Spring 2018 | KidFriendly DC

“The Force will be with you. Always.” Even at the Nats game on May the 5th.

If you subscribe to receive KidFriendly DC emails, you may have received a slightly incomplete version of this round-up earlier (oops). Both will help you have a great weekend, but this one might make it a tad better. Happy Weekend!

May the Force Be with the Nationals
Where: Nationals Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: Ticket prices vary
I can’t help but point out that the Nats missed a great opportunity here: Star Wars Day is on Saturday, but Friday is May the 4th! (Oh well, next year.) Our home team is hosting the Phillies all weekend — Friday (7:05pm), Saturday (4:05pm), and Sunday (1:35pm). There will be a Max Scherzer bobblehead giveaway on Friday, costumed characters and special nods to the Force on Saturday, and a chance for kids to run the bases after the game on Sunday. If you plan to go, be sure to check out these KFDC tips on how to do a Nats game without breaking the bank.

Flower Mart
Where: National Cathedral | Glover Park, DC
When: Friday 10am – 6pm, Saturday 10am – 5pm
Admission: Free
The annual festival, in its 79th year at the National Cathedral, is a wonderful way to spend a spring day . While plant sales, floral and horticultural displays, and boutique booths will likely be of more interest to grown-ups, there is also music and entertainment, games and rides, tasty foods, the All Hallows Guild antique carousel, and many more fun activities to delight kids as well. While you’re there, be sure to visit the awesome Beauvoir School playground. Admission is free, though concessions and some activities will cost a fee. Read about one of our experiences at the event.

Greek Festival
Where: Saint George Catholic Church | Bethesda, MD
When: Friday, Saturday & Sunday
Admission: Free (fee for food)
Go Greek for a day at the annual Saint George Greek Festival! Savor the cuisine and culture with traditional Greek fare and loads of family activities, including folk dancing, music performances, a marketplace, kids corner, cooking demos, raffles, and more! See the website for the weekend schedule.

Around the World Embassy Tour
Where: 50+ Embassies | Embassy Row & Dupont Circle, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 4pm
Admission: Free
You might get to hear music from the Phillipines, sample snacks from Nicaragua, and see an African dance performance – all in one day! Cultural Tourism DC presents its annual Around the World Embassy Tour, an open house to embassies from Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Oceania. The free event showcases art, music, traditional dress, and culinary delights from nations across the globe. It’s also your chance to check out the interiors of those mansions along Mass Ave & International Drive that you usually just admire from the street. A heads-up that there could be lines to get in some embassies, so be prepared. Admission is free, but bring identification, as some embassies might conduct security checks. Read about one of our globetrotting-in-DC experiences and get a glimpse of what to expect. And I suggest stopping by the Mexican embassy — it’s Cinco de Mayo!

Day Out with Thomas
Where: B&O Railroad Museum
When: Friday – Sunday
Admission: $22-26
All aboard, little engineers! Thomas the Tank Engine™ will be able to talk to his fans when he returns to the B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore! Take a 25-minute train ride behind Thomas the Tank Engine, meet Sir Topham Hatt, and enjoy a full day of live entertainment, activities, and family fun.

Truck Touch 
Where: Silver Spring Nursery School | Silver Spring, MD
 When: Saturday, 10am – 1pm 
Admission: $5, under 2 are free
 Kids can explore all kinds of cool vehicles, including Montgomery County construction trucks, a fire engine, rescue vehicles, a school bus, a Metro bus, and more. Also enjoy live music from local favorites Mr. Gabe and RockStarts, as well as yummy food and drinks, arts & crafts, games and face painting. And returning again this year is the popular Silent Auction, where you can bid on lots of amazing items. Park at the CHI Center (10501 New Hampshire Ave. in Silver Spring), then head one block South to SSNS at 10309 New Hampshire Ave.

The Tiniest Tempest
Where: Anacostia Community Museum | Anacostia, DC
When: Saturday, 10:30am – 12pm
Admission: Free
It’s Shakespeare for the This interactive program uses puppetry to introduce young children (ages 4 to 10) to one of William Shakespeare’s most magical plays–The Tempest. This special production, called The Tiniest Tempest will engage young children in the storyline as professional puppeteers and storytellers recreate the play’s main characters including Miranda, Prospero, Antonio, Alonso, Caliban, and Ariel. A stick puppet of William Shakespeare helps begin the story.

Revolutionary War Weekend
Where: Mount Vernon Estate, VA
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: $18/adult, $9/ages 6-11, free/5 & under
See hundreds of Continentals, Redcoats, Hessians, cannon, and cavalry in action on the estate. Throughout the weekend, learn more about life in the 18th century, discuss military techniques, and watch battle re-enactments. Wander through the encampment and meet the soldiers. This family-friendly event features a youth muster on the bowling green and even meeting General Washington! (Note: The above admission prices are online rates; they are slightly more at the door.)

Shake Up Your Saturday
Where: Folger Shakespeare Library | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Saturday, 11am – 1pm
Admission: Free, but registration required
Join the Folger’s family program that takes place the first Saturday of every month. In this session kids ages 5-14 can learn about the types of rare books that are at the Folger before exploring the Reading Room at 12pm. Go here to sign up. And read more about the Folger Shakespeare library in this KFDC post.

Art & Me: Solving Art Mysteries with Science
Where: Freer|Sackler | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 11am – 12:30pm & 1-3:30pm
Admission: Free
Visit the special exhibition Secrets of the Lacquer Buddha, and explore how art and science collide to solve mysteries that can teach us more about the past. Then, return to the studio to experiment with professional tools with conservator Ellen Chase. Make your own examination kit to practice your new skills at home! Recommended for ages 3-5 with adult companions.

Family Archaeology Day
Where: Needwood Mansion | Rockville, MD
When: Saturday, 10am – 3pm
Admission: $10/person or $20 /family
See and experience what parks archaeologists do. Event features a 19th century slave quarters dig exhibit, mansion tours, a simulated archaeology dig for children, storytelling, old-time games and crafts. Bring a bag lunch and stay for the day.

Sensory-Friendly Avengers
Where: Regal Rockville Center Stadium | Rockville, MD
When: Saturday, 10:30am
Admission: $6.50
Join Regal for the latest My Way Matinee movie, Avengers: Infinity War. Marvel fans canennjoy the film that is shattering box office records for the biggest worldwide opening of all time. My Way Matinee gives everyone the opportunity to experience a movie once a month with the sound turned down and the lights turned up. Watch the Avengers trailer here.

Room for Children
Where: House of Sweden | Georgetown, DC
When: Saturday & Sunday, 12-5pm
Admission: Free
Newly updated with new books, games, and crafts, the Room for Children is a Swedish library and arts studio for children up to 10 years old, designed to stimulate their desire for books, music, storytelling and self-expression. On Saturday, Swedish artist Karin Lithell will lead children ages 3-10 in an art workshop — all supplies provided. Plan on staying for storytime to experience Swedish children’s literature at 2pm.

Show Time
Where: Theatres around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
* Judy Moody and Stink: The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt at Adventure Theatre is a fun, fantastic adventure for young audiences (review to come soon!)
* Go Outside the Lines at the Atlas Performing Arts Center for Arts on the Horizon’s show latest shoe for ages 2-5
* Ease on down the road to Ford’s Theatre for The Wiz
* Catch a fairytale classic as The Puppet Co. presents Little Red Riding Hood & the 3 Little Pigs
* And Imaginary Friends is the featured performance for littles there on Sunday
* Robin Hood is on the Imagination Stage

T(w)een Theatre Scene : Snow Child
Where: Arena Stage | Southwest DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Ticket prices vary
The latest production at Arena stage is recommended for tweens and teens, but slightly younger children may enjoy it as well. The musical is as beautiful as it is entertaining with a great bluegrass score, amazing puppetry, and a story that is played out masterfully by the talented cast. Read a full KFDC review here.

Racing Art
Where: Around the Inner Harbour | Baltimore, MD
When: Saturday, 9am – 7pm
Admission: Free
You might see giant pink poodles and other outrageous works of art “race” down Baltimore streets at the American Visionary Art Museum’s 20th annual Kinetic Sculpture Race. This year’s theme is “Mysteries and Tall Tales,” inspired by the museum’s current mega-exhibit The Great Mystery Show. Kinetinauts (the pilots of the moving sculptures) will compete for the Grand East Coast National Mediocre Champion, awarded to the competitor who finishes exactly in the middle (that is the BEST). Vehicles are wacky and whimsical, straight from a lunatic genius imagination and constructed out of all kinds of materials. They may be a small one-person machine or a 50-foot feat of engineering navigated by many. This is one of those spectacles you just have to see for yourself.

International Family Equality Day
Where: National Zoo | Woodley Park, DC
When: Sunday, 10am – 2pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate the beauty and importance of family diversity at the National Zoo. Enjoy family-focused activities, including field games with prizes, special animal enrichment demonstrations and live entertainment. See the website for the schedule of events.

The Legend of King Solomon
Where: E Street Cinema | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Sunday, 10:30 AM
Admission: $15.50/adult, $6.90/13 & under
In this animated family adaptation of the Biblical story, the young Solomon must save the kingdom of Jerusalem from the evil devil Asmodeus. After he is banished into the Arabian Desert, Solomon teams up with the beautiful Princess Naama of Petra and the Queen of Sheba as they seek to put an end to Asmodeus’ tyrannical thirst for power.

Truck Touch
Where: Tikvat Israel Congregation | Rockville, MD
When: Sunday, 11am – 2pm
Admission: $5/ages 2 and up
Explore fire trucks, police cars, emergency vehicles, and other cool things that go! $5 entry per person age 2 and over. Jump on the moon bounce and buy snacks, lunch, or a tasty treat (all food is kosher) for an extra fee.

20th Anniversary Celebration
Where: Breastfeeding Center | Downtown DC
When: Sunday, 1-4pm
Admission: Free, donations welcome
Join the The Breastfeeding Center for Greater Washington this Sunday, May 6, from 1-4pm to celebrate their 20th Anniversary! Don’t miss the panel discussion led by Julia Beck, featuring IBCLC Torey Potter, midwife Michelle Clasuen, and authors Kimberly Seals Allers and Katherine R Lewis. There will also be plenty of fun for toddlers and kids too! The Breastfeeding Center is located at 1020 19th St NW, Suite 150.

First Sunday Wolf Trap Hikes: Walk and Learn
Where: Wolf Trap | Vienna VA
When: Sunday, 1-3pm
Admission: Free
Join trail volunteers and staff for a free guided hike on the first Sunday of each month for Wolf Trap First Sunday Hikes. February 4th will will be the first Sunday hike of 2018. The hikes start at the Filene Center Main Gate (Box Office) and last about 2 hours. Select walks will focus on different topics: history, biodiversity, wild flower and woodland shade gardens, birds, and general flora and fauna. Times and topics vary and traditionally follow the Wolf Trap Trail loop (2.7 miles). Dress appropriately for a hike and weather.

Model Rocket Launch
Where: Goddard Space Flight Center | Greenbelt, MD
When: Sunday, 1-2pm
Admission: Free
Join the monthly model rocket launch at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. Anyone is welcome, and if you’ve got a model rocket to fly, bring it along (though there are some restrictions – see them here). The program takes place the first Sunday of every month at 1pm. Read more about it in this post.

Movie on the Potomac: CoCo
Where: National Harbor | Oxon Hill, MD
When: Sunday, 6pm
Admission: Free
Wind down the weekend with an outdoor movie screening by the water. National Harbor will again host Movies on the Potomac, including a Sunday evening family movie, from May through September. Gather in front of the Plaza Screen to watch fan favorite films from over the years. — this week it’s Coco! Movie-goers are encouraged to bring chairs and order take-out from one of the many restaurants right around the plaza.

***MORE GOOD STUFF TO KNOW***
* Find great ideas for celebrating Mother’s Day around the DC area.
* Morini Piccolo is a new food stand from Osteria Morini on the docks at Yards Park. They offer a small menu of antipasto, panini, and drinks from the restaurant’s menu along with a lovely riverside view.
* This virtual reality installation is a must-experience, but be sure to read about it first — it’s not for young children, and not even for all older kids.
* thredUP is a great way to buy and sell secondhand clothes and accessories for women and kids online.
* The National Building Museum announced this year’s Summer Block Party installation, and it sounds really FUN!

Photo courtesy of Arena Stage

I went back and forth about whether or not to recommend Snow Child, the new world-premiere production at Arena Stage, as a show for just the T(w)een Scene. The musical centering around a married couple, Mabel and Jack, as they try to forge a life in the harsh Alaska wilderness in the 1920s, has many elements that I think would appeal to younger ages, too. But, ultimately, I decided some bits of heavy storylines and the lengthy run time make it more appropriate for middle schoolers and older.

We learn early on that the death of their child and the opportunity to start over were the impetus of Mabel and Jack’s move to this new frontier. From the opening scene, as Mabel walks across cracking ice, breaking the silence with a beautiful song, there is an aura of both melancholy and hope. It’s been a struggle for them to set up a homestead in the wilds of Alaska, and it has put a strain on the couple’s marriage, but they are determined to rebuild their life after their tragic loss.

Photo courtesy of Arena Stage

When they meet a young mysterious girl who lives among the wild lands around them, things start to change for the better, and joy returns to their lives. Yet the tough environment forces circumstances that plunge them into a nearly desperate place. Mabel, however, resolves to overcome the challenges and make their life in Alaska succeed and make it their home.

This is all played out masterfully by the talented cast, and I’d say stand-outs are Chistiane Noll as Mabel and Fina Strazza as Faina, the wild child. Both gave beautiful performances — Noll brings so much emotion to her character, and Strazza keeps the audience captivated, though she barely says a word.

The other highlights of the show — the elements that almost had me recommending this for younger audiences — are the music and the puppetry. The score, which I’d describe as a bluegrass/folk/Americana mix, both help tell the story and add another layer of entertainment. It’s music that can be appreciated across generations.

Snow Child also contains some of the most beautiful puppetry I’ve ever seen in a show, and the puppeteers maneuver them with such graceful agility, you barely notice them. A large horse operated by two people, a snow fox, and a swan move so similarly to and exhibit characteristics of the actual creatures, they almost seem real. (You can read more about them in this interview with their creators.)

Owen (12) and I saw Snow Child together, and his input is incorporated into this review. He agreed with me that some younger kids might enjoy seeing it, but then added that while Sasha (9) would like it, some things might be “too much” for her — and that she probably wouldn’t be able to sit through the whole performance. Keep in mind this is her older brother saying this. I’m sticking with the T(w)een Scene recommendation, though.

Snow Child is running at Arena Stage through May 20. Tickets are $55-110, and Arena Stage offers a Family Fun Pack: 4 seats for only $129. They must be purchase by phone or in person, and orders must include a minimum of two patrons between ages 5 and 17.