1. The National Children’s Museum is currently accepting applications from kids aged 7-12 to help host upcoming episodes of their podcast, STEAM Daydream with National Children’s Museum. Find instructions for applying here. (PS: The museum is currently closed due to Covid, and was open only briefly before the pandemic began, but for more background on it — and what to expect when we can go back — see this KFDC post.)
2.Goldstar, the company that offered discount tickets for live entertainment and other events pre-Covid, has been presenting online performing arts and more virtual opportunities during this time instead. They have programs especially for children, including an online Comedy 4 Kids class, a free Lion King Education Experience, and a subscription to digital Performances for Young Audience from the Kennedy Center.
A bridge into the fortress at Fort Washington Park
1.A great place to get outside and get a glimpse of the past: Fort Washington Park in Fort Washington, MD. You can explore the historic remnants of the fortress dating back to 1824 — including bastions and barracks and cannons — within the grounds and enjoy beautiful views along the Potomac River. Hours are 9am – 4:30pm. Admission is $10/vehicle to the park, free to Fort Washington.
2. The National Gallery of Art has new Artful Conversations starting today. During these sessions of the free family program (recommended for kids ages 7–12), participants will explore Rozeal’s afro.died, T. (2011) and connect discoveries to music, all guided by DC-based DJ and multimedia artist Virtual Chicana. Register in advance — sessions take place today at 4pm, tomorrow at 4pm, and on Sunday, January 31, at 10am & 1pm.
3. Did you know REI offers all kinds of classes outdoor recreation classes and events? See what’s coming up locally, including How to Ride a Bike for Kids on several dates in March.
1. The Kennedy Center just debuted a new art installation at The REACH. A response to this time of unprecedented challenges, Unity | Peace | Forwardis a free exhibit in three parts scattered around the grounds. You can see it daily and stroll the lovely outdoor area while the KC is closed. It gets a multimedia boost on Friday and Saturday evenings from 4:30–8:30pm, when a video of quotes from 65 artists around the world is projected on a Video Wall. (It can also be viewed online at any time.) Get a glimpse on the Kennedy Center website.
2. It’s Pajamuary for the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington through the end of the month. They are collecting new pajamas (all sizes) to donate to local organizations to help keep people in need warm and cozy this winter. If you want to contribute, find your local drop-off point, or the place to mail them, here. They’re also hosting a virtual Tu B’Shevat Seder tomorrow night to celebrate the birthday of trees. And kiddos can close out Pajamuary with a Pajama Weekend celebration — join for any or all of these virtual events (recommended for ages 1-6).
3. Have you heard about Science Moms? The organization was founded by moms who are climate scientists to help educate others about climate change. I first learned about them in this WaPo article.
4. A healthy spin on Taco Tuesday: We recently had this easy-to-make meal for dinner, and it was so delicious!
Bonus: We had a sprinkle of snow last night, and the forecast calls for more this weekend, so get ready for it by checking out some ideas for seasonal fun — especially since you may need to book some activities in advance!
Seen at The Wharf (where you’ll also find several Restaurant Week participants!)
1. The Washington Nationals Youth Baseball Academy and DC Public Library have teamed up to for the Winter 2021 season of Books & Baseball. The free, non-competitive, co-ed literature and baseball program for children ages 3-5 takes place every Monday at 5pm through February 22. Each 35-minute session includes the reading of a children’s book by a DC Public Librarian, followed by a beginner-level baseball clinic led by YBA coaches. Virtual clinic activities are easy to complete at home and focus on enhancing motor skills and learning the fundamentals of baseball.Register for it here!
2. How about something fun and creative to work on this winter? Annmarie Sculpture Garden has put out a Call for Entries for their wonderful, whimsical annual Fairies in the Garden exhibit. They welcome fairy and gnome homes, dragon lairs, magical creatures, fairy gardens, elf abodes, goblin grottos, and more imaginative structures that will be placed in the woods, lawn areas, and trails of the sculpture garden this spring and summer to create a magical experience for guests of all ages. It’s a non-juried, open show, and anyone is welcome to participate. Just fill out an entry form and get started! (PS: Annmarie is a great destination for a socially distanced day trip with art outdoors and a delightful play area for kids. See more about it and Fairies in the Garden here and through the first link above.)
3. Metropolitan Washington Restaurant Week begins today and runs through February 7. Specially priced meals for both dine-in and take-out are $22/lunch, $35/dinner, and $55/dinner (fancier, I assume). And if you’re taking out for two or more people, you can get even better deals — the $35 dinner menu is $60, $120 for four and the $55 dinner menu is $100 for two, $200 for four. Follow the above link to see participating restaurants and menus.
4. Need a show to watch? Ted Lasso is so funny and heartwarming.
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