborhood (Audi Field is a short walk from there) and plan on a bite before or after the game — All Purpose, El Bebe, and The Salt Line are very convenient and my top recs for family-friendly spots to eat there.
King Lear
Where: Klein Theatre | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Through March 26
Admission: $35-110 (look for discount)
Shakespeare Theatre Company presents this production… Caught in a carousel of memory, the head of a dysfunctional royal family grapples with power-hungry children and the threat of losing the empire he created. Real and imagined worlds coalesce, creating a political and personal horror that threatens to swallow the mind of the monarch. The incomparable Patrick Page returns to STC as the once-revered king caught in an emotional hurricane ravaging his home, head, and heart. Recommended for teens and older.
Seasonal Al Fresco
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by place
Don’t let the cold after all the warm keep you from getting out around the area. This round-up is full of recs for activities that take place outside. From cool hikes to art experiences to seasonal sports to garden explorations to year-round fun, there are all kinds of things to in the fresh air.
The Icing on the Skate
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by rink
There are only a couple of weeks left to skate under the sky, so take advantage while you can. Take in art as you skate at the Sculpture Garden; circle around Washington Harbour as you enjoy river views; meander along the Figure 8 path at Canal Park; skate at The Wharf’s final weekend; or do some 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.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Where: Old Greenbelt Theater | Greenbelt, MD
When: Sunday, 1pm
Admission: Free
Catch a free flick on Sunday at Old Greenbelt Theater! In Marvel Studios’ “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” Queen Ramonda, Shuri, M’Baku, Okoye, and the Dora Milaje fight to protect their nation from intervening world powers in the wake of King T’Challa’s death. As the Wakandans strive to embrace their next chapter, the heroes must band together with the help of War Dog Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o) and Everett Ross (Martin Freeman) and forge a new path for the kingdom of Wakanda. The movie is Rated PG-13.
Funday Evening Skating
Where: Canal Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Sunday, 5-9pm
Admission: See below
Wind down the weekend with the whole fam with some ice skating! Canal Park has a special going on Sunday (and Monday) evening: 4 Admissions and skate rentals + a large cheese pizza from Wiseguy Pizza + 4 regular size gelatos from Altani for $100. This applies to any combo of adults/children skating.
Basketball, NCAA-Style
Where: Colleges around the DC Area
When: Throughout the break
Admission: Tickets start at $16
With so many universities in the area, there’s always some good college hoops action going on. Here’s where you can catch it this weekend:
* American women vs Loyola on Saturday at 2pm
* GWU men vs La Salle on Saturday at 6pm
* Maryland men vs Northwestern on Sunday at 12pm (Go, Terps!)
* Georgetown men vs Providence on Sunday at 12:30pm
The Ins & Outs of DC
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by adventure
Want even more options for fun things to do with the kids around the area? If you’re looking for activities outdoors or inside, depending on the weather or simply your preference, these posts are chock full of ongoing pursuits:
The Best Places in the DC Area to Enjoy a Beautiful Day Outdoors with the Kids
The Great Indoors
***MORE GOOD STUFF***
* Washington Post says these are the best DC museum for kids. Do you agree?
* Planet Word is now open on Mondays, 10am – 5pm (as well as Wednesday – Sunday).
* Tom Sietsma’s 6 favorite places to eat in February
* Opening this weekend at a new Navy Yard location — the food is so good!
* Have you heard about this controversy?
* Just started this popular book. (Finished and really enjoyed this one I mentioned last week).
* A t-shirt that makes a great birthday gift (I received this one a few months ago for my big year.)
* Love all the colors for the patio.
* How fun does this new theme park look?
* Something cute to make you smile.