Tag Archives: June 2022

The Weekend Round-Up: July 1-4

 

Happy July 4th Weekend!

Posts to bookmark for all kinds of ideas for fun activities:
Best Outdoors in the DC Area
* Off-the-Beaten-Path Museums
* Swim Spots
* On the Water
* Local Hikes with Kids
* Bike Rides
* The Great Indoors
* Peaceful Places

The Playhouse’s the Thing!
Where: National Building Museum
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission:
The Building Museum’s annual Summer Block Party opens this weekend, starting July 1! The Playhouse will feature an Elizabethan-inspired festival stage in the cool comfort of the museum’s Great Hall. Along with marveling at the installation (and the rest of the museum), from July 1 – September 5, you can enjoy Shakespearean activities like stage combat demos and hands-on fun during the day, and in the evenings, there will be performances of the enchanting A Midsummer Night’s Dream from the Folger Shakespeare Theatre. (PS: If you think Shakespeare and kids don’t mix, think again! Read about some of our experiences with it here and here.)

Smithsonian Folklife Festival
Where: 7th – 12th Streets | National Mall, DC
When: Through Monday, 11am – 6pm
Admission: Free
The festival is running again this weekend, and it’s definitely worth checking out! Back in person after two years, the event celebrating living cultural heritage and community traditions highlights United Arab Emirates and Earth Optimism this year. All kinds of exhibits, demonstrations, live performances, talks, food, markets, and much more will be on the National Mall between 7th & 12th Streets NW. View scenes from a past Folklife Festival here.

First Look at the Lotus and Lilies
Where: Kenilworth Aquatic Garden | Northeast DC
When: Daily, 8am – 4pm
Admission: Free

The annual lotus flower and water lily bloom has begun at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, and while it has a ways to go until the peak, it’s still so pretty to see (though Kenilworth is wonderful anytime). Go get a glimpse of it at this early stage, and before the crowds get there.  See scenes from a past bloom here and learn about a great way to combine a visit with another activity here.   And this post has more general info and background on Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens.

Back to FUTURES
Where: Arts & Industries Building | National Mall, DC
When: Through July 6
Admission: Free
If you haven’t yet ben to the FUTURES exhibition (or even if you have), there are merely days to visit before it closes on Wednesday, July 6.  Spanning 32,000 square feet inside the Smithsonian Arts & Industries Building, FUTURES is full of large-scale installations, displays, and interactives that are exciting, powerful, and thought-provoking as they offer a glimpse of future possibilities — and prompt us to wonder how we can contribute. It’s an exhibition for everyone and all ages. Get a glimpse of it here.

More Exhibits & Museums
Where: Around DC
When: Throughout the wekend
Admission: Varies (but mostly free)
Our local museums are always great to visit and thee are some awesome exhibits to experience, too.  One with Eternity: Yayoi Kusama in the Hirshhorn Collection is a fantastic delight! And Laurie Anderson: The Weather there is a really cool one, best for tween ages and up.   Afro-Atlantic Histories at the National Gallery of Art is interesting and educational. Kiddos will love the National Children’s Museum. And all ages, adults included, will dig Planet Word.

Summer in the City
Where: Throughout the DMV
When: All weekend
Admission: Varies by locale

Enjoy activities that make this time of year so much fun. Start the weekend off on Friday with a free outdoor concert or an evening of fishing, then continue the fun on Saturday and Sunday with water play at a pool or sprayground. Cool off indoors at an exhibit. Feast on crabs or hit the beach to fulfill a seasonal must-do. Round it out it with a family movie under the stars. Get details about all of these summer diversions and even more in the 2022 Summer Guide.

Nats vs. Marlins
Where: Nationals Park
When: Friday, Saturday, Sunday, & Monday
Admission: Ticket prices vary
Miami comes to DC, as the Nats host the Marlins all weekend, and as always there are special promos and activities to enjoy.  See Freedom Fireworks after the game on Friday (6:05pm), and take advantage of the kids bucket hat giveaway on Saturday  (4:05pm) and Sunday (1:35pm), and kids can also run the bases after the game on Sun. The July 4th game against the Marlins is part of the Patriotic Series, when the Nats wear their red, white, and blue, and there are other Independence Day themed activities. Be sure to check this post for tips to save on a Nats game.

The Great Zucchini
Where: Burke Lake Park | Fairfax Station, VA
When: Saturday, 10-10:45am
Admission: Free

Part of the Fairfax County summer entertainment series, this show will delight little kids… mine loved The Great Zucchini when they were younger! The wonder of magic, silliness of comedy, and interactive nature of The Great Zucchini’s show keeps children on the edge of their seats. Watch your kids’ faces light up as they see things disappear and reappear. Watch how animated and excited the children get when they yell “Wake up Zucchini,” when he accidentally falls asleep during the show or when he turns tissue paper into colorful rainbow streamers, or when his puppet, Ruffles the Rabbit, keeps coming out of the hat without The Great Zucchini noticing. This is “eye candy” magic comedy at its best. [Note: There are several more shows to enjoy this weekend…see what’s on the calendar here.]

Take a Hike
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale

The recommendation to hit the trail is a staple in these round-ups.  And this weekend will be a great time to do it. Enjoy the sunshine, take in pretty scenery, maybe explore local history or spy some wildlife. You can even work in some geocaching!  This post has a a bunch of recommendations for places to tramp with kids. Some specific recs for right now:  The National Arboretum in Northeast DC has lots of little trails and beautiful plant collections; head out to Harpers Ferry for hiking and history; walk in the woods with shade at Pohick Bay  or Fountainhead Regional Parks; or tramp in the city at Rock Creek Park.

Mr. Poppers Penguins
Where: Imagination Stage
When: Friday, 10:30am | Saturday, 4pm | Sunday 1:30pm
Tickets: $14

See a new show at Imagination Stage!  Mr. Popper, a painter of modest means, dreams of taking an Antarctic adventure. So he’s thrilled when a penguin named Captain Cook waddles out of a mysterious box left on his doorstep. The zookeeper donates a female companion and soon…the patter of 20 baby penguin feet! To feed all of these mouths, the imaginative Mr. Popper and his wife turn his talented penguins into a must-see traveling vaudeville act full of song and dance. But the rigors of performing take a toll on them all, and they must make a difficult decision. This musical play, featuring expert puppetry, depicts a wild and witty way to follow your dreams — and your convictions. Recommended for ages 3-10.

Potted Potter
Where: Sidney Harman Hall | Penn Quarter, DC
When: June 29 – July 11
Admission: $49-100 (look for discount)

Just opened!  Potted Potter takes on the ultimate challenge of condensing all seven Harry Potter books (and a real life game of Quidditch) into seventy hilarious minutes. This fantastically funny show features all your favorite characters, endless costumes, brilliant songs, ridiculous props and a generous helping of Hogwarts magic! Even if you don’t know the difference between a Horcrux and a Hufflepuff, Potted Potter will make you roar with laughter.  Read a KFDC review of the show!

UniverSoul Circus
Where: National Harbor | Oxon Hill, MD
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $27.50+ (look for discount)

Now running!  The world-class, live entertainment attraction is back at National Harbor through July 24.  The production celebrates the unique and familiar aspects of global cultures and ethnicities, blending circus arts, theater, and music — a fresh, cool, and hip approach to live family entertainment!

A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Where: Synetic Theatre | Crystal City, VA
When:  Through July 24
Tickets: $20-60

Synetic Theater, the home of American Physical Theater, presents this playful adaptation of Shakespeare’s timeless comedy. This fantastical, darkly playful game of love, mistaken identity, and the supernatural was honored with nine Helen Hayes Award Nominations when it was first produced in 2010, taking home the award for Outstanding Ensemble and Outstanding Resident Play.  Side note: I can’t wait to see this —  Synetic’s shows are always wonderful!

Fantastagirl and the Math Monster
Where: Adventure Theatre | Glen Echo, MD
When: Saturday & Sunday
Tickets: $25 (look for discount)

On stage at Adventure Theatre….   Fantastagirl, a second-grade superhero who uses words to save the day, comes face to face with her worst nightmare: the Math Monster! When confronted with problems too big for words alone to solve, Fantastagirl must accept help from her friendly, furry, fraction-loving foe. While Fantastagirl and Math Monster use words and numbers to help her friends and scientist moms, something far more sinister than Math brews on the horizon. Use code JULY4 to get 25% off a July 4th performance!

Little Red Riding Hood & the 3 Little Pigs
Where: The Puppet Co. | Glen Echo, MD
When: Throughout the weekend
Tickets: $15 (look for discount)

See a show on string at The Puppet Co… We all think we know the Big Bad Wolf from the classic fairytales, but what if it’s the same Wolf in both stories? What if there’s been a big mistake? What if the Wolf isn’t so big or so bad? Recommended for ages 4+. Run time is approximately 45 minutes. Read a KFDC review of the show from a bunch of years back.

Family Walk in the Woods
Where: Woodend Nature Sanctuary | Chevy Chase, MD
When: Saturday, 9am
Admission: $12/member family, $20/non-member family

Join naturalist and educator, Frank Sanford, on a leisurely walk through the habitats at Woodend. Explore the wonders of trees, meadows, streams, insects, birds, and everything Woodend has to offer! Limited to 10 families. Register here, and just one adult when signing up. Read moe about Woodend here.

Cruise the C&O
Where: C&O Canal National Historical Park | Potomac, MD
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: Free (park admission is $20/vehicle)

Most of us know the C&O National Historic Park as the Maryland side of Great Falls. And most of us have hiked the trails and been enchanted by the river views and stunning scenery. Starting this weekend, you can also take a boat ride along the canal from there. The replica Charles F. Mercer excursion boat offers rides along the C&O that are a time trip back in time to the 1870s as staff in period clothing describe life for the people living, working, and floating on the canal. Rides first come, first serve, and tickets can be picked up one hour in advance at the Visitor Center. If you can’t get on the ride or while you wait, the park is a great to explore — read more about Great Falls here.

Baltimore by Baltimore
Where: Inner Harbor Amphitheater| Baltimore, MD
When: Saturday, 12-8pm
Admission: Free

The brand-new Baltimore by Baltimore waterfront music and maker series will return to Baltimore’s Inner Harbor Amphitheater with an all-new, family-friendly lineup of local talent, comedians, youth groups, food and maker vendors. This July festival will feature the comedy infused anti-bullying and anti-violence youth program Lil’ Laughs along with 92Q’s DJ Flow & Friends, King Midas and the natives, a BIG Laughs comedy show, surprise guests, and more. Maker and food vendors will also be there. And for more to in Charm City, check out the KFDC Guide to Exploring Baltimore with Kids.

***MORE GOOD STUFF***
* Mark your calendars: The Women’s March is organizing a rally for July 9 to protest the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe vs. Wade. Details TBA.
* Through August 3, children 12 & under can get a complimentary  meal at a Nats game with the Kids Eat Free program!
* Ideas for great summer trips with kids
* We just got one of these for the beach after hearing great things. (Similar, less expensive version here.)
* Good advice (ie, skip the selfies).
* This is brilliant.

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Filed under 2022, DC, Holidays, Maryland, Summer, Virginia, Weekend

Review: Mr. Popper’s Penguins at Imagination Stage

[Note:  This review was written by KFDC Contributor Emily Moise, a local writer and mom of two young children.  She’s written about both her explorations with her kids around DC, as well as recommendation for products to enhance kids’ and family experiences.  Read more of her articles hereherehereherehere,  and here.]

 

Mr. Popper’s Penguins have waddled onto Imagination Stage, delighting audiences as only these loveable creatures can. The whimsical tale about dreaming as big as an Antarctic adventure, even in bleak times, sends a timely message to kids and adults alike. And while the plot about a painter-turned-traveling-circus-act holds true to the children’s book, the novelty is the custom-built, mechanical penguins (including, spoiler alert: twenty baby penguins) that are maneuvered around stage by multi-talented, multi-role-playing actors.

This musical play, featuring puppetry, song, and dance, is recommended for ages 3-10, but some of the dialogue skews to the upper end of that range. I brought my five and three-year-olds, and while my youngest was more patiently watching the storyline build up (on his best behavior for his “first show”), my daughter was able to grasp what was happening. Once the first penguin, Captain Cook, makes his entrance, all ages are captivated. One tip: Read the book with your kids before the show to prepare them!

The show runs for 75 minutes without intermission on weekdays, and 90 minutes with a 15-minute intermission on weekends. Bring snacks for intermission, and dress warmly as the theater runs cold. Proof of vaccination for ages 5+ is required at the ticket booth, and masks are required in the theater. Read more about COVID precautions here.

Mr. Popper’s Penguins is showing now through August 7 at Imagination Stage, located at 4908 Auburn Avenue in Bethesda, MD. Tickets are $12-$39.

 

Comparing penguin/little human height

 

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Filed under 2022, Gradeschoolers, Live Entertainment, Maryland, Preschoolers, Summer, Weekdays, Weekend

Five Things: June 29, 2022

 

1. Great news:  The water features at Yards Park in the Capitol Riverfront are finally running again after being closed for repairs!  Take the kids to play in the wade pool and splash around in the fountains.  You can also  hang out in the grassy areas, stroll the boardwalk, take in the scenic views, and have a picnic by the water or go for lunch at one of the many nearby eateries. Access to all of it is free!  (Note that the link above is to a very old post about Yards Park, like from the first day it opened, but descriptions of the water features are still accurate. Find more about the area here.)

 

2. Happening today:  Pick up some new reads for the kids and enjoy a fun day out at the Children’s Book Festival.  From 10am – 5pm on the Woodrow Wilson Plaza of the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center,  there will be opportunities to meet authors, book readings, and hands-on activities led by the National Children’s Museum and Planet Word.  You can also shop thousands of gently-used books (for all ages) on sale for $6 or less provided by Carpe Librum, benefitting Turning the Page, an education-based nonprofit.. Admission is free, The Plaza is located at 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW.

 

3. Little ones can get creative at an art museum!  Tomorrow, June 30, the Hirshhorn’s Art Cart, which offers young artists a hands-on maker experience during their visit, will share a project from 10am – 12pm inspired by Laurie Anderson’s 2011 tribute to Lola, her terrier, now on view.  And the Hirshhorn is once again offering regular in-person programming for kids — check out the full calendar here.

 

4. New Smithsonian Nighttime Adventures will offer kids opportunities to explore the National Museum of Natural History after hours! When the crowds are gone, and the doors have closed, one of the world’s most popular museums will become their playground until nearly midnight.  Children ages 8-14 and their adult chaperones can join other night owls in this unique experience held Fridays: July 15, July 22, July 29, August 5, and August 12 from 7-11pm.  Participants will wander through the museum’s galleries to explore the Earth’s past, discover the wonders of the ocean, and more as they are guided by the fun and challenging “Adaptation Game” filled with activities to complete. Tickets are $85 for general admission and $70 for Smithsonian Associates members, and advance registration is required.Cost includes exclusive access and activities in the museum, interactive exploration, and a pre-packaged individually wrapped snack.

 

5. Bravo to my friend Jody on her raw, thought-provoking, impeccably-written piece in the Washington Post that brings to light yet another potential consequence of the Roe v. Wade overturning.

 

Bonus: July 4th sales are beginning!  Some good ones: Anthro, REI, Target, West ElmLowes, GAP.

 

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The Weekend Round-Up: June 24-26

Teddy gets a view of the Mall, where there will be lots of fun happening this weekend

 

Happy Weekend!

Quick links to posts full of ideas for activities around the area:
Best Outdoors in the DC Area
* Off-the-Beaten-Path Museums
* Swim Spots
* On the Water
* Local Hikes with Kids
* Bike Rides
* The Great Indoors
* Peaceful Places

Smithsonian Folklife Festival
Where: 7th – 12th Streets | National Mall, DC
When: Throughout the weekend, 11am – 6pm
Admission: Free

Back in person after two years, the event will once again celebrate living cultural heritage and community traditions, this year highlighting United Arab Emirates and Earth Optimism. Through June 27, then June 30 – July 4, all kinds exhibits, demonstrations, live performances, talks, food, markets, and much more will be on the National Mall between 7th & 12th Streets NW from 11am – 6pm each day. Admission is free. Definitely make time to go — it’s always a fantastic event with so much for all ages to enjoy! View scenes from a past Folklife Festival here.

Mr. Poppers Penguins
Where: Imagination Stage
When: Friday, 10:30am | Saturday, 4pm | Sunday 1:30pm
Tickets: $14

See a new show at Imagination Stage!  Mr. Popper, a painter of modest means, dreams of taking an Antarctic adventure. So he’s thrilled when a penguin named Captain Cook waddles out of a mysterious box left on his doorstep. The zookeeper donates a female companion and soon…the patter of 20 baby penguin feet! To feed all of these mouths, the imaginative Mr. Popper and his wife turn his talented penguins into a must-see traveling vaudeville act full of song and dance. But the rigors of performing take a toll on them all, and they must make a difficult decision. This musical play, featuring expert puppetry, depicts a wild and witty way to follow your dreams — and your convictions. Recommended for ages 3-10.

Encanto at The REACH
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: Friday at dusk
Admission: Free

Catch a children’s fave on the outdoor screen at the lovely grounds of The REACH at the Kennedy Center — presented in honor of World Refugee Day. Encanto tells the tale of an extraordinary family, the Madrigals, who live hidden in the mountains of Colombia, in a magical house, in a vibrant town, in a wondrous, charmed place called an Encanto.

Lovin’ Summer
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity

Get your summer on this weekend with a host of activities exclusive to this time of year. Catch an outdoor concert or movie under the stars. Enjoy some water fun at an outdoor pool, sprayground, or water park. Check out a special seasonal exhibit. Do some crabbing (the feasting kind). Take a spin on a carousel or mini train, and so much more. Some are highlighted here, but see the 2022 KFDC Guide to Summer in DC for the full scoop even more summer favorites.

Rockin’ on the Riverfront
Where: Yards Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Friday, 6:30-8:30pm
Admission: Free

Kick off the weekend with some live music in the fresh air. The Friday Night Concert series at Yards Park is a super fun way to start the weekend, and Pop/RnB band Pebble to Pearl is playing this installment of the summer staple. Enjoy the music along with food and drinks for purchase (or BYO picnic), let the kids play in the grassy spaces, and take in the scenic river views.

Yappy Hour
Where: The Boro | Tysons, VA
When: Friday, 5-7pm
Admission: Free

Here’s one for dog fams… Celebrate summer Fridays with a “Yappy” Hour at The Boro Sandlot. Treat yourself to a cool cocktail and visit the Bone Bar to get a special something for your puppy pal while you enjoy tunes spun by a local DJ. Commemorate the evening with a branded dog bag holder and picture paw-fect moment at the Instagram-worthy “BARK” display. And if you don’t have a four-legged friend of your own, the Wolf Trap Animal Rescue will be joining for a puppy playtime! Pet some cute pups while you learn about how you could foster your own.

Solstice Saturday
Where: Smithsonian Museums | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – midnight
Admission: Free

The Smithsonian is marking the first Saturday of summer — Solstice Saturday — by staying open late and hosting parties, programs, and performances, including a free concert on the National Mall hosted by the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, a late-night garden dance party with glow yoga, a wellness day, and more. The following museums will be open until midnight welcoming visitors to the free festivities: Smithsonian Castle & Haupt Garden, Arts & Industries Building, National Museum of African Art, National Museum of Asian Art, and the National Museum of Natural History. The Hirshhorn and National Museum of African American History and Culture will be open until 8pm.

Barbecue Battle
Where: 3-7th Streets | Pennsylvania Ave NW, DC
When: Saturday 11am – 9pm & Sunday, 11am – 7:30pm
Admission: Start at $12/adults, free/12 & under

Join one of the biggest summer barbeques around as the Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle returns to pit some of the nation’s best barbequers against each other to compete for big prizes. The reward for attendees: Samples from all the entrants (plus, more food), 13 bands on four stages, cooking demos, kids’ fun, and more. It all takes place along Pennsylvania Avenue NW, from 3rd to 7th Streets.

Heritage Days
Where: Various locales | Montgomery County, MD
When: Saturday & Sunday, 12-4pm
Admission: Free

Celebrate the history, culture, and natural beauty of Montgomery County, MD, as more than 30 historic sites welcome visitors for guided tours, re-creations of historic events, children’s activities, and more — all free of charge. Learn about the history of dairy farming, railroads, and trolleys; African American communities, astronomy, local arts & culture, and outdoor recreation. Check the online brochure for participating locations and activities.

DC Tennis Festival
Where: Banneker Recreation Center | Shaw, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 3pm
Admission: Free

Calling all Tennis players, enthusiasts, and anyone interested in learning! Join DC DPR at Banneker Recreation Center to meet the DPR citywide tennis staff and their long-standing Tennis at Shiloh partners. Enjoy a full day of tennis activities, lessons, and more! RSVP in advance.

Georgetown Sweets Tour
Where: Throughout Georgetown, DC
When: Saturday, 12-5pm
Admission: $35/person or $135 for 4 tickets

Discover Georgetown bakeries and independent retailers at the Georgetown Sweets Tour. Created as a way for DC area and visiting families to discover neighborhood bakeries and independent retailers, this experience takes you to 12 retail locations to pick up a different sweet from each one. By the end of the “tour” you’ll have 12 sweets (if you don’t eat them along the way, of course)!

Astronomy Festival
Where: 3rd-4th Streets | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 6-11pm
Admission: Free

Presented in association with the Smithsonian Solstice Saturday events, get an eyeful of the night sky and a chance to mingle with astronomers at the Annual Astronomy Festival on the Mall. This free public stargazing event features optical and radio telescope observations of the sun, star clusters, and colorful double stars. You can also enjoy hands-on activities, and astronomical image exhibits. This takes place at 3rd-4th Streets, SW, across from the National Museum of the American Indian.

Fantastagirl and the Math Monster
Where: Adventure Theatre | Glen Echo, MD
When: Saturday & Sunday
Tickets: $25 (look for discount)

On stage at Adventure Theatre….   Fantastagirl, a second-grade superhero who uses words to save the day, comes face to face with her worst nightmare: the Math Monster! When confronted with problems too big for words alone to solve, Fantastagirl must accept help from her friendly, furry, fraction-loving foe. While Fantastagirl and Math Monster use words and numbers to help her friends and scientist moms, something far more sinister than Math brews on the horizon.

Little Red Riding Hood & the 3 Little Pigs
Where: The Puppet Co.
When: Throughout the weekend
Tickets: $15 (look for discount)

See a show on string at The Puppet Co… We all think we know the Big Bad Wolf from the classic fairytales, but what if it’s the same Wolf in both stories? What if there’s been a big mistake? What if the Wolf isn’t so big or so bad? Recommended for ages 4+. Run time is approximately 45 minutes. Read a KFDC review of the show from a bunch of years back.

Block Party
Where: Generation Hope
When: Saturday, 11am – 2pm
Admission: $50/adult, $10/child

This family-friendly event will be held in the outdoor area of Generation Hope’s office and will include food, music, games, and activities for all ages. Come celebrate the summer with our families!

Vamos United!
Where: Audi Field | Southwest DC
When: Saturday, 5pm
Admission: Tickets start at $40

DC United is home this weekend, and there’s a match against Nashville SC on Saturday. I recommend taking public transportation as parking can be difficult. Or park in the Navy Yard neighborhood and plan to walk from there (and maybe grab dinner after the match — El Bebe, All Purpose Pizza, The Salt Line, and Dacha are very convenient and my top recs for family-friendly spots to eat there). Purchase match tickets here.

Fairy Trail Grand Opening
Where: Piscataway Park | Accokeek, MD
When: Saturday, 6-8pm
Admission: $5-15

Celebrate the grand reopening of the Piscataway Park Fairy Trail near the summer solstice — a magical day for the fairy folk. The Forest Fairies of Piscataway Park are once again opening up their homes and inviting visitors into their world to learn about the forest they call home. This year they will take visitors on an enchanted adventure under the soil Full admission for fairies is $15 and will include wand making, wish bottles, soil activities, face painting, fairy dance class, special “Fairyologist” activity guides, and a popsicle. Partial admission for fairy-guardians is $5. Register in advance.

Take a Dip
Where: Around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale

As temps rise over the weekend, this round-up of non-pool places to swim around the area will be useful. Find beaches on the Bay (and even Atlantic), lakes and rivers, and swimming holes and creeks — all that welcome the public to take a dip!

Day Trippin’
Where: Around the DC area (and a bit beyond)
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by adventure

It’s summer, so head a little further out and enjoy a day trip. Some ideas for where to go:
* Zip up to Baltimore, where there are so many great attractions for families
* See the spectacular underground world of Luray Caverns.
* Enjoy hiking and history at Harpers Ferry.
* Go to Calvert County for art adventures at Annmarie Sculpture Garden, a beach day at Calvert Cliffs State Park, maritime explorations at the Calvert Marine Museum, or even a pontoon boat excursion from Solomons Island.

Beachy Keen
Where: Several destinations in Maryland
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale

Do something quintessentially summer and hit the beach! You don’t have to go all the way to the ocean — there is sand and surf (and shark tooth hunting, in some places) within day trip distance from DC! Head a bit past Annapolis to Sandy Point, go to one of several spots in Calvert County, or make fossil hunting your main focus at the Purse Area in Charles, County. See the summer guide for details and links on all of these beaches.

Exhibit This
Where: Museums & venues around the DC Area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by exhibit

There are some extraordinary installations and delightful annual exhibits at our museums and galleries right now. See Fairies in the Garden, immerse in the work of Yayoi Kusama, make a wish, explore King Tut’s tomb, take the kids to play at the Botanic Garden. Get details on all of these exhibits in the Summer Guide.

***MORE GOOD STUFF***
* The National Gallery of Art East Building reopens on June 30 after being closed several months for renovations.
* On Monday, June 27, the National Postal Museum is hosting a virtual program for kids on Diversity Awareness with Guest Artist Rafael Lopez & Guest Author Sonia Sotomayor.
* The next Movies on the Pitch at Audi Field on Thursday, June 30, will feature Sing 2. Watch it from the stadium’s field as it’s transformed into an outdoor cinema. Reserve free tickets through the link.
* Tom Sietsma’s 7 favorite places to eat right now.
* The planets are aligning, and you can still get a view of them over the next couple of days.
* How cool would it be to have one of these?
* My last pair broke after 10 years of wear, so I just ordered these to replace them. One of my favorite brands…on sale, too!
* This new series is a fun watch for tween ages and up. (FTR, I enjoyed it, too.)
* Very important summer bbq advice.
* A couple of late additions… Where to find abortion services and donate to abortion funds. Plus, some thoughts from a wise, beloved woman.

 

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click on one and make a purchase, I may get a small commission. This helps me continue to bring you KFDC. Thanks so much for the support!

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Filed under 2022, DC, Maryland, Summer, Virginia, Weekend

Five Things: June 22, 2022

 

1, The Smithsonian Folklife Festival begins today! Back in person after two years, the event will once again celebrate living cultural heritage and community traditions, this year highlighting United Arab Emirates and Earth Optimism.  From June 22-27 and June 30 – July 4, all kinds exhibits, demonstrations, live performances, talks, food, markets, and much more will be on the National Mall between 7th & 12th Streets NW from 11am – 6pm each day.  Admission is free.  Definitely make time to go — it’s always a fantastic event with so much for all ages to enjoy! View scenes from a past Folklife Festival here.  (PS: I recommend taking Metro if possible as parking is tough around the National Mall, especially during this time of year.)

 

2,  This evening, join the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center for E.T. : The Extra Terrestrial in Concert, a 40th anniversary celebration of the classic film.  The NSO will performs the  complete Academy Award–winning score as the movie is projected in HD on the big screen. Tickets are $29-49, and you can use the code 472964 to get 50% off orchestra seats for the performance.

 

3, Tomorrow, June 23, the National Museum of Natural History is celebrating Pollinator Week with a free family concert followed by a book signing with Latin Grammy winner, Mister G. There will also be hands-on activities and learning stations, plus fun giveaways from the Pollinator Partnership, the US Forest Service, and USDA. Join the fun from 10am – 12:30pm in Q?rius on the Ground Floor of the museum.  Admission is free.

 

4, For those times that you can’t get out, 50 at-home kids’ activities.

 

5, A fun watch with a children’s fave.

 

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