Tag Archives: January 2021

The Weekend Round-Up: January 29-31

Seasonal fun on area slopes

 

Happy Weekend!

Hit the Slopes
Where: Around the region
When: Through winter
Admission: Varies
Skiing is a perfect, fun, active way to take advantage of winter — and there are a bunch of ski resorts within a few hours’ drive that are great for young, newbie skiers (and veteran swooshers, too). SkiPA is a good resource for finding slopes to suit your crew, and there are more resorts in other parts of the region. The closest for day trips are Liberty,  Whitetail, and Bryce.  Other places that are farther away but good to check out for longer trips are Roundtop,  Massanutten,  Wintergreen,  Seven Springs,  Hidden Valley,  Snowshoe,  Timberline, and Wisp.

Cool Hikes
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale

Bundle up and get out for a walk in the woods. Tramp in places with scenic views, hike and explore history at interesting locales, and savor a sunny day outdoors. This post has a a bunch of recommendations for good places to go with kids. And be sure to check out the brand new write-up about hiking the Underground Railroad Experience Trail at Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park.

Winter Weekend
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by place

For more ways to get during the Covid winter, this round-up is full of recs for activities that are accessible now. From hikes to art experiences to seasonal sports to garden explorations to year-round fun, there are all kinds of things to do that keep social distancing and safety in mind. All you really need are good layers and maybe a little extra outdoor gear.

Unity | Peace | Forward 
Where: The REACH | Kennedy Center, DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
The Kennedy Center just debuted a new art installation at The REACH. A response to this time of unprecedented challenges, Unity | Peace | Forward is a free exhibit in three parts scattered around the grounds. You can see it daily and stroll the lovely outdoor area while the KC is closed.  It gets a multimedia boost on Friday and Saturday evenings from 4:30–8:30pm, when a video of quotes from 65 artists around the world is projected on a Video Wall.  (It can also be viewed online at any time.) Get a glimpse on the Kennedy Center website.

Pajamuary
Where: Online
When: Friday, 4:30pm & Sunday, 9:30am
Admission:

It’s Pajamuary for the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington through the end of the month, and they’re hosting some virtual events especially for kiddos (recommended for ages 1-6). They’re also collecting new pajamas (all sizes) to donate to local organizations to help keep people in need warm and cozy this winter.  If you want to contribute, find your local drop-off point, or the place to mail them, here.  

Mission: Fun
Where: International Spy Museum | Southwest DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $24.95/age 13+, $14.95/7-12, free/6 & under

The Spy Museum has reopened its doors on weekends (Friday – Sunday). Explore the intriguing world of espionage with exhibits that are engaging for both kids and adults, including state-of-the-art multimedia installations and loads of cool interactives (used with stylus pens). Other Covid safety intel includes limited capacity, 100% outside air setting, floor markers for distancing, increased cleaning, and a few more measures.

Inside Info
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by place

Even more places are still welcoming visitors indoors, all of them with extra safety protocols in place. This post listing open venues around the area also includes museums that reopened but closed again due to rising covid rates. The current status is noted for all of them.

Nature Calling
Where: Parks around Fairfax County, VA
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity

There are new events from the Fairfax County Park Authority all the time, and this weekend has a fresh batch of nature-inspired activities for guests of all ages. Enjoy personalized family outdoor explorations at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park.  Join an Owl Campfire and Hike at Hidden Oaks Nature Center. Explore Winter Stream Life at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park on Sunday. Details and registration for these and many more nature activities this weekend and beyond are available here.

Recreation on Ice
Where: Ice rinks around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by rink

Glide under the sky and stars!  Several ice rinks are open for the season with Covid precautions in place for safe, socially distanced skating.  Pentagon Row,  Silver Spring at Veterans PlazaRockville Town Square, and Reston Town Center are once again welcoming guests to skate the day — and night — away.  The Color Burst Ice Rink at the Merriweather District in Columbia, MD, just started its inaugural skating season. And the ice rink at Cameron Run holiday Winter Village in Arlington is still open. [Note: You need advanced reservations at just about all of these places, so plan accordingly.]

Saturday Morning Live! At The National
Where: National Theatre | Online
When: Saturday, 9:30am
Admission: Free

The National Theatre is excited to present Life Now episode two: Fun With Feelings as a part of their Saturday Morning Live! virtual season on Facebook. Take a ride with the storytellers as they help Alvin understand strong feelings. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with lots of feelings, so we’ll discover the importance of listening to yourself and taking time to feel strong. Together we’ll channel thoughts into a peaceful new craft. See how a quick chat with friends can help remind you that you’re not alone in your feelings. Special guests include a lonely gray bird and Leo the Lion who talks to a friend about navigating big feelings. 

Picnic in the Park
Where: Acorn Urban Park | Silver Spring, MD
When: Saturday, 12-1:30pm & 2-3:30pm
Admission: $10-25

It may be cold outside, but this are heating up in Montgomery County! Chilly days make us crave warm food and a safe place to gather with friends. MoCo Parks is bringing firepits and patio heaters to the parks for Picnic in the Park Warm–Up Days. Bundle up and join us for a fun winter outing in the parks! Firepits can be reserved for a group of six people or fewer for 90 minutes for $25. A table for two with a patio heater can be reserved for 90-minutes for $10.

 

Magic of Community
Where: Online
When: Saturday, 7pm
Admission: Free, but donations encouraged

Enjoy a a special performance by celebrity magician Joel Meyers, as you help combat poverty and homelessness in Fairfax County. Magic of Community is an opportunity to learn about FACETS, a local organization that helps people who suffer from poverty. Attendees will be inspired as they renew their commitment to a Fairfax County where everyone has a place to call home. Register here.

Artful Conversations
Where: National Gallery of Art | Online
When: Sunday, 10am & 1:30pm
Admission: Free

The National Gallery of Art’s monthly Artful Conversations program has a couple of sessions this weekend. Recommended for kids ages 7–12, participants will explore Rozeal’s afro.died, T. (2011) and connect discoveries to music, all guided by DC-based DJ and multimedia artist Virtual Chicana. Register in advance!

Restaurant Week
Where: Around the DMV
When: Through February 7
Admission: The cost of your meal!

Enjoy a yummy meal as you support local businesses! Metropolitan Washington Restaurant Week is running through February 7. Specially priced meals for both dine-in and take-out are $22/lunch, $35/dinner, and $55/dinner (fancier, I assume). And if you’re taking out for two or more people, you can get even better deals — the $35 dinner menu is $60, $120 for four and the $55 dinner menu is $100 for two, $200 for four. Follow the above link to see participating restaurants and menus.

***MORE GOOD STUFF***
* DC Way is offering After-School Soccer programs for kid ages 4-7.
* I finally watched Bridgerton, and it’s as good (and steamy) as everyone says!
* Time to double up.
* An important topic to ponder.
* Funny (once I figured out what AITA meant).
* This Mazzy Star cover… wow.

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Filed under 2021, All ages, Coronavirus, COVID-19, DC, Maryland, Seasonal, Social Distancing, Virginia, Weekend, Winter

Five Things for Today: January 28, 2021

 

1. The National Children’s Museum is currently accepting applications from kids aged 7-12 to help host upcoming episodes of their podcast, STEAM Daydream with National Children’s Museum. Find instructions for applying here.  (PS: The museum is currently closed due to Covid, and was open only briefly before the pandemic began, but for more background on it — and what to expect when we can go back — see this KFDC post.)

 

2. Goldstar, the company that offered discount tickets for live entertainment and other events pre-Covid, has been presenting online performing arts and more virtual opportunities during this time instead. They have programs especially for children, including an online Comedy 4 Kids class, a free Lion King Education Experience, and a subscription to digital Performances for Young Audience from the Kennedy Center.

 

3. Finally?🤞

 

4. Get ready to howl tonight!

 

5. What a lovely friendship.

 

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Filed under 2021, All ages, Coronavirus, COVID-19, DC, Maryland, Social Distancing, Virginia, Winter

Five Things for Today: January 27, 2021

A bridge into the fortress at Fort Washington Park

 

 

1. A great place to get outside and get a glimpse of the past:  Fort Washington Park in Fort Washington, MD.  You can explore the historic remnants of the fortress dating back to 1824 — including bastions and barracks and cannons — within the grounds and enjoy beautiful views along the Potomac River. Hours are 9am – 4:30pm. Admission is $10/vehicle to the park, free to Fort Washington. 

 

2.  The National Gallery of Art has new Artful Conversations starting today.  During these sessions of the free family program (recommended for kids ages 7–12), participants will explore Rozeal’s afro.died, T. (2011) and connect discoveries to music, all guided by DC-based DJ and multimedia artist Virtual Chicana.   Register in advance — sessions take place today at 4pm,  tomorrow at 4pm, and on Sunday, January 31, at 10am1pm.

 

3. Did you know REI offers all kinds of classes outdoor recreation classes and events?  See what’s coming up locally, including How to Ride a Bike for Kids on several dates in March.

 

4. A really interesting NYT piece on financial aid, excerpted from the book, The Price You Pay for College.

 

5. A simple and important message from the (new) White House.

 

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Filed under 2021, All ages, Coronavirus, COVID-19, DC, Maryland, Social Distancing, Virginia, Winter

Five Things for Today: January 26, 2021

A message in art on the grounds of The REACH

 

1. The Kennedy Center just debuted a new art installation at The REACH.  A response to this time of unprecedented challenges, Unity | Peace | Forward is a free exhibit in three parts scattered around the grounds.  You can see it daily and stroll the lovely outdoor area while the KC is closed.  It gets a multimedia boost on Friday and Saturday evenings from 4:30–8:30pm, when a video of quotes from 65 artists around the world is projected on a Video Wall.  (It can also be viewed online at any time.) Get a glimpse on the Kennedy Center website.

 

2. It’s Pajamuary for the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington through the end of the month.  They are collecting new pajamas (all sizes) to donate to local organizations to help keep people in need warm and cozy this winter.  If you want to contribute, find your local drop-off point, or the place to mail them, here.  They’re also hosting a virtual  Tu B’Shevat Seder tomorrow night to celebrate the birthday of trees.  And kiddos can close out Pajamuary with a Pajama Weekend celebration —  join for any or all of these virtual events (recommended for ages 1-6).

 

3.  Have you heard about Science Moms?  The organization was founded by moms who are climate scientists to help educate others about climate change.  I first learned about them in this WaPo article.

 

4.  A healthy spin on Taco Tuesday:  We recently had this easy-to-make meal for dinner, and it was so delicious!

 

5. Cheers to this 🍻

 

Bonus:  We had a sprinkle of snow last night, and the forecast calls for more this weekend, so get ready for it by checking out some ideas for seasonal fun — especially since you may need to book some activities in advance!

 

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Filed under 2021, All ages, Coronavirus, COVID-19, DC, Maryland, Social Distancing, Virginia, Winter

Five Things for Today: January 25, 2021

Seen at The Wharf (where you’ll also find several Restaurant Week participants!)

 

1. The Washington Nationals Youth Baseball Academy and DC Public Library have teamed up to for the Winter 2021 season of Books & Baseball. The free, non-competitive, co-ed literature and baseball program for children ages 3-5 takes place every Monday at 5pm through February 22. Each 35-minute session includes the reading of a children’s book by a DC Public Librarian, followed by a beginner-level baseball clinic led by YBA coaches. Virtual clinic activities are easy to complete at home and focus on enhancing motor skills and learning the fundamentals of baseball.  Register for it here!

 

2. How about something fun and creative to work on this winter?  Annmarie Sculpture Garden has put out a Call for Entries for their wonderful, whimsical annual Fairies in the Garden exhibit. They welcome fairy and gnome homes, dragon lairs, magical creatures, fairy gardens, elf abodes, goblin grottos, and more imaginative structures that will be placed in the woods, lawn areas, and trails of the sculpture garden this spring and summer to create a magical experience for guests of all ages.  It’s a non-juried, open show, and anyone is welcome to participate.  Just fill out an entry form and get started!  (PS: Annmarie is a great destination for a socially distanced day trip with art outdoors and a delightful play area for kids.  See more about it and Fairies in the Garden here and through the first link above.)

 

3. Metropolitan Washington Restaurant Week begins today and runs through February 7.  Specially priced meals for both dine-in and take-out are $22/lunch, $35/dinner, and $55/dinner (fancier, I assume).  And if you’re taking out for two or more people, you can get even better deals —  the $35 dinner menu is $60, $120 for four and the $55 dinner menu is $100 for two, $200 for four.  Follow the above link to see participating restaurants and menus.

 

4.  Need a show to watch?  Ted Lasso is so funny and heartwarming.

 

5. How Bernie got his now famous mittens.

 

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Filed under 2021, All ages, Coronavirus, COVID-19, DC, Maryland, Social Distancing, Virginia, Winter