Tag Archives: Tips for Families with Kids at home

March 26, 2021 · 7:13 am

The Weekend Round-Up: March 26-28

Grand marshals of the Petal Porch Parade!

Happy Weekend!

Go-to posts for ongoing recreation:
* Local Hikes with Kids
* Best Outdoor Spots
* Peaceful Places
* Indoor Outings
* Bike Rides

Egg Hunt & Marshmallow Picking
Where: Great Country Farms | Bluemont, VA
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $10/child, $12/adult, $5/egg hunt
Head to the farm for good ol’ fashioned egg hunts and the first “crop” of the spring — Marshmallow Picking! (Do marshmallow peeps really grow on trees?) Your children will be amazed to harvest a few marshmallows to roast on the bonfire. The Easter Bunny also hid some eggs filled with treats to enchant the children, and Great Country needs help finding them. There will be multiple egg hunts with timed ticket entrance ($5 extra). Plan to see the spring chicks and baby animals, take a wagon ride, and enjoy the sprawling play area, too!

Celebrate Cherry Blossom Season
Where: Around the DC area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies
The flowers aren’t quite yet peaking, but events and activities to celebrate DC’s iconic bloom begin are happening. Seek out blossom-inspired art, join virtual programs, enjoy dining and shopping specials just for the season, and more. See the beginning of the bloom in at least one place, and bring the fun home with some related activities.

Petal Porch Parade
Where: At home & around the DC area
When: Through April 11
Admission: Free
Check out local porches decorated for cherry blossom season! Since we can’t have a big parade this year,folks were encouraged to get creative and show their blossom spirit by decorating their porches, yards, and windows to spread joy and connect communities. This map shows locations of all registered Petal Porches, so you can plan a walk or drive to see and share in the celebration of spring. On the weekend of April 10-11, a Petal Procession will drive through select Petal Porch Parade neighborhoods in and around DC.

Art in Bloom
Where: Around the DC area
When: Through March 31
Admission: Free
This visual arts exhibition spanning all eight wards of DC, plus a few areas in Maryland and Virginia, radiates the spirit of spring! Go on a Blossom Hunt to find 26 oversized cherry blossom statues painted by local artists and share on Instagram or Twitter with the #artinbloom tag. The NCB will randomly select winners of Festival prize packages.

Blossom Kite Fly
Where: Your backyard or local park
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: Free
The annual Kite Festival on the Mall — one of the best events of the NCBF (& anytime in DC, for that matter) — is not happening this year. Instead, the Festival encourages all to take part in the kite-flying tradition on their own — but with the help of workshops and demos. Find more information about registering here.

Bloomaroo
Where: The Wharf | Southwest DC
When: Through April 11
Admission: Varies
The Wharf is celebrating spring and the blossoms with Bloomaroo, nearly of month of cherry blossom-themed art installations, food and drink specials and more festivities. Catch Anime Movies, including the newest Sonic the Hedgehog movie. Check out a special mural created by ARTECHOUSE, too. Restaurants at the waterfront destination will have cherry blossom-inspired menus, and keep an eye out for special samplings, beer dinners, and more. Ride the Wharf Jitney or hop on the Water Taxi for an up-close look at DC’s favorite landmarks — the cherry trees. For more about The Wharf, see this KFDC post.

Dino Safari
Where: National Harbor | Oxon Hill, MD
When: Daily through April 11
Admission: $49.95/vehicle (up to 7 people); $59.95/larger vehicle
Running now through April 11, Dino Safari, brings prehistoric times to pandemic times, offering a drive-thru, no-contact yet immersive experience. You may be familiar with these Jurassic Park-inspired attractions, which feature life-size animatronic dinosaurs. This one is unique in its “Passport to Pangea” theme, transporting you through all seven continents — which were formerly one supercontinent, Pangea, in dinosaur times. Read a full review here. Use code KIDDC5 to receive $5 off your ticket!

Bunnyland
Where: Butler’s Orchard
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: $10
One of the more popular spring festivals in the area begins this weekend. Butler’s has all the trappings for seasonal fun: bunnies, eggs, and other Easter-related treats for young guests. More fun includes hayrides down the Bunny Trail, egg hunts, the Rubber Ducky Derby, giant slides, jumping pads, and a small petting zoo. Concessions are available, and there are also plenty of picnic tables if you prefer to pack a lunch. See the website for safety measures in place for Covid.

Easter Egg Hunt
Where: Potomac Overlook Regional Park | Arlington, VA
When: Saturday & Sunday, 11am – 4pm
Admission: $8/child
Join Potomac Overlook Regional Park any day from Saturday to April 4 to take part in this ongoing event. Pick up your egg hunt sheet at the nature center, explore the park for 8 different “wooden eggs,” then return to the nature center with your completed sheet for a prize! No reservations required — just hop on over and experience a brand new kind of egg hunt in park that’s great for families to explore. Read more about Potomac Overlook in this KFDC post. And find even more egg-cellent adventures around the area here.

NoVa Parking
Where: Various parks in Northern Virginia
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
Not only are many of the locales within the NoVa Parks system great places to go for outdoor recreation, other activities within some of them are now available. Batting cages, mini golf, kayak and canoe rentals, and disc golf are some of them. And some are just beautiful to roam around. Find things to do by activity, or check out individual parks and see what they have going on. A couple of specific recs: Fountainhead, Pohick Bay, and Meadowlark.

Movie at the Drive-In
Where: Alexandria Drive-In Movie Theater | Alexandria, VA
When: Saturday, 7:30pm
Admission: $40/car
Catch a flick from the comfort of your car — an ideal way to enjoy some entertainment out of the house and social distance. Remember the Titans will be on the big outdoor screen this weekend. Food trucks will be there both nights offering savory and sweet concessions with online ordering through Goodfynd! Purchase movie tickets in advance!

Camp Anthem
Where: The Wharf | Southwest DC
When: Friday/Saturday/Sunday through May
Admission:
The Anthem is bringing back its pop-up restaurant with tables seating up to 6 on the District Pier, each covered by a cabana tent. Enjoy a breezy lunch or dinner by the river at the waterfront destination. Reservations are required, and there is a $150 minimum per table, $50 per 2-top. There is a two-hour max at each table to allow thorough cleaning in between time slots.

Women’s History Month Virtual Festival
Where: National Portrait Gallery | Online
When: Saturday, 11am
Admission: Free
Join the Portrait Gallery in a virtual celebration of women making history!Explore the online exhibition “Where There Is a Woman There Is Magic,” which highlights leaders in sports, arts, science and activism. It’s part of a day-long lineup featuring events and activities for participants of all ages, including workshops, speakers, art activities and more!

Adventure in the Trees
Where: Adventure Park at Sandy Spring, MD
When: Sunday
Admission: Varies by age
The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring reopens for the season this weekend! The fun actually starts Saturday, but it’s already sold out, so reserve in advance for Sunday or a future date — reservations are now required due to Covid. Kids as young 5 can experience thrills on the ropes courses and ziplines in the park’s aerial adventure forest, the largest in North America. Children ages 5-6 and an accompanying adult have access to two of the easier courses. Older kids can do much more. It may seem like a pricey venture, but it’s so worth it. Trust me. Read more about the park in this KFDC post.

Pop-Up Street Theater
Where: Locales around Arlington, VA
When: Sunday, 11am – 2pm
Admission: Free
Synetic Theatre will be clowning around with pop-up performances all around Arlington during the Festival. To work with these social distancing times, they are bringing back street theater as a pair of improv actors make appearances at the Art Wall in Virginia Highlands Park, the Crystal City Water Park, and the Long Bridge Park Esplanade.Follow @synetictheater on Instagram to see where they are and how long they’ll be there!

Disc Golfin’
Where: Courses around the DC area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
Hit the links, the chain links, that is! Disc golf is a great way to enjoy a nice spring day outdoors with the family. Not only is it fun and challenging, the courses, many of them set up in scenic places, are lovely this time of year. This post has info about one in College Park, and there are also great courses at Seneca Creek State Park in Gaithersburg, Patapsco Valley State Park near Baltimore, and Burke Lake Park in Burke, VA.

Virtual Artful Conversations: Colored Pencil Techniques
Where: National Gallery of Art | Online
When: Sunday, 10am & 1pm
Admission: Free
Sharpen up your colored pencils and your drawing skills during Artful Conversations. Please join the session with colored pencils, two sheets of paper to draw on, and an eraser. Registration is required for this free program. An adult is required to attend the session alongside the child(ren).

Sakura Sunday
Where: National Harbor | Oxon Hill, MD
When: Sunday
Admission: Free
On Sundays during cherry blossom seaosn, National Harbor is hosting free cultural activities, including Japanese inspired art creations, culinary classes, in person and virtual, and much more. See what else will be at the waterfront destination during the season.

***MORE GOOD STUFF***
* In case you haven’t seen it, there’s a brand new post about Where to Go & What to Do During Spring Break 2021
* DC Way now offers weekly Skills Clinics, Strikers School, & Goalkeeping School
* Race for a cause with the 11th Annual Fairfax Run for the Children
* Don’t tell my mom, but this made me laugh. (Happy Passover to all celebrating!)
* More McSweeney’s because this nails it.
* Half-vaxed here and totally feeling this!

The Weekend Round-Up: March 19-21

Happy First Spring Weekend!

It’s Cherry Blossom Season!
Where: Around the DC area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies
They might not be blooming just yet, but events and activities to celebrate DC’s iconic flowers begin this weekend as the National Cherry Blossom Festival kicks off. Seek out blossom-inspired art, join a virtual program, enjoy food, drink, and shopping specials just for the season, and much more.

Fun on the Farm
Where: Great Country Farms
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $12/adult, $10/child
It’s opening weekend for the Play Area at Great Country Farms! The five-acre area contains all kinds of fun that little ones love — rope swings, tractor tires, giant tube slides and more! See animals in the barnyard, get lost in a maze, and test agility skills on the farm ninja course. Reserve timed tickets in advance.

Maryland Day
Where: Various locations in Maryland
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies
This year’s Maryland Day celebration includes a weekend full of new experiences, both in-person and virtual. Join online museum and library programs, get into regional parks for free, see the Pride of Baltimore tall ship in Annapolis, visit the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, go to the Annapolis Maritime Museum or Chesapeake Children’s Museum, and much more. Find details for all of it here.

Drive-In Flick
Where: Alexandria Drive-In Movie Theater | Alexandria, VA
When: Friday, 7pm
Admission: $40/car
Drive-In movies are back for 2021 at the theater in Alexandria. Catching a flick from the comfort of your car is an ideal way to enjoy some entertainment out of the house and social distance. On the ticket this weekend: Hidden Figures on Friday (Princess Bride on Saturday, but looks like it’s sold out). Food trucks will be there both nights offering savory and sweet concessions with online ordering through Goodfynd! Purchase movie tickets in advance!

Cherry Blossom Celebration
Where: American Art Museum | Online
When: Saturday, 10am
Admission: Free
Celebrate the start of spring and the National Cherry Blossom Festival with the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Join a virtual program full of springtime fun for the whole family. Enjoy a lively performance of traditional Japanese Taiko drumming by the group Nen Daiko. Then learn more as the group demonstrates how they plan their performances and design their own instruments. Explore art, nature, and color with museum docents in the new virtual edition of their popular Art Cart series. For more activities, check out the Family Zone for seasonal crafts, coloring pages, videos, and more!

Family Bike Ride
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
Plan for a family two-wheel outing — you’ve got your pick of them around the area. Take in the start of spring scenery, get some exercise, and have fun, all while easily social distancing. This post has a bunch of pedal-worthy recs, with something for riders of all levels, and this route is particularly ideal with kids.

Bloomaroo
Where: The Wharf | Southwest DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
Celebrate spring and the blossoms at the The Wharf. Bloomaroo will bring nearly a month of cherry blossom-themed art installations, and specialty cocktails. Check out a special mural created by ARTECHOUSE, too. Restaurants at the waterfront destination will have cherry blossom-inspired menus, and keep an eye out for special samplings, beer dinners, and more. Ride the Wharf Jitney or hop on the Water Taxi for an up-close look at DC’s favorite landmarks — the cherry trees. For more about The Wharf, see this KFDC post.

Art in Bloom
Where: Around the DC area
When: March 20-31
Admission: Free
This visual arts exhibition spanning all eight wards of DC, plus a few areas in Maryland and Virginia, radiates the spirit of spring! Go on a Blossom Hunt to find 26 oversized cherry blossom statues painted by local artists and share on Instagram or Twitter with the #artinbloom tag. The NCB will randomly select winners of Festival prize packages.

Eastern Shore Nature Break
Where: Wye Island NRMA | Queenstown, MD
When: Ongoing
Admission: Free
There’s a new post about a lovely, peaceful place to enjoy a day outdoors on the Eastern Shore. Wye Island Natural Resources Management Area, just over the Bay Bridge, has 12 miles of trails to hike on its 2,400 acres with scenic views over the Wye River, old growth trees, and possible wildlife sightings. For even more hiking options around the area, see the round-up of walks in the woods.

Hike, Bike, and/or Paddle
Where: Fountainhead Regional Park | Fairfax Station, VA
When: Ongoing
Admission: Free
For a mix of outdoor recreation, Fountain Regional Park offers a few options. It’s known to be one of the better places for mountain biking in the area (riders should have some experience), and it has nice hiking, too, with the Bull Run Occoquan Trail winding through the park. even, more kayak and canoe rentals are now available. Read more about it all in this new post.

Pop-Up Consignment Shop
Where: Stoddert Elementary | Glover Park, DC
When: Saturday, 9:30am – 1pm
Admission: Free
PicklesDC is hosting an outdoor spring pop-up on Saturday. Shop quality brands in excellent condition — children’s clothing, shoes, and toys (size newborn – 12 years). This will take place in front of Stoddert Elementary School at 40001 Calvert Street NW.

StoryWalk: Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea
Where: Downtown Kensington, MD
When: Though April 11
Admission: Free
Families are invited to read the book Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea by Meena Harris on posted signs as they stroll through a garden setting in Kensington. This Noyes Library Foundation StoryWalk will be available for self-guided exploration at Clum-Kennedy Park (10298 Frederick Avenue). Written by Vice President Kamala Harris’ niece, Meena Harris, toe book is based on a true story about Kamala Harris and her older sister, Maya. Pick up a free craft kit on Saturdays and Sundays (9am to 4pm) outside the Noyes Library for Young Children (10237 Carroll Place) to complement the walk.

Ice Yards
Where: Yards Park | Navy Yard, DC
When: Saturday, 12-6pm
Admission: $60
Plan for a date or grown-up meet-up. Ice Yards is returning to your favorite neighborhood restaurants down at The Yards. Grab your closest friends and fam and join the fun — your ticket includes a reservation for 2-4 people for 90 minutes, free welcome cocktail, free Ice Yards giveaways, table side playlists, and cool prizes from Ice Yards rolling carts including shot glasses, shotskis, gift cards to your favorite restaurants and more! Participants will also be treated to complimentary s’mores making at each table. Follow the link for details and sign-up.

Environmental Film Fest
Where: Online
When: Through March 28
Admission: Free
Films from across the globe are being screened/streamed for the 29th annual DC Environmental Film Festival, presented virtually this year. There are a few flicks among them that kids will likely enjoy (and even more to consider for adults). View the website for more details and to view trailers.

Virtual Sassy Succulent Workshop
Where: American Visionary Art Museum | Online
When: Saturday, 11am
Admission: $0-10
Saturday, Mar. 20, 11am ET
Tune in as the AVAM uses fun rocks, soil, and bling to make your plant sassy, just in time for spring! All ages are welcome, and plant kits are available for local pick up ($10). Or, assemble your own supplies. This workshop complements the museum’s current mega-exhibition “The Secret Life of Earth.” RSVP here. (Note: You can also visit the museum in person — it’s open!)

Pop-Up Street Theater
Where: Crystal City Water Park | Crystal City, VA
When: Sunday, 11am – 2pm
Admission: Free
Synetic Theatre, which presents some of the most innovative shows around, will be clowning around with pop-up performances during the Festival. To work with these social distancing times, they are bringing back street theater as a pair of improv actors make appearances at the Crystal City Water Park

NoVa Parking
Where: Various parks in Northern Virginia
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
Not only are many of the locales within the NoVa Parks system great places to go for outdoor recreation, other activities within some of them are now available. Batting cages, mini golf, kayak and canoe rentals, and disc golf are some of them. Find things to do by activity, or check out individual parks and see what they have going on.

Parks and Rec
Where: Parks around Fairfax County, VA
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
The Fairfax County Park Authority hosts all kinds of events on weekends for guests of all ages. Enjoy the first day of spring as nature awakens at Green Spring Gardens. Take a family woodcock walk at Huntley Meadows. Discovert life under a log at Hidden Oaks Nature Center. Details and registration for these and many more nature activities this weekend and beyond are available here.

I-Spy Adventure
Where: Dumbarton House | Online
When: Sunday, 11-11:30am
Admission: $10-12
Join Dumbarton House for a virtual I-spy adventure recommended for ages 4 to 8! During this virtual program, children will explore collections items from the museum by looking for animals, objects, and colors. Fun and learning are sure to ensue! Admission price covers one household.

Make Room for Matzah
Where: Online
When: Sunday, 10-11am
Admission: $5/family
Join a virtual Passover workshop with PJ Library author and illustrator Alan Silberberg! He will premiere his hilarious new book, Meet the Matzah, and teach a doodling class to explore the foods and symbolism of Passover. Order a kit to have more fun Passover projects at home. Most appreciated by ages 4-7, though all are welcome. Signed copies of the books can be purchased through Politics & Prose.

Free Community Day
Where: National Museum of Women in the Arts | WDC
When: Sunday, 12-5pm
Admission: Free, but must reserve
The National Museum of Women in the Arts just reopened, and the first and third Sundays of every month are a great opportunity to explore it when admission is FREE! Works span the centuries, from the 16th to the present in a variety of mediums, highlighting women artists all over the world. If tickets aren’t available, plan to go another day — the admission fee is worth it!

Pre-Passover Experience and Story Trail
Where: Lincoln Park | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Sunday, 3-3:45pm
Admission: Free
Bring the kids for an outdoor story trail through Lincoln Park. Follow along the story of Passover and have great discussion with your family! Sit down and enjoy a kid-friendly pre-Passover model Seder there will be pre-packaged foods and activities for each child. Receive a Passover goody bag and craft for all those that register in advance (while supplies last). Register here.

Virtual Cakepop Class
Where: Online
When: Sunday, 4:30pm
Admission: $39.95
Wind down the weekend with something sweet. In this Cakepop class with Baked by Yael, kids will learn to roll, dip, and decorate their own cakepops!⠀Registration fee includes materials for one participant, a Home Cakepop Kit with baked cake, frosting, candy melts, cakepop sticks, and cakepop drying stand. (For just $25 more, they’ll include enough cake, frosting, candy melts, and cakepop sticks for an additional participant.) And Baked by Yael will donate 20% of each registration fee to Woodley Park Main Street.

The Great Indoors
Where: Around the DC Area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies
Even more places around the area are starting to open their doors for in person visits again. This post lists reopened venues, all of them with extra safety protocols in place for Covid.

***MORE GOOD STUFF***
* How to support the Asian American community.
* Silver Knights has been teaching chess to local kids for 15 years, and they’re celebrating one year of their online chess club with a discount for KFDC readers!
* Looking for a fun & unique camp for kids this summer? Camp Half-Blood is offering its first DC-based sessions at Rock Creek Park.
* Trying to get through Best Picture nominated films… just watched The Trial of the Chicago 7, and Minari is up this weekend.
* The latest, wonderful Humans of New York series starts here.

The Weekend Round-Up: March 12-14

* * * * *

One year ago today I shared this weekend post. At the time I thought it was just a cautious approach, that we would all lay low for a couple of weeks until it was certain the coronavirus would be a passing panic, then we’d resume life as usual. Oh, how optimistic and naive I was! Now, 365 days later, my kids do school from home, often in their pajamas, sometimes from bed. (I let the “dressed at your desk” battle go awhile back.) We wear masks. We desperately miss favorite places — museums, theaters, concert venues, insides of restaurants and our friends’ homes. We’ve experienced challenges beyond the pandemic, but also compounded by the pandemic.

It’s been a hard year.

But it’s had some bright spots, too: The rise in the Black Lives Matter movement. A new president who brings reason and compassion back to the job. We learned how to make the best use of our backyards. More people are biking. We got a puppy! We appreciate our connections with others more than ever.

Finally, we’re starting to see the light of at the end of the tunnel. And, hopefully, it won’t be too, too long until we return to those places we miss, go back to school and work (in real clothes), embrace the people we love, and resume some iteration of life as usual.

Happy Weekend!

Rally to Reopen DC Schools
Where: Mayor’s Office | Downtown DC
When: Saturday, 2-4pm
Admission: Free
It’s been 365 days since most of DC’s kids have been the inside a classroom. A rally has been organized for Saturday to push DCPS and DCPCS to give families a choice and a voice when it comes to reopening DC schools. All are welcome to join at the Mayor’s Office (1350 Pennsylvania Ave. NW) to demand: 1) A vaccine now for all teachers who want one. 2) An in-person education, with a teacher, for all families who want it at the start of Term 4 in mid-April 3) Sensible safety guidelines that follow the CDC while still allowing a return to the classroom 4) A commitment to regular school — 5 days a week, in person, with a teacher in a classroom — starting from Day 1 of the 2021-2022 school year, for every DC schoolchild who wants one.

Later, Skaters
Where: Ice rinks around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by rink
This is the last weekend to hit the ice al fresco at most local outdoor ice skating rinks, as many are getting ready to shut down their Zambonis for the season. See this post listing them all for details on where you can glide under the sky one last time this winter.

Take a Swing
Where: Parks in Northern Virginia
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission:
Batter up! And tee up! Batting cages and mini golf courses are opening at several NoVa Parks. At Cameron Run, Upton Hill, and Occoquan Regional Parks, choose slow pitch softball, or take a crack at baseballs featuring a variety of tough speeds. And you can putt around at Cameron Run, Upton Hill, Pohick Bay, and Algonkian Regional Parks.

Ride On
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
It’s great weather for a bike ride! Plan for a family two-wheel outing — you’ve got your pick of them around the area. Take in the almost-spring scenery, get some exercise, and have fun, all while easily social distancing. This post has a bunch of pedal-worthy recs, with something for riders of all levels, and this route is particularly ideal with kids.

Take a Hike
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
The nice weather this weekend also makes it a great time to hit the trail. Enjoy the late winter temps, walk in places with scenic views, see the start of budding flowers, and savor a sunny day outdoors. This post has a a bunch of recommendations for places to walk in the woods with the kids. Some good places to go right now: Great Falls, Fort Dupont Park, Huntley Meadows, Cunningham Falls State Park, and Sky Meadows State Park.

Think Outside
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
For even more ideas for things to do and places to go, The Best Places in the DC Area to Enjoy a Beautiful Day Outdoors with the Kids is chock full of ideas. Between sunny weather and social distancing, it will be especially handy.

Play Ball Drive-Thru
Where: Matthews Memorial Baptist Church | Southeast DC
When: Saturday, 2-4pm
Admission: Free
Get ready for baseball season at a drive-thru event hosted by the Washington Nationals and Major League Basebal. To help encourage and promote youth baseball and softball participation, the Nats and Screech are giving away free plastic bats, balls, and other Nationals swag to young fans. Open to all children between the ages of 4-18, this socially-distant event will allow participants to remain in their cars and have the items passed through their car windows. Face coverings will be required. Fans should register here.

Ice Festival
Where: Havre de Grace, MD
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: Free
If you’re up for a day trip and the drive (about 1.5 hours from DC), head to Havre de Grace for its annual Ice Festival, where beautifully lit ice sculptures will transform the downtown area. Festivities include ice carving demonstrations, bands, artisans, kids’ stations, in-store specials, food trucks, an outdoor hot toddy bar, fire pits, s’mores and more. I also recommend a meal outside by the water at the Tidewater Grill and some vintage shopping at Jo Retro.

Fairfax Parks Programs
Where: Parks around Fairfax County, VA
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
The Fairfax County Park Authority hosts all kinds of events on weekends for guests of all ages. Explore nature at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park. Or take a way there along Walney Creek. Enjoy a personalized tour with a naturalist at Hidden Oaks. Details and registration for these and many more nature activities this weekend and beyond are available here.

St. Patrick’s Day Rooftop Celebration
Where: Hi-Lawn | Union Market, DC
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: $60/table
Hi-Lawn, on the roof of Union Market, is rolling out the green carpet this weekend for its inaugural St. Patrick’s Day rooftop celebration! Bringing traditional Irish pub vibes to the great outdoors by partnering with The Dubliner, DC’s oldest Irish pub, they’ll be shucking oysters (served both raw with green mignonette + grilled colcannon-style) along with Irish whiskey-centric cocktails and festive beers. Admission fee is for up to 6 guests at a reserved, socially-distanced table on the Rooftop for 2 hours.

Family Fun & Food
Where: The Station at Riverdale Park | Riverdale, MD
When: Ongoing
Admission: Free
From riding along the Rhode Island Avenue Trolley Trail, to a scavenger hunt for all of the unique art on the property, like a sparkly blue bear at the center of Bear Square, and active programming like outdoor concerts, weekends at The Station at Riverdale Park are filled with family fun and bonding. (And will all but guarantee sleepy, happy kids—at least for the trip home!) Even more, The Station offers a variety of dining options that will satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.

Shroomin’
Where: Long Bridge Park | Crystal City, VA
When: Through March 14
Admission: Free
An art installation of giant, vibrantly colored, inflatable mushrooms has been adding some whimsy to Crystal City. It’s lit up during the day and evening, and visitors are welcome to walk among them — and take fun photos for the ‘gram. The Shrooms are part of National Landing Bid’s “Turn Up The Love” campaign that has ben presenting public art pop-ups in the area.

Pi(e) Day
Where: Maryland Science Center | Baltimore, MD
When: Sunday, 12-4pm
Admission: $25.95/adult, $19.95/child
Celebrate the most mathematically delicious day of the year with Maryland Science Center! Pi(e) Day is a celebration of the mathematical constant Pi and a celebration of the sweet, circular baked dessert! Circle up for a well rounded day of endless fun. Get creative with circle art, launch pizza pie toppings with catapults, watch pie fall from the sky, and so much more. Plus, take a free slice of pie from Dangerously Delicious Pies for the road! If you can’t make it to the Science Center for the event, join the celebration online!

More Baltimore Fun, Hon!
Where: Inner Harbor Area | Baltimore, MD
When: All Weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
Head up I-95 for a change of city scenery. See some of the quirkiest, coolest art around at the American Visionary Art Museum. Play the day away at Port Discovery. Get an eyeful of the underwater world at the National Aquarium. Or view history in the works at the Baltimore Museum of Industry (open by appt). All of these places are open with new safety protocols in place for COVID.

More Indoor Adventures
Where: Around the DC Area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies
Many more area places are welcoming visitors in person again. This post lists reopened venues around the area, and all of them have extra safety protocols in place for Covid.

***MORE GOOD STUFF***
* There’s a giveaway going on right now for a chance to win free family admission to Dino Safari coming to the area March 18 – April 11.
* Camp Half-Blood is offering Spring Break and summer programs for kids.
* Easy trips from DC for Spring Break getaways.
* Currently reading and enjoying The Midnight Library. Light and entertaining, reminds me of the movie Sliding Doors. Who else has read it?
* Allen v. Farrow on HBO. Whoa.
* Don’t forget to spring forward and turn the clocks ahead!
* The Periodic Table of Coronavirus.

Five Things for Today: March 11, 2021

1. The current forecast calls for bike riding! Whether you get out for a spin today or plan for a family ride this weekend, check out this round-up of routes to ride around the area, with something for everyone. This particular stretch is ideal with little bikers.

2. In case you missed it a couple of days ago, there’s a new feature on the blog by a new KFDC contributor! Katie Winter, an educator and local mom of two young children, will be offering ideas to “Bring the Fun Home from… ” different places around the area with recommendation for at-home activities that tie in to your visit. The inaugural post highlights Green Spring Gardens in Alexandria, an ideal place to enjoy the start of spring!

3. The Washington Nationals and MLB are hosting a Play Ball Drive-Thru on Saturday to encourage and promote youth baseball and softball participation. From 2-4pm, the Nats and Screech will be giving away free plastic bats, balls, and other Nats swag to young fans. Open to all children between the ages of 4-18, this socially-distant event will allow participants to remain in their cars and have the items passed through their car windows. This will take place at Matthews Memorial Baptist Church in Southeast DC. Face coverings will be required. Fans should register here.

4. A beautifully written essay about divorce — from the perspective of a teen.

5. The Oprah interview was excellent, but this is much more fun.

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Filed under 2021, All ages, Coronavirus, COVID-19, DC, Maryland, Outdoor, Social Distancing, Winter

Tagged as COVID-19 DC Area, DC Area Outdoor Activities, DC Kids Activities, DC with kids, DMV Reopening, Fun Things to do with Kids in the Washington DC Area, Home Activities During Coronavirus, Links During the Quarantine, March 2021, Outdoor Activities During COVID, Places to Go During COVID-19 in DC Maryland and Virginia, Social Distancing Tips, Tips for Families with Kids at home, Week 52, What to Do With Kids During Coronavirus, What's Open and Closed in DC, Winter 2021

March 10, 2021 · 7:48 am

Five Things for Today: March 10, 2021

1. You don’t need the water features to be running to enjoy the Yards Park with kids. Stroll the boardwalk, check out boats at the marina, play in the grassy areas, and get takeout from one of the many eateries there for a riverside picnic. The location along the water makes it a great place to spend one of these gorgeous 70-degree days! (And you can find even more options to enjoy them here.)

2. To celebrate Women’s History Month, Rosie Riveters is launching a family geocaching activity! Their Women’s History Hunt is in Old Town Alexandria and Northwest Arlington, all you need to do is navigate to the locations and find puzzle pieces that celebrate women in STEM to receive a prize. All ages are invited to participate through March 31. Follow the link above for the map, info on geocaching, and more details.

3. DC is launching a new pre-registration system for making vaccination appointments today — more info here. (Honestly, I still find it a bit confusing).

4. Stories from a year of Covid.

5. Can’t not smile watching this, and this, and this. (Okay, all of them.)