Tag Archives: Johnson IMAX Theater

See Star Wars: The Force Awakens at Smithsonian IMAX Theaters

Star_Wars

It’s certainly not news that Star Wars: The Force Awakens, the new installment of one of cinema’s truly legendary franchises, is in theaters and breaking records at the box office. Thirty years after defeating the Galactic Empire, Han Solo and his allies have returned to the big screen, facing a new threat from the evil Kylo Ren and his army of Stormtroopers. Make that the really big screen at the National Air and Space Museum’s Lockheed Martin IMAX Theater and the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center’s Airbus IMAX Theater.

If you haven’t seen the film yet — or if you have and are ready for a repeat — Smithsonian’s IMAX theaters are easily among the best places in the area to view them. Star Wars: The Force Awakens director J.J. Abrams shot key sequences of the movie using IMAX cameras, the highest-resolution cameras in the world. Only in IMAX theaters will these sequences expand vertically to fill the entire screen with breathtaking image quality for a truly immersive experience. (Plus, Star Wars in the museums that showcase space!)

Both Smithsonian IMAX theaters offer several showtimes daily. Tickets are $15/adult, $13.50/youth and can be purchased online (a service fee applies) or at the Box Office.

National Air and Space Museum
6th and Independence Ave, Washington, DC
Lockheed Martin IMAX Theater
Playing in 15/70 mm IMAX 2D Film
Last show January 10th, 2016

Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center*
14390 Air and Space Museum Parkway, Chantilly, VA
Airbus IMAX Theater
Playing in IMAX 3D with Laser
Last show January 28th, 2016
*Free parking free after 4pm


Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Smithsonian Enterprises, however, I only promote programs, products, and services that I truly believe in and/or think would appeal to KFDC readers.


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Filed under All ages, DC, Movies, Museums, Sponsored Post, Virginia, Weekdays, Weekend, Winter

Giveaway: Discover “Mysteries of the Unseen World” at the Natural History Museum

title

A brand new IMAX movie is opening at the National Museum of Natural History this Friday, September 26, and after catching a sneak preview of it last week, and I vouch that it’s quite a fascinating film. Even better, I have four tickets to see it ready to give away to one lucky winner.

A microscopic look at pond bubbles

A microscopic look at pond bubbles

Mysteries of the Unseen World is an extraordinary visual journey into dimensions not perceptible to the naked eye. Through the film’s innovative use of high-speed and time-lapse photography, electron microscopy, and nanotechnology, viewers finally get a close-up look at some of the most minute particles of our universe and existence. Here’s more about the film from National Geographic:

Scientists are on the threshold of extraordinary advances born of our drive to see all that is hidden in the world around us. Each day, trail-blazing researchers are pushing the envelope with new technologies to peer with increasing clarity into these once-invisible dimensions. A new 3D/2D giant screen film takes audiences on an extraordinary journey into these unseen worlds beyond our normal vision to uncover the mysteries of things that are too fast, too slow, too small or simply invisible.

Audiences peer into unseen dimensions once reserved only for scientists to see a whole new universe of wondrous nature, daily events that escape the naked eye, and secrets crucial to our survival. The discoveries portrayed in the film are culled from those happening today in laboratories around the world, where existing and emerging technologies are yielding exciting new images of long-hidden worlds.

Clovermite gets a close-up

Clovermite gets a close-up

Mysteries of the Unseen World will be playing at the National Museum of Natural History’s Johnson IMAX Threatre through March 10, 2015. Showtimes vary, and tickets are $9.

GIVEAWAY: For a chance to win 4 tickets to see Mysteries of the Unseen World, simply leave a comment below telling me your child’s or your favorite IMAX film that you’ve seen at one of the Smithsonian theatres. To be eligible, you must also like KidFriendly DC on Facebook. This is a quick giveaway that will only run through tomorrow, Thursday, September 25, so get your entries in soon! Good luck!

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Filed under DC, Educational, Giveaway, Museums, Weekdays, Weekend

Where to Play on the Weekdays: July 18-22

The weather factors greatly into this week’s suggested recreation.  With temps in the mid-90’s and 100+ by the end of the week, most of these activities take place indoors. But if you want to savor the sunshine, this list will give you ideas on what to do.  Just be sure to wear a hat and sunscreen when you get out there.

Here’s what’s happening this week, July 18-22:

Monday –  Check out the new Playseum on Capitol Hill.  Open for less than a week, the play space includes two floors of cute, themed rooms for pretend play, opportunities for arts & crafts and cupcake decorating, and lots of books for sale.  Admission is $6/person. For evening fun, it’s Washington Kastles Family Night, which will include extra kids activities along with the matches against Sacramento Capitals.  Get a discount on tickets with the code KIDDC – more details here.

Tuesday – Join a play date at Rockville Town Square.  Their Mommy & Me and Daddies Too series takes place the third Tuesday of every month from 10am – 12pm.  Register here for the free program.

Wednesday – See Imagination Stage’s latest production, The Wind in the Willows.  Tickets ($10-22) are available for both the 10:30am and 1:30pm shows, and you can get a 25% discount by using the code “Willows25”.  Read DC Theater Scene’s review of the play.

Thursday – Boogie down at Eastern Market! John Henry, the Guitar Playing Man is on the line-up for this week’s Boogie Babes show.  The fun starts at 10:30am.  Admission is $5/child, free for siblings 6 months and under.

Friday – The National Museum of Natural History is always a great place to stay cool.  The dinos, insects, butterflies, and mammals are popular permanent exhibits, and I also recommend the Nature’s Best Photography exhibit, which captures some incredible moments from the natural world. You can also watch an IMAX movie at the museum’s Johnson Theater.  Born to Be Wild 3D and Grand Canyon Adventure are two of several films currently playing.

 

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Filed under All ages, Animals, DC, Free, Indoor Play, Live Entertainment, Maryland, Movies, Museums, Music, Summer, Theatre, Weekdays

Enter to Win Tickets to a Sneak Preview of Born to Be Wild 3D!

Want a chance to attend a sneak preview of the newest film coming to the Smithsonian’s Johnson IMAX Theater?  I have a bunch of tickets to give away for an advanced screening of Born to Be Wild 3D, an inspiring story of love, dedication, and the remarkable bond between humans and animals.

The film, opening in IMAX theaters on April 8, documents orphaned orangutans and elephants and the extraordinary people who rescue and raise them—saving endangered species one life at a time.  Stunningly captured in IMAX 3D, Born to be Wild 3D is a heartwarming adventure transporting moviegoers into the lush rainforests of Borneo with world-renowned primatologist Dr. Biruté Mary Galdikas, and across the rugged Kenyan savannah with celebrated elephant authority Dame Daphne Sheldrick, as they and their teams rescue, rehabilitate and return these incredible animals back to the wild. (For the record, this is Warner Bros. Picture’s description of the movie, as my first viewing will be at the screening.)

The special advanced screening will take place on Monday, April 4 at 6:30pm at the Johnson IMAX Theater at the National Museum of Natural History.  Winners will receive a family four-pack of tickets.

TO ENTER:
For a chance to win Four Tickets to Born to Be Wild 3D, do one or all of the following. Each will count as a separate entry.  This contest will last through Friday — winners will be announced on Saturday morning.

1 – Leave a comment on this post

2 – Like KidFriendly DC on Facebook and let me know you’ve done so.

3 – Tweet the following message and let me know you’ve done so:

Enter the @KidFriendlyDC giveaway to win tickets to see an advanced screening of Born to Be Wild 3D at the Johnson IMAX Theater! http://wp.me/pPfjF-Kq

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Filed under Animals, DC, Giveaway, Monuments & Memorials, Movies, Museums

Weekend Picks

The museums are heavy on special family activities this weekend, but with the glorious weather forecast for the next few days, I’ve got several suggestions to get you outdoors, too.   Happy Weekend!

Family Day: Kites of AsiaGo fly a kite! And make one, too. This free event at the National Air & Space Museum on Saturday welcomes guests to discover the artistry of kites from across Asia. Indoor kite flying, story telling, and hands-on art activities, kite-making included, are on the day’s agenda.  The event runs from 10am – 3pm.

Take a Hike – It’s going to be excellent weather for tramping in the woods, though be choosy about where you go — I heard the line of cars waiting to get into the Maryland side of Great Falls last weekend was all the way out to MacArthur Boulevard.  For more suggestions on where to walk in the woods, including several that don’t attract large crowds, check out this post about good area hikes with kids.

Goya: Awakened in a DreamThe National Gallery of Art’s Film Program for Children and Teens presents a movie about the artist Goya this week. Recommended for ages 7 and up, the screening will take place in the East Building Concourse auditorium at 10:30am on Saturday and 11:30am on Sunday.  The program is free, and seating is offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Everyone’s PlaygroundEnjoy the sunshine and one of the best playgrounds in the area. If you have young children, and you haven’t been to Clemyjontri Park, I highly recommend taking them there.  The play possibilities will seem endless to little ones.  The carousel doesn’t open for another couple of weeks, but kids will be so enchanted with other parts of the park, they won’t miss riding the wooden horses.

Mail FemalesDiscover the history of women who have played important roles in the nation’s mail service.  The National Postal Museum is hosting Women’s History Month Family Day from 11am – 3pm on Saturday.  Guests can hear stories about postal women and try their hand at some of the jobs they performed.

DC United Opening DayKick off the start of the soccer season at RFK on Saturday evening.  Tickets are still available for the 7:30pm game, including a couple of packages that come with freebies when you buy at least four tickets.  For more information, see this post from a couple of days ago.

Reptile & Amphibian DayLearn about reptiles and their important role in the ecosystem at this annual event at the National Aquarium. On Sunday from 10am – 4pm, guests can enjoy a variety of activities, including storytime and fun crafts.  Aquarium staff will be on hand to answer questions and give talks throughout the day. Special highlights: The alligator exhibit and a shark feeding at 2pm. The event is free with admission – $9.95/ages 11 and up, 4.95/ages 3-11, children under 3 are free.

Picnic, Play, & PlanesHave you been to Gravelly Point, the small park along the GW Parkway next to Ronald Reagan Airport?  The beautiful spot along the river is nice place to spread out a picnic, people watch, and kick around a soccer ball  — if you really like airplanes.  I have to warn about this one:  it’s hit or miss with kids (and adults, for that matter).  The park is located just beyond the airport runway, so planes take off or land (depending on which way they are going that day) literally right overhead. That’s the hit or miss part.  It’s loud and potentially scary for those who don’t like the looks of a plane coming right at them, but quite exciting for those that love a thrill.

Portrait Story DaysDrop in at the National Portrait Gallery anytime from 1-4pm on Sunday to listen to a story about a person who has influenced American history and culture and to create a special piece of art. Rachel Carson, founder of the modern environmental movement, will be the subject this weekend.

CHAW Artday Concert – Catch a free Singing Lizard concert on Saturday morning at the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop. The Singing Lizard’s live shows are fast-paced, fun, and full of exciting songs that both kids and adults enjoy. The concert is from 10-11am in CHAW’s Black Box Theater.

On the Big Screen – Rain or shine, an IMAX film is great entertainment. Both the Johnson IMAX Theater at the Natural History Museum and Lockheed Martin IMAX Theater at the Air & Space Museum have several movies playing all weekend.  For a couple of reviews, see my post about Arabia 3D and another one about Grand Canyon Adventure: River at Risk 3D.

Live Entertainment – A few new theater and musical shows recently opened on local stages.  This post about spring entertainment from last week has info on what and who’s playing and where.  Also be sure to check this post from a couple of months ago listing winter productions, several of which are still running.

Stories in ArtSculptor David Smith is again the subject for this week’s children’s program at the National Gallery of Art. The workshop will start with a reading of “Half of the Elephant,” about an elephant on a humorous journey to find his missing half.. From there, the group will explore the work of David Smith, then build a sculpture with wood and metal. Hour-long sessions begin at 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm, and 2:30pm on Sunday. Sign-in will take place in the East Building Atrium, beginning at 11am that day and will continue until all spaces are filled.  No admission fee required.

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Filed under All ages, Art, DC, Educational, Free, Live Entertainment, Movies, Museums, Music, Outdoor, Play, Weekend