I’m always excited to find out about new, unique entertainment for families, even more so when I hear that local kids are part of the production. I’ve noticed — with my kids, anyway — that watching other children display their talent, hard work, and confidence performing in front of an audience resonates with them in a special way. I can almost hear them thinking, “Hey, maybe I can do that, too!” and know they’re dreaming of new possibilities.
One of these very productions is coming up at the end of the month. The Gardens Figure Skating Club in Laurel, Md, is presenting its eighth annual spring show, Beauty and the Beast on Ice. The cast includes local skaters from as young as age 3 to adult, with skill levels ranging from beginner to advanced. Many of the skaters compete in the U.S. Figure Skating system, including national-level artistic, theater on ice, and synchronized skating competitions.
A figure skating portrayal of the classic French fairy tale, Beauty and the Beast on Icefeatures over 60 skaters performing to music from the 1991 Disney hit movie and the long running Broadway musical adaptation depicting a prince transformed into a beast who risks staying a beast forever unless he receives reciprocated love from a young woman named Belle. The range of ages and skill levels of the cast creates a visually exciting theatrical experience.
There will be four performances of Beauty and the Beast on Ice: March 24 at 1pm and 3:30pm and March 25 at 1pm and 3:30pm at the Gardens Ice House Patrick Arena (13800 Old Gunpowder Road in Laurel). General admission tickets can be purchased online for $11 or at the Gardens Ice House for $10. A limited number of special reserved seats are available for $15. Groups of 10 or more may purchase general admission tickets for $8 per person by inquiring through gfsctickets@gmail.com. Under age 3 admitted free.
GIVEAWAY: Want a chance to win a family four-pack of tickets to see Beauty and the Beast on Ice? Simply leave a comment on this post telling me what activity you’re most looking forward to this spring. To be eligible, you must like KidFriendly DC on Facebook. Get an extra entry for following on Twitter (let me know that you did). A winner will be drawn at random next week. Good luck!
Mr. Skip plays for the Boogie Babes crowd at the Atlas
This weekend is jam-packed with cool activities for the family — an arts festival at the Atlas, museum programs for a variety of interests, special Dr. Seuss storytimes, an animal showcase at the Zoo, loads of live entertainment, and more. So many great choices, so little time. But that’s a conundrum I’ll gladly take. Happy Weekend!
Intersections: A New America Arts Festival Where: Atlas Performing Arts Center When: Throughout the weekend Tickets: Vary by Performance
As part of its celebration of art as a form of connection and communication, the Atlas Performing Art Center presents several family-friendly performances this weekend, including an interactive play featuring performers from Sidwell Friends; Bud, Not Buddy, a production from Adventure Theatre and the Jazz Academy of Music; Mutts Gone Nuts, a canine comedy show; a sign language performance by Quest Visual Theatre, and special weekend Boogie Babes shows (see below). Visit the Intersections website for show times, descriptions, and ticket info.
Boogie Babes Where: Atlas Performing Arts Center When: Saturday, 12-12:45pm Tickets: Free
Families who can’t make it to the weekday shows are in for a treat (and so are families who can). The Boogies Babes are partnering with the Atlas Performing Arts Center to bring you the Intersections Festival, and will be presenting a free Mr. Skip show this weekend. The performance will take place in the Atlas’ Kogod Lobby.
Featured Creature Day Where: National Zoo When: Saturday, 11am – 3pm Admission: Free
Get in the swim of things and head to the Zoo for special keeper talks and animal demos in the Amazonia exhibit! Learn all about the amazing diversity of fish in the Amazon River Basin — from the giant arapaima to freshwater stingrays and even the piranha, each species plays a vital role in maintaining the health of this giant ecosystem. Along with the talks and demos, there will be a scavenger hunt, fake tattoos, and fish feedings. See the schedule for activity times. And, of course, you can visit the rest of the Zoo’s residents, too!
Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss! Where: Clarendon Barnes & Noble When: Saturday, 10:30am-12:30pm Admission: Free
For their annual Fraternity Day of Service, the Nation’s Capital Pi Beta Phi Alumnae Club is hosting special storytimes in honor of beloved children’s author Dr. Seuss’ birthday (March 2). Join them at the Clarendon Market Commons location of the bookstore.
Read with the Trees, Please! Where: Target Stores When: Saturday, 9-11am Admission: Free
There will be even more Dr. Seuss storytime tributes at Target stores all over the country. The NEA’s Read Across America program is hosting free readings of The Lorax. The celebration also includes free goody bags, fun activities, and more!
Saturday Morning at the National Where: National Theatre When: Saturday, 9:30am & 11am Admission: Free Short Stories Brewed from African Pots is this week’s performance from the National’s free program for kids. Long before children heard Mother Goose rhymes, stories were told in Africa about wise lions, wily snakes and how the world began. Storyteller Anna Mwalagho will enchant and delight kids with interactive tales full of spice and merriment that teach important lessons on life and empowerment. Tickets are free, but required, and distributed day-of on first-come, first-served basis.
Charlotte’s Web Where: Alden Theatre When: Saturday, 2pm Admission: $10/McLean residents, $15/non-residents
See Theatreworks USA’s play based on E. B. White’s loving story of the friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a little gray spider named Charlotte. Recommended for ages 4 and up.
African American Pioneers in Aviation Where: Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center When: Saturday, 10am – 3pm Admission: Free (but parking is $15)
This program at the Dulles arm of the Air & Space Museum honoring Black History focuses on the accomplishments of the Tuskegee Airmen. Visitors can listen to Tuskegee Airmen and their descendents talk about the challenges and triumphs as members of the groundbreaking African American World War II fighter group. The day also includes hands-on activities, book signings, and appearances by current scientists, pilots, and engineers in Aerospace.
Flights of Fancy Where: National & Air Space Museum When: Saturday, 11am – 1:30pm Admission: Free
Back at the National Mall, little ones can enjoy storytime at the Air & Space Museum. Staff will host readings of the book Nobody Owns the Sky at two different times. Each session includes the story and a hands-on activity.
Mardi Gras Family Day Where: Anacostia Community Museum When: Saturday, 11am – 4pm Admission: Free
Enjoy a day of fun for the family with arts and crafts workshops, Zydeco music, an adornment workshop, storytelling, and more. Attendees of all ages should dress in their best festive attire for a costume constest – winners will receive a prize and receive recognition in the museum’s March newsletter.
Art a la Cart Where: Smithsonian American Art Museum When: Saturday & Sunday 1-4pm Admission: Free
During this free family program that takes place regularly at the museum, guests are invited to travel through the galleries and handle brushes, palettes, bison hide, and bottle caps at various interactive carts. Recommended for ages 7-12.
Irish Hooley Where: St. Aloysius Church When: Sunday, 4pm Admission: Donations accepted at the door
Start your St. Patrick’s celebrations a few weeks early (and in family-friendly style) at this fundraiser for the McKenna Center. Shannon Dunne Dancers, children ages 4 to 12, will be performing with Pete Moss and the Bog Band, the Culkin School of Irish Dance, and the Eye Street Boys. The show will take place in the lower level of the church.
Portrait Story Days: Rosa Parks Where: National Portrait Gallery When: Saturday, 1-4pm & Sunday, 2-5pm Admission: Free
Drop in at the National Portrait Gallery to listen to a story about a person who has influenced American history and culture and to create a special piece of art. This weekend, learn about African American civil rights activist, Rosa Parks.
Hot Tickets Where: Various local theatres When: Throughout the weekend Admission: Varies by venue
There’s even more live entertainment hitting stages this weekend than what’s already been noted in this round-up. P.Nokio is a hip-hop hit at Imagination Stage. The Magic Flute is opening at The Puppet Co. And 1st Stage presents an a capella version of Three Bears. Find details and ticket info for all of these shows is in this post.
Stories in Art: Georgia O’Keefe Where: National Gallery of Art When: Sunday, 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm, 2:30pm Admission: Free
This is the final week that the NGA’s drop-in program for kids ages 4-7 will explore the work of artist Georgia O’Keefe. Guests are encouraged to see the natural world as the artist did as they hear a reading of the book Through Georgia’s Eyes, then create watercolor drawings inspired by plants. Sessions are at 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm, and 2:30pm. Sign-in takes place in the East Building Atrium, beginning at 11am, and continues until all spaces are filled. Admission is free. Read a KFDC review of the Stories in Art program here.
In & Out – As always, you can find even more ideas for weekend recreation in a couple more go-to posts: Go here for outdoor activities and here for indoor suggestions.
I’m always excited to find out about new, unique entertainment for families, even more so when I hear that local kids are part of the production. I’ve noticed — with my kids, anyway — that watching other children display their talent, hard work, and confidence performing in front of an audience resonates with them in a special way. I can almost hear them thinking, “Hey, maybe I can do that, too!” and know they’re dreaming of new possibilities.
