Tag Archives: Saturday Morning at the National

June 11, 2013 · 11:50 am

Live Entertainment on Local Stages this Summer

Fly to Neverland at Imagination Stage this summer

As the weather heats up, stay cool — and entertained — with a variety of live productions around the DC-Metro this summer. Here are the shows that will be on local stages, listed in order of start date with most descriptions coming straight from the theatres. Tickets are on sale for all of them, so go ahead and save your seats!

Saturday Morning at the National
Where: National Theatre
When: Thru July 27
Tickets: Free
The free theatre program runs on select Saturdays through July with performances at 9:30am and 11:30am. Musicals, plays, storytelling, and comedy shows are all part of the live entertainment line-up. See the complete schedule of performances here. Tickets are distributed day of performances on a first-come, first-served basis. Everyone must be in line to receive a ticket.

Sleeping Beauty
Where: Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre
When: Thru June 16
Tickets: $12/adults, $10/children
Encore Stage & Studio presents its newest “by kids for kids production: When Briar Rose is born, the King and Queen throw a celebration to welcome their newborn daughter. The whole kingdom is invited, save for one truly wicked witch. In revenge, Evilina casts a sleeping spell on the young Princess; a spell that can only be broken by true love’s kiss. Encore invites you to fall in love again with Sleeping Beauty, an amusing and playful presentation of the well-known fairytale. Special pre-performance music provided by Prelude Youth Orchestra on June 8 & 9 at the 3:00 pm performances. Recommended for ages 4 and up. Running time is 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Bathtub Pirates
Where: The Puppet Co.
When: June 13-30
Tickets: $10
Captain Blackbeard, one of the Carolinas most infamous pirates, is without his ship. So a child’s bathtub will have to do. His motley crew outfits the bathtub with rudder, sail and a Jolly Roger pirate flag. This fanciful production comes from guest artists, Grey Seal Puppets, and has won one of the highest honors in puppetry, the UNIMA Citation for Excellence. Recommended for PreK – Grade 4. Running time is 45 minutes.

Tiny Tots
Where: The Puppet Co.
When: Most Wednesdays, Saturdays, & Sundays at 10am
Tickets: $5
The series presents puppet shows designed for the youngest theater patrons (ages 0-4). They are shorter, the lights stay on, and the doors stay open. They have an arsenal of shows that they switch up every performance, so be sure to check the schedule to see what’s playing when you go.

Tot Rock
Where: Jammin’ Java
When: Ongoing
Tickets: $5/weekdays, $10/weekends
Tot Rock is Jammin’ Java’s super-popular kids music concert series, providing wholesome family entertainment at one of the DC Metro area’s finest music clubs. Local acts perform every Thursday and Friday, and touring performers drop by on many weekends. Check the calendar often to see when your favorite act is performing, and for other calendar updates.

Dr. Seuss’s A Cat in the Hat
Where: Adventure Theatre
When: June 21 – September 2
Tickets: $19
From the moment his tall, red-and-white-striped hat appears around the door, Sally and her brother know that the cat in the hat is the funniest, most mischievous cat they have ever met. With the trickiest of tricks and craziest of ideas, he is certainly fun to play with. And he turns a rainy afternoon into an amazing adventure. But what will mom find when she gets home…?

Puppets Take Strathmore
Where: Strathmore
When: June 22 – August 17
Tickets: Prices vary by performance
This summer, Strathmore will be invaded by “things on strings” for the campus-wide summer festival Puppets Take Strathmore, exploring contemporary American puppetry. The festival includes performances, workshops, and the fine art exhibition No Strings Attached, with activities for adults and for kids. Highlights of the festival include the DC debut of Blair Thomas & Co.’s acclaimed Hard Headed Heart and a Puppet Slam for avant garde East Coast puppet companies to showcase new, shortform puppet performances. The festival also features numerous unique elements to No Strings Attached, including puppets from Heather Henson’s IBEX (daughter of Muppets creator Jim Henson) and The Ballard Museum of Puppetry, as well as vintage puppets, film screenings, photography, representative sculpture and puppets of all shapes, sizes and modes of animation.

NSO KinderKonzert: Peter & the Wolf
Where: Kennedy Center
When: June 22
Tickets: $18
Those wonderful wind instruments give voice to a little boy named Peter and a wolf on the prowl in Prokofiev’s beloved musical tale. A woodwind quintet of NSO musicians–Alice Weinreb, flute; Nicholas Stovall, oboe; Loren Kitt, clarinet; Truman Harris, bassoon; and Laurel Ohlson, horn–introduces young audiences to the storytelling magic of music in this family favorite. For age 4 and up. Go early for the Musical Instrument “Petting Zoo.” Starting one hour before each Kinderkonzert, this hands-on activity in the Kennedy Center Hall of States gives children a chance to get up close with the instruments they’ll see played on stage–from violins and trumpets to oboes and flutes. A project of the Women’s Committee for the NSO.

National Festival Orchestra: Peter and the Wolf
Where: Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, U of Md
When: June 23
Tickets: Free
In this family-friendly performance, members of the National Orchestral Institute play Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf and give their own imaginative musical interpretations of beloved children’s books. The National Orchestral Institute and Festival (NOI) brings together talented young musicians at the beginning of their careers for a month of professional development and music-making. Chosen by a rigorous, cross-country audition process, NOI participants quickly coalesce into dynamic ensembles that perform adventuresome programming.

Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods
Where: Wolf Trap
When: June 25 – August 10
Admission: $10
From late June through early August, Wolf Trap presents Children’s Theater-in-the-Woods, over 70 family-friendly performances at 10:30am Tuesdays through Saturdays. Amidst 117 rolling wooded acres and nestled in a shady grove, the stage is set for lively adventures in music, dance, storytelling, puppetry, and theater. All of the productions are recommended for children between Kindergarten and 6th grade. The full schedule of shows is available of the Wolf Trap website. And you can read a KFDC review of the series from a previous summer here.

Peter Pan and Wendy
Where: Imagination Stage
When: June 26 – August 11
Tickets: Start at $12
Bethesda becomes Neverland this summer, as Imagination Stage presents Peter Pan and Wendy, a swashbuckling adventure with audience participation. In this version of the classic tale of the boy who refuses to grow up, the character of Wendy takes on a more prominent role, as she, too, is having trouble coming to terms with pending adulthood and accepting life’s responsibilities. Wendy wants to play, and Peter Pan is delighted to whisk her away to the magical island of Neverland where children stay children forever. With the help of Tinkerbell, the Lost Boys, Tiger Lily, and mermaids, Peter and Wendy battle the dreaded, but rather funny, Captain Hook.

Tot Rock: Jammin’ at the Smithsonian – Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band
Where: Discovery Theatre
When: June 27-28
Tickets: $3-8
Lucky Diaz, Alisha Gaddis, and company rock out with “contemporary family music all dressed up in the ’50s,” says USA Today, which named the LA-based band a best new artist in kids’ music. The Chicago Tribune applauded their “indie pop-rock for seriously groovin’ families.” Recommended for ages 2-6.

Dinosaur Babies
Where: The Puppet Co.
When: July 5-28
Tickets: $10
This DinoRock musical fossil fantasy opens in the bedroom of a little boy named Nelson: “I saw that scary movie about dinosaurs and now I have nightmares.” Nelson is afraid to go to sleep, but with the encouragement of the Dream Weavers (Ingrid Crepeau, Michele Valeri and Steve Little) he does. Together the Dream Weavers and those cute little dinosaur babies help Nelson to conquer his fears and sleep well. Recommended for PreK-Grade 4. Running time is 45 minutes.

Mouse on the Move
Where: Imagination Stage
When: July 6-28
Tickets: $10-12
Mouse on the Move follows two adventurous mice who are ready to explore the world beyond their little mouse-hole. They decide to visit the moon, since it is reportedly made of delicious, mouth-watering cheese. Ages 1-5.

All The Way Live! with Paige Hernandez & Baye Harrell
Where: Discovery Theatre
When: July 9-12
Tickets: $3-8
Anything can come to life with a simple beat, a rhythm and a rhyme. Watch as world renowned hip hop performers collaborate on the spot to “remix” everything from folktales to classical art. Watch as the remix unfolds through dance, poetry, improv and rapping. In this interactive show, everything is “all the way live” and history is revived through hip hop lenses.

Backyard Theatre For Children
Where: Strathmore
When: July 11 – August 1
Tickets: $8/ages 3 and up
A quartet of kid-friendly performances on Strathmore’s tented Backyard Theater Stage will keep kids excited, engaged and moving this summer. Infectious riffs from kindie rock band Milkshake and the ’80s influenced Pop Ups will have whole families singing along to their concerts. Backyard Theater favorite Taikoza returns to showcase the thundering power of Taiko drums and Japanese dance, while DC-based Urban Artistry will teach hip hop dance basics for rambunctious youngsters bursting with energy to pop, lock, and breakdance.

Willy Wonka, Jr.
Where: Kenmore Middle School
When: July 11-12
Admission: Suggested donation of $5
Encore Stage & Studio invites you to a world of “pure imagination” in Stage Door’s musical production of Willy Wonka, Jr. Willy Wonka, owner of the magical and mysterious candy factory is ready to pass on his prized-business to a young, “bright spark.” Five contestants have found the golden ticket, Mike Teavee, Veruca Salt, Augustus Gloop, Violet Beauregarde and Charlie Bucket and are moving on into the competition. Find out which lucky contestant will win his delicious fortune. This scrumdidilyumptious musical is guaranteed to delight everyone’s sweet tooth! Recommended for ages 4 and older.

Video Games Live: Bonus Round!
Where: Wolf Trap
When: July 13
Tickets: $22-55
Power up for a spectacular ALL NEW fusion of live music and cutting-edge visuals from some of the world’s most popular video games such as Pokemon, Super Smash Bros., Skyrim, Journey, Street Fighter II, Earthworm Jim, Donkey Kong Country, Chrono Cross and many more, shown on HUGE screens in-house and on the lawn. Created, produced and hosted by world renowned game industry veteran Tommy Tallarico, top orchestras and choirs from across the globe perform along with exclusive synchronized video footage and music arrangements, synchronized lighting, well known internet solo performers, electronic percussion, live action and unique interactive segments to create an explosive entertainment experience.

Science Spectacular with Eric Energy
Where: Discovery Theatre
When: July 16-19
Tickets: $3-8
Get ready to “wow” your kids with a science spectacular! Eric Energy is a wacky scientist and he will perform visual science experiments that deal with topics like the weather and matter. Kids will be seeing things like vortex fog rings, bubbling potions and more. This is an interactive show so volunteers will be needed! Recommended for ages 5-12.

Legally Blonde The Musical
Where: Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre
When: July 19-28
Admission: $15/adult, $10/child
Encore Stage & Studio presents bubbly and bright Elle Woods, who never takes “no” for an answer. So when her boyfriend dumps her for someone “serious,” Elle upgrades her signature pink for Harvard crimson! This Hollywood blockbuster turned musical sensation will have you dancing in the aisles. Elle proves that being true to yourself never goes out of style. Recommended for ages 10 and up.

The Magical Worlds of Jack Julius
Where: Discovery Theatre
When: July 23-26
Tickets: $3-8
Come see the unique, magical world of Jack Julius as he presents his own style of magic, mime, comedy, and illusion. You will be amazed as you watch magic and art come to life. As always, there’s tons of audience participation – so get ready to be part of the show! Recommended for ages 5-12.

Playing by Air
Where: Publick Playhouse
When: July 23-24
Tickets: $8 by 6/15, $10 after 6/15
The award winning performers of Playing By Air share their sense of playfulness and breathtaking circus feats in this production filled with music, juggling and more…more…

The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses
Where: Meyerhoff Symphony Hall
When: July 27
Admission: $30-75
Based on one of the most popular and beloved video game series of all time, the tour—which has been hailed as a modern classic—features live orchestral performances of theme music from Nintendo’s The Legend of Zelda franchise. The name “Symphony of the Goddesses” refers not only to the concert program but also to the four-movement symphony recounting the classic storylines from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, and The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. The performance also will highlight orchestral renditions of music from other series games, including The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening and The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask. Eímear Noone will conduct the full orchestra with arrangements by music director Chad Seiter.

Circus!
Where: The Puppet Co.
When: August 2
Tickets: $10
In grand circus tradition, the “Grandest Show on Strings” features a collection of clowns, death-defying acrobats, and an amazing menagerie of fauna from the farthest reaches of the globe. Performed by Christopher and MayField Piper, many of the acts were built more than 50 years ago by Christopher’s parents for “Len Piper’s International Marionette Circus.” Recommended for PreK-Adult. Running time is 40 minutes.

Sing-A-Long Sound of Music
Where: Wolf Trap
When: August 31
Tickets: $20-38
A few of your favorite things are back! Quickly becoming a Wolf Trap tradition, this Oscar-winning movie will be shown on HUGE screens in-house and on the lawn, accompanied by an audience sing-a-long. It all kicks off with a vocal warm-up and an introduction to using complimentary goodie bags containing a treasure trove of Sound of Music props that ensure a fun, interactive experience. Be sure to dress in your Sound of Music best – the sing-a-long is paired with an unforgettable costume contest.

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Filed under All ages, Babies, DC, Educational, Festival, Free, Gradeschoolers, Live Entertainment, Maryland, Music, Ongoing, Preschoolers, Seasonal, Summer, Teens, Theatre, Toddlers, Tweens, Virginia, Weekdays, Weekend

Tagged as Adventure Theatre, Backyard Children's Theatre, Children's Theatre in the Woods, DC Children's Theatre, DC Kids Shows, DC Live Entertainment, DC Summer Entertainment, Discovery Theater, Imagination Stage, Jammin' Java, NSO for Children, Publick Playhouse, Saturday Morning at the National, Strathmore Puppet Festival, The Puppet Co., Things to do with Kids in Maryland, Things to do with kids in Northern Virginia, Things to do with Kids in Washington DC, Wolf Trap

January 20, 2012 · 10:23 am

The Weekend Round-Up: January 20-22

My favorite six-year-old

I have to start this weekend round-up with a special shout-out. It was six years ago yesterday that my favorite little man arrived, and life became a fantastic adventure I never could have imagined prior to becoming a parent. My tiny baby, who was less than six pounds upon his early arrival and fit snugly in the crook of my arm, now reads, writes, runs fast, jokes around, expresses his dreams. When I take a moment (when I have a moment) to digest it all, it’s pretty darn astounding. And I couldn’t be prouder of the boy he’s become. Happy Birthday, my sweet O.

And with my sentimental moment indulged, let’s talk about the weekend. Museums programs and special events, children’s theatre, a clothing swap, and hoops action are among my recommendations for family fun. And with dreary weather in the forecast, the indoor list makes the round-up, too. Happy Weekend!

Spy Fest 2012 – Is your child the next 007? Find out at the International Spy Museum on Sunday from 11am – 2:30pm. Recommended for ages 7 and up, the event will include mini missions, tradecraft demos, and a chance for guests to try their spy skills. Tickets are $10, and advance registration is required. Go here to sign up!

Celebrate Africa! – Kids of all ages are invited to the Textile Museum’s 3^rd Annual Mid-Winter Festival celebrating the art and culture of Africa. On Saturday from 12-4pm guests can enjoy dress-up, storytelling, dancing, crafts, and more. Try on contemporary clothing and accessories inspired by cultures of Central Africa, then pose for a professional photographer and walk away with your picture. Hand-sew a Kuba-inspired textile. Enjoy snacks of cassava chips and South African red tea while master drummer Joseph Ngwa leads traditional drumming and dance, and master storyteller Baba-C entrances listeners with interactive storytelling. Visitors will also entered to win great prizes. Admission to the event is free.

Happy Lunar New Year! – Usher in the Lunar New Year a little early at Rockville Town Center with a day full of lively festivities, including a parade hosted by VisArts, street performers, live music, martial artists, lion dancers, an 18-person golden dragon, VisArts exhibitions, vendors, crafts, and more! It’s all free and happening on Saturday from 11am – 4pm.

Multi-Prints Family Day – Press, stamp, and rub to make an artistic impression during this printmaking family day at the Smithsonian American Art Museum. On Saturday from 11:30am – 3pm, artists from George Mason University will demonstrate a variety of printing techniques to kids of all ages, who can then visit our workshop tables to create a print of their own to take home! This free event will take place in the Kogod Courtyard of the museum located at 8^th & F Streets, NW.

Farm to Table Family Day – The Kogod Courtyard is going to be a busy place this weekend. Head there on Sunday as the National Portrait Gallery celebrates the arrival of the recently commissioned portrait of chef, author, and restaurant owner Alice Waters by artist Dave Woody. Enjoy live music, learn about the “farm to table” movement, and participate in hands-on activities. The free event takes place from 11:30am – 3pm.

Swap ‘Til You Drop – Or for a few hours, anyway. Saturday is World Swap Day and peace. love. swap. – The Original Maternity, Baby Kid Clothing & Gear Swap is celebrating with a swap event on Saturday at Jonah’s Treehouse in Glover Park. Pass on your old clothes and gear and score some (sorta) new stuff! Item drop-off is from 5-6pm, and the swapping is from 6:30-7:30pm. Admission is $5 if you register in advance, $7 at the door. Go here for more information and to register online

Rubber Ducky, You’re the One – The National Children’s Museum is hosting a joint birthday party for Ernie and his best pal, Rubber Ducky, at the Launch Zone on Saturday. From 11am – 4pm, children can take part in “Percussion Playtime” to celebrate Ernie’s love of playing the drums and make bubble art to celebrate Ernie and Rubber Ducky’s favorite pastime. No R.S.V.P. is required for this party, just drop in for a splish-splashin’ good time!

Wizards vs. Celtics – How about some hoops action on Sunday afternoon? Never mind that it’s not a winning season for the Wizards so far; the games are still exciting and a fun time for all ages. Our family caught the match-up against Toronto a couple of weeks ago – Sasha’s first basketball game, and the Wizard’s first W this season – and we all had a blast. Along with the on-court thrills, kids will love the games, entertainment, and giveaways during time-outs and halftime. Game time on Sunday is 1pm, and tickets start at $10.

Art History 101 – The drop-in program a the National Gallery begins its Artful Conversations series and continues Stories in Art this weekend. On Saturday, kids ages 8-11 and an accompanying adult, can attend the former to learn about a work of art and participate in a related poetry-writing activity. Sessions are at 10:30am, 12:30pm, and 2:30pm. Sign-in will take place in the East Building Atrium, beginning at 10:00 a.m., and will continue until all spaces are filled. On Sunday, kids ages 4-7 can again learn about Henri Matisse through storytelling, discussion, and an art project. Sessions are at 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm, and 2:30pm. Sign-in will take place in the East Building Atrium, beginning at 11am, and will continue until all spaces are filled. Read a KFDC review of the program here.

Stage Time – There’s a variety of entertainment to be enjoyed in local theatres this weekend. The Snowy Day opens at Adventure Theatre, a rousing tale about the War of 1812 is the free show at Saturday Morning at the National, Peter and the Wolf and Tiny Tots are at The Puppet Co., and Mouse on the Move is at Imagination Stage. Find details on all of these productions in this post about winter entertainment.

The “In” Crowd – Looks like it’s going to be a good weekend to hang indoors, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get out of the house. For sheltered adventures around town, check out this list.

The Weekend Round-Up: January 6-8

The birthday girl enjoying some nature at Roosevelt Island last weekend.

Free museum and art activities, family entertainment, and a strong recommendation to enjoy the nice weather while it lasts comprise this weekend round-up. As for our family, we’re adding a little celebration to the mix…

Three years ago today, life got a lot sweeter. And pinker. And sparklier. And crazier in the best way possible. All thanks to one very special and insanely adored baby girl (because at 3 or 43 or 103, she’ll always be my baby).

Happy Weekend! And a very, very happy birthday to my sweet Sashi.

Collection Connections – The National Postal Museum is hosting a drop-in workshop on Saturday from 12-3pm. Associated with the exhibit Collecting History: 125 Years of the National Philatelic Collection, guests of all ages can make a topical stamp collection to take home with them. The session will take place in the atrium, which is a sight in itself, showcasing several cool relics of postal transportation history – a mail truck, a train car, an airplane, even the cab of a tractor-trailer. The museum is conveniently located next to Union Station, a convenient Metro stop as well as a great place to grab a pre- or post-workshop bite to eat.

Movie Time at the Museum – Kids can explore art through film at the National Gallery of Art’s monthly film program. This weekend they’ll present Magic Silver on Saturday at 10:30am and Sunday at 11:30am. Here is the description from the website: “Princess Bluerose is a gnome living deep in the Norwegian mountains with her small community. They are responsible for making the transition between day and night. This moment, the “magic hour,” depends on the magic silver that only these gnomes possess. When the silver is stolen, the world is plunged into eternal night. Find out what happens when Princess Bluerose sets out on a remarkable journey to retrieve the silver and save the world from unending darkness.” The 84-minute movie is in Norwegian with English subtitles and is recommended for ages 7 and up. All film programs are shown in the East Building Auditorium unless otherwise noted. No registration is required. Programs are free and subject to change without notice. Seating is offered on a first-come, first-seated basis.

Oh, the Places You’ll Go! – Drop in to the National Portrait Gallery on Saturday from 1-4pm or Sunday from 2-5pm for Portrait Story Days. This weekend, listen to a story written by Ted Geisel (a.k.a Dr. Seuss) as you view his portrait, a sketch by Everett Raymond Kinstler, currently on display. Stay after to create a related piece of art and explore the rest of the museum.

Free Fun at CHAW – Help celebrate 40 years of the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop at one of their 40 FREE events in 40 days. A couple of the family-friendly variety will take place this weekend. On Saturday from 10-11:30am, kids ages 6 and up can join an animal mask-making workshop to design creature disguises then create a short play. Space is limited in the class, and registration is required. Later that day, all ages are welcome to view the CHAW’s 6^th Annual Contemporary Photography Exhibition from 5-7pm. More info, registration, and the complete calendar of free events can be viewed on the website.

Squeals on Wheels – The first Saturday Morning at the National show is bringing a miniature petting zoo to the stage for an “Education Safari”. An experienced handler will teach the kids about caring for animals while providing an opportunity for “hands-on” visits. Shows take place at 9:30am and 11am, and tickets are required for admission. Free tickets are distributed half an hour prior to the start of shows on a first-come first-served basis. Only one ticket per person, and all attendees must be standing in line to receive a ticket. Children must be accompanied by an adult, who remains present for the entire performance. Seating is limited, so get there early!

Stage Time – Kids entertainment abounds this weekend with several new shows opening and a few in their for their final days. Catch Dr. Dolittle and Knuffle Bunny before curtains close, or see Mouse on the Move or a one-evening performance by the Airborne Comedians. Details, descriptions, and ticket info for all of these productions are available in this post about winter entertainment.

Geology Rocks!– It may be a new year, but the National Children Museum is welcoming guests to study some really old stuff. Join them on Saturday from 11am – 4pm as they go on a geological expedition right in the Launch Zone to learn about everything from rocks to minerals to crystals. Kids can discover how to identify rocks and minerals, how crystals form, and what kinds of minerals exist in their own homes. The day promises to be “bi-o-tite”!

Soar at the NBM – There are some super fly activities happening at the Building Museum on Sunday. Kids ages 8 and up can take part in a Model Airplane Workshop from 9-11am ($8/members, $14/non-members – registration required). And all ages can drop in from 11am – 4pm to see the DC Maxecuters demo all kinds of model planes through the Great Hall. Visit the website for more info and to register.

You are My Sunshine – Warm weather (for this time of year, anyway) is here, and it’s supposed to be remain at least through tomorrow! Get out and enjoy it while you can — this list of places to spend a great day outdoors has loads of ideas for fun al fresco. And if/when it cools down again on Sunday, this post with lots indoor suggestions is always good reference.

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Filed under All ages, Art, Class, DC, Educational, Free, Live Entertainment, Movies, Museums, Outdoor, Theatre, Virginia, Weekend, Winter

Tagged as Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, CHAW, Collecting History: 125 Years of the National Philatelic Collection, DC with kids, Magic Silver, Museum workshops for kids, National Gallery of Art Film Program, National Portrait Gallery, National Postal Museum, Portrait Story Days: Dr. Seuss, Saturday Morning at the National, Squeals on Wheels, Things to do with Kids in Washington DC, Washington DC Family Activities, Washington DC Kids Activities, Weekend January 6-9, What to do this weekend in DC

December 9, 2011 · 8:47 am

The Weekend Round-Up: December 9-11

Capitol replica made entirely of natural materials at Season's Greening

We’re in the throes of the holiday season. Lights are twinkling, mini trains are chugging, sugar plum fairies are dancing, and suckers like me are spending. Here’s a quick list of where your family can enjoy the festivities, plus some non-holiday activities, too. Happy Weekend!

Celebrate the Season – Experience a frozen wonderland, visit Santa in his workshop, view nature and DC-inspired holiday exhibits, drive or stroll through holiday lights, see intricately constructed model train displays. There’s no shortage of activities that celebrate the season; the tough part is deciding which to do. To help choose, check out this guide to DC’s best holiday events.

Holidays on Stage – All of the classics are at our local theatres. This post has details on where you and the kids can see your favorites.

Merriment in Georgetown – The neighborhood is always bustling, but it will be even more so on Saturday as the Merriment in Georgetown Kick-Off Party celebrates 12 days (December 9-20) of holiday shopping events and promotions at over 50 stores. Festivities will include special sales, pedicab rides, a gingerbread house making contest, musical performances, culinary treats, and more. This will all take place from 1-4pm in the PNC Bank Lot at Wisconsin & M Streets. Admission is free, and parking is just $2.

Christmas Dreams at the National – Snowflakes and Sugar Plum Sweets are in the air as the Virginia Ballet Company and School present selections for their magical, glittering Nutcracker at this week’s Saturday Morning at the National performance. Familiar music, lively dances, lovely costumes and charming characters from Tchaikovsky’s classic confection will bring elegant holiday cheer. Performances take place at 9:30am and 11am, and tickets are required for admission. Free tickets are distributed half an hour prior to the start of shows on a first-come first-served basis. Only one ticket per person, and all attendees must be standing in line to receive a ticket. Children must be accompanied by an adult, who remains present for the entire performance. Seating is limited, so get there early.

Jingle All the Way to Georgetown – This fun family event taking place on Sunday from 4-8pm is an opportunity to support a wonderful cause and help make the holiday season brighter for children and families coping with cancer. The 6th Annual Georgetown Jingle is includes a silent auction, tastings by leading DC area chefs, kids activities, and live entertainment, including a visit from Santa and his friends. Themed holiday trees and vignettes created by the Washington area’s top designers will also be showcased for guests to view. And especially for young attendees is the Children’s Workshop, where they can enjoy holiday crafts, decorate cookies, watch movies, and dance. See this post for more information about the event and purchasing tickets.

Scribble, Dot, Pop! – Kids have another weekend to explore art through film at The National Gallery of Art’s monthly film program. This weekend they’ll present a series of animated shorts that celebrate the qualities that make artists. Guests can get a glimpse into the life and art of Andy Warhol in the fun and gentle film Getting to Know the World’s Greatest Artists: Andy Warhol, a family-friendly biography of Warhol and an introduction to pop art, along with a few other animated shorts about art, all of the kid-friendly variety. Sessions are at 10:30am on Saturday and 11:30am on Sunday in the East Building Auditorium. The program is free, and seating is offered on a first-come, first-seated basis. Recommended for ages 4 and up.

Caroling at the Gallery – If you want to put some holiday spirit into your National Gallery visit, go in the afternoon for caroling in the seasonally decorated West Building Rotunda. Guest choirs will lead afternoon sing-alongs that all ages are welcome to join. Carol along with The Mandoleers on Saturday, and the Alexandria Choral Society on Sunday. Performances are at 1:30pm and 2:30pm both days.

Colonial Wassail – Gather in the orchard of Claude Moore Colonial Farm on Sunday from 1-4pm to toast the winter apple trees with singing, dancing, and chants to ensure a “howling crop” next year. Enjoy hot spiced cider, sugar cakes, a roaring bonfire, and 18^th-century games along with the wassailing festivities. Admission is $3/adults, $2/children.

Nat Geo Exhibits – Take shelter from the cold and check out a couple of fun kids’ exhibits at the National Geographic Museum. Animal Grossology and Weird But True are fun and fascinating for kids of all ages. Admission is $8/adults, $6/ages 5-12, free for children under 5. The National Geographic Museum is located at 1145 17th Street NW.

Puppet Fun at Discovery Theater – There are a couple of programs for kids to enjoy at the Ripley Center on Saturday. At 12pm, join master artist Bob Brown for Winter Wonderland, a jolly romp with delightful trick marionettes who are out frolicking in the cold. The friendly little critters—bunny, penguin and snowman—perform feats of skill and daring that will leave your young audience holiday-happy. Enjoy the fun and fantasy, mirth and merriment, giggles and amazement—and the sound of favorite holiday music. Recommended for kids ages 2-8. Tickets are $3-8. Children ages 3 and up can join Michele and Ingrid from the popular puppet theatre, Dinorock, for a Puppet Workshop, where they’ll make their own puppets inspired by the little characters from the show. The workshop runs from 10am – 1pm. Tickets are $5/Smithsonian Resident Associate members, $10/non-members. Get your tickets today, as they will not be available the day of the workshop.

Alternative Gifting – If you’re planning to do some holiday shopping this weekend and are looking for unique presents, then check out Gifts That Give Hope: Arlington’s Alternative Gift Fair this Saturday, where shoppers make donations in honor of friends and family as holiday presents. You’ll have an opportunity to learn about and support 13 local non-profits. And if you can’t make the fair, you can still shop online through December 20.

Recreation on Ice – Enjoy a cold-weather outdoor activity and impressive works of art all at once at the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden. For details and even more places to do your best Boitano or Kerrigan, check out this post about area ice skating venues, both outdoors and in.

The Wright Stuff – It’s Second Saturday at the Air & Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center from 10am -3pm. With a new theme every month, the program engages visitors of all ages in topics related to aviation and space exploration. This weekend will celebrate the world’s first aviators, the Wright Brothers. While admission is free, parking is $15 /car.

Bieber Fever Builds in DC – This is not an activity recommendation; rather it’s a heads-up that the Building Zone at the National Building Museum will be closed from Saturday through Monday, and the entire Museum will be closed on Sunday as the holiday special “Christmas in Washington” takes place there. Justin Bieber will be part of the show, and word has it they are expecting a mob scene because if it, hence the closing of the Building Zone.

And two links that are always useful:

The Best Places in the DC Area to Enjoy a Beautiful Day Outdoors with the Kids

Rainy Day Recreation (ie, Indoor Fun)

The Weekend Round-Up: November 11-13

The Bright Beneath, an exhibit inspired by bioluminescence, at the Museum of Natural History

With Veterans Day conveniently falling on a Friday this year, we get to start the weekend a little early. While most of the activities listed here are happening Saturday and Sunday, they may spark some ideas for things to do today. Or you can check this post from a few days ago for suggestions on where to spend the day off from school. Whatever you and the kids do, enjoy the extra time together. Happy Weekend!

LEGO® Robots! – See the classic toys come to life and solve problems of food safety at the Smithsonian American Museum of Art, where the First LEGO® League Tournament is being held on Saturday from 11:30am – 5pm. Cheer on your favorite team and their student-designed robots, built from LEGOS, as they complete various tasks and tackle real-world engineering challenges. There will also be music, demos, and more activities, all in the museum’s Kogod Courtyard.

Light Painting – On Saturday from 1-3pm, learn about light in the ocean depths at the National Museum of Natural History’s monthly Second Saturday Arts & Sciences program. Using glow sticks, guests will create a deep-sea organisms as they discover the process of bioluminescence. Afterward, explore the related exhibit, “The Bright Beneath: The Luminous Art of Shih Shieh Huang.”

Stage Time – You have your pick of kids shows this weekend. Encore Studios presents Robin Hood for its second and final weekend at Artisphere’s Sprectrum Theatre. The Rough-Faced Girl: A Native American Cinderella Story opens at Synetic Family Theater. This is the last weekend of The Three Billy Goats Gruff at The Puppet Co. And Imagination Stage presents What Does Red Do on Thursdays?, a new theater experience for ages 3 and up. Visit the websites for more info and to purchase tickets.

Saturday Morning at the National – Trick shot artist Spencer “Spinn” Johnson takes to the Helen Hayes stage at the National Theatre’s weekly series. Kids are invited to step up and participate in dazzling fast-action tricks that teach inspiring lessons in confidence, goal-setting, and self-respect. Performances take place at 9:30am and 11am, and tickets are required for admission. Free tickets are distributed half an hour prior to the start of shows on a first-come first-served basis. Only one ticket per person, and all attendees must be standing in line to receive a ticket. Children must be accompanied by an adult, who remains present for the entire performance. Seating is limited, so get there early!

Georgetown Story Town – Get lost in a good book and let the imagination run wild on at Georgetown’s “Social” Safeway as they partner with the Georgetown Library for the first-ever “Georgetown Story Town.” From 10:30-11:30am on Saturday, kids can experience the fun and excitement that books have to offer. Recommended for ages 4-11. Refreshments from the Georgetown Safeway Bakery will follow.

The Moon & Beyond – It’s Super Science Saturday at the Air & Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. During this session of the monthly program, visitors of all ages will become immersed in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics topics related to aviation and space exploration through demonstrations and hands-on activities. Drop in between 10am and 3pm. Admission is free, though parking is $15.

A Day of Building Stories – Visitors can activate their imaginations at the National Building Museum by creating their own book with author Isabel Hill as she shares her stories, technique, and experience as an architectural photographer. Guests will discover the stories behind our local Judiciary Square buildings and the museum, then sketch and bring out their inner artists. The $15/member, $20/non-member registration fee includes a signed copy of Ms. Hill’s newest book, Building Stories. Recommended for ages 7 and up, and all children must be accompanied by an adult. The workshops place on Sunday from 10:30am – 12pm.

Free Parking – There’s no entrance fee to national parks that usually charge admission this weekend, so it’s a good time to hit the trail at Shenandoah or Great Falls, take a ride on Skyline Drive to see the mountains covered in autumn colors, or visit Harpers Ferry. See the full list of participating parks here.

Happy Birthday, Pizza Paradiso! – The popular pizza place is turning 20, and among the week’s celebration is a Family Day on Sunday at their Alexandria location. From 1-4pm, kids can participate in a Make Your Own Pizza demonstration with Chef Ruth Gresser, and the first 20 kids’ pizzas are free.

And these posts are always chock full of ideas for more family fun, both outdoors and in:

The Best Places in the DC Area to Enjoy a Beautiful Day Outdoors with the Kids

Rainy Day Recreation (ie, Indoor Fun)