The good news: We’re about half-way through winter. The bad news: We’re about half-way through winter. It’s been a crazy week for many, with hectic commutes, power outages, and school cancellations. You all deserve some fun and relaxation this weekend. Here’s where you can find some of the family-friendly variety. Happy Weekend!
Monster Jam – Twelve-foot-tall, ten-thousand-pound monster trucks will race on, tear up, soar over, and smash through a specially designed track loaded with obstacles. There are three shows: Tonight at 7:30, tomorrow at 2pm, then in the evening at 7:30pm. Tickets are $60/VIP seats, $25/Gold Circle seats, and Mid-Level are $20/adults, $10/kids 2-12. Kids under 2 are free. For more info, see this post from a few weeks ago.
Washington Auto Show – Sure, it’s a “grown-up” event, but any kid with a penchant for cars will love seeing the hundreds of wheels on display. Besides new models from more than 40 manufacturers, guests can check out Star Cars, replicas of some of the most famous cars from the big and small screens and one real Transformer. There will also be children’s activities, appearances by some of kids’ favorite characters as well as local and national celebs (come on, you know you want to meet Snooki!) Taking place at the Washington Convention Center, the show runs from Saturday through Sunday, February 6. Tickets are $12/adults, $5/kids 6-12, free for children 5 and under. Hours vary by day, so check the website for specifics.
Free Family Film Screening at DC Shorts REWIND – Local favorite film festival, DC Shorts, is getting ready to present REWIND, a re-screening and retrospective look at the biggest hits of the last seven years. Included is a Free Family Film screening on Saturday morning. Recommended for ages 8 and up, the review will feature 90 minutes of kid-friendly films from around the world. See this post from a a couple of weeks ago for more info.
“Be Mine” – Parent-Child Valentine – Tomorrow from 11am – 12pm, Paper Source in Georgetown is hosting a “Be Mine” – Parent-Child Valentine workshop, where participants can create accordion books with Valentine themes using all kinds of neat art supplies provided by Paper Source. Cost is $25 (add just $10 for a second child), and the class is recommended for ages 5-10. More details about this and other Valentine-themed events are here.
Pentagon Row Ice Skating Gala – Lace up your skates for the 2nd Annual Pentagon Row Ice Skating Gala. On Saturday from 5 -7pm, guests can enjoy live music by Fools & Horses, a fun photo booth, free hot and merchant specials, plus strolling family entertainment, including a stilt walker, magician, ice princess, and juggler. A portion of the ice skating proceeds benefits the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Capitol Chapter. Tickets are $8/adults, $7/children 12 and under, $3/skate rentals.
Michael Taggart: Magician Extraordinaire – This weekend’s Saturday Monrning at the National performer will amaze and amuse all ages. This adroit and personable magician does marvels with scarves and balls and wizard’s wands. Audience volunteers help him make the magic! At the conclusion of his performance, he floats up in the air into a mini-snowstorm: a lovely, magical moment not to be missed. Show times are 9:30am and 11am at the National Theatre. Tickets are free and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Ikat-Inspired Flower Garden Art – Search the galleries of the Textile Museum for colors and floral designs on a scavenger hunt. Afterward, use markers, colored pencils and paint to create a flower garden inspired by the designs in the Colors of the Oasis exhibition. The free workshop is recommended for ages 4-12. No reservations required, so just show up and have fun.
Puppet Shows for Little Ones – Two Tiny Tots shows will be performed at The Puppet Co. this weekend. Panda-Monium on Saturday and Old MacDonald’s Farm on Sunday. Both start at 10am. Tickets are $5 and available online. Tiny Tots shows are recommended for ages 0-4.
Portrait Story Days: Georgia O’Keefe – Drop in at the National Portrait Gallery to listen to a story about a person who has influenced American history and culture and to create a special piece of art. On Sunday, learn about artist Georgia O’Keeffe from 1pm – 4pm. This is a free program.
Theater Time – Several children’s stage productions are in local theaters, and tickets are still available for some of this weekend’s performances. Check out this post to see what’s playing and how to reserve your seats.
Stories in Art – Alexander Calder will again be the subject for this week’s Stories in Art at the National Gallery. The workshop will start with a reading of “Sophie’s Masterpiece,” a book about a spider and her wondrous creations. From there, the group will explore Calder’s “Spider” and learn to weave their own wire mobiles. Hour-long sessions begin at 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm, and 2:30pm. 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.
