When I asked my husband what he wanted for Father’s Day, he told me without a tinge of sarcasm, “A nap.” Fair enough. (To be honest, I kind of wish I had thought of that for Mother’s Day.) But we’ll be doing some celebrating along with his special snooze fest and enjoying quality time with our little people who make him the doting dad he is. And with so many great things going on this weekend, we’ll have our pick of fun. From kids art events to a hometown baseball match-up to loads of seasonal activities all around the area, here’s where it’s all happening. Happy Weekend! And Happy Father’s Day to all the Dads!
World Children’s Festival – All weekend long, art and creativity will be just as prevalent on the National Mall as it is in the museums surrounding it. Occurring every four years, the World Children’s Festival is considered the “Olympics” of the International Child Art Foundation. Live performances, art exhibits and workshops, book readings and storytelling, and many more activities representing art and culture from around the globe can be enjoyed Friday through Sunday from 4th to 7th Streets on the Mall. And it’s all free to the public. Festivities will run from 10am – 5pm each day, and a schedule of events is available on the website.
Sculpt It! – This workshop at the Corcoran invites families to check out the variety of materials that artists use to create three-dimensional art and get in the studio to design their own creations. The artistic fun takes place on Saturday from 10:30am – 12pm. Registration is $8/child for members, $10/child for non-members.
Become a Pilot Family Day & Aviation Display – The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center (the Dulles arm of the Air & Space) is hosting the 7th annual event on Saturday from 10am – 3pm. At least 50 aircraft, from vintage and recreational to military and homebuilt, will be on on display outside the Center. Visitors can get an insider’s view on flying by talking to pilots and other aviation experts, then test their own piloting skills in flight simulators. Story time and hands-on activities will also be held for kids. Admission is free, though parking is $15.
Baseball Battle of the Beltway – It’s the Nationals vs. Orioles this weekend with games this evening at 7:05pm, Saturday at 1:05pm, and Sunday at 1:35pm. On Saturday, the first 10,000 fans age 12 and under will receive a free kids jersey. On Sunday there’s even — the first 30,000 fans to arrive will get a Nats baseball cap in honor Father’s Day, select baseball players will be available for autographs at 12:15pm, and kids can run the bases after the game. Purchase tickets through the Nationals website.
Father’s Day at Mount Vernon – Spend the day with the father of our country! This weekend, the entrance fee for dads will include a meet-and-greet with “General Washington” as well as complimentary admission to George Washington’s Distillery & Gristmill, located three miles from the estate on Route 235 South. Open both Saturday and Sunday from 8am – 5pm. Tickets are $15/adult, $7/ages 6-11, free for ages 5 and under.
ImaginAsia: Echoes of the Past – Kids can explore the art of Asia at the Freer and Sackler Galleries on both Saturday and Sunday at 2pm. A tour through the museum will include a look at Echoes of the Past, which showcases the art of Xiangtangshan caves. From there, guests will head to a classroom for a project that’s part archaeology, part art. This is a free workshop.
Portrait Story Days – Drop in at the National Portrait Gallery on Saturday or 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. In keeping with the Father’s Day theme, guests can learn about founding father Benjamin Franklin.
Tiny Tots – Two puppet shows for the littlest ones will be performed at The Puppet Co. this weekend: Clowning Around on Saturday and Second-Hand Stars on Sunday. Both start at 10am. Tickets are $5 and available online. Tiny Tots shows are recommended for ages 0-4.
Moma Doni Band – Tickets are still available to see a free Father’s Day family concert on Sunday at 11am. The Mama Doni Band is performing at the DC JCC as part of the Washington Jewish Music Festival, and they’re giving away family tickets. They’re going fast, so get yours soon.
Useful posts any day of the week:
The Best Places in the DC Area to Enjoy a Beautiful Day Outdoors with the Kids – The title says it all.
Rainy Day Recreation (ie, Indoor Fun) – Ideas for family fun when the weather isn’t cooperating.
Joys of Summer – Ongoing activities and events that only happen during the season.
Live Entertainment for Families – See what’s on stages this weekend.