Getting ready for the Easter egg "hunt" at last year's Eggstravagana in Lincoln Park
If you’re looking for an egg hunt, you’ll have no problem finding one. Sheep shearing? Got you covered there, too. And if the forecast proves reliable, and thunderstorms soak the area, I’ve got plenty of suggestions for family fun indoors. Happy Weekend! And Happy Easter, too!
Earth Day Party for the Planet – Looking for a Friday morning activity? Celebrate Earth Day at the National Zoo! From 10am – 12pm, guests can create eco-crafts, a meet the Zoo’s Green Team, get tips on enjoying a environmentally friendly lifestyle, and recycling opportunities (check the website for the list of recyclable items). This free event will take place at the Zoo in Your Backyard exhibit.
Hop to It – It’s Easter weekend, and with it come many egg hunts and festivals. Celebrate at Cox Farms on Saturday from 11am–2pm with games, egg coloring, farm animals, and a visit from the Easter Bunny. Annual Eggstravaganzas will be taking place at Lincoln Park on Capitol Hill from 1-3pm and in Ballston at 10:30am. The Reston Zoo will host Easter egg hunts on Saturday and Sunday at several times both days. And ongoing are holiday festivities at Ticonderoga Farms and Bunnyland at Butler’s Orchard (open through Monday, though it’s closed on Easter Sunday).
Show Time – From Snow White on strings to Rocknoceros at Jammin’ Java, there’s a variety of live entertainment to enjoy this weekend. For details on what’s playing, see this post about what’s on stage this spring.
The Plane, The Plane! – Love the Air & Space on the Mall, but not all the crowds? Head to the College Park Aviation Museum, just 15 minutes out of DC. The state-of-the-art facility located on the grounds of the world’s oldest continuously operating airport in College Park, MD, contains relics of early aviation, including some interactive fun. Open daily from 10am -5pm, though closed on major holidays. Admission is $4/adults, $2/children, free for ages 2 and under.
A Walk in the Park – It’s still National Park Week, and entrance to over 100 parks that usually charge admission is free. If weather permits, take advantage and hit the trails at a local park or even one a bit further away. For suggestions on good hikes with kids, see this post about tramping with little ones.
Think Outside… The list of best places to enjoy the outdoors with the kids keeps growing. Check it out for ideas on where to have fun al fresco. Again, if weather permits.
Space for Children at House of Sweden – The Swedish Embassy welcomes families to experience a unique exhibit through April 24. Two rooms of “interactivity creativity” celebrate the parent-child bond and encourage creative play. The free exhibit is open Saturdays from 11am – 4pm and Sundays from 12 – 5pm. Read more about it on the Embassy’s website.
Nature at Its Best and Biggest – See some amazing moments in the natural world captured in photos and on the big screen at the National Museum of Natural History. The Nature’s Best Photography exhibit showcases winners of a prestigious photography competition. And most of the films playing at the museum’s Samuel C. Johnson IMAX Theater have themes of nature at their core.
Portrait Story Days: Dizzy Gillespie – Drop in at the National Portrait Gallery on Sunday from 1 – 4pm to listen to a story about a person who has influenced American history and culture and to create a special piece of art. On Saturday and Sunday, learn about jazz trumpeter, band leader, singer, and composer Dizzy Gillespie.
Shearing Madness – Sunday is Sheep Shearing Day at Watkins Regional Park, and you’re invited to watch the wool fly. This free event will feature sheep and llama shearing demonstrations, displays of products made from wool and hair, and more. Hayrides will be available during the event for $1.
Rainy Day Recs – I’m listing this last in hopes that it’s a last resort, and those thunderstorms in the forecast don’t materialize. But if it turns out to be a wet weekend, this post contains many suggestions on where to have fun and stay dry.
