Tag Archives: Storytime

October 2, 2014 · 1:04 pm

Performing and Visual Arts “Just for Families” at Arts on the Green

Arts on the Green, Gaithersburg’s premier center for the performing and visual arts, recently launched a new initiative that encourages children and families to explore the world around them through programs in music, theater, movement and the visual arts.

Just for Families provides performing and visual arts programs for families with young kids. From painting workshops to theater productions and concerts, Arts on the Green offers experiences for parents and children to enjoy the arts together at their two facilities, Arts Barn and Kentlands Mansion.

Bop Goes the Weasel performs October 4

Next in the line-up is Bop Goes the Weasel this Saturday, October 4, 11am – 12pm. The jazz-for-kids performance is high-energy, interactive, and encourages young listeners to clap, snap, and have fun as Christiana Drapkin and her quartet introduce children to jazz greats like Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, and Charlie Parker. It’s recommended for children in pre-K to grade 5, and tickets are $12/adult, $8/child. Call 301-258-6394 to reserve yours.

“Not My Monkey” brings family theater October 11-26

The family programing also includes ongoing series like Songs & Stories, a preschool program held the first and third Thursday of each month. Workshops, concerts, magic shows, and theater are also featured in the Just for Families series. You can view the complete schedule for dates and details.

Arts on the Green venues, Arts Barn and Kentlands Mansion, are located in the heart of the Kentlands at 311 and 320 Kent Square Road in Gaitherburg, MD. Follow them on Facebook to stay updated on events and programs.

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Arts on the Green, however, I only promote events, services, and activities that I truly believe in and/or think would appeal to KFDC readers.

Where to Play on the Weekdays: January 2-6

Lots of interactive fun at the National Geographic Museum's Animal Grossology exhibit

Hellooo, 2012! May this year bring lots of new adventures and good times, starting with these suggestions for activities with the kids this Monday through Friday…

Monday – You only have one more week to learn about some of the ickiest parts of the animal world at the National Geographic Museum’s Animal Grossology exhibit. Through several creative, interactive installments, kids can discover all they’ll ever need to now about animal poop and other, um, natural processes. It’s presented along with Weird But True, a collection of odd facts about the wild world. Admission to both exhibits is $8/adults, $6/ages 5-12, free for children 4 and under.

Tuesday – Enjoy storytime for little ones. The National Building Museum is hosting its Book of the Month Program with readings of Snowflake Bentley at 10:30am and 11:30am in the Building Zone ($3/person). Barnes & Noble regularly welcomes guests for free storytime programs — go here for days/times at a location near you. And check out this old post for my personal take on the activity and for links to local libraries that offer it.

Wednesday – Have a laugh on Old Man Winter’s behalf and indulge in a most unseasonal activity: Swimming! At least six public indoor pools in DC are currently open. And there’s year-round swimming in Maryland and Virgina, too — follow these county and city links to find an aquatic facility near you: Montgomery County, PG County, Arlington, Alexandria. Be sure to check open swim hours, as they vary from pool to pool.

Thursday – Join the Boogie Babes for their first show of the year at Eastern Market. Bridgette with Dawn on Conga will get the 2012 fun started at 10:30am in the North Hall. Admission is $5/child, free for siblings months and under.

Friday – It’s show time! Be among the first audiences to see one of several children’s productions opening in theatres this week or catch one that’s getting ready to end its run. See this post about live entertainment this winter to see what’s on stages now.

Where to Play on the Weekdays: November 28 – December 2

All aboard the Play Express at Cabin John Regional Park

Monday – Take advantage of this relative heat wave and spend the day outdoors at a playground or park. The Meanest Momma has TONS of reviews of places where kids can climb, run, swing, and slide, mostly in Virginia, but a few in DC and Maryland as well. And for even more ideas for recreation outdoors, this KFDC post is always a good reference.

Tuesday – Book it to Potomac Yard in Alexandria for Children’s Storytime at Barnes & Noble. The free, weekly readings start at 11am around the charming little “stage” area in the kids’ section at the back of the store. Arrive early or linger after for train play on the Thomas table and to browse the books and toys for potential holiday gifts. (Note: Storytime sessions take place at B&N stores all around the DC area on various days of the week. Find more times and locations here.)

Wednesday – Catch one of the many kids flicks now showing in movie theaters: The Muppets, Arthur Christmas, Puss in Boots, and Happy Feet Two are all current big screen options for children.

Thursday – Visit Season’s Greenings, the U.S. Botanic Garden’s seasonal exhibit. (I know this is a becoming a repeat recommendation, but it is deserving.) See the Garden Railway, easily one of the best train displays around. Stroll the festively adorned conservatory and admire replicas of DC landmarks built entirely from plant materials. Watch another model train zip around the lofty Christmas tree, one of the tallest indoor trees in the city . And, for some extra holiday magic and free entertainment, go in the evening for the first of many concerts that will take place on most Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout December. This week, swingin’ jazz quartet Laissez Foure will liven up the Garden Court from 6-8pm.

Friday – Explore the history and customs of holiday traditions around the world through Discovery Theater’s Seasons of Light show. Performances are at 10:15am and 11:30am at the Smithsonian’s Ripley Center, and tickets are $3-9, depending on age and Smithsonian Associate membership. (Note: The show runs Monday-Friday through December 23 and usually sells out, so be sure to reserve your seats soon!)