Hike among the bluebells at Riverbend Park
The awesome selection of events and activities around DC is sure to put an extra spring in your step. Happy Weekend!
Bon Jour, Georgetown!
Where: Book Hill Neighborhood | Georgetown, DC
When: Friday/Saturday, 10am – 5pm & Sunday, 12-5pm
Admission: Free
The Georgetown French Market returns to the Book Hill neighborhood bringing the signature European open air market back for its 15th year, featuring nearly 40 Georgetown boutiques, antique shops, restaurants and galleries, art, and antique home furnishings. But it’s not all about the shopping; kids will enjoy the strolling mimes, children’s activities, live music, and French cuisine from Georgetown cafes and restaurants. Visit the website to see the schedule of events and list of participating shops.
Carousel Day
Where: Glen Echo Park | Glen Echo, MD
When: Saturday, 11am – 4pm
Admission: Free (rides are $1.25)
The park’s annual Family Day may have a new name, but the celebration of the beautiful historic Dentzel Carousel, now open for its 98th season, is the same fantastic event. Along with rides on the merry-go-round, guests of all ages can enjoy a loads of fun activities: Music and dance performances, arts & crafts, face painting, storytelling, and balloon animals are just some of the usual favorites. See the full schedule of events here.
Go, Terps!
Where: University of Maryland
When: Saturday, 10am – 4pm
Admission: Free
The annual Maryland Day celebration in College Park gets a giant thumbs-up from me, and not just because it’s my alma mater. This is a fantastic event for families, and I know from experience. Every year, the University hosts a huge open house for, well, everybody. There will be over 400 activities for varying ages, including learning games; an adventure area; autograph sessions with the basketball teams; musical performances; arts & crafts; farm animal visits; puppet shows and sing-a-longs; face painting; fossil digs; insect and instrument petting zoos; and TONS more. It’s spread out all over campus — and it’s a huge campus, so prepared for lots of walking (worth every step!) and be sure to bring a stroller for little ones.
Mmmm…Chocolate
Where: Marriott Wardman Park | Woodley Park, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 2pm
Admission: $10-40
The DC Chocolate Festival is a celebration of artisan and fine chocolate from the Mid-Atlantic and beyond! The event brings together over 30 chocolate vendors and thousands of chocolate lovers for a day of tasting, talking, and learning. The Morning Block (10am – 2pm) is perfect for families & kids of all ages. Classes will cover a variety of topics, including specific workshops geared towards kids.
Walks in the Woods
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
It should be great weather to hit the trail this weekend! See spring flowers bloom, tramp in places with scenic views, hike and explore history at interesting locales, and savor the time outdoors. This post has a a bunch of recommendations for places to walk in the woods with the kids. (KFDC tip: We did the Riverbend to Great Falls hike last weekend, and it was lovely, with the bluebells in full bloom!)
Big Band JAM
Where: National Museum of American History | National Mall
When: Friday – Sunday
Admission: Free
April is Jazz Appreciation Month and the National Museum of American History is celebrating with all kinds of programs and jazz displays. This Saturday, the 14th Annual Big Band JAM, both a competition and show for the public to enjoy. Local college and high school jazz bands will perform throughout the day — see the schedule for details.
Spring Festival
Where: South Mountain Creamery | Middletown, MD
When: Saturday, 9am – 7:30pm
Admission: $14/adult, $9/child, $40/family
Join South Mountain Creamery for breakfast and plan to stay all day to enjoy wide open country, fresh air, green grass, and wholesome fun for the entire family. Free tours of the farm, petting zoo for the kids, hay rides for everyone, live music, and fun farm exhibits, like ice cream churning and bee keeping, will be going on. Visit our farmers market and meet farm and producer partners. Admission fee includes parking, family activities, and one (adult/child) meal platter good for either breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Additional food and snacks will be available for purchase.
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!
Show Time
Where: Theatres around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
* See Judy Moody and Stink: The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt at Adventure Theatre
* Enjoy an NSO Family Concert with a special appearance by Ben Folds on Sunday
* Catch a fairytale classic as The Puppet Co. presents Little Red Riding Hood & the 3 Little Pigs
* And there will be a Tiny Tots Sing-a-Long for littles there on Saturday
* Ease on down the road to Ford’s Theatre for The Wiz
* Snow Child, for middle school ages and up, is the newest production at Arena Stage
* Disney’s The Little Mermaid will be performed by Pied Piper Theatre at Hylton Performing Arts Center
Sensory Friendly Golf Day
Where: Topgolf | Alexandria, & Loudon, VA
When: Saturday
Admission: $50/bay (up to 6 guests)
April is World Autism Month, and Topgolf Alexandria and Topgolf Loudoun are celebrating by creating a sensory-friendly environment on Saturday for guests with special needs to enjoy. Families will be able to purchase their tickets online ahead of time and will be welcomed to the venue with sensory-friendly modifications that include dimmed lights, low music and minimal staff, ensuring that guests can enjoy the game to the fullest!
National Park Rx Day
Where: Fort Circle Park | Northeast DC
When: Saturday, 12-4pm
Admission: Free
Join the National Park Service for healthy outdoor fun through a variety of activities. Plant and take home bean sprouts as you learn about urban gardening for healthy fruits and vegetables. Play pick-up soccer, frisbee, football and more with park rangers and volunteers. Learn about small animals that live in your neighborhood — check out small animal pelts and artifacts. Talk with a healthcare provider and get a free health screening.
Scale a climbing wall and play in the mobile fun unit. This and more will take place at South Dakota Ave. NE & Galloway St. NE.
Kids Opening Day
Where: Nationals Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Sunday, 1:35pm
Admission: Tickets prices start at $12
On Sunday, the Nationals invite their youngest fans to help kick off the 2018 season! Lots of kids’ activities will be available before the game, including face painters, caricature artists, and balloon twisters in the Family Picnic Area. And after the game, ages 4-12 can run the bases. It’s also Screech’s Birthday, so expect appearances by mascots from across the DC area to celebrate. If you can’t make it Sunday, there are games on Friday & Saturday, too. No matter when you go, check out these KFDC tips on how to save money on Nats games!
Spring Portraits & Fun
Where: KinderCare | Southwest DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 4pm
Admission: Free
Join KinderCare for a fun day of activities and free family portraits! To celebrate two new KinderCare Centers coming to DC — Penn Quarter KinderCare and Watergate East — KinderCare is taking over the Union Stage for a day of learning through play activities and photo sessions for guests to use as the perfect Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, or just because gift. Guests can also learn more about KinderCare’s whole-child confidence approach to learning, and more! Registration and RSVP is required for the free event.
Pondlife
Where: Studio XX | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: Saturday, 6:30pm & Sunday, 3:30pm
Admission: Free
A senior theatre major at GWU invites you to this play he is acting in and producing for his Honors Thesis! Pondlife follows the story of how two boys explore the challenges of fitting in, making friends, and growing up with humor and poise. It is a real life, humorous tale of two unlikely friends who band together to fend off a terrifying bully. They revel in childhood’s spontaneity and creativity. When a school outing takes an unexpected turn, and their friendship is tested, they are faced with how difficult it is to be brave when you’re young. Be immersed in the joys and perils of childhood with the knowledge that in true friendship, there is always a chance for redemption.” Recommended for kids ages 10 and up. The studio is located in Building XX at 814 20th Street NW.
The Rumpus Room
Where: U Street Music Hall | U Street, DC
When: Sunday, 11am – 2pm
Admission: $10, $30/4-ticket pack
The daytime family dance party is back at U Street Music Hall! DJs Marc Meistro and Steven Faith (who are parents themselves) will spin the tunes, while little ones with their parents, grandparents, aunties, and uncles enjoy the disco. The soundtrack is a mix of G-rated dance hits and classics, all at a kid-friendly volume. And shakers, hula-hoops, beach balls and other props will be provided. Designed for kids 8 and under and their caregivers, but older siblings are welcome. Drink specials for adults!
*PLAN AHEAD*
Postmen of the Skies
Where: National Postal Museum | Near Union Station, DC
When: Tuesday, May 1
Admission: Free
The National Postal Museum is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the first regularly scheduled airmail flights! Join them for the launch of a new exhibition, Postmen of the Skies, and special activities, including a first-day-of-issue ceremony for two new stamps at 11am. Kids can also enjoy a scavenger hunt and air mail themed board games. A fun, unique way to spend a Tuesday!
***MORE GOOD STUFF TO KNOW***
* There’s a new post about Kingman & Heritage Islands, where you can explore the Anacostia Watershed and enjoy nature in the city
* The in-ground fountain at The Wharf is going to be a cool place for kids to hang out on hot days.
* The azaleas at the National Arboretum should be at peak bloom anytime now, and it’s always a stunning display of flowers.
* One of the best shows on TV is back for Season 2, and whoa is it intense so far!
