Tag Archives: January 2018

February 8, 2018 · 5:55 pm

The Weekend Round-Up: February 9-11

Making the rounds at Fort Dupont Ice Arena



Happy Weekend!

Indoor Picnic & Movie Night
Where: National Cathedral | Northwest DC
When: Friday, 6pm
Admission: Suggestion donation of $5 ($10/household)
Bring your friends, dinner, and a blanket for DC’s largest indoor picnic — enhanced in 2018 with a large-screen movie. Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame will be shown at 6pm, and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story will be screened at 8pm. This is part of the extraordinary experience of Seeing Deeper, returning to Washington National Cathedral for the third year in a row.

DIY Valentine Cards
Where: National Postal Museum | NoMa, DC
When: Saturday & Sunday, 10am – 4pm
Admission: Free
Love is in the details at the National Postal Museum’s annual Valentine’s Day Card Workshop. We’ve attended this event several times, so I can tell you firsthand it’s one to love. They’ll have pretty papers and neat Valentine-themed supplies, all you need to bring is your creativity to decorate your card. For more about the museum, see this KFDC post.

Feel the Love
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
Love is in the air — and at places all around DC this weekend! Events and activities to celebrate Valentine’s Day range from story time and crafts to nature programs to tea time. And they’re sure to be especially sweet. This post has the scoop on all of them.

NOAA Open House
Where: NOAA | Silver Spring, MD
When: Saturday, 10am – 4pm
Admission: Free
Explore your world and learn how NOAA takes the pulse of the planet every day and then uses that information to predict the weather, manage fish, and conduct many other critical activities. Visit the NOAA Silver Spring, campus for all kinds of of free, fun activities, including engaging talks by NOAA experts, interactive exhibits, and hands-on activities for ages 5 and up. Meet and talk with scientists, weather forecasters, hurricane hunters, and others who work to understand our environment, protect life and property, and conserve and protect natural resources. There are also special tours for ages 7 and up. Note: A government-issued photo ID is required for adults. Check the website for a list of acceptable forms of ID.

Mardi Gras Family Day
Where: Anacostia Community Museum | Anacostia, DC
When: Saturday, 11m – 4pm
Admission: Free
It’s the museum’s 50th anniversary, so they are pulling out all the stops at this event. For the first time ever, the museum will hold its annual Mardi Gras event in their own 2,500 square foot main gallery! That means more space for exciting art workshops, clowns, magicians, living statues, fortune tellers, face painting, balloon art, Marie Laveau (storyteller),  live music, a family-style “second-line” parade down Bourbon Street’s red carpet, vendor’s marketplace, food vendor and more! NOTE:  A shuttle will run to and from the Anacostia Metro Station (green line) every half hour from 10:45am to 4:30pm — it meets across the street from the Metro Station in the Shannon Place circle.

African American Pioneers in Aviation and Space
Where: Udvar-Hazy Center | Chantilly, VA
When: Saturday, 10am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Each February, Black History Month, the National Air & Space Museum celebrates the significant contributions African Americans have made to flight and space exploration. Join them on Saturday at the Chantilly arm of the museum for presentations, hands-on activities, and stories. Learn about African American astronauts, pilots, and scientists of the past and present and their accomplishments. Listen to guest speakers share their personal tales of triumph. It’s a day of activities that will challenge families to be pioneers in space and aviation!

More Black History Month Events
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
February is Black History Month, and there are events and activities throughout the DC area to celebrate it. Museum programs (including an entire museum!), special tours and exhibits, story time sessions, and more will be enlightening and fun for all ages. See where they’re all happening here.

Ice It
Where: Ice rinks around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
In the spirit of the Olympics, get out on the ice! Practice your triple lutzes and camel spins or work on giving Maame Biney some competition. If it’s raining, skate indoors at Fort Dupont Ice Arena in DC, Cabin John or Herbert Wells Ice Rinks in Maryland, or Kettler in Ballston. Head outside if it’s nice: Enjoy art as you skate at the Sculpture Garden; skim over the meandering paths at Canal Park; circle the rink at Washington Harbour; glide along the area’s newest rink at The Wharf, or do some shopping then skate at Pentagon Row, Tyson’s Corner, Veteran’s Plaza, Rockville Town Square, or Reston Town Center. This post has details on all these ice skating options in the area.

Gear Drive & FREE Boogie Babes
Where: The Residences at Eastern Market | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 12pm
Admission: Free
Donate baby gear you no longer need to a family in need and stay to boogie down! On Saturday morning, bring your gently used strollers, pack-n-plays, and baby carriers to The Residences at Eastern Market and contribute to the Greater DC Diaper Bank’s Nursery Project. Plan to stay and enjoy a FREE weekend Boogie Babes concert by Rainbow Rock!

Chinese New Year Celebration
Where: Smithsonian American Art Museum | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Saturday, 11:30am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Help “awaken the lion” and ring in the New Year! Enjoy a variety of activities and demonstrations including traditional paper cutting, an art scavenger hunt, building red lanterns, and panda-themed crafts. Performances by special guest artists from Chengdu, China, will include traditional music, Sichuan Opera, and acrobatics. Don’t miss out on Chinese food and beverage specials in the Courtyard Café.

Family Day: The Arctic Melt
Where: National Academy of Sciences | Downtown DC
When: Saturday, 11am – 4pm
Admission: Free
Join Cultural Programs of the National Academy of Sciences (CPNAS) and the Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (SEEC) for a day of family fun discovering the Arctic landscape and its inhabitants. Through hands-on activities, children and families will explore Diane Tuft’s stunning photography exhibit, The Arctic Melt: Images of a Disappearing Landscape, and make connections to the Arctic environment, climate change, and conservation. Participants are encouraged to bring an old t-shirt to make a reusable shopping bag. National Academy of Sciences is located at 2101 Constitution Avenue NW.

Show Time
Where: Theatres around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
* It’s opening weekend for Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day at Adventure Theatre
* See a couple of classics on stage as BlackRock Center for Performing Arts presents Goodnight Moon & Runaway Bunny
* Digging up Dessa, recommended for ages 10+ is at the Kennedy Center
* The Prince and the Pauper – A Bollywood Tale is on the Imagination Stage
* This weekend is the last chance to see Tales of Beatrix Potter at The Puppet Co.
* And Snow Show is their featured Tiny Tots performance for littles
* Reserve free tickets for Gemini Children’s Theatre:Little Mermaid’s Pollution Solution, this week’s Saturday morning at the National performance.
* Little ones will love Inside Out at Imagination Stage

Date Night Theatre
Where: Sidney Harman Hall & Arena Stage | Penn Quarter & Southwest, DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Ticket prices vary
If you’re looking for entertainment sans kids, here are a couple of recommendations: Hamlet is Shakespeare Theatre Company’s current production, and this modern version puts an interesting spin on the classic. At Arena Stage, Sovereignty highlights the history, struggles, and truths of the Cherokee Nation in this play that’s also part of the Women’s Voices Theater Festival. (PS: Both shows could be enjoyed by older kids, too, about middle school ages and up, just be aware that Hamlet runs nearly three hours.)

As the Wheel Turns
Where: Peirce Mill | Rock Creek Park, DC
When: Saturday & Sunday, 12pm
Admission: Free
Learn about the power of water and its connection to food on a mill tour with Friends of Peirce Mill or a National Park Service Ranger at this historic site in Rock Creek Park. Ages are welcome to drop in. Read more about Peirce Mill in this KFDC post.

Warming Stories
Where: National Gallery of Art | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 10:30am & Sunday, 11:30am
Admission: Free
Join the National Gallery of Art for a cozy winter weekend of animated shorts from Weston Woods Studios, where books come to life through film. This program includes Ezra Jack Keats’s The Snowy Day, Leo Lionni’s Frederick, Jane Yolen’s Owl Moon, Ed Young’s Seven Blind Mice, Mac Barnett’s Extra Yarn, and Peter H. Reynolds’s The North Star.

Chocolate: From Blossom to Beverage
Where: National Museum of the American Indian | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday & Sunday, 10am – 5:30pm
Admission: Free
So, it’s not a Valentine’s Day activity, per se, but the timing of this festival focusing on chocolate likely isn’t a coincidence. Join the NMAI to celebrate one of the world’s most beloved foods. Hear the stories of cacao, help create an interactive mural telling the story of chocolate, enjoy music of the marimba, and learn about the process of turning cacao into chocolate.

College Hoops
Where: Universities around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Ticket prices vary
With so many colleges in the area, there’s always some good NCAA basketball going on during the season — and it’s a really fun time for families. Here are some games to catch this weekend:
* Maryland men vs. Northwestern on Saturday at 12pm (Go, Terps!)
* American men vs. Lehigh on Saturday at 2pm
* George Mason vs. GWU on Saturday at 4pm
* GWU women vs. Dayton on Sunday at 12pm
* George Mason women vs. UMass on Sunday at 2pm

Lunar New Year Celebration
Where: Freer|Sackler Gallery | National Mall, DC
When: Sunday, 11am – 5pm
Admission: Free
Ring in the Year of the Dog with the museum dedicated to Asian at their fourth annual Lunar New Year celebration! Discover the richness of arts and culture in Sichuan Province, home to China’s beloved giant pandas. Experience interactive food and art demonstrations, live acrobatic and puppetry performances, and creations by local and international artists. And enjoy the six reimagined Chinese art exhibitions in the Freer and the innovative Resound: Ancient Bells of China in the Sackler.

5th Annual Waterfowl Festival
Where: Black Hill Visitors Center | Boyds, MD
When: Sunday, 12-4pm
Admission: Free
Bring the whole family for a day filled with activities, demonstrations and exhibits to celebrate the wondrous water birds that call Little Seneca Lake home. Enjoy an original DUCKumentary, lectures on bird conservation, gorgeous carved wood decoys made right before your eyes and make-and-create opportunities for even the littlest birders. Join guided birding excursions to catch a glimpse of marine ducks, swans and maybe even the Black Hill bald eagles!

Mid-Winter Play Day
Where: Takoma Park Community Center | Takoma Park, MD
When: Sunday, 1-4pm
Admission: Free
Put some play in your Sunday afternoon with Let’s Play Takoma and the Takoma Park Recreation Department. The variety of indoor entertainment will hokey pokey dancing, board games and crafts, and at least 20 more activities for all ages.

The Ins & Outs of DC
Where: Around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
Weather will lkely factor into your weekend planning so these posts will come in handy. The Great Indoors lists 90 ideas for places to go inside. And The Best Places in the DC Area to Enjoy a Beautiful Day Outdoors with the Kids, well, the title really says it all.

***MORE GOOD STUFF TO KNOW***
* Get a discount to Something Rotten at The National Theatre — use the code BARD for seats starting at $39 each!
* If you’re looking for kids classes and camps for summer, spring break, after school, even weekends, check the Classes & Camps section of the site, where you can find links to all classes and camps that have been featured on KFDC!
* Current Boutique is a great place to consign and secondhand shop for women’s clothes. Three Four locations in the area — Alexandria, Arlington, Bethesda, and 14th Street.
* Just finished binge watching this on Netflix and might watch it again, it was that good.

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Filed under 2018, All ages, Annual, Art, DC, Educational, Exhibit, Free, Holidays, Indoor Play, Live Entertainment, Maryland, Movies, Museums, Outdoor, Seasonal, Sports, Theatre, Virginia, Weekend, Winter

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January 25, 2018 · 8:16 pm

The Weekend Round-Up:
January 26-28

Learning some ninja moves at last year’s SpyFest




Both big special events going and lower key activities are among the happenings around town over the next few days. There will also be warmer temps and sunshine (yay!), so be sure to keep the round-up of the best outdoor places handy, too. Happy Weekend!

Washington Auto Show
Where: Washington Convention Center | Mount Vernon Square, DC
When: Friday, 12-10pm; Saturday, 10am -10pm; Sunday 10am – 7pm
Admission: $12/adult, $5/age 6-12, free/5 & under
The annual Washington Auto Show has zoomed back into town. And if there’s any “grown-up” event that is equally fun for all ages, this is it. The Auto Show is like a Truck Touch, but with automobiles — more than 600 of them — on display for guests to check out. Other activities like Ride ‘n Drives and celeb appearances give guests even more to do and see. There will also be fun especially for kids and pop-ins by some of their favorite characters along with the sweet rides. The show will be in town through February 4. This post about one of our experiences at a past show has more about what to expect.

Spy Fest: A Kidspy Family Festival
Where: International Spy Museum | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Friday, 6-9pm
Admission: $14
Do you have the savvy to beat a lie-detector? The smarts to break a top secret coded message? The wits to create secret writing? The moves of a Ninja? Families are invited to find out how they measure up at the Museum’s Annual Spy Fest. Mini-missions, tradecraft demonstrations by the experts, and the chance to try spy skill challenges will give KidSpy agents and their handlers an insider’s peek into the shadow world of spying — and who knows, there just may be a spy or two in your midst! (FYI: We had a super fun time at this event last year!)

Monster Jam
Where: Capital One Arena | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Saturday & Sunday
Tickets: $15-45
The world’s largest and most famous monster truck tour featuring the biggest names in monster trucks will thunder its way into DC. Blue Thunder, El Toro Loco, Grave Digger, Max-D, Megalodon, Monster Mutt Rottweiler, Wonder Woman, and Zombie are among the vehicular beasts you’ll see tearing up the indoor terrain this year.

Discover the Dinosaurs
Where: DC Armory | SE DC
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: $14-52
In this interactive dinosaur exhibit, trek back to the Jurassic and experience enormous, realistic prehistoric dinosaurs and other epic creatures! Look out for the T-rex skeleton on the loose, meet a baby dino, and enjoy stage events and family challenge games. There may even be sharks and dragons, too (varies by venue).

Saturday Morning at the National
Where: National Theatre | Downtown DC
When: Saturday 9:30am & 11am
Admission: Free
Reserve free tickets for this week’s free performance: Beech Tree Puppets’ Hollow Stump, a show that celebrates community, as the animals learn to share one space. Recommended ages 4 to 10 years, a limited amount of walk-up tickets will also be available on-site on the day of the show if reserved tickets sell out.

Winter Blast! A Family Weekend of Native Games
Where: National Museum ofthe American Indian
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: Free
Learn to play Native games from across the Western Hemisphere in celebration of winter. These games teach mental and physical skills that are important to all people. Join Jeremy Red Eagle (Sisseton Wahpeton) from the International Traditional Games Society as he shares games of intuition and chance played in his community. Other games include the Miami-style moccasin game, string games, and Inuit yo-yos. Play traditional Hawaiian games, including Pala’ie (a ball and hoop game), konane (“Hawaiian checkers”), hu (a spinning game with kukui nut tops), and more.

Puppet Entertainment
Where: The Puppet Co. | Glen Echo, MD
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $6-12
Tales of Beatrix Potter is on the Main Stage at the puppet theatre in Glen Echo Park. Recommended for ages 3-9, showtimes are 11:30am and 1pm on both Saturday & Sunday. At 10am, really little ones can enjoy Magic Toyshop, this weekend’s featured Tiny Tots show, where the lights stay on and doors stay open for an atmosphere suited to small fries.

Inside Out
Where: Imagination Stage | Bethesda, MD
When: Saturday & Sunday, 10am & 11:15pm
Admission: $14
In this interactive show recommended for ages 1-5, children can discover the joy of turning things inside out! It’s bedtime, but instead of getting ready, two children use their imaginations to turn their room into a wonderland of mess! While playing dress-up, a glove becomes a dancing fish, a shirt becomes a fantastic creature, and a sock dance rocks the closet.

There’s No Food like My Food
Where: National Gallery of Art | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 10:30am & Sunday, 11:30am
Admission: Free
This delicious collection of short documentary films features food from around the world. Hear firsthand from child narrators how they and their families prepare traditional dishes. This program features food from France, Argentina, Trinidad, Thailand, and Kazakhstan. Learn that how food is gathered, prepared, and eaten reflects the unique culture and history of a particular location. Recommended for ages 6 and up.

Family Workshop: Musical Innovations
Where: Freer|Sackler Gallery | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 11am – 12:30pm & 1:30-3pm
Admission: Free
What kind of music did people listen to thousands of years ago? Visit the exhibition Resound: Ancient Bells of China and learn about the technologies that led to innovations in early Chinese music. Then, return to the studio to create your own cutting-edge music makers using twenty-first-century technologies with teaching artists from FutureMakers. This program is designed for children aged 1-12 and adults to enjoy together. Register in advance here.

Portrait Stories & Discoveries
Where: National Portrait Gallery | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Saturday & Sunday, 1-4pm
Admission: Free
Drop in at the Portrait Gallery to listen to a story about attorney and women’s rights activist, Belva Ann Lockwood, and complete a hands-on activity. When you’re done there, pick up a Portrait Discovery Kit to explore the museum (and the American Art Museum housed in the same building). For more about the program, see this post about a past experience and this one with scenes from a very recent visit.

Coco & Lunch
Where: Arlington Cinema Draft House | Arlington, VA
When: Saturday, 12:45pm & Sunday, 1:15pm
Admission: $8 (plus food & drinks)
Catch an Oscar nominated flick and enjoy a good meal at a screening of Coco at the Draft House! If you haven’t seen the movie, it’s a great one to watch with kids. The animation is as beautiful as the story is clever and heartwarming. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Polar Bear Plunge
Where: Sandy Point State Park | Annapolis, MD
When: Saturday, 8am – 2pm
Admission: $75 to plunge, free to spectate
If you want to take a quick dip in the cold, cold Chesapeake Bay for a good cause or want to watch others endure a frigid swim, head toward the Bay Bridge on Saturday for the 22nd Annual Polar Bear Plunge. All ages can participate in this event that raises funds for Special Olympics Maryland. And you can still donate if you don’t want to plunge in.

Parallel Universe
Where: ARTECHOUSE | Southwest DC
When: Through March 4
Admission:$8/child, $15/adult
The newest exhibit at the gallery that specializes in creative works that merge art and technology just opened, and it’s as wild and immersive as the last few. Parallel Universe by Ouchhh is, as they put it, “a psychedelic, eye-of-the-storm experience of whirling fractals and light beams.” Guests of all ages are welcome, but it’s recommended for 12 and up, and I agree with that. It’s kind of like a rave minus the drugs and the dancing with trippy visuals, flashing lights, and loud thumping music. A cool experience, but maybe not for everyone, especially children who might be sensitive to a lot of stimuli. Take older kids or consider it for a KidFree outing when you can enjoy the funky cocktails, too!

Ice It
Where: Ice rinks around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
Get out and practice your triple lutzes and camel spins! (The Winter Olympics is just a couple of weeks away!) Enjoy art as you skate at the Sculpture Garden; skim over the meandering paths at Canal Park; circle the rink at Washington Harbour; glide along the area’s newest rink at The Wharf, or do some shopping then skate at Pentagon Row, Tyson’s Corner, Veteran’s Plaza, Rockville Town Square, or Reston Town Center. This post has details on both alfresco and indoor ice skating options in the area.

College Hoops
Where: Universities around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Ticket prices vary
With so many colleges in the area, there’s always some good NCAA basketball going on during the season — and it’s a really fun time for families. Here are some games to catch this weekend:
* GWU women vs. St. Louis on Saturday at 12pm
* American women vs. Colgate on Saturday at 2pm
* George Mason men vs. Virginia Commonwealth on Saturday at 2pm
* Maryland men vs. Michigan State on Sunday at 1pm (Go, Terps!)
* George Mason women vs. Fordham on Sunday at 2pm

Date Night Theatre
Where: Sidney Harman Hall & Arena Stage | Penn Quarter & Southwest, DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Ticket prices vary
If you’re looking for something to do sans kids, consider a night at the theatre! Hamlet is Shakespeare Theatre company’s current production, and this modern version puts an interesting spin on the classic. At Arena Stage, Sovereignty highlights the history, struggles, and truths of the Cherokee Nation in this play that’s also part of the Women’s Voices Theater Festival.

Hit the Slopes
Where: Ski resorts near the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies
Take advantage of winter and enjoy a quintessential seasonal activity — skiing! Liberty Mountain and Whitetail Resort are two of the more convenient places to go with the kids, especially if they are newbies. Just over an hour from DC in PA, both are easy to get to for a one-day venture on the slopes, the runs aren’t too difficult, and kids can do a couple of hours of ski school (be sure to sign up in advance). Get the scoop on their children’s programs here and here.

***MORE GOOD STUFF TO KNOW***
* This KFDC post is a good one to keep in your back pocket during the winter.
* Bright Horizons at Commerce Metro in Reston will be hosting a free Open House all next week.
* Check out The Atlantic’s list of the 50 Best podcasts of 2017 — so many good ones!
* This looks like it will be a fun home design project to follow. Plus, you can enter a contest to win a getaway to the finished house!
* Don’t forget to enter for a chance to win a Family 4-Pack of tickets to see Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day” at Adventure Theatre!

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Filed under 2018, All ages, Annual, DC, Educational, Exhibit, Free, Indoor Play, Live Entertainment, Maryland, Movies, Museums, Outdoor, Seasonal, Special Event, Sports, Theatre, Virginia, Weekend, Winter

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January 18, 2018 · 8:40 pm

The Weekend Round-Up: January 19-21

HBD to this amazing kid



Twelve years ago tonight I was lounging on the sofa, my belly huge and my back aching. Project Runway was on TV, and there was probably an empty container of Ben & Jerry’s on the coffee table in front me. Just three and a half weeks from my due date, I was taking advantage of the best excuse to indulge in some not-so-guilty pleasures. And that’s when I felt a little…pop. Like, right below where the baby was hanging out. I wasn’t sure what to think since it wasn’t anything close to the stories I’d heard that make it sound like a dam breaking. So, Levi and I called the doctor, but couldn’t reach her (turned out the pager was off?). So, we called the doula, who told us to head to the hospital, just in case. Long story short, the next day… Matthew was born! (Haha. See, we hadn’t yet decided on a name, because we thought we still had over three weeks to go, and Matthew was the front-runner at that time. But after one day with our baby boo, we knew that wasn’t the right one for him.) Needless to say, I never got to hear Heidi announce who was in and who was out that night. But it didn’t matter because we had our own winner: Owen, not only are you “in,” you are an amazing classic that will never, ever go out of style.

Hey, I warned you guys a couple of weeks ago that it’s birthday season. 🙂 Happy Weekend! And a very Happy Birthday to my sweet O.

*Saturday Update: If you’re wondering how the government shutdown will impact your weekend plans, it most likely won’t very much. National parks will remain open (though staff for concession stands, restroom maintenance, etc., will not be working, so plan accordingly). Smithsonian Museums and the National Zoo will be open through Sunday Monday.

Travel & Adventure Show
Where: Washington Convention Center
When: Saturday, 10am – 5pm & Sunday, 11am – 4pm
Admission: $16/adults, free for 16 and under
Get travel inspiration, experience culture, and have fun! A big expo like this might sound like a grown-up affair, but a bunch of cool pursuits will thrill the kids, too. Besides the hundreds of travel providers and destinations featured, there will be cultural performances, Segway rides, camel rides (!), a rock climbing wall, “worldly” photo ops, and kids games.

Family Afternoon: Pop Up Forts
Where: National Building Museum | Judiciary Square, DC
When: Saturday, 11am – 2pm
Admission: Free
Construct an awe-inspiring fort from newspapers. Find out how a triangle’s strong shape can brace your structure and keep your fort standing longer. Create tetrahedral caverns small enough for one or big enough for your entire clan. Little ones can explore how to build forts all year round, even in the cold winter months, during a story time with local Megan Wagner Lloyd. Enjoy a reading of her children’s book, Fort Building Time, and then pick up your very own copy in the Museum Shop.

Saturday Morning at The National
Where: National Theatre | Downtown DC
When: Saturday 9:30am & 11am
Admission: Free
The awesome free theatre program for kids returns this weekend with a local fave: Rocknoceros! Get ready to twist, shake, rattle, and roll as they get the whole family on their feet dancing to upbeat tunes. Advance tickets are gone, but a limited amount of walk-up tickets will be available on-site on the day of the show–arrive 30 minutes prior to performance time to take a place in the “Stand-by line.”

Women’s March on Washington: March On the Polls
Where: Starts at Lincoln Memorial | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 11am – 2pm
Admission: Free
On the anniversary weekend of last year’s historic Women’s March, March On The Polls DC is part of the larger #WeekendOfWomen, with sister marches being planned in 30+ cities and localities all across the country. Women and allies will once again take to the streets of the nation’s capitol to make a powerful statement to the current administration and the rest of the world. This follow-up to the largest demonstration in U.S. history, will commence at the Reflecting Pool in front of the Lincoln Memorial at 11am, where March Forward Virginia will host a rally showcasing several speakers followed by a march on the White House.

Check It Out: A Library & Pop-Up
Where: Hirshhorn Museum | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 10:30am
Admission: Free
This new program at the Hirshhorn helps children experience the Museum. Find the cart in the galleries and check out a fun kit full of favorite finds for kids. Each kit is an art-meets-reading adventure with a special theme, children’s book, suggested artworks for viewing, and hands-on art making materials.

DC by Foot
Where: Various locations around DC & VA
When: Ongoing
Admission: Name your own price!
It may have been a little too chilly last weekend for this, but the next few days will be a great time to get out and explore the city. DC by Foot offers a variety of walking tour options throughout the area, the National Mall tour said to be most appealing for kids. Along with learning about the history of the sites, guests can also enjoy scavenger hunts and trivia. And tours are name-your-own-price, so you pay at the end what you think the tour was worth.

Hand Made Shows
Where: The Puppet Co. | Glen Echo, MD
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $6-12
It’s opening weekend for Tales of Beatrix Potter at the puppet theatre in Glen Echo Park. Recommended for ages 3-9, showtimes are 11:30am and 1pm on both Saturday & Sunday. At 10am, really little ones can enjoy Winter Wonderland , this weekend’s featured Tiny Tots show, where the lights stay on and doors stay open for an atmosphere suited to small fries.

Mr. Jon & Friends
Where: Jammin Java | Vienna, VA
When: Saturday, 10:30am
Admission: $8, $25/Family of 4
Catch a family-friendly concert on Saturday morning. Mr. Jon & Friends makes music for kids and their families that inspires fun, laughter, and dancing. Full juice, smoothie, acai bowl, and coffee menu will also be available.

Paint Build Create!
Where: Fairlington Community Center | Arlington, VA
When: Saturday, 11am – 2pm
Admission: Free
Join the Arlington County Department of Parks and Rec for day of creative exploration at our second annual Paint, Build, Create event! Guests of all ages can enjoy a variety of free activities, including art-making projects, a cardboard build room, a nutrition activity, a teen lounge and senior projects. Some activities require pre-registration.

Bonsai or a Big Tree?
Where: National Arboretum | Northeast DC
When: Saturday, 11am – 1pm
Admission: $25 per child/adult pair
Every tree seedling has its fate, and in this workshop, you can learn how that fate is determined. One adult and one child will have a special day together as they work as lab partners, using their “scientist eyes” to observe details and make comparisons. We’ll learn about plant physiology, ecosystems and bonsai history, too.  At the close of class, each research team will receive a seedling whose fate they will decide. Will your tree go through the rigorous training to become a bonsai or will you plant it outdoors in spring to grow up wild, big and free?  Be sure to bring warm coats since we will be in an open exhibit area for part of the workshop. This activity is not recommended for participants under the age of 8, and is geared to children in the third and fourth grades. Due to limited classroom space, strollers can’t be accommodated. Registration is required. 

Bilingual Education Fair of DC
Where: Thurgood Marshall Center | Shaw, DC
When: Saturday, 1-5pm
Admission: Free
The Fair is the premier event in the DC region for families, educators, and community members to discover multilingual education options, personalized technologies, fun language resources, and how to bring bilingual education to your community. Hear from educators, exhibitors, and fellow parents about why, how, and where to foster multilingualism in your kids. And bring your kids for free fun multicultural activities while you visit over 40 exhibitors!

Portrait Story Days
Where: National Portrait Gallery | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Saturday & Sunday, 1-4pm
Admission: Free
Drop in at the Portrait Gallery to listen to a story about Thomas Edison and complete a hands-on activity. When you’re done there, pick up a Portrait Discovery Kit to explore the museum (and the American Art Museum housed in the same building). For more about the program, see this post about a past experience and this one with scenes from a very recent visit.

Parallel Universe
Where: ARTECHOUSE | Southwest DC
When: Through
Admission:
The newest exhibit at the gallery that specializes in art that merges art and technology just opened, and it’s as wild and immersive as the last few. Parallel Universe by Ouchhh is, as they put it, “a psychedelic, eye-of-the-storm experience of whirling fractals and light beams.” Guests of all ages are welcome, but it’s recommended for 12 and up, and I agree with that. It’s kind of like a rave minus the drugs and the dancing with trippy visuals, flashing lights, and loud thumping music. A cool experience, but maybe not for everyone, especially children who might be sensitive to a lot of stimuli.

Recreation on Ice
Where: Ice rinks around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
Get out and practice your triple lutzes and camel spins! After all, the Winter Olympics is just a few weeks away. 😉 Enjoy art as you skate at the Sculpture Garden; skim over the meandering paths at Canal Park; circle the rink at Washington Harbour; glide along the area’s newest rink at The Wharf, or do some shopping then skate at Pentagon Row, Tyson’s Corner, Veteran’s Plaza, Rockville Town Square, or Reston Town Center. This post has details on both alfresco and indoor ice skating options in the area.

Jumpin’ January Dance Party
Where: Kensington Town Hall | Kensington, MD
When: Sunday, 3-5pm
Admission: $5 ($20 max per family)
Families are invited to a dance party to kick off the 125th birthday year of the Noyes Children’s Library in Kensington, MD. The event will include crafts, a reading room, and dancing led by A-Squad Entertainment. Admission is $5 per person ($20 max per family). RSVP on Facebook.

Laurie Berker
Where: Gordon Center for Performing Arts | Owings Mills, MD
When: January 21, 11:30am & 3pm
Tickets: $15/child, $25/adult advance; $20/child $30/adult at door
Children’s music fave Laurie Berkner is bringing her Greatest Hits Solo Tour to the DC area for two shows on Sunday. A true pioneer in children’s music, beloved by generations of children and parents for over twenty years, she’ll be playing well-loved hits like “Bumblebee (Buzz Buzz),” “Victor Vito,” “We Are The Dinosaurs,” and “Pig on Her Head” along with songs like “Bicycle,” “Bubbles,” and “I’ve Got So Much To Give” from her recent album, Superhero. Kids should plan to bring their dancing shoes and a stuffed animal (for their heads). (Note: We took a toddler Owen to one of Laurie’s shows years ago, and it was so much fun! Dare I admit I actually knew the words to almost every song?!)

Step Afrika! Step Xplosion
Where: Strathmore | Bethesda, MD
When: Sunday, 5pm
Tickets: $35-75
Step Afrika!’s fourth annual showcase at Strathmore is going to be big! The show integrates songs, storytelling, and humor into a highly entertaining, interactive performance as percussive dance styles historically practiced by African American fraternities and sororities and African traditional dance and art forms come together. If you’ve never seen Step Afrika! before, this is a great opportunity to be wowed and elated. And if you have seen them, then you already know what a treat it is!

Think Outside
Where: Around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
Take advantage of rising temps and enjoy some time outside. You’ve got your pick of places around the DC-Metro for outdoor adventures. Take a hike, hit a playground, explore a garden, visit animals, or see what else there is to do al fresco in this post with tons of ideas for outdoor fun.

The Inside Scoop
Where: Around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
If you’d prefer to spend the day indoors, or just want more options for activities around town, this post lists more than 90 suggestions for things to do.

***MORE GOOD STUFF TO KNOW***
* This coming Thursday, January 25, 6-8pm, the JO Wilson Elementary PTA is hosting their FREE 4th Annual Summer Camp Fair! Over 50 camp exhibitors will be there representing summer programs ranging from traditional camps to academic, arts, music, sports, early childhood, and special interest camps.
* You only have a week left to see Murder is Her Hobby at the Renwick Gallery. It’s a fascinating exhibit that features dollhouse-sized recreations of real murder scenes that are actually used in forensics training. For obvious reasons, I recommend this one for older kids (teens or mature middle schoolers) or a KidFree outing.
* Save seats for upcoming shows! The round-up of live entertainment around DC this winter has details on what’s coming to local stages over the next couple of months.
* This blog post has a good round-up of various viewpoints (plus, hundreds of thoughtful comments) on one of the biggest stories of the past week.
* This one was always a favorite.

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Filed under 2018, All ages, Art, DC, Educational, Exhibit, Free, Indoor Play, Live Entertainment, Maryland, Museums, Music, Outdoor, Seasonal, Special Event, Theatre, Virginia, Weekend, Winter

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January 16, 2018 · 12:16 pm

Giveaway: Monster Jam Triple Threat Series is Coming to DC!



Unexpected, unscripted and unforgettable, the Monster Jam Triple Threat Series takes center stage in the world’s most iconic venues like Capital One Arena (formerly Verizon Center), sporting meticulously manicured dirt tracks created with the sole purpose of pushing perfectly engineered, larger-than-life trucks to the limit.

Featuring the eight most intense participants of Monster Jam, you can witness a fierce battle for the championship with each competitor using customized high-powered vehicles — Monster Jam Speedsters, Monster Jam ATVs, and the famous Monster Jam trucks. The world-class athletes vying to be this year’s Washington, DC, champion are: Wonder Woman, Grave Digger, Blue Thunder, Max D, El Toro Loco, Zombie, Monster Mutt Rottweiler, and Megalodon.

This will all go down Saturday, January 27, at 1pm & 7pm and Sunday, January 28, at 1pm at the Capital One Arena. Ticket prices range from $15 – 35 and are available for purchase on Ticketmaster. You can also opt to add on The Pit Party for $10 — on both days from 10:30am – 12:00pm, fans have the opportunity to get up close and personal to the Monster Jam trucks and drivers.

Don’t miss a chance to win tickets to the January 27 – 1pm show in the giveaway below!

* * * * *

Giveaway: For a chance to win a Family 4-pack of tickets Monster Jam at the Capital One Arena on January 27 at 1pm, simply leave a comment below telling me what you would name your Monster Jam vehicle — make it as creative or simple as you want! Get an extra chance to win by commenting on the KidFriendly DC Facebook Page, too. This giveaway will run through Thursday, January 18 at 8pm, then a winner will be drawn at random and notified shortly thereafter. Good luck!

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January 4, 2018 · 7:43 pm

The Weekend Round-Up: January 5-7

Happy Birthday to my favorite girl!



It’s that time of year when I get a little sappy with my posts: Birthday Season. (That’s right, we do Chanukah, Christmas, New Year’s, Sasha’s big day, then Owen’s, so it’s like a non-stop celebration from early December on.) Anyway, I have to include a special shout-out along with these weekend recs. After all, my girl is a huge part of the inspiration for this blog and key to making our adventures — and life — more fun. She is as tough and determined as she is giggly and girly. She wears cowgirl boots with athletic clothes. She’s keenly observant and remembers every detail, like the color of the house we stayed in at the Outer Banks 6 years ago. Math and art are her favorite subjects in school. Sometimes she says her brother is her best friend (and sometimes it really seems like it). Her laugh makes me laugh, and even better, she’s generous with it. And although she now prefers Sash, she’ll always be my sweet Sashi.

Aaand now that my indulgence is out of the way, on with the round-up. Happy Weekend! (And a very happy birthday to my sweet Sashi.)

Insider Info
Where: Around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
Frigid, blustery weather is in the forecast, so you might need extra ideas for indoor outings. Burn some energy at an indoor playground, visit a museum, go bowling, this post has nearly 100 suggestions for activities and places inside, most them mainstays around DC, and just about all of them tried and tested by the Team KFDC.

NSO in Your Neighborhood
Where: Around DC
When: Through January 8
Admission: Free
The annual program that brings free chamber music, orchestral concerts, and educational events throughout a different neighborhood each year is back, this year celebrating the Downtown/Penn Quarter and Brookland/NoMa areas of our city. This weekend, see community performances at Shakespeare Theatre Company, National Portrait Gallery, National Building Museum, local libraries, Busboys & Poets and more spots around DC. View the website for details — there are many events that welcome all ages, and one particularly family-friendly concert is highlighted below.

NSO at the NBM
Where: National Building Museum | Judiciary Square, DC
When: Saturday, 11am
Admission: Free
Enjoy a free concert by National Symphony Orchestra musicians as part of the annual NSO in Your Neighborhood program. The performance also kicks off “1968: Shaping the District,” a year of programming and exhibitions at the Building Museum as part of the 50th anniversary of the events that took place in 1968.

Show Time
Where: Theatres around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
* See local youth dance ensembles from Joy of Motion perform for free on Friday evening at the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage
* Go Around the World in 80 Days with the American Pops at Arena Stage
* Enjoy one last weekend with Frosty the Snowman at Adventure Theatre!
* Say farewell to Charlotte’s Web at Imagination Stage, too.
* Celebrate the new year with The Great Zucchini at Jammin Java

Summer Camp Sampler
Where: Imagination Stage | Bethesda, MD
When: Saturday, 9:45am – 12:45pm
Admission: Free
Warm up on this cold weekend with thoughts of summer! Get an up-close and personal look at what summer camp is like at Imagination Stage – they promise you’ll have a blast. Sample camps are 20 minutes long, with the exception of longer drop-off Musical Production. Parents are encouraged to join the samplers for children in grades 2 or younger. Parents of campers in grades 3 or older are welcome to observe the sampler, but not required. Register for a sample class here. This is geared toward children aged 4 – Grade 12.

MAGFest
Where: National Harbor | Oxon Hill, MD
When: Thursday 2pm – Sunday, 2pm
Admission: Varies by day (ages 6-12 are 50% off)
This 4-day music and gaming festival is dedicated to the appreciation of video game music, gaming of all types, and the gaming community. Run by fans for fans, there are consoles, arcades, tabletop, LAN, live video game cover bands, chiptunes, vendors, guest speakers, and much much more to discover and enjoy.

hiSTORY time
Where: National Museum of American History | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 11am
Admission: Free
Early learners ages 0-6 and their caregivers will have the chance to hear a story and participate in hands-on activities and crafts inspired by objects from the museum’s collection at this bi-weekly program. The first and third Saturdays in January are all about the alphabet. Enjoy a letter filled story and engage in fun activities that encourage early alphabet learning.

Portrait Story Days
Where: National Portrait Gallery | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Saturday & Sunday, 1-4pm
Admission: Free
Drop in at the Portrait Gallery to listen to a story about American dance and choreographer, Martha Graham, and complete a hands-on activity. Of course, tour the collections while you’re there, and try to coordinate your visit, so you can catch a free concert presented by NSO in Your Neighborhood (see above). Read more about the museum and the program for kids here.

Nature’s Calling
Where: Nature centers around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
Get a dose of the outside world in the comfort of the warm indoors at a nature center. There are several great ones around the area that offer lots of cool exhibits along with fun programs. Check out Buddie Ford Nature Center in Alexandria, Rock Creek in the park, Watkins in Upper Marlboro, Potomac Overlook and Long Branch in Arlington, or Brookside in Wheaton.

Ice It
Where: Ice skating rinks around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by rink
Get out and glide to stay active and warm up outdoors on a cold winter day! Enjoy art as you skate at the Sculpture Garden; circle the rink at Washington Harbour; skate over the Anacostia at The Wharf; meander the paths at Canal Park; 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. And note Washington Harbor hosts Cartoon Skate on Saturday morning!

La Galette des Rois
Where: Bonjour Mama | Kensington, MD
When: Saturday, 11m – 12pm
Admission: $7
Celebrate the traditional Galette des Rois at the Bonjour Mama French Bookstore! The wonderful Achille Ango will be there to lead songs and stories before indulging in the galette. Whoever finds the fève will be King or Queen for the day! (Galette slices are for children only.)

(W)Hoop it Up!
Where: Colleges around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Ticket prices vary
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 good time for families. Here are some games to catch this weekend:
* Georgetown women vs. Butler on Friday at 7pm
* GWU men vs. Rhode Island on Saturday at 4pm
* American women vs. Navy on Friday at 7pm
* Howard women vs. Bethune-Cookman on Saturday at 2pm
* Howard men vs. Bethune-Cookman on Saturday at 4pm
* Georgetown men vs. Creighton on Sunday at 6pm
* George Mason men vs. Davidson on Sunday at 12pm
* GWU women vs. George Mason on Sunday at 6pm
* Maryland men vs. Iowa on Sunday at 8pm(Go, Terps!)

Live Wizardry
Where: Capitol One Arena | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Saturday, 8pm
Admission: Ticket prices vary
If you want to see the pros play, the Wizards are at home this weekend. Watch them take on the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday evening. And plan for dinner out in the Penn Quarter area to make the most of your time in neighborhood — there are tons of family-friendly eateries there.

Complimentary Community Day
Where: National Museum of Women in the Arts | Downtown, DC
When: Sunday, 12-5pm
Admission: Free
The first Sunday of every month is a great opportunity explore the National Museum of Women in the Arts when admission is FREE! Works span the centuries, from the 16th to the present in a variety of mediums, highlighting women artists all over the world. Currently on view is Magnetic Fields: Expanding American Abstraction, 1960s to Today, which places abstract works by multiple generations of black women artists in context with one another — and within the larger history of abstract art — for the first time.

Family Night at Millennium Stage
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: Sunday, 6pm
Admission: Free
The Kennedy Center free nightly entertainment is a special family program featured Joy of Motion Dance Center. Faculty member Kelly Kunst will lead a dance cardio and conditioning class, inspiring you to keep moving, build your endurance, and keep your resolutions in 2018. Limited seating/space available.

Big Screen Time
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by theater
This will be a great weekend to watch a movie in the comfort of a theater, and there are a bunch of good family flick to see right now. Here are quick links to them.
* Coco – We just saw this, and it was so good!
* Pitch Perfect 3 – We also saw this, and we all declared it our favorite of the series (FYI, it’s PG-13)
* Star Wars: The Lost Jedi – We still have’t seen (!), but everyone else seems to love it
* Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle – Also haven’t seen yet, but heard it’s really funny
* Ferdinand – Sounds cute for little ones
* The Greatest Showman – Heard it’s so-so, but entertaining enough

GLOW with It
Where: Throughout Georgetown, DC
When: Through January 7
Admission: Free
Bundle up to see Georgetown in a whole new light – literally. The neighborhood is twinkling for one last weekend with modern light art installations on exhibit throughout the bustling community. Works of local, regional, and international artists will be on display in both public and privately-owned spaces, including Washington Harbour, Georgetown Waterfront Park, Cady’s Alley, and more nearby places. Take the family dinner, then go for a stroll to check them all out. Read a KFDC write-up about last year’s GLOW.

***PLAN AHEAD***
Prospective Families Camp for New Elementary School
Where: Hill Center | Capitol Hill, DC
When: January 13-15
Admission: Free
A new elementary school is opening in SE DC next fall! Capitol Learning Academy is coming to Capitol Hill, and there will be a great opportunity to learn more about it next weekend, January 13-15. If you are applying, considering applying, or want to know more about how Capitol Learning Academy will work as a school, sign up to send your children to their weekend camp! Families are invited to sign up their children for 1, 2, or all 3 days of camp, stay and watch the sessions, and ask questions about the admissions process, school design, or anything else you would like to know in regards to the school. Camp is daily from 9am – 3pm at the Hill Center (921 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE) and will entail learning activities, recess, and a lunch break. It’s also FREE! To secure a spot, email alex@capitollearningacademy.org.

***MORE GOOD STUFF TO KNOW***
* The Mindful Ones, a new local tutoring company, brings a new approach to their work with children, combining mindfulness with STEAM education.
* The Acorns app is a neat, easy way to invest and save a little extra money. I just signed up myself (and, full disclosure, shared my referral link).
* This is a beautiful love story.
* Washington Post staff share some of their favorite take out spots, and a couple (Toki and Indigo) are among my faves, too!

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