Tag Archives: Spring 2017

March 21, 2018 · 4:46 pm

Egg Hunts, Bunny Visits, and More Easter Fun Around the DMV

A scramble for Easter eggs at a past Eggstravaganza

Don’t put your eggs all in one basket when it comes to Easter celebrations around the DC area! Numerous places host egg hunts, Easter bunny visits, and much more spring fun this time of year. Even if you’re not big on the holiday, there are attractions and activities beyond bunnies and candy-filled eggs that will have the whole family hopping with joy. Here’s where you can find them, listed in order of start date. (And if I’ve left out any good ones, feel free to let me know in the comments.) Happy Spring!

Spring Easter Egg Hunt
Where: Ticonderoga Farm | Chantilly, VA
When: Weekends through April 8
Admission: $14.95/chid, 12.95/adult
With giant slides, awesome jumping pillows, playgrounds, animals, mazes, and more, the farm in Chantilly is a blast, and they take the fun up a notch on come spring. Along with the permanent amusement, there are egg hunts and visits from the Easter Bunny. Be sure to check the website for timing of specific activities. For an idea of what’s there, see this post about their Winter Festival, which is much of the same, but with Easter instead of Christmas festivities. And this post about a class field trip has info and pics, too.

Egg Hunt & Marshmallow Harvest
Where: Great Country Farms | Bluemont, VA
When: March 24-25, 10am – 5pm
Admission: $10/child, $12/adult at the gate
After a long cold winter, nothing chases away the chill like a visit to the farm. Head to Great Country for the first “crop” of the spring– Marshmallow Picking! Do marshmallow peeps grow on trees? Be sure to check it out and harvest a few to roast on the bonfire with Farmer Bob. You can even purchase a s’mores kit to melt away that chocolate craving. Guests can also help find Easter Bunny eggs during egg hunts (by age – see the schedule) with over 20,000 treat-filled eggs. Plan to visit spring chicks and baby animals, check out the spring plantings in the greenhouse, take a hayride and rejoice in the new season. Don’t forget to bring your camera for photo ops with the Easter Bunny. Buy advance tickets online for only $10/adult — visit the website to purchase, and look for the schedule of events there, too.

Bunnyland
Where: Butler’s Orchard
When: March 24-25, 29-31 & April 2, 7-8
Admission: $9/child, $7/adult
One of the more popular spring festivals in the area, Butler’s has all the trappings for seasonal fun: bunnies, eggs, and other Easter-related treats to get young guests in the holiday spirit. Attractions include hayrides down the Bunny Trail, egg hunts, the Rubber Ducky Derby, giant slides, a new jumping pad, and a small petting zoo. Face painting and pony rides are also usually offered for an extra fee. Concessions are available, and there are also plenty of picnic tables if you prefer to pack a lunch.

NoVa Parks Egg Hunts
Where: Parks throughout Northern Virginia
When: Various dates
Admission: $10
Several parks in Northern Virginia are hosting all kinds of Easter fun to celebrate the holiday and the season. Easter bunny visits and photo ops, egg hunts, crafts, and more activities will be part of the festivities. Registration is required. Go here to see where and when you can jump in on the fun!

Bunny Train Ride
Where: Walkersville Southern Railroad | Walkersville, MD
When: March 24, 25, 31
Admission: $16/adult, $13/senior, $13/age 1-12
All aboard for a trip back in time with the Easter Bunny! Travel over track that the Pennsylvania Railroad originally built in 1872. See Walkersville Southern’s turn-of-the- century railroad station and tool house, then visit with the Bunny on the train (who will also give each child an Easter gift!). Ride in vintage 1920s passenger cars or on an open flatcar as your rail excursion runs past a 100-year-old lime kiln, and then out into picturesque Maryland farm country. Enjoy juice and Uncle Ralph’s cookies in the museum after your ride. Reservations Required!

Easter Egg Decorating
Where: Brentwood Arts Exchange | Hyattsville, MD
When: March 24, 2pm
Admission: Free
Fun! Glitter! Eggs! The Brentwood Arts Exchange promise all three at this free family-friendly workshop. Create beautiful decorated eggs that will impress friends and even the Easter Bunny. Children will receive their first two eggs for free. Additional eggs will be available to purchase 2 for $1.

10th Annual Eggstravaganza
Where: Tudor Place | Georgetown, DC
When: March 24 & 30, 10am – 12pm
Admission: $10/child, $8/child member, $5/adult
This is already sold out to non-members, but if you’re a member, read on… Rolling green lawns, bright spring blooms, and the elegant mansion on a hill serve as backdrop for this festive annual attraction. Join the Easter Bunny as children of all ages enjoy an Egg Hunt and thrilling Egg Roll Contest down the grand South Lawn. Crafts include paper chick “pets” and colorful butterflies, plus there will be games for all ages. Plan to take a self-guided tour of Tudor Place’s 5½ acres of glorious gardens, and be sure to bring a camera!

Easter Eggstravaganza & Wagon Rides
Where: Frying Pan Farm Park | Herndon, VA
When: March 24
Admission: $8
Hunt for eggs and visit animals outdoors at the Visitor Center. Sign up for a hunt throughout the day — they start promptly at your registered times. Add a wagon ride for only $2, and take a jaunt around the crop fields and back to the Visitor Center. Children must be accompanied by a paid adult. Pre-registration required.

Breakfast with the Bunny
Where: Thomas Farm Community Center | Rockville, MD
When: March 24
Admission: $14-16
The bunny is making a special trip to Thomas Farm Community Center. Activities include a magic show, spring crafts, games, an opportunity to meet, greet and pose with the Bunny and an egg hunt. A light continental breakfast will be served. Bring your camera. Fee applies to each person attending.

Easter Eggstravaganzas
Where: Various locations around the DMV
When: March 24 & 31
Admission: Free
These festivals held in several neighborhoods around the area offer all kinds of Easter fun – egg hunts, Easter bunny visits, face painting, yummy treats, games, prizes, and more. They’ll take place in Northeast DC, Capitol Hill, Springfield, Gainesville, and Alexandria.

Dinosaur Egg Hunt
Where: Hidden Oaks Nature Center | Annandale, VA
When: March 25, 30-31
Admission: $7-9/child
Stomp over to Hidden Oaks, where children ages 2-8 can enjoy a dinosaur-themed program and outdoor egg hunt while visiting dinoland in Nature Playce and make a dino craft. Pre-registration is required. Programs run several times throughout the day for 45-minute sessions. Canceled if there is rain.

Fabergé Egg Family Festival
Where: Hillwood Estate and Gardens | Northwest DC
When: March 25
Admission: $18/adult, $5/ages 6-18, free/5 & under
Celebrate spring’s arrival in traditional Russian style! Hillwood’s annual festival has programs, music, art, and activities for all ages. Happenstance Theatre will present stories of Russian Easter traditions in a fun family play. A favorite for all ages is the “Fabergé’s Workshop” to create a Fabergé-inspired egg. Samovar Russian Folk Music Ensemble takes visitors back to Old Russia as they play traditional instruments, and the Kalinka Dance Ensemble performs Russian folk dances. And centuries-old Russian springtime games like egg-rolling and egg and spoon racing will entertain children of all ages.

Easter Egg Hunt
Where: Upton Hill Park | Arlington, VA
When: March 28, 11am
Admission: $10/advance, $15/walk-up
Enjoy a fun filled afternoon with the Easter Bunny on a weekday! Activities will include coloring, games, a moon bounce, and pictures with the Easter Bunny. Check-in and activities begin at 11am, and the Egg Hunt begins at 11:30am. Add on a mini-golf and food voucher for $7 more and get a great deal on lunch (pizza, chips, and choice of drink) and two hours of mini-golf from 12-2pm.

Egg Hunt Weekend
Where: Clark’s Elioak Farm | Clarkesburg, MD
When: March 30 – April 1
Admission: $6
Little ones (ages 1 to 3 and 4 to 6) will have a chance to hunt for eggs throughout the day at this Maryland Farm that looks like something out of a story book! After hunting, they get to turn the eggs in for a goodie bag. The petting farm, rides, and play areas will be open for all to enjoy, too, along with gem mining and geode cracking. Be sure to take a look at the website for a heads-up on how the egg hunts will run, so you can make the most of your day there. Read more about Clarks Elioak in the KFDC post about the best outdoor places in the area.

Egg Hunt
Where: Meadowside Mature Center | Rockville, Maryland
When: March 30
Admission: $8
Search for real eggs in our meadow, then dye and decorate the eggs you find using natural dyes. Enjoy other spring-themed activities throughout the event as well. Fun for the entire family! Don’t forget to bring a basket to collect your eggs. Reservations are required (we want to be sure we have enough eggs for all!). If sessions are full, they do not accept walk-ins.

Falls Church Annual Easter Egg Hunt
Where: Cherry Hill Park | Falls Church, VA
When: March 31, 10am – 12pm
Admission: Free
Join this annual family celebration hosted by the city’s Recreation and Parks Department. Children dressed in their spring finest can hunt for candy and special eggs in Cherry Hill Park and have their photo taken with a special guest, the Easter Bunny! BYO basket — they’ll supply the candy, fun, and happy springtime memories. In addition to scrambling for eggs and photo ops, children ages 11 and younger can participate in a make-your-own-candy-bag craft project.

13th Annual Community Easter Egg Hunt
Where: Stead Park | Northwest DC
When: March 31, 10:30am – 12:30p
Admission: Free
Hop to it and join Friends of Stead Park for their annual Community Easter Egg Hunt! Enjoy selfies with the Easter Bunny, crafts and snacks after your little ones have filled their baskets with eggs. BYO basket and register here.

Easter Buzz
Where: Buzz Bakeshop | Georgetown, DC
When: March 31, 11am – 1pm
Admission: $20
Go see the Easter Bunny at Buzz Bakeshop and get a photo and a surprise! Join them fun and take home a basket with a homemade chocolate Easter animal, decorated shortbread cookie, toys, candies, and eggs!

Easter Brunch
Where: Joselito | Capitol Hill, DC
When: April 1
Admission: The cost of your meal
Easter is a very special occasion in homes throughout Spain. To celebrate Easter at Joselito, they are offering their bottomless brunch menu and regular menu, as well as featuring quintessential Spanish Easter dishes as specials. They include: Potaje de vigilia – chickpeas and spinach stew with saffron, hard boiled egg garnish, Buñuelos de bacalao – codfish brandade “Spanish hush puppies,” Carré de cordero asado con patatas panaderas -roasted rack of lamb with baked potatoes and bell peppers, and Torrijas – Andalusian style bread pudding.

Easter Sunday Brunch
Where: The Ritz Carlton | Georgetown, DC
When: April 1
Admission: $105-125/adult, $40/child
The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, DC, is hosting an up-scale Easter Sunday brunch perfect for families of all ages! In addition to the gourmet brunch, they’re offering family-friendly activities, including an Easter egg hunt, Easter egg decorating, Easter movie screenings, and a visit from the Easter bunny for a fun photo opp. The hotel’s restaurant, Westend Bistro, will have an impressive menu featuring more than 10 stations, including a smoked seafood and raw bar, a full gourmet cheese and bread station and regionally-inspired dishes such as herb-roasted leg of lamb and oxtail osso bucco.

Easter Monday: A Washington Family Tradition
Where: National Zoo | Woodley Park, DC
When: April 2, 10am – 2pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate Easter on Monday at the Zoo! Join them for special family-focused activities and live entertainment. A traditional Easter Egg Hunt and animal demonstrations as well as visits from the Easter Panda will be part of the festivities! This event will be held rain or shine.

White House Easter Egg Roll
Where: White House Lawn | Downtown DC
When: April 2
Admission: Free, tickets required
The annual White House Easter Egg Roll requires tickets won through lottery for admission. If you entered, you should have found out by now if you were “successful” in scoring them or not; but if you don’t, you can check your status on recreation.gov. Unofficial tip: I’ve heard in the past that people have been at the entrance giving away extra tickets they may have. While I can’t confirm that’s always the case, if you’re going to be in that area and really want to go, it wouldn’t hurt to stop by and see if someone might have tickets for you. Note that entries are timed, so while it goes all day, guests only stay for their designated amount of time.

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Filed under 2018, All ages, Animals, Annual, DC, Farm, Festival, Free, Holidays, Maryland, Outdoor, Special Event, Spring, Virginia, Weekdays, Weekend

Tagged as Children's Egg Hunts, DC Family Activities, Do DC with Kids, Easter Bunny Visits DC, Easter Egg Hunts in DC, Easter Events Around DC, Fun Things to do with Kids in Maryland, Fun Things to do with Kids in Northern Virginia, Fun Things to do with Kids in Washington DC, Kid Friendly Activities, March April 2018, Spring 2017, Washington DC Family Activities, Washington DC Kids Activities

June 8, 2017 · 8:05 pm

The Weekend Round-Up: June 9-11

Catch a Nats game with the kids this weekend!

The eclectic mix of happenings around DC this weekend encompasses everything under the rainbow! Explore cool rides, join a huge community festival, celebrate Capital Pride, root for the home team, watch (or enter) a cycling race, dance with faeries, enjoy some jazz or the blues….read on for details on all of these and many more ways to . Happy Weekend!

Keep on Truckin’
Where: RFK Stadium, Lot 7 | Kingman Park, DC
When: Saturday, 9am – 2pm
Admission: Free
The Truck Touch event that easily takes the title as Mac Daddy of them all. This is the 9th year that the DC Department of Public Works welcomes guests to climb aboard, honk the horn, work the gears, and explore all kinds of neat vehicles that serve our city. There will also be opportunities to test ride Segways, spec out a helicopter, and sit atop police horses. Read more about it and see images from a past Truck Touch here (and be sure to note that it was posted a few years ago, so the dates don’t confuse you).

Celebrate Fairfax
Where: Fairfax County Government Center | Fairfax, VA
When: Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Admission: $8-12/adult, $4-5/youth, free for 2 and under
The annual Celebrate Fairfax! Festival has something for everyone — live music (Bush, Everclear, and Sunday Brew are headlining), carnival rides, children’s activities, art, food vendors, and much more to keep guests entertained throughout the weekend. For more details, along with the full musical line-up, see the Celebrate Fairfax website.

Capital Pride
Where: Dupont Circle, Logan Circle, & Downtown DC
When: Saturday, 4:30-7:30pm & Sunday, 12-7pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate Capital Pride at the annual parade that’s expected to draw tens of thousands of spectators! The procession steps off at 4:30pm at 22nd & P Streets NW and will wind its way through Dupont, Logan, and other areas of NW. It’s sure to be a spectacular extravaganza of ornate floats, street performers, music and dancing, glitter and beads, and plenty of reveling. Sunday’s family-friendly festival, on Pennsylvania Avenue from 3rd to 7th Streets NW, will feature three stages of live entertainment and will host 300 exhibitors, including local and community groups, national sponsors, local businesses, food vendors, restaurants, and businesses looking to promote their services. It’s all a fun and fabulous opportunity to show support for the LGBTA community and join the celebration.

Summer Fun
Where: Throughout the DMV
When: All weekend long
Admission: Varies by activity
Free concerts in the open air, outdoor swimming, movies under the stars, sprayground fun, and SO much more! Activities exclusive to the season can be enjoyed this weekend, and the 2017 KFDC Guide to the Best of Summer in DC has the whole scoop on all of them.

Jazz Fest
Where: Venues around DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by show
The first weekend of the annual DC Jazz Festival presents a selection of the jazz genre’s most acclaimed artists as well as emerging artists at venues all around the city. Bring the kids for some afternoon jazz or make it a date night at a show in the evening. See the full schedule of concerts to help you plan.

Armed Forces Cycling Classic
Where: Throughout Clarendon & Crystal City, VA
When: Saturday, 11:30am & Sunday, 11:15am
Admission: Free
The official race is for adults, but kids ages 9 and under can get in on the cycling, too – there are special races just for them along with the main event. The Saturday kids races will take place in Clarendon at 11:30am, and Sunday’s will be held in Crystal City also around 11:30am. Multiple heats for different age groups will vary in distance; the older the kids, the further they ride. Participants must bring their own helmets and bikes, and trikes are welcome, too. Online registration has ended, but yo can still sign up kids day of.

Maryland Faerie Festival
Where: Darlington, MD
When: Saturday, 10am – 6pm & Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Admission: $5/ages 3-12, $15/ages 13-99
Indulge little faerie dreams at the annual festival inspired by faerie folklore and literature. Apparently, it’s kind of like Renn Fest on a much smaller scale with facets that will delight children, especially those who believe in faeries. Treasure hunts, craft projects, nature walks, and acrobats are some of the activities kids (and adults) will enjoy. Art, crafts, musical performances, and jewelry vendors will appeal to the bigger faeries in the crowd.

Nats vs. Rangers
Where: Nationals Park
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: Ticket prices vary
The Nats are hosting the Rangers this weekend with games Friday at 7:05pm, Saturday at 12:05pm, and on Sunday at 4pm. There’s a Tanner Roark bobblehead giveaway on Friday, and Saturday is Pups in the Park, when canine fans are welcome! If you’re planning on catching a some baseball, be sure to check these KFDC tips for doing a Nats game without breaking the bank.

Celebrate Frank Lloyd Wright!
Where: National Building Museum | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Saturday, 10amm – 3pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate what would be Frank Lloyd Wright’s 150th birthday with a special family day at the Building Museum. Visitors can create stained glass ornaments in Wright’s signature style, build paper models of the Research Tower at the Johnson Wax Headquarters, “visit” iconic Wright buildings via Google Cardboard, and test how much load cantilevers can bear. The Museum will also host drop-in “lightning talks” and offer discounts on Wright-themed products in the museum shop.

Happy 45th, CHAW!
Where: Capitol Hill Arts Workshop | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Saturday,
Admission: Free
CHAW is celebrating its 45th anniversary with a day of fun for the whole family. Join a fun run/walk, enjoy music from the NSO, shop a ceramics sale, see student music and dance recitals, and catch special performances by Washington Improv, Taffety Punk Theatre, and Light Switch Dance Theatre.

Musical Instrument Petting Zoo
Where: Union Market | Northeast DC
When: Saturday, 10-11:30am
Admission:
Children ages 5-12 are invited to explore all kinds of musical instruments at the DC Youth Orchestra’s Musical Instrument Petting Zoo! The program is designed to provide every child in the DC region the opportunity to become familiar with the instruments of the orchestra and to introduce them to DCYOP. A variety of musical instruments will be available to check out, from string, wind, and brass sections.

Shows on Strings
Where: The Puppet Co. | Glen Echo, MD
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: $12/Cinderella, $6/Tiny Tots
Its the final weekend to see Cinderella on the Main Stage at the Glen Echo puppet theatre. And Teddy Bear’s Picnic is the featured Tiny Tots show, a produtcion for really little ones, on Saturday at 10am.

Tinner Hill Blues Festival
Where: Various locales | Falls Church, VA
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: Varies by day
From blues in restaurants to Cherry Hill Park, and gospel on Tinner Hill, it’s three days of music and blues-related events for all ages all over the City of Falls Church. The 24th Annual Tinner Hill Blues Festival will bring loads of activities along with the live music, including fun for young festival-goers. Kids can enjoy a blues reading, films, and an instrument petting zoo. See the website for details on all of it.

Imagine, Inspire, Ignite, and Engage: Family Day
Where: National Academy of Sciences | National Mall area, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 2pm
Admission: Free
Join Cultural Programs of the National Academy of Sciences (CPNAS) and the Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (SEEC) for a day of family fun. Explore Igniting the Imagination: Selections from the Collection of the Mazza Museum, an exhibition featuring original artwork from picture books relating to science, engineering, mathematics, and medicine. Read the books in which the artwork appears and enjoy hands-on activities inspired by them — make a city construction site, dissect a log, play with objects from nature, and make a balloon rocket. Best for families with children ages 3-8.

Books in Bloom
Where: Merriweather Park | Columbia, MD
When: Sunday, 12-5pm
Admission: Free
The Downtown Columbia Partnership of Columbia, MD, is launching its inaugural book festival, Books In Bloom. Taking place at the Chrysalis in Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods, the event brings together some of the country’s best and brightest writers for a daylong celebration of the joy of books and reading. Activities just for kids include a storytime corner and children’s author tent. Visit the website to see which of your kids’ favorites will be there!

Red Rover: Mission to Mars
Where: Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center | Chantilly, VA
When: Saturday, 10am – 3pm
Admission: Free, but parking is $15
Join the Air & Space Museum in Chantilly for Making STEM Magic, a weekly program that introduces young visitors to engineering in a fun and creative way. On Saturdays this month Red Rover: Mission to Mars is the theme, and guests will learn more about NASA’s mobile labs and construct their own rolling rovers in the June design challenge.

Mmmm… Doughnut Pop-Up
Where: Toki Underground | H Street NE, DC
When: Sunday, 11am – 2pm
Admission: Free, but be ready to buy food!
For what sounds like a delicious endeavor, Toki Underground will partner with Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken to host a one-day-only pop-up at the H Street ramen shop. The special menu will feature collaborative dishes, like a black sesame glazed doughnut, scallion biscuits & tonkotsu with Kimchi cream cheese, and a Toki Monster doughnut, which is made with a bourbon and angostura glaze with cured and spiced bacon bits. The menu is available on a first come, first served basis while supplies last, and guests will have the option of enjoying in the restaurant or ordering for take-out. Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken will also sell the Toki Monster doughnut at the G Street location in limited quantities on Sunday.

Rockville Community Day
Where: Thomas Farm Community Center | Rockville, MD
When: Sunday, 11am – 2pm
Admission: Free
Join the Rockville Chamber of Commerce for this free, fun activity festival. With something for everyone in the family, there will be a truck touch, bounce house, obstacle course, healthy food samples, activity stations, and raffle prizes.

Equality March
Where: Begins at I & 17th Streets NW | Downtown DC
When: Sunday, 10am
Admission: Free
Another Pride Weekend event, the March aims to mobilizing LGBTQ+ communities, their loved ones, and our allies to affirm and protect the rights, safety, and humanity of all. The March begins at 10am (line up at 9am) at I and 17th Streets NW and will end at the National Mall. You can hit the Pride Festival on Pennsylvania Avenue from there.

Out in DC
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
Capital Pride isn’t the only thing bringing peops out this weekend. The area is full of great places to enjoy being outside. You can read about them in The Best Places in the DC Area to Enjoy a Beautiful Day Outdoors with the Kids. (But if the heat has you seeking shelter, check out The Great Indoors post instead.)

***More Good Stuff to Know***
* XYZT: Abstract Landscapes at ARTECHOUSE is a must-experience this summer!
* A whole new lineup of live entertainment is coming to local stages this summer. Save your seats!
* If you like poke bowls try one from the District Fishwife in Union Market next time you’re there. So good.
* You have until Sunday to enter the giveaway for a 4-pack of tickets to see Junie B. Jones is Not a Crook at Adventure Theatre. Also, there is still space in Session 2 of their fantastic summer camp at the Atlas.

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Filed under 2017, All ages, Annual, Art, Competition, DC, Educational, Exhibit, Festival, Free, Live Entertainment, Maryland, Museums, Music, Nature, Outdoor, Park, Seasonal, Spring, Summer, Virginia, Weekend

Tagged as Best Kids Activities in DC, DC outdoors, DC Pride Weekend, DC with kids, Family Activities DC, Family Friendly DC, Fun Things to do with Kids in the Washington DC Area, Fun with Kids in Maryland, Fun with Kids in Northern Virginia, Indoor Activities, Kid Friendly Activities, Kids Entertainment in DC, Spring 2017, Spring Events, Summer in DC, Things to do with Kids in DC, Washington DC Events, Weekend June 10-11

June 4, 2017 · 4:54 pm

Where to Play on the Weekdays: June 5-9

Spray fun at Canal Park, where a new kids’ series kicks off this week!

Monday – Go bowling! It’s a great indoor activity for a day with rain in the forecast. Take advantage of Kids Club Bowling at Pinstripes in Georgetown. From 10am – 12pm Monday – Thursday, kids can bowl for $3/hour ($3/shoe rental) and parents are free (limit 4 kids per adult). Eat while you bowl or stay after for lunch — they have a good kids menu and a pretty extensive main menu, too.

Tuesday – Head to the National Building Museum for all kinds of kid fun. The monthly Little Builders Storytime takes place at 10:30am & 11:30am in the Building Zone, where children can also enjoy areas that encourage pretend play with dress up and props inspired by some of the displays. And the PLAY WORK BUILD exhibit upstairs is always fun for kids. Museum hours are 10am – 5pm. Exhibit admission is $10/adult, $7/child, free for members. I highly recommend checking out membership options if you frequent the museum a few times per year.

Wednesday – Bring kiddos to the kick off of Kids in Canal, a new 12-week series of kid friendly entertainment at the city park in the Capitol Riverfront neighborhood. Every Wednesday from 10:30-11:30am, enjoy a live show for littles — kids music, science demos, magic shows, and puppetry are all part of the summer lineup. Of course, top it all off with water play in the fountains and sprays. Admission is free, and the program takes place in the middle block of the park. For more about Canal Park, see this KFDC post.

Thursday – Experience the wonderful Wings of Fancy exhibit at Brookside Gardens. The seasonal display featuring live butterflies and caterpillars from all over the world always delights all ages! While you’re there, stroll the beautiful grounds, play in the Children’s Garden, see turtles in the pond, and more. Admission to the park is free, but entry to the butterfly exhibit is $6/adults and $4/ages 3-12 (check CertifiKID for a deal before you go). Hours are 10am – 4pm for Wings of Fancy, 9am – 5pm at the Visitor Center, and sunrise to sunset for the grounds. For more about the annual exhibit and the rest of Brookside Garden’s offerings, see this KFDC post.

In the evening, join Capitol Hill Cooperative Nursery School for Family Movie Night at Miracle Theater on Barracks Row. Enjoy a screening of Muppets Take Manhattan along with a pizza dinner, plus a number of kid friendly activities. Doors open at 5:30, and the movie starts at 6:15. Single tickets are $15 each, family tickets are $48.

Friday – Take a little time trip back to the 18th century at Claude Moore Colonial Farm. The living history museum welcomes visitors to explore the grounds, where there is a tobacco barn, farm house, garden, orchard, and animals. Guests can also interact with a family portraying life as it was in the 1700’s. Hours are 10am – 5pm Wednesday through Saturday. Admission is $5/adults, $3/children ages 3 and up, free for 2 and under. Read more about the farm in this post about our first experience there.

The Weekend Round-Up: June 2-4

Saturday is National Trails Day…take a hike!

Special events and activities over the next few days span the recreation and entertainment spectrum. Discover the night sky, get folksy or jazz it up, browse an arts & crafts show, enjoy a community festival, immerse in digital art, catch an Ultimate game, shop for locally made pottery, drink wine… and there are many more possibilities for good times. Details on all of the above are below. Happy Weekend!

Astronomy Night on the Mall
Where: 15th & Constitution NW | National Mall, DC
When: Friday, 6-11pm
Admission: Free
Get an eyeful of the night sky and a chance to mingle with astronomers at the 8th Annual Astronomy Festival on the Mall. This free public stargazing event features solar, optical, and radio telescope observations of the Sun, Moon, Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn. You can also enjoy hands-on activities, demonstrations, hand-outs, posters, banners, and videos. There will also be planetarium show with a portable blow-up dome and speakers from scientific and educational organizations.

Seize the Season
Where: Throughout the DMV
When: All weekend long
Admission: Varies by activity
Enjoy summer fun with a host of activities that only occur this time of year. Catch an open-air concert at one of several series in the area. Stay cool at an outdoor pool, sprayground, or water park. See a movie under the stars. Check out a seasonal exhibit. Go berry picking. Ride mini-trains and carousels at local parks. And much, much more. Check the Summer 2017 Guide for details on all of these great pursuits.

Imagination Bethesda
Where: Woodmont & Elm Street | Bethesda, MD
When: Saturday, 10am – 3pm
Admission: Free
The 23rd annual Imagination Bethesda is back on Saturday. Musical performances and professional children’s entertainers will light up the stage, while hands-on art & craft activities will line the streets along Elm St. and Woodmont Avenue in downtown Bethesda. Face painters bring butterflies and pirates to life and live entertainment will have the whole gang dancing, and more.

Washington Folk Festival
Where: Glen Echo Park | Glen Echo, MD
When: Saturday & Sunday, 12-7pm
Admission: Free
Get folksy at Glen Echo Park this weekend, as the 37th annual Washington Folk Festival showcases the diversity of traditional music in Washington. All of the artists hail from the DC area, but cultures from around the nation, as well as the world, will be represented through music, dance, crafts, and stories.

Occoquan Arts & Crafts Show
Where: Downtown Historic Occoquan, VA
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: Free
Get ready for a weekend full of art, crafts, entertainment, and family fun. Over 10,000 people are expected to attend the Town of Occoquan’s 48th Annual Arts and Crafts Show. Along with the creative items for sale by more than 300 contemporary and country crafters, there will be live entertainment, a DJ, food, and a Kidz Corner.

Jazz ‘n’ Families Fun Days
Where: The Phillips Collection | Dupont Circle, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 5pm & Sunday, 12-7pm
Admission: Free
Leading up to the DC Jazz Festival starting next week and part of The Phillips Collection’s Museum Walk events, there will be special performances and activities for guests, especially young ones. Enjoy both the art and live jazz throughout the museum, including musicians improvising to paintings in the galleries. Kids enjoy storytime, meet some of the artists, visit an instrument petting zoo, create their own masterpieces to take home, and view the permanent collection, too. Read more about the event and museum in this post about one of our experiences there.

Immerse in Art & Technology
Where: ARTECHOUSE | Southwest, DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $15/adult, $10/child ($25/evening adults only)
The debut exhibit from ARTECHOUSE, a brand new digital art space, is a must-experience for all ages. Consisting of 10 interactive and immersive installations, XYZT: Abstract Landscapes is a virtual playground of technology and light. And you’ll have a blast experiencing it. Read more about the exhibit in this new KFDC review.

Walk the Museum Walk
Where: Dupont-Kalorama Neighborhoods, DC
When: Saturday & Sunday, 11am – 4pm
Admission: Free
Get off the Mall and explore the many museums in the Dupont-Kalorama neighborhood during its 33rd annual Museum Walk Weekend. (You can also check out the Obama’s future neighborhood!) See the exhibits and enjoy special programs for free at seven diverse museums, including The Phillips Collection, Dumbarton House, Anderson House, and Woodrow Wilson House. If you don’t want to use the shoe leather express, there will be a free shuttle running between sites.

Vintage Virginia Wine & Food Festival
Where: Bull Run Park | Centreville, VA
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: $30/adults, $10/kids
A wine fest might sound like a grown-ups-only event, but this one offers plenty of fun for kids, too. Chef demos, food truck fare, live music, and a whole family area with activities especially for children are among the festivities. Of course, there will be plenty of opportunity for wine tasting, too!

Strawberry Festival
Where: Sandy Spring Museum | Sandy Spring, MD
When: Saturday, 10am – 5pm
Admission:
The Sandy Spring Museum is hosting its 36th Annual Strawberry Festival. Taking place throughout the Museum’s 7 acres along Route 108, the event will feature live music and entertainment, food trucks, a beer garden, and activities for children of all ages, including games, crafts, pony rides, strawberry shortcake, and much more!

Happy Trails
Where: Throughout the DMV
When: Saturday
Admission: Free
Saturday is National Trails Day, and you can celebrate by taking part in one of many special events around the area. Take a hike, do some volunteer trail maintenance, go bird watching, and more. Find an event for your family on the National Trails Day website. Or if you just want to hit the trail for a hike, check out this post about great walks in the woods with kids.

Trails Celebration
Where: Anacostia Park | Anacostia, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 2pm
Admission: Free
In celebration of National Trails Day, skate, bike, run, or hike your way into Anacostia Park along the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail. Start your excursion at the Anacostia Park Skating Pavilion or at Bladensburg Waterfront Park in Bladensburg, MD, and enjoy “pit stops” along the way! With about 20 miles of scenic trail between both starting points, visitors that can make it to both ends and collect stamps or stickers from each pit stop win a prize! Pit stops will also offer interactive activities such as a scenic boat ride on the Anacostia River leaving from the Anacostia Aquatic Center at 10am, 11am, 12pm, and 1pm; experience close encounters with various aquatic wildlife that live in the Anacostia River; learn to fish with guided lessons; get bike tune-ups; feel the pelts of animals you may see on the trail; receive health screenings; participate in outdoor stretching and exercising lessons; and much more! Read more about Anacostia Park in this KFDC post.

Weekend Walk-in
Where: American Visionary Art Museum | Baltimore, MD
When: Saturday, 1-4pm
Admission: $5
Join the AVAM, one of the most wonderful, wacky museums around for a hands-on, drop-in art-making workshop! The education staff will help you explore new creative territory and make a project inspired by one of their beloved visionary artists. Supplies and boundless inspiration are provided!

Shows on Strings
Where: The Puppet Co. | Glen Echo, MD
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: $12/Cinderella, $6/Tiny Tots
Cinderella is the Main Stage production at the Glen Echo puppet theatre with performances on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Clowning Around is the featured Tiny Tots show on Saturday at 10am

A Jumpin’ June Festival
Where: The Explore! Mission Mobile Pad | Northeast, DC
When: Saturday, 11am – 1pm
Admission: Free
Explore!, the Children’s Museum program currently hosted at the National Portrait Gallery, welcomes you to a free backyard festival, where they are celebrating movement. Go get the wiggles out and enjoy family-friendly activities, meet new neighbors, and learn what Explore! has in store for the summer. There will be space-relate activities, hip-hop dance demos, arts & crafts, hola hoops and jump ropes, and more. Families and children of all ages welcome; dress for outdoor weather. Light snacks and drinks will be provided

SCOUT Bags Pop-Up
Where: Scout Headquarters | Georgetown, DC
When: Friday & Saturday, 10am – 4pm
Admission: Free
Join SCOUT for their first pop-up shop at the national headquarters in Georgetown. Shop the entire collection of locally designed bags and accessories perfect for the pool, beach, BBQ, and beyond! Each day will feature special promotions, plus attendees will be entered in a raffle to win prizes from SCOUT and other local businesses. The SCOUT headquarters are located at 1027 33rd Street NW in Georgetown.

Noyes Storybook Parade
Where: Kensington Town Hall | Kensington, MD
When: Saturday, 9:30-10:30am
Admission: Free
The Noyes Children’s Library Foundation invites families to be part of the Storybook Parade in support of the Noyes Children’s Library in Kensington. Children and adults are encouraged to dress as their favorite storybook character and bring musical instruments (including drums, triangles and cymbals) to march in the parade. Classic characters, such as The Cat in the Hat, Winnie the Pooh, and Dorothy and Scarecrow from The Wizard of Oz, will also be participating. Lemonade and cookies will follow the parade. Rain date June 4.

National Gun Violence Awareness Day
Where: Btwn 14th and 15th Street NW | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 10:30am
Admission: Free
Join Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America for a morning on the Mall to gather together, hear speakers, and build and paint orange kites to help raise awareness about gun violence both on the June 3 and throughout the summer. Wear orange and meet on the grassy knoll between 14th and 15th Streets.

Local Pottery Pop-Up
Where: Hollow Work Ceramics Studio | Near Northeast, DC
When: Sunday, 11am – 5pm
Admission: Free
Over 20 ceramicists from DC, Maryland, and Virginia will be displaying and selling their work at this unique one day event. This Pop Up will have a spectacular selection of handmade pottery available in a broad spectrum of styles, surfaces and colors, both functional and decorative. This will be an enormous gathering of local artists. If you are a pottery fan, this is not to be missed. And if you’re not, you will be! Hollow Work Ceramics Studio is located at at 803 7th street (rear alley) NE, just off of H Street.

Catch the Ultimate Breeze
Where: Gallaudet University | Northeast, DC
When: Sunday, 5:30pm
Admission: $14, free for 12 and under
Bring the kids out for fun, fresh air, and Pro Ultimate Frisbee! Not only will you get to see exciting Frisbee action as local team DC Breeze take on the New York Empire, kids can join a free youth clinic (for ages 6-17) before the game at 5pm (FYI: they offer this at every home game.) And while your kids are learning Ultimate out on the field, you can enjoy food and drink specials and listen to a live band to get ready for the game.

***More Good Stuff to Know***
* You have through Friday, June 2, to enter for a chance to win a week of half-day soccer camp with DC Way. Enter here!
* You can also try to win tickets to see Junie B. Jones is Not a Crook on stage at Adventure Theatre June 23 – August 14.
* Suburban Snapshots is accepting submissions of photos that capture the struggle to coexist with other living beings. (Check out her examples…so funny and relatable.)
* City Golf Adventures will be hosting a mini golf course pop up at Canal Park this coming week, June 7-10.
* If you haven’t had a riverside meal or margarita(s) at Cantina Marina on the Southwest Waterfront, make a plan to go — sans kids.

Where to Play on the Weekdays: May 30 – June 2

Take a hike and take in the scenery at Riverbend Park

Tuesday – Go to the National Museum of American History for Museum ABCs. The program for ages 3-6 and adult companions introduces early learners to the museum collection through letter learning. This week, S is for Sesame Street: Drop by from 11am – 1pm for a Sesame Street story and create your own character! If your child is too young or old for the series, go explore the museum exhibits. (And on other days of the week, take little ones to play in Wegman’s Wonderplace and older kids to Spark!Lab for hands-on fun — both are closed Tuesdays, but open daily otherwise.). Museum hours are 10am – 5:30pm, and admission is free.

Wednesday – Explore the local environment from the comfort of the indoors at Buddie Ford Nature Center. The facility in Alexandria houses fascinating exhibits (including live creatures!), hands-on activities, and a staff of friendly and knowledgeable naturalists that all ages will appreciate. And if weather allows, continue the fun outdoors with a short hike at the adjacent Dora Kelley Nature Park. Buddie Ford hours are 10am – 5pm (Wednesday – Saturday, 1-5pm Sunday). Admission is free.

Thursday – Take hike at Riverbend Park. The Great Falls locale may not be as popular as its national park neighbor, but it’s just as fantastic a place to enjoy some time in nature, especially with kids. Trails are mellow for little hikers, the views are lovely, there are plenty of nice picnic spots, and admission is free. And if you want to see the magnificent falls up river, they’re an easy two-mile walk in the woods away. Riverbend Park hours are 7am to dusk.

Friday – Head to the National Portrait Gallery for some creative fun. Take little ones to play in the Explore! activity space designed for children 18 months to 8 years. And all ages can join the Open Studio Friday session in the Education Center, where guests are welcome to drop in anytime from 1-6pm and explore a different art medium with all kinds of neat projects. Of course, make time to tour the collections and hang out in the beautiful Kogod Courtyard, too. Museum hours are 11:30am – 7pm. Admission is free. Read more about the Penn Quarter gallery in this KFDC post.