Tag Archives: Fun Things to do with Kids in the Washington DC Area

March 30, 2023 · 8:48 pm

The Weekend Round-Up:
March 31 – April 2

Celebrate cherry blossom season at the Wharf (seen through the blooms) this weekend!

Happy Weekend!

Go-to posts full of ideas for local activities:
* Best Outdoors in the DC Area
* Off-the-Beaten-Path Museums
* The Great Indoors
* Local Hikes with Kids
* Baltimore with Kids
* Bike Rides
* Stunning Spaces
* Peaceful Places

Cherry Blossom Season
Where: Around the DC area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies
The cherry blossoms are just past their peak at the Tidal Basin, but the cherry blossom celebration continues with loads of events and activities. Some are listed below, and you can find even more happening this weekend in this post as well as plan for the rest of the season. And you can still view the blossoms in many places around DC — this post includes suggestions for where to go.

Bloomaroo
Where: The Wharf | Southwest DC
When: Saturday, 2-9pm
Admission: Free
The Wharf ‘s big annual cherry blossom celebration is a spring extravaganza along the southwest waterfront. The afternoon and evening event features cherry-blossom themed art, music, fireworks, and family-friendly fun. Enjoy live music, s’mores at the firepit, a beer garden on District pier, and more. It’ll all be capped off with a blossom fireworks finale. Read more about The Wharf in this KFDC post.

The Nats are Back!
Where: National Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: Ticket prices vary
The Nats kicked off the new season with an Opening Day game against the Braves, and the series continues with games on Saturday at 4:05pm and Sunday at 1:35pm (no Friday game). Be sure to note the ballpark rules for bringing bags and that Kids Run the Bases after Sunday games doesn’t start until April 30. But the playground will be open, and there is always fun happening along with the on field action. And go ahead and sign up for the Jr. Nationals Kids Club (and pick up the kits later in April) – it’s so worth it! Read about that here.

Cherokee Days Festival
Where: NMAI | National Mall, DC
When: Friday–Sunday, 10am – 5:30pm
Admission: Free
The three federally recognized Cherokee tribes—Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma, United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians—showcase the shared history and cultural lifeways of the Cherokee through storytelling, traditional flute music, weaponry, woodcarving, beadwork, traditional games, basket weaving, pottery demonstrations and music and dance performances.

Maryland Day
Where: Various locations in Maryland
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies
Celebrate Maryland’s birthday and enjoy a weekend full of activities highlighting the state’s heritage and culture. Dozens of events that are free or just $1 will be offered throughout Anne Arundel County. They will take place at museums, libraries, parks, historic downtown Annapolis, and more places. Find details for all of it here.

Weekend of Wordplay
Where: Planet Word | Downtown DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 5pm
Admission: Free
Calling all Scrabble enthusiasts! This Saturday, join the museum all about language for a day of wordplay and more activities in Lexicon Lane! Held in conjunction with the North American School Scrabble Championship, the event will feature Scrabble tactics and demos and hands-on word game exploration with friends from Labyrinth Games & Puzzles. Stefan Fatsis, author of Word Freak, will also be there to discuss “A Brief History of Scrabble” along with a book reading and Q&A. Note that timed-entry tickets are required, but some same-day walk-up tickets are available. Read more about Planet Word here.

How to Dance Bollywood-Style at an Indian Wedding
Where: Civic Center | Silver Spring, MD
When: Friday, 7pm
Admission: Free
Join The SAPAN Institute for a dance class where you will learn easy and fun steps to use on the dance floor at the next Indian wedding you attend! They will go through dance steps to popular songs that you will hear at any Indian wedding. No dance experience needed, all levels and ages welcome! Be sure to RSVP to Lisa@SilverSpringTownCenter.com.

Wizards vs Magic
Where: Capitol One Arena | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Friday, 7pm
Admission: Tickets prices vary (check for discount)
The Wizards are hosting the Orlando Magic on Friday evening. Get there early to get in on the Gilbert Arenas bobblehead giveaway for the first 10,000 fans. And plan on a pre-game dinner in Penn Quarter — there are plenty of family-friendly places to go in the neighborhood. Some recs: Jaleo, Carmine’s, Daikaya, Shake Shack, and Hill Country BBQ.

Frozen for Free
Where: Old Greenbelt Theatre | Greenbelt, MD
When: Friday, 1pm
Admission: Free
Sing along to with Anna, Elsa, and more Frozen friends at the Old Greenbelt Theatre! The classic Disney film will be shown for free on Friday afternoon. It’s recommended for ages 5 and up.

White House Spring Garden Tours
Where: White House Grounds | Downtown DC
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: Free with tickets
Here’s a chance to see the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden, Rose Garden, Kitchen Garden, and South Lawn at the White House. The annual Spring Garden and Grounds Tours are a tradition that dates back to 1972 when Pat Nixon first opened the gardens to the public. It’s a perfect “DC” activity and a lovely way to enjoy the emerging spring color — and gaining admission to the event is as easy as picking up tickets day-of. They will be distributed at a National Park Service tent located near the White House Visitor Center (1450 Pennsylvania Avenue NW) each day starting at 8:30am. (That means you could be getting entry times for later in the day, so plan accordingly as best you can.) See more details and info on how to get tickets.

First Saturday
Where: National Gallery of Art | NationalMall, DC
When: Saturday, 10:30am – 3pm
Admission: Free
The National Gallery of Art’s monthly series has a cherry blossom theme this time — a daylong festival with all kinds of activities. Catch some kid’s films, create a floral collage, and make a custom-designed cherry blossom screenprint with local printmakers Soul and Ink. Then, enjoy pop-up musical performances and venture over to the Sculpture Garden for a tour of outdoor art installations.

Cherry Blossom Festival Celebration
Where: National Museum of Asian Art | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 2-5pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate spring coming into bloom at Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art with free attractions for all ages. Enjoy performances, join a curator tour, do some hands-on activities like origami, see a kimono pop-up, and more!

Culture Queen Kids Hour: Create -A-Community
Where: Anacostia Community Museum | Anacostia, DC
When: Saturday, 12-1pm
Admission: Free
Join Grammy-nominated teaching artist Culture Queen for this monthly program to explore their royal powers (innate abilities). Learn how to use them to help peers, family, and community through fun, interactive and engaging music, movement, storytelling, and craft activities. Be sure to reserve a spot!

Japanese Culture Day
Where: Library of Congress | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 3pm
Admission: Free with passes
The Library of Congress is hosting a day of fun especially for kids to celebrate cherry blossom season. All ages can learn about Japanese culture through reading, writing, and craft-making with Japanese cultural and linguistic professionals. Books related to Japan and Japanese culture will also be on display.Other activities include Kamishibai (Japanese storytelling), hands-on origami lessons, Japanese calligraphy, decorative Koinobori and Japanese woodblock print coloring, tiara making with cherry blossom princesses, Kimono trial, and more. Register here! And read more about the Library of Congress in his KFDC post.

Into the Woods
Where: Frying Pan Farm Park | Centreville, VA
When: Sunday | 1pm, 1:30pm, & 2pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate the National Cherry Blossom Festival with this free event at Frying Pan Farm Park. Trek on their nature trail to experience the changes of spring. Along the way, visit stations that are peppered throughout the trail to build a fairy house, discuss woodland creatures, and search for critters in the soil and water. Plan to enjoy Japanese teas at the historic Frying Pan Meeting House, too! Recommended for ages 5+.

Stop & Smell
Where: US Botanic Garden | Capitol grounds area, DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
Stop and smell the stinky plant at the U.S. Botanic Garden. A couple of corpse flowers are now blooming (ie, open and letting off its stench). The odor is at its strongest in the first hours after it opens, but you can still smell it later, and the bloom is unique and interesting to see. While you’re there, be sure to tour the rest of the USBG’s lovely collections, see the orchid exhibition, and make time for play in the Children’s Garden.

Stop & smell!

Show Time
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by show
There’s all kinds of entertainment on local stages this weekend. Here’s what and where you can catch it (and you can find show details and any discount link here):
* Cenicienta: A Bilingual Cinderella Story at the Kennedy Center
* This is the Rope: A Story from the Great Migration at the Kennedy Center
* The Hula Hoopin’ Queen at Imagination Stage
* Wake Up, Brother Bear at Imagination Stage
* Beauty and the Beast at Synetic Theater
* Sleeping Beauty at The Puppet Co.
* Angels in America, Part One: Millennium Approaches at ArenaStage
* King Lear at Klein Theater (Shakespeare Theatre Company)

Spring Egg Hunts
Where: Several NoVa Parks
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by place
Easter fun is starting this weekend at several locations in the NoVa Parks system with egg and Peep hunts and more spring activities. Potomac Overlook, Meadowlark Botanic Garden, Bull un, and Carlyle House are all hosting events, and you can view more details here — they vary from place to place!

NoMa in Bloom Festival
Where: Alethia Tanner Park | NoMa, DC
When: Sunday, 11-3pm
Admission: Free
The NoMa BID welcome all to celebrate spring with a day of kite flying and kite making, local DJ Mathias Broohm, face-painting, and delicious food! Chalk Riot will be creating a unique blossom-themed chalk mural, and Neighbors DC will be curating a pop-up market comprised of local artisans. Reserve a spot!

Children’s Art Workshop: Picture Book Illustrations
Where: Hill Center | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Sunday, 1:30-3pm
Admission: $50/child
This Children’s Art Workshop welcomes kids to join author-illustrator and art instructor Joan Waites for a class using picture books as an introduction to famous artists and illustrators! Each class will include a picture book reading, brief introduction to the featured artist, and an art lesson incorporating basic art fundamentals and use of different art materials – this workshop will focus on Claude Monet!

Sakura Sunday
Where: National Harbor | Oxon Run, MD
When: April 2, 12-6pm
Admission: Free
Join National Harbor for their annual Sakura Sunday Festival. The celebration will feature cultural activities, including a Japanese market, art, music and dance performances, culinary delights, and much more! Read more about all there is to do at National Harbor here.

Trail Time
Where: Around the DC Area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
There’s a link to the round-up of hikes around the area at the top of this list, but specific recs are often helpful, as some places can get crowded on weekends. And some are just great for other reasons. The bluebells should be starting to pop at Riverbend Park. Turkey Run Park is a good place to go when Roosevelt Island is overrun. Prince William State Forest is always great for a nice walk in the woods. And Wye Island NMRA on the Eastern Shore is a lovely place to escape the city bustle.

***MORE GOOD STUFF***
* 6 Ways to Help After the School Shooting in Nashville (Including, Not Giving Up).
* In case you missed it, there’s a new round-up of live entertainment around DC this spring, and it includes links to discount tickets where available.
* The Yards is hosting a trivia challenge for a chance to win tickets to a Nats game.
* Find a good place to watch the Final Four.
* Rural Dog Rescue is hosting a dog adoption event on Saturday, 12-2pm, at The Yards in front of Steadfast Supply.
* An interesting discussion about baseball’s new rules on The Daily.
* Such a pretty dress, and it could do double duty as a cover up and a day or evening outfit.
* A great spring home sale! (About to take advantage of a super deal on an outdoor bistro set.)
* Every Page of Goodnight Moon, Ranked

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Filed under 2023, DC, Maryland, Spring, Virginia, Weekend

Tagged as Activities with kids in Maryland, April 2023, Best Activities with Kids in DC, DC, DC Area Outdoor Activities, DC Events, DC Kids Activities, DC Weekend Activities, DC Weekend April 1-2, DC with kids, Family Friendly Things to Do in DC, Fun Things to do with Kids in the Washington DC Area, Kid Friendly Activities in DC, Kid Friendly Things to do Northern Virginia, Spring 2023, Things to do this Saturday & Sunday, Things to Do with Kids This Weekend, Weekend Fun in DC, What to Do in DC with Kids this Weekend

March 28, 2023 · 11:21 am

Five Things: March 28, 2023

1. Have you heard about the new Candytopia that just opened at Tysons Corner? The immersive, pop-up “museum” features candy sculptures, interactive exhibits, and of course, sweet treats to enjoy. Think Willy Wonka meets Kusama meets ICE!, and get your imaginations, cameras, and social media poses ready. The experience takes an hour or less, depending on your children’s ages, interest, and amount of time spent diving in the pit of faux marshmallows. Tickets are $30/adult, $23/age 4-12, free for kids 3 and under. (Thanks to KFDC Contributor Emily Moise for sharing this one!) And PS: If you’ve heard of CAMP stores, you’ll be excited to see one coming soon across from Candytopia!

2. This Thursday, March 30, is MLB Opening Day, and the Nats are swinging into the season with a home-opener against the Atlanta Braves — good timing for families with kids on Spring Break this week! The game begins at 1:05pm, and there will be extra activities to enjoy before it starts. The World Famous Budweiser Clydesdales will take a tour of the Navy Yard neighborhood before finishing up at Nationals Park. There will also be live entertainment by several DJs in the ballpark. And caricature artists, face painters, and balloon twisters will bring more fun to the Family Picnic Area. Tickets are still available and start at $35. If you can’t make it Thursday, plan for a game another time this season, and be sure to check out special promos. And for a chance to see some Nats stars even sooner, fans are invited to attend the red carpet arrivals prior to the 2023 Nationals Homecoming Gala that is being held this evening at The Anthem located at The Wharf. Arrivals are scheduled from approximately 5-7pm outside The Brighton, host of the official Red Carpet Watch Party.

3. We recently had a chance to try Spicebird, a new takeout/delivery food option that specializes in Southeast Asian roast chicken. It was delicious, and perfect for feeding our family of four! The spice-rubbed chicken was so flavorful, and the sides were tasty and interesting — we especially enjoyed the Thai basil fried rice, tumeric cabbage, and berempah potatoes, but everything was so good. A whole chicken with two sides is just $33, and you can order more a la cart. (Full disclosure: Our meal was complimentary, but sharing my honest opinion!)

4. Spring things to get excited about! (This was kind of shared in the Weekend Round-Up, but under a veiled link to this.) 🙂

5. I wish I didn’t feel a need to share posts like this.

The Weekend Round-Up:
March 24-26

Happy Weekend!

Quick links to an array of ideas for local activities:
* Best Outdoors in the DC Area
* Off-the-Beaten-Path Museums
* The Great Indoors
* Local Hikes with Kids
* Baltimore with Kids
* Bike Rides
* Stunning Spaces
* Peaceful Places

‘Tis the Cherry Blossom Season
Where: Around the DC area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies
The cherry blossoms just hit their peak at the Tidal Basin, so you can see them in all their glory. You can also seek out other places to view them — these cherry blossom viewing tips includes suggestions for where to go. Even more, events and activities to celebrate the iconic bloom are getting into full swing. Some are listed below, and you can find even more happening this weekend in this post as well as plan for the rest of the season.

Blossom Kite Festival
Where: Washington Monument Grounds | National Mall, DC
When: SUNDAY, 10am – 4:30pm (new date due to rain)
Admission: Free
The sight of thousands of kites in all colors, shapes, and sizes soaring around the Washington Monument truly is a sight to behold. The sails you see flying at the Kite Festival each spring range from simple to pretty darn creative. Dragons, sharks, butterflies, giant soccer balls, even some that look like big, beautiful origami works way outnumber your basic diamond. And anyone can go fly their kites — you can BYO, purchase on there, and pick up a kit to make your own.

Free Family FunFest
Where: Prince George’s Stadium | MD
When: Saturday, 10am – 1:30pm
Admission: Free
This free festival from the Bowie Baysox annual is loaded with fun for the whole family. Enjoy carnival-style rides and games, lots of activities from Baysox sponsors and partners, opportunities to hang out with mascots Louie and Rocko, raffles, and more. Fans can also tour the field and walk the warning track. Even more, the Bowie Police Department will be there with police cars, horses from the Maryland National Capital Park Police Mounted Unit, and fire apparatus from PG Fire & EMS.

Cherry Blossom Family Celebration
Where: American Art Museum | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Saturday, 11:30am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Join SAAM for their annual celebration of spring and the blooming trees of DC. Enjoy taiko drumming and traditional Japanese dance performances, and break out your best Japanese pop dance moves with Les the DJ. Craft your own cherry blossom trees to take home, make a kinobori kite to fly at the kite festival, or try your hand at an origami Sakura. And a scavenger hunt will add some extra fun to explore the galleries with a scavenger hunt and enjoy festive. Register in advance. See more about the museum in this KFDC post.

RiverRun Festival
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: Through April 22
Admission: Varies by event (some free)
This international festival celebrating the world’s rivers fittingly started on World Water Day and runs through Earth Day. The festival is presenting all kinds of performances and events by talent from across the globe. Performing and visual artists, authors, chefs, filmmakers, climate experts, and more fascinating people will bring world-class performances, exhibitions, films, talks, workshops, and more events to the Kennedy Center. This weekend, you can view art installations and exhibits inside the Kennedy Center and on the grounds of The REACH and do some of your own art projects inspired by the world’s rivers in the Moonshot Studio.

Meet the Author & Hear a Reading
Where: SAY DC Studio | Rhode Island Ave NW, DC
When: Saturday, 2-4pm
Admission: Free
Join Say, the stuttering association for the young, for this special event with acclaimed author C.C. Harrington. Hear her read a passage from her book, Wildoak. Attendees will also have a chance to ask questions, learn about the process of writing stories, get copies of the book signed, and do a nature-inspired craft project. Register in advance here!

Beauty and the Beast
Where: Synetic Theater | Rosslyn, VA
When: Through April 3
Admission: $35-65
This fresh adaptation is a sparkling and inspiring Gothic romance full of wonder, mystery and redemption expressed through Synetic’s unique stage effects, expressionistic design, puppetry and movement. No sing-alongs or talking teacups from Disney’s animated film in this piece of theater art. Though just as magnificent, this show’s got bite. Note that this production of Beauty and the Beast contains fantasy violence and may be scary to younger children.

The Hula Hoopin’ Queen
Where: Imagination Stage | Bethesda, MD
When: Through April 8
Admission: $12-39
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.

The Adventures of Harold and the Purple Crayon
Where: George Mason Center for the Arts | Fairfax, VA
When: Saturday, 1pm & 4pm
Admission: $15
Catch a show based on the beloved book… The Adventures of Harold and the Purple Crayon follows the zany adventures of an inventive young boy. Resourceful and brave, Harold creates the world he wants to explore, using nothing more than a big purple crayon and his sky’s-the-limit imagination. Enchantment Theatre Company’s production takes you on a wild ride as Harold jets to Mars, joins a circus (he tames a lion!), and rescues a princess in an enchanted castle. Combining life-size puppets, pantomime, dance, magic, and original music, The Adventures of Harold and the Purple Crayon will delight and amaze its audiences, from children to grandparents—anyone, in fact, whose heart is young and adventurous. Recommended for ages 5 and up.

Fitting In
Where: Theatre on the Run | Alexandria, VA
When: Through Sunday
Admission: $10
Arts on the Horizon presents this show for littles… Three siblings find themselves in a room full of possibilities and one not so simple task- to put things in their proper place. However, they soon discover that throwing this and that into a box is not the same as finding where it fits in. Through clowning, movement, and original music, three performers will transform everyday objects into something extraordinary. Is a blanket a blanket? Or is it the sail of a boat setting off on an epic voyage? Together, we can find the magic buried in the bottom of every box, and hidden inside the world around us! Recommended for ages 2-5.

Wake Up, Brother Bear
Where: Imagination Stage | Bethesda, MD
When: Through April 8
Admission: $12-39
Sister Bear and Brother Bear are back from hibernation to take little ones on an interactive journey through the seasons. Meet a curious butterfly, play in a rushing waterfall, and catch lightning bugs as the bears frolic through the forest in an unforgettable theatre experience. Recommended for ages 1-5.

Fun on the Farm + Egg Hunts
Where: Great Country Farms
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $12/adult, $10/child
Great Country Farms has opened for the season! The five-acre area contains all kinds of fun that little ones love — rope swings, tractor tires, giant tube slides and more! See animals in the barnyard, get lost in a maze, and test agility skills on the farm ninja course. you can also get the Easter celebration started early — egg hunts are starting this weekend, too. Reserve timed tickets in advance.

Wizards vs Spurs
Where: Capitol One Arena | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Friday, 7pm
Admission: Tickets prices vary (check for discount)
The Wizards are playing at home on Saturday evening — watch them work some on-court magic against the San Antonio Spurs. Get there early to get in on the Caron Butler bobblehead giveaway for the first 10,000 fans. And plan on a pre-game dinner in Penn Quarter — there are plenty of family-friendly places to go in the neighborhood. Some recs: Jaleo, Carmine’s, Daikaya, Shake Shack, and Hill Country BBQ.

DC United vs. New England Revolution
Where: Audi Field | Southwest DC
When: Saturday, 7:30pm
Admission: Tickets start at $25 (look for discount tix)
Check out some soccer action on Saturday evening. DC United is hosting New England Revolution at home on Saturday. As always, I recommend taking public transportation or parking in the Navy Yard neighborhood and walking to Audi Field from there. Plan for a pre-match bite — El Bebe, All Purpose Pizza, The Salt Line, and Dacha are conveniently located and my top recs for family-friendly spots to eat there.

Family Funday with King Bullfrog
Where: Hook Hall | Petworth, DC
When: Sunday, 10am – 12pm
Admission: $5
Bring the kiddos for some dancing and singing with King Bullfrog at Hoook Hall on Sunday. Coffee and frozen drinks will be available for purchase for parents, and crafts for the kids to enjoy! Proceeds from the show benefit DC Action!

Get in the Spirit of Women’s Soccer
Where: Audi Field | Southwest DC
When: Sunday, 4pm
Admission: Tickets start at $20
The Washington Spirit, our local women’s pro soccer team, kicks off their season at Audi field this weekend, as they take on Seattle’s OL Reign. Enjoy some amazing soccer play while supporting our home team and women in sports, plus see a few stars of women’s soccer (including the amazing Megan Rapinoe!) in action. Get BOGO tickets for $20 here or purchase other seats here.

NoVa Parking
Where: Various parks in Northern Virginia
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
Not only are many of the locales within the NoVa Parks system great places to go for outdoor recreation, other activities within some of them are now available. Batting cages, mini golf, kayak and canoe rentals, and disc golf are some of them. And some are just beautiful to roam around. Find things to do by activity, or check out individual parks and see what they have going on. A couple of specific recs: Fountainhead, Pohick Bay, Potomac Overlook, and Meadowlark.

Petal Porches
Where: Around the DC area
When: Through April 16
Admission: Free
Check out local porches decorated for cherry blossom season! This newish tradition encouraged residents and businesses around the area to get creative and show their blossom spirit by decorating their porches, yards, and windows to spread joy and connect communities. Find a map here showing locations of all registered Petal Porches, so you can plan a walk or drive to see and share in the celebration of spring.

Celebrate Women’s History
Where: Around DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
March is Women’s History Month, and there are so many great ways to celebrate it around DC, with something for all ages. See some exhibits, tour local landmarks, enjoy live entertainment… all of it showcasing women and their accomplishments. This post has details on where you can do that this month — and beyond!

Blooms at the Fort
Where: Fort McHenry | Baltimore, MD
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $15 (some of the grounds are free)
DC isn’t the only city with cherry blossoms in bloom. You can see them in Baltimore, too, and Fort McHenry should be very near peak this weekend. It also makes for any interesting, informative, and enjoyable outing for all ages. Engaging exhibits range from historical objects and structures to multimedia displays and interactives. And the grounds located right on the Chesapeake are lovely to stroll on a nice day. Make a longer day of it in Baltimore (or even a weekend) — the KFDC Guide to Exploring Baltimore with Kids has ideas and info for all kinds of things to do.

Cool Hikes
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
If you want to get out of the crowded city and get a dose of nature, hit the trail! See flowers beginning to bloom, tramp in places with scenic views, hike and explore history at interesting locales, and savor the time outdoors. This post has a a bunch of recommendations for places to walk in the woods with the kids.

***MORE GOOD STUFF***
* I was asked a lot about our family’s summer vacation in Greece, and I finally wrote about it!😊
* The Capital Weather Gang’s five best spots to see DC’s cherry blossoms besides the Tidal Basin.
* Van Leeuwen Ice Cream just opened its first DC scoop shop in the Union Market neighborhood (418 Morse St. NE).
* Soccer fans likely know already that Arsenal FC will be playing MLS All Stars at Audi Field this summer.
* You should be able to get one of these in time for the festival ~~tomorrow~~ on Sunday if you order today. (If not, you can still use it later!)
* Parent night out? Give a Hoot Comedy Club is presenting a lineup of DMV comedy all stars on Sunday evening.

Five Things: March 22, 2023

Rhino sculptures for RiverRun at the Kennedy Center

1. RiverRun, an international festival celebrating the world’s rivers, begins today at the Kennedy Center! Fittingly starting on World Water Day and running through Earth Day, April 22, the festival will present all kinds of performances and events by talent from across the globe. Performing and visual artists, authors, chefs, filmmakers, climate experts, and more fascinating people will help carve an artistic path throughout the Kennedy Center — from the concerts halls and theaters to the Hall of States to The REACH to the outdoor grounds — with world-class performances, exhibitions, films, talks, workshops, and more events. View more details and the full schedule here.

2. Cherry Blossom Update: The iconic Tidal Basin trees are realllly close to peaking (see some pics here), but not quite there yet. My completely non-expert prediction is that they will be in full bloom in the next couple of days, which means it will be packed this weekend. Once again, I strongly recommend reading my Tips for Families Viewing the Cherry Blossoms if you plan to see them, and I can’t stress enough to avoid driving if you can. Not only is parking a pain, traffic getting to and nearby the blossoms can be a total cluster during bloom time, especially when big blossom events are happening like the annual Kite Festival on Saturday. And, generally, Metro is great way to get around anytime — and a DC thing to do!

3. Highly recommended patios for outdoor dining around DC.

4. I just watched an interview with Ari Shapiro discussing his new book, The Best Strangers in the World: Stories from a Life Spent Listening — and immediately bought it, sounds that good.

5. If you like dance competition shows (I love them!), watch this one.

2 Comments

Filed under 2023, DC, Five Things, Spring

Tagged as Cherry Blossoms, DC Culture, DC Kids Activities, DC Lifestyle, DC Take Out, DC with kids, DMV Events and Activities, Family Friendly Activities in DC, Fun Things to do with Kids in the Washington DC Area, Kid Friendly DC, March 2023, Places to Go with Kids in DC, Spring 2023

March 16, 2023 · 9:50 pm

The Weekend Round-Up:
March 17-19

Play in the trees on opening weekend of the Adventure Park at Sandy Spring

Happy Weekend!

Link up fast to all kinds of local fun:
* Best Outdoors in the DC Area
* Off-the-Beaten-Path Museums
* The Great Indoors
* Local Hikes with Kids
* Baltimore with Kids
* Bike Rides
* Stunning Spaces
* Peaceful Places

Cherry Blossom Season
Where: Welcome Area | Tidal Basin, DC
When: Saturday & Sunday, 10am – 6pm
Admission: Free
With the cherry blossom peak apparently occurring earlier than predicted, the National Cherry Blossom Festival is starting earlier now, too. The Tidal Basin Welcome Area will open on Saturday, and a variety of entertainment will be presented on the ANA stage. Kids can also enjoy National Park Service activities and earn their Bloomin’ Junior Ranger badge. Note that even though the trees aren’t quite at their peak, they’re already starting to draw lots of people to see them. So be sure to read my Tips for Families Viewing the Cherry Blossoms if you plan to go.

Family Happy Hour with King Bullfrog
Where: Hill Center | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Friday, 5-7pm
Admission: $5/adult, $10/child, free/under 2
Bring the family out to enjoy a Friday evening filled with live music perfect for all ages! This concert will be indoors on the 2nd floor (if we get unseasonably warm weather, they might move it outdoors), perfect for little ones to run, dance, laugh, and play to the beat of their favorite songs! Beer, wine, and cheese & pepperoni pizza will be for sale.

Caps vs. Blues
Where: Capital One Arena | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Friday, 7pm
Admission: Ticket prices vary
Watch some sports action on ice. The Caps are hosting the St. Louis Blues at home on Friday evening. Plan on a pre-game dinner in Penn Quarter — there are plenty of family-friendly places to go in the neighborhood. Some recs: Jaleo, Carmine’s, Daikaya, Shake Shack, and Hill Country BBQ.

Adventure in the Trees
Where: Adventure Park at Sandy Spring | Sandy Spring, MD
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: Varies by age
The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring reopens for the season on Saturday and tickets are still available for many time slots! Kids as young as 5 years old can experience thrills on the ropes courses and ziplines in the park’s aerial adventure forest, the largest in North America. Children ages 5-6 and an accompanying adult have access to two of the easier courses. Older kids can do much more. It may seem like a pricey venture, but it’s so worth it. Trust me. See more about the park in this KFDC post.

A Gem of an Event
Where: Montgomery County Fairgrounds | Gaithersburg, MD
When: Saturday, 10am – 6pm & Sunday, 11am – 5pm
Admission: $6/age 12+, free/11 & under
Kids (and adults!) who like fossils, rocks, and/or gems are in for a treat. The 56th Annual Show of the Gem, Lapidary, and Mineral Society of Montgomery County, MD, will have all that and then some. There will be dealers selling collectibles, demonstrations, exhibits, door prizes, free workshops, free specimens for kids, mini mines, and more

Aristocrafts
Where: The Palisades Hub | Palisades, DC
When: Saturday, various times
Admission: Depends on class
New sessions for kids’ enrichment activities start this weekend! Aristocrafts, a company started by two local moms, will begin offering classes for ages 5-11. In Arts and Crafts Workshops on Saturdays 9:30-11am from March 18 – April 8, students will make beautiful creations featuring macramé, block printing, wool felting, clay molding, plaster casting, and much more. Lego© Club poses exciting activities for little builders based on challenges and STEM experiments with a different project every class for tremendous fun, with classes designed to let children develop their creativity through hands-on activities. These will also be held on Saturdays, March 18 – April 8 — sign up for morning from 11am – 12pm or afternoon from 3:30-4:30pm.

Ireland at the Wharf
Where: The Wharf | Southwest DC
When: Saturday, 12-6pm
Admission: Free
The Wharf and Kirwan’s Irish Pub are bringing the luck of the Irish to the waterfront with a free festival! Enjoy all the fun of a true Irish festival with Guinness beer, Irish coffee, whiskey, Irish dancing, rugby on the big screen, bands, and bagpipers. All ages welcome. Slainte!

Environmental Film Fest
Where: Several locations around DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by film
Films from across the globe are being screened around the DC-Metro area for the the annual DC Environmental Film Festival. And there are a few flicks among them that kids will likely enjoy. Fashion Reimagined, The Plastic Bag Store, Blueback, and Hollow Tree are a few of them (be sure to read descriptions to determine best ages). There are even more films to consider for a grown-up outing. View the website for more details and to view trailers.

Family Game Day
Where: Grace Covenant Church | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 2pm
Admission: Free
Join Grace Covenant Church for their Family Game Day! The community is invited to this special open house and day of fun that includes face painting, a balloon artist, games, an egg hunt, and more entertainment. The church is located at 417 9th St SE.

Brain Awareness Day
Where: National Museum of Health & Medicine | Silver Spring,MD
When: Saturday, 10am – 2pm
Admission: Free
Explore the exciting world of neuroscience! Join brain scientists, researchers, clinicians, and museum educators to enjoy interactive demonstrations and exhibits about the brain. Learn about prevention and treatment of traumatic brain injury, and discover how your brain works! (Note: This is museum is incredibly fascinating, but maybe not for young children or the faint of heart. Read more about why here.)

Harlem Globetrotters
Where: Capitol One Arena | Downtown DC
When: Saturday, 1pm
Tickets: $25+
The Harlem Globetrotters 2023 World Tour is coming with game like never before! Your favorite Globetrotter stars are bringing out their amazing basketball skill, outrageous athleticism, and a non-stop LOL good time. Join the Globetrotters as they go head-to-head against the Washington Generals who will stop at nothing to try and defeat the world’s winningest team!

Model Train Open House
Where: Historic Vienna Depot | Vienna, VA
When: Saturday, 1-5pm
Admission: Free
Visit the historical Vienna Stain station to watch model train and trolley activities that realistically depict an actual railroad that existed in North Carolina in the 1950′s, the Western North Carolina (WNC). Locomotive, rail car, and towns industry in this layout is modeled after those places and things as they looked in that era. Thomas the Tank Engine (and a few of his friends) are chugging around among the bigger steam and diesel locomotives. The Vienna Depot is located at 231 Dominion Road NE in Vienna, Virginia just down the street from the red caboose.

Rapping about Reptiles
Where: Meadowlark Botanical Garden | Vienna, VA
When: Saturday, 2-3pm
Admission: $5
Do you love reptiles? Join this program to meet a box turtle, a painted turtle, and a few snakes. Naturalist Matt Felperin will share fascinating information on these natives of Virginia. All ages welcome. And plan to tour the rest of Meadowlark’s gorgeous grounds while you’re there — read more about it in this KFDC post.

The Hula Hoopin’ Queen
Where: Imagination Stage | Bethesda, MD
When: Through April 8
Admission: $12-39
On the 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.

Sleeping Beauty on Strings
Where: The Puppet Co. | Glen Echo Park, MD
When: Friday, 10:30am | Saturday & Sunday, 11:30am & 1pm
Admission: $15
In the Puppet Co.’s version of Sleeping Beauty, a funny frog storyteller ribbits the tale of offended fairies, silly royalty, and magic spells. Relive this classic fairy tale in this lovely Legacy rod-puppet show. Directed by Elizabeth Dapo. Recommended ages 4+. Run time approximately 45 minutes.

Fitting In
Where: Theatre on the Run | Alexandria, VA
When: Through March 26
Admission: $10
Arts on the Horizon presents this show for littles… Three siblings find themselves in a room full of possibilities and one not so simple task- to put things in their proper place. However, they soon discover that throwing this and that into a box is not the same as finding where it fits in. Through clowning, movement, and original music, three performers will transform everyday objects into something extraordinary. Is a blanket a blanket? Or is it the sail of a boat setting off on an epic voyage? Together, we can find the magic buried in the bottom of every box, and hidden inside the world around us! Recommended for ages 2-5.

The Mortification of Fovea Munson
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom
When: Through Sunday
Admission: $20
Mary Winn Heider brings her uproarious book to musical life in this world premiere Kennedy Center commission. Fovea Munson is stuck working at her parents’ cadaver lab, but she is by no means Dr. Frankenstein’s snuffling assistant, Igor! That is, until three disembodied heads start talking. To her. Out loud. And they need a favor. March 18 at 11am is a sensory-friendly performance. Recommended for ages 10+.

Into the Woods
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: Through Sunday
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.

Jagged Little Pill
Where: National Theatre | Downtown DC
When: Through March 26
Tickets: $55-105
Joy, love, heartache, strength, wisdom, catharsis, LIFE — everything we’ve been waiting to see in a Broadway show — is here in the exhilarating, fearless new musical based on Alanis Morissette’s world-changing music. Recommended for ages 14+.

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
Where: The Madeira School | McLean, VA
When: Saturday, 1pm & 5pm
Tickets: $22-25
Take an adventure with Alice as she falls down the rabbit hole and embarks on a colorful and whimsical journey through Wonderland. Presented by Festival Ballet Virginia, this ballet is appropriate for audience members of all ages — runtime is approximately 1 hour with no intermission. Lap-sitters under age 2 may attend for free. Concessions and boutique items will be available before and after the show in the lobby.

PIXELBLOOM: Timeless Butterflies
Where: ARTECHOUSE | Southwest DC
When: Through June 5
Admission: $20-25/adult, $17/age 4-15, $72/family of 4
The newest exhibition at ARTECHOUSE is a delightful and mesmerizing celebration of spring! Features vivid projections of flowers and the flitting insects on the walls and floors of the main gallery room, you can sit on a bench (or right on the floor) and immerse in the dazzling scenery. Or roam around and play — interactive elements, including beautiful displays that swirl, grow, even chime with your movement are in other areas. There are also neat augmented reality ops. Both kids and adults will be enchanted. Get more of a glimpse of it 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.

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. Discover the forest “underworld” at Lake Accotink Park. Have some wildlife encounters at Hidden Pond Nature Center. Check out animal poop at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park. Join a free Spring Equinox Celebration at Turner Farm Park Observatory. Details and registration for these plus more activities this weekend and beyond are available here.

Celebrate Women’s History
Where: Around DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
March is Women’s History Month, and there are so many great ways to celebrate it around DC, with something for all ages. See some exhibits, tour local landmarks, enjoy live entertainment, attend a festival… all of it showcasing women and their accomplishments. This post has details on where you can do that over the next month — and beyond!

Wizards vs Kings
Where: Capitol One Arena | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Saturday, 8pm
Admission: Tickets prices vary (check for discount)
The Wizards are playing at home on Saturday evening — watch them work some on-court magic against the Sacramento Kings. Get there early to get in on the Caron Butler bobblehead giveaway for the first 10,000 fans. And plan on a pre-game dinner in Penn Quarter — there are plenty of family-friendly places to go in the neighborhood. Some recs: Jaleo, Carmine’s, Daikaya, Shake Shack, and Hill Country BBQ.

St. Patrick’s Family Festival
Where: Shipgarten | Tysons, VA
When: Sunday, 1-6pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day a little late at this family festival hosted by Merida, Darth Vader, & Princess Tiana. There will be lots of fun for kids — they can look for a pot ofgold to win prizes, go on a scavenger hunt, do crafts and make Irish art, and have a four leaf clover painted on their faces.Merida will perform a bow demonstration for the kids, and they can even release a suction cup, ended arrow into the sky. The venue is also dog friendly with a fenced in dog park, so bring pups along, too!

***MORE GOOD STUFF***
* How to celebrate St. Patricks Day around DC.
* As Cherry Blossom Season begins, see a round-up of the best events and activities for families to celebrate it.
* This Tidal Basin scavenger hunt is another fun way to enjoy the blossoms.
* There are still some spots open for virtual hand cut portrait sessions with Master Silhouette Artist Karl Johnson on March 21.
* March Madness has begun! Washingtonian has a suggestions for where to watch around DC.
* See when spring is beginning in different cities.
* Keep hearing great things about these and finally ordering.
* A great weekend sale.
* “A cult for people who love whimsical snacks!”