1. When friends were visiting a few weeks ago, I took them to several of my go-to places for wowing out-of-town guests, including the Old Post OfficeTower. Located in the Waldorf Astoria hotel, but operated by the National Park Service, visitors are welcome to go up in the tower. It’s one of the tallest structures in DC and offers some of the best vistas of the city. Hours are 9am – 4pm daily, and admission is free. (PS: I’ll share my other “wow” spots soon!)
2. A couple of years ago during peak Covid winter, I posted about creating a perfect outdoor setup to be able to hang out safely with friends. But who says outdoor winter hangs can’t still happen? With mild temps on the way, it seems like a great time to reshare these ideas for making a nice outdoor space for the cold months.
3. If you haven’t yet seen the round-up of Valentine’s Day activities, be sure to check it out soon. There are a bunch of events happening this weekend, several that require advance registration.
Hey, baby! Look for the putti at the Library of Congress
1. Do you know the meaning of the cherub sculptures along the staircases in the Library of Congress Great Hall? Known as putti in Italian Renaissance art, they represent various occupations of American life during Thomas Jefferson’s time. If you look closely, you can see that they’re all holding objects that symbolize their pursuits — a cogwheel for the mechanic, a spade for the gardener, a lyre for the musician, a rabbit and gun for the hunter, etc. After countless visits over many years, I only just learned this on a recent visit when an out-of-town friend asked a docent about them! This is just a small sample of all the interesting tidbits to be gleaned and architectural details to admire in the stunning space. Have you been? The LOC is open Monday – Saturday, 10am – 5pm, and admission is free with timed-entry passes. Read more about the iconic DC spot in this KFDC post.
2. Next time you’re waiting for a flight with kiddos at DCA, take them to Curiosity Runway! The new children’s playspace comes from the National Children’s Museum, Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, and The Boeing Company. It’s located in Terminal 2, just after the airport’s North Security Checkpoint between the C and D Gates.
3. A treat for Valentine’s Day: Barracks Row is offering a Sweet Tooth Dessert Tour passport that gets you a dessert from 19 restaurants on Capitol Hill. That’s a lot of desserts, but you don’t have to get them all at once. The passport is good from Friday, February 10 through Sunday, February 19. Cost is $29.
4. Are you deciding between a fun-focused or educational summer camp for your child? Some thoughts on the topic in the Washington Post.
Jurassic Quest
Where: Dulles Expo Center | Chantilly, VA
When: Friday – Sunday
Admission: $19-36 (look for discount)
Walk among prehistoric beasts through the Cretaceous, Jurassic, and Triassic Periods. This huge has true-to-life size dinosaurs, from the very small to the gigantic, each replicated in every detail in collaboration with leading paleontologists. There are also attractions and activities for dino fans — dig up fossils, do some crafts, explore science stations, ride on a dino’s back, and enjoy more dino-themed fun.
Winter Blast: A Weekend of Indigenous Games
Where: American Indian Museum | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday and Sunday, 10am – 4:3pm
Admission: Free
The National Museum of the American Indian is hosting a weekend of fun and games — games can be fun as well as teach important life skills. Representatives from the International Traditional Games Society along with members of the Native Hawaiian school Hālau O‘Aulani will share Indigenous games from the Great Plains, Bolivia, and Hawai’i. This will all take place in the beautiful first floor atrium, but plan to explore the rest of the museum as well, especially the imgiNATIONS activity center fo kids and families.
Auto Focus
Where: Washington Convention Center | Mt. Vernon Square, DC
When: Through Sunday
Admission: $12/adults, $5/ages 6-12, free/5 & under
The 2023 Washington Auto Show is in its second and final weekend. If there’s any “grown-up” event that is equally fun for all ages, this is it. More than 600 cars and trucks are on display for guests to check out, plus there are more activities like Ride ‘n Drives with Jeep, an Art of Motion exhibit, exotic car display, and Subaru Love Pets area with dogs from local animal shelters will give guests even more to do and see. Get a glimpse and an idea of what to expect in KFDC posts about it here and here. Look for a ticket discount here!
Lunar New Year Family Celebration
Where: National Portrait Gallery | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Saturday, 11:30am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Ring in the Lunar New Year at SAAM! Join the annual celebration featuring Chinese and Korean traditions, including performances, crafts, food, and more. Learn about the importance of the Lunar New Year across cultures and explore SAAM’s collections with an art scavenger hunt. A Family Zone with crafts and activities to celebrate the Year of the Rabbit will be fun for kids. And a special menu in honor of Lunar New Year will be offered by the Courtyard Café. Be sure to reserve a spot!
Monster Jam Where: Capitol One Arena | Downtown DC When: Saturday & Sunday Tickets: $25+
The world’s largest and most famous monster truck tour featuring the biggest names in monster trucks will thunder its way into DC. Gravedigger, Magolodon, Dragon, Just Get-Er-Done, Terminal Velocity, and Wild Side are among the vehicular beasts that will be tearing up the indoor terrain this year.
Peter and the Wolf
Where: The Puppet Co. | Glen Echo Park, MD
When: Fri, 10:30am | Sat-Sun, 11:30am & 1pm
Admission: $15
A Puppet Co. Legacy favorite with a new spin! This English and Russian bilingual production will incorporate the classic music in this two-person small marionette romp of the classic fairytale. Run time approximately 40 minutes. Recommended for ages 4+.
Aquarium
Where: Imagination Stage | Bethesda, MD
When: Through February 12
Admission: $16.50
Take little ones to this show for ages 1-5… Enter a fantastical island world where fish soar through the air, lemons light up the sky, and sheep go parading by. With gentle music, puppets, and props, actors lead children and caregivers in an interactive exploration of a magical place of play. (PS: If shows sell out this weekend — they tend to — grab tickets for an upcoming performance!)
Ride the Cyclone
Where: Arena Stage | Southwest DC
When: Through February 19
Admission: $66-115
And a show for teens and older… Part comedy, part tragedy and wholly unexpected, this wildly imaginative story delivers surprises at every turn. The lives of six teenagers from a Canadian chamber choir are cut short in a freak accident aboard a roller coaster. A mechanical fortuneteller invites each to tell their story of a life interrupted, offering the chance to come to terms with their fates. At once quirky and smart, edgy and beautiful, Ride the Cyclone ultimately reveals the resilience of the human spirit in spite of senseless tragedy.
Open House
Where: River Park Nursery School | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 12pm
Admission: Free
Are you searching for a preschool for your child for next year? Do you want your child and your family to be part of a small warm welcoming community? River Park Nursery School is the quintessential nursery school experience. It is a part-time program on the Hill for 3 to 5-year-old children with a small teacher to student ratio. Join an open house with your child this weekend to talk with current and alumni families, meet our amazing Lead Teacher and Director, Ms. Erin, and see the learning space. RPNS is located at 212 East Capitol Street NE.
Lunar New Year Celebration
Where: Tysons Corner Center | Tysons, VA
When: Saturday, 1-3pm
Admission: Free
The Asian American Chamber of Commerce and Tysons Corner Center are hosting a celebration to ring in the Year of the Rabbit. Festivties will include, the famous lion and dragon dances, Vietnamese song, Chinese music and dance, a magic show, Korean and Indonesia dance performances, aMongolia Fashion Show. This will take place in the Fashion Court on the Lower Level Nordstrom Wing.
Lunar New Year Festival
Where: DAR Museum
When: Saturday, 12-5pm
Admission: Free
Here’s another way to ring in the Year of the Rabbit. Join the DAR Museum and the Asian Fusion Gallery for a celebration of Lunar New Year. The free event features games, food, and performances. While the website says registration is closed, you can join the waitlist in case more spots open up.
Winter Lantern Festival
Where: Lerner Town Square | Tysons, VA
When: Friday – Sunday evenings, 5-10pm
Admission: $31.99/age 13+, $19.99/age 3-12 (look for discount)
This event that began during the holiday season continues to glow in Tysons to celebrate the Chinese New Year. The illuminated display transforms Lerner Town Square into a dazzling world of light with over 1000 Chinese lanterns, all handmade by artisans with decades of experience. And you can do more than just look at some of them — interactive elements include light swings, see-saws, and tunnels for added fun.
Weekend Family Matinees Where: Avalon Theatre | Chevy Chase, DC When: Saturday & Sunday, 10am Admission: $9.90
The Avalon Theatre in Chevy Chase, the oldest operating movie house in the area and a non-profit, is re-launching their Weekend Family Matinees this weekend. My Neighbor Tortoro, a classic tale of magic and adventure, will be screened both Saturday and Sunday.
Street Car Saturday
Where: National Capitol Trolley Museum | Colesville, MD
When: Saturday, 12-5pm
Admission: $10/adult, $8/child, $8/senior
The National Capital Trolley Museum is open on Saturdays offering hourly, docent-guided tours, followed by a streetcar ride. See model street cars on display as well as movies from the 1920’s, then board an actual street car for a ride into the woods (and back, obvi). This weekend is a somewhat significant time to go as the last full day that DC passenger street cars were in service was January 27, 1961. Online reservations are strongly recommended; walk-ins will be accommodated if space is available, but not guaranteed.
Castle Closing Where: Smithsonian Castle | National Mall, DC When: Throughout the weekend Admission: Free
The Smithsonian Institution Building (aka Smithsonian Castle) will close starting Wednesday, February 1, to undergo a five-year renovation. So, if you haven’t yet been or want to see it again before it’s inaccessible, you only few days. What’s in the Castle? It’s home to the Smithsonian Visitor Center, a small cafe, and a sampling of some of the collections you can find in the many museums. It’s not huge, so plan to visit some of the other museums on the Mall, too!
McLean Chocolate Festival
Where: McLean Community Center | McLean, VA
When: Sunday, 11am – 5pm
Admission: $2, free/under 3
If you love chocolate, check out this sweet event: McLean Rotary is hosting its 11th Annual Chocolate Festival on Sunday. Area chocolatiers will present their specialties, plus there will be a game room for kids and live entertainment throughout the day. Proceeds help fund local schools and charitable organizations.
King Bullfrog Concert Where: Hook Hall | Petworth, DC When: Sunday, 10am – 12pm Admission: $5/family
Bring the kiddos to Hook Hall for some dancing and singing with local kids fave King Bullfrog. Parents can purchase coffee and frozen drinks, plus a craft will be available for the kids to enjoy! Proceeds help benefit local organization DC Action. And note that this will take place every Sunday with different performers each week.
National Skating Month Open House
Where: Canal Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Sunday, 12-5pm
Admission: $14
Join Friends of Fort Dupont Ice Arena, District Impact Skating Club, DC-ICE, and Special Olympics of Washington, DC, for a celebration of all things ice skating! Watch local skaters demonstrate figure skating, synchronized skating, speed skating, and hockey skills, then lace up your skates for a free introductory lesson so you can Join in the fun! Free lessons offered at 12:30pm, 1:15pm, and 2:45pm. Register in advance to secure your spot!
Chill Out(side)
Where: Around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
I’m a big proponent of getting outdoors, no matter what the weather. And this weekend should actually be decent at least one day, so get out and take advantage. Roam free at Dumbarton Oaks (no admission fee this time of year), the National Arboretum, or Brookside Gardens. Go for a hike at Great Falls, Prince William Forest Park, or even farther out at Harper’s Ferry. Hit the playground at Watkins, Cabin John, or Clemyjontri Parks. Find even more ideas in this post about great outdoor pursuits with kids — there are tons of great al fresco adventures around the area. And this round-up also has lots of suggestions for winterized fun outside.
College Court Dates Where: Arenas around the DC Area When: Throughout the weekend Admission: Varies by game
With so many universities in the area, there’s always some good college basketball going on during the season — and it’s always a fun time for families. Here are some games to catch this weekend: *Georgetown women vs Creighton on Saturday at 1pm *GWU women vs Dayton on Saturday at 1:30pm *Maryland men vs Nebraska on Saturday at 4:30pm (Go, Terps!) *American women vs Navy on Saturday at 2pm *George Mason women vs Davidson on Saturday at 3pm *George Mason men vs St. Joseph’s on Sunday at 12pm
***MORE GOOD STUFF*** * Washingtonian’s 100 very best restaurants in DC. Do you agree? * Check out these video reviews of local things to do around the area from The Wandering Family! *Acorns is a neat, easy way to invest and save money, offering bonuses when you buy certain brands and the option to invest “spare change” from credit card purchases — we’ve been signed up for a couple of years now! (Sharing my referral link that offers a little starter gift.) * How fun is this little gadget? Kind of along the same lines of this guy that we have. * Headed to Florida for February Break, and eyeing up this top and these bottoms for the beach. * Love the sentiment expressed in this clip that a childhood besties sent me. * A fun one for Gen X: Great British Bake-Off or The Cure?
Objects from many museum collections on view in the Smithsonian Castle Commons room
1. The Smithsonian Institution Building (aka Smithsonian Castle) will close starting next Wednesday, February 1, to undergo a five-year renovation. So, if you haven’t yet been or want to see it again before it’s inaccessible, you only have a week. What’s in the Castle? It’s home to the Smithsonian Visitor Center, a small cafe, and a sampling of some of the collections you can find in the many museums.
2. Spring Break is just a couple of months away for some local students, and closer to three months for most DC kids. Either way, if you’re still making plans and thinking about taking a trip, you might find some inspiration from these family getaway ideas.
3. Have you checked out Groupon lately? There currently are some great offers on fun things to do around the area, including a two-hour session at the St. James Super, Awesome, and Amazing activity center; this weekend’s Jurassic Quest dinosaur show; the Washington Auto Show; local sports tickets; classes for kids; and much more!
4. Two movies I recently watched and recommend: To Leslie (Andrea Riseborough so deserves her Oscar nomination) and Armaggedon Time(Anne Hathaway should have gotten one, too). [Note: These films are rated R, and suggested for adults (or teens and older).]
Washington Auto Show
Where: Washington Convention Center, DC
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: $15/age 13+, $6/age 6-12, free/5 & under
The annual Washington Auto Show revs up this weekend! And if there’s any “grown-up” event that is equally fun for kids and adults, this is it. The Auto Show is like a Truck Touch, but with automobiles — hundreds of them — on display for guests to check out. Other activities like a driving area for kids, electric vehicle test rides, an exotic car display, a classic car zone, and so much more will give guests even more to do and see. The show will be in town and running every day through January 29. Get a glimpse and an idea of what to expect in KFDC posts about it here and here. Look for a ticket discount here!
Kids Workshop
Where: Lowes locations around the DC Area
When: Saturday, 9am – 12pm
Admission: Free
Lowes is hosting their monthly in-person workshop for kids. This Saturday, create a wooden snowman picture frame that’s perfect for displaying heartwarming memories. Be sure to register in advance before Saturday!
Lunar New Year Celebration
Where: National Museum of Asian Art | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 12-4pm
Admission: Free
The Lunar New Year begins this weekend, and the National Museum of Asian Art is celebrating it with a day full of festivities for all ages. Hop into the Year of the Rabbit with all kinds of fun, including performances, demos, a curator tour, hands-on activities, and more. See a traditional lion dance performance, watch a cooking demo, do some crafts, take a gallery tour, and enjoy Lunar New Year–inspired snacks and beverages (available for purchase).
Winter Lantern Festival
Where: Lerner Town Square | Tysons, VA
When: Friday – Sunday evenings, 5-10pm
Admission: $31.99/age 13+, $19.99/age 3-12 (look for discount)
This event that began during the holiday season continues to glow in Tysons to celebrate the Chinese New Year. The illuminated display transforms Lerner Town Square into a dazzling world of light with over 1000 Chinese lanterns, all handmade by artisans with decades of experience. And you can do more than just look at some of them — interactive elements include light swings, see-saws, and tunnels for added fun.
Wheaton Family Theatre Series
Where: Highland Elementary School | Wheaton, MD
When: Saturday, 11am & Sunday, 2pm
Admission: Free
InterAct Story Theatre is presenting another of its Wheaton Family Theatre Series, free performances and events for families. This weekend, celebrate the start of the New Year as Artistic Director, Ali Oliver-Krueger, leads kids and adults in exploring a favorite folk tale together through movement, drama, and song. Everyone’s a part of the story in this Family Arts Workshop! Best for ages 3 and up.
Back to the ’80s Family Dance Party”
Where: Kensington Town Hall | Kensington, MD
When: Saturday, 3-5pm
Admission: $7/ $25 max per family (infants free)
The Noyes Children’s Library Foundation is kicking off 2023 with an ’80s-themed dance party for families. Hit the dance floor pumping with greatest hits from the era, plus crafts and story time. A DJ and a dance leader will help get everyone moving to the music. All ages welcome, but activities are geared to ages 2-8. Costumes or ’80s attire are welcome. Snacks and water will be available. Proceeds will support the activities and programming by the Noyes Children’s Library Foundation. Space is limited and sales are only at the door.
Noyes StoryWalk: Bear Snores On
Where: Downtown Kensington, MD
When: Starts Saturday through February 5
Admission: Free
The latest Noyes StoryWalk features my absolute favorite children’s book that I loved reading to the kids when they were little: Bear Snores Onwritten by Karma Wilson and illustrated by Jane Chapman. Families can read the well-loved story on posted signs along Antique Row in downtown Kensington, MD. The StoryWalk begins at the Town Kiosk at M&T Bank, located at 10420 Montgomery Ave. and progresses on store windows along Howard Ave., continuing to its end at Frankly, Pizza! (10417 Armory Ave.).
Walks in the Woods
Where: Around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
If weather permits, bundle up and get out on the trail for some fresh air. This post has a a bunch of recommendations for good walks in the woods with the kids. Some specific recs for right now: Riverbend Park to Great Falls is always a hit, loop around Roosevelt Island, explore the wonderful National Arboretum, hike and fossil hunt at Calvert Cliffs State Park.
Fire & Ice Festival
Where: The Wharf | Southwest DC
When: Saturday, 1-4pm
Admission: Free
While Whiskey will be featured at the Fire & Ice Festival, there will be some famiy-friendly festivties, too. The WAFF Ice House returns to District Pier, and there will be ice games cornhole and shuffleboard, a DJ, fire twirlers, and whiskey sampling stations (for grown ups, obvi). S’mores by the firepit will be available for purchase, too!
XOXO: An Exhibit About Love & Forgiveness
Where: National Children’s Museum | Downtown DC
When: Opens Saturday through May 14
Admission: $15.95
which highlights critical social-emotional learning experiences for a multi-generational audience. On display from January 21 through May 14 in the Museum’s Visiting Exhibit Hall, the interactive exhibit provides children ages 2 to 12 and their caretakers with the opportunity to share, connect, listen, and learn about complex emotions through facial expressions, words, movement, and artmaking.
Beauty and the Beast Jr.
Where: Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre | Arlington, VA
When: January 13-22
Tickets: $15/adult, $13/child
Encore Stage & Studio presents this “by kids for kids” show… The classic story tells of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, meeting a Beast, who is the young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end, and he will be transformed to his former self. If the Beast does not learn his lesson before the last rose petal falls, he and his household including Mrs. Pots, Lumiere and Mr. Cogsworth will be cursed forever. Join us for a tale as old as time in Encore’s production of Beauty and the Beast Jr!
Cats
Where: National Theatre | Downtown DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Tickets: $55-105 (check for discount)
It’s your chance to sing along to Memory, all alone in the moonlight! The Tony Awards winning musical CATS is in town through the weekend, bringing its story to the stage of one magical night when an extraordinary tribe of cats gathers for its annual ball to rejoice and decide which cat will be reborn.
Watch the Wizards
Where: Capital One Arena | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Saturday, 7pm Admission: Ticket prices vary
The Wizards are playing at home again this weekend. See them Saturday night against the Orlando Magic. Plan on a pre-game dinner in Penn Quarter — there are plenty of family-friendly places to go in the neighborhood. Some recs: Jaleo (try to get the Foosball table), Shake Shack, Carmine’s, Hill Country BBQ, and Daikaya.
Hoops, NCAA-Style Where: Colleges around the DC Area When: Throughout the weekend Admission: Varies by game
Watching college teams play ball is just as exciting, sometieseven more so, than the pros. And tickets are often cheaper. With so many universities in the area, there’s always some good college hoops action going on during the season. Here are some games to catch this weekend: *GW men vs Dayton on Saturday at 12:30pm *American women vs Colgate on Saturday at 2pm *Howard men & women vs Morgan State on Saturday at 2pm *GW women vs VCU University on Sunday at 12pm
Chinese New Year Parade
Where: Throughout Chinatown, DC
When: Sunday, 2pm
Admission: Free
Welcome, Year of the Rabbit! On Sunday, the annual Chinese Lunar New Year Parade (back after a Covid hiatus) brings vibrant tradition to downtown DC. Festivities kick off at 6th & I Streets NW at 2pm and will wind through the streets of Chinatown celebrating Chinese culture in a brilliant procession that includes traditional dance, music, and, of course, the iconic lions and dragons. Kids always love seeing the show and having trinkets and treats given to them by parade participants passing by. The parade lasts about two hours, and spectating is free. Get there a little early to stake out your curbside spot — lots of folks come out for this one, especially if it’s a nice day.
Wheaton Winter Ice Show
Where: Wheaton Ice Arena | Wheaton, MD
When: Sunday, 5:15-6:15pm
Admission: Free
Wind down the weekend and celebrate the new year with at Wheaton Ice Arena’s annnual winter ice show. Their resident figure skaters will perform solo and small group performances. It’s free to spectate!
Stunning Spaces
Where: Around DC
When: Ongoing
Admission: Varies by place
I just (re)shared this post on social media about local places that take your breath away the moment you walk into them — and that are great to visit with kids. It was written a few years ago, but updated for now, and I wouldn’t change any of the recommendations. With some rain in the forecast this weekend, these spots will be good to keep in mind for getting out of the house, but staying indoors.
***MORE GOOD STUFF*** * The Hirshhorn just announced a full slate of free art-making programs for kids, from Art Cart to Maker Mornings to the return of Storytime after a three-year hiatus. See what’s coming up! * Where to ring in the Lunar New Year with food and drinks. * Maple Sugaring Days at Brookside Nature Center always fill up fast, but there are some spots left… hurry! * Just got one of these…extra seating and cute decor. *Good tips fom Babs. And something potentially yummy to try. * Everything is on sale at Athleta! * A fun watch to kick off the weekend. * An amazing poem, too. 😉
