Tag Archives: Weekend February 4-5

February 3, 2017 · 9:15 am

The Weekend Round-Up: February 3-5

Any visit to Annmarie Sculpture Garden should include play time in the Fairy Lolly

Keep the Chinese New Year celebrations going or get the Valentine-inspired fun started. Catch some live entertainment in the cozy comfort of a theatre or get outdoors for nature explorations. Scope out sweet rides or go for a spin on ice. Enjoy story time and crafts or (w)hoop it up at a basketball game. Whatever your family’s interests, there’s bound to be activities and events to indulge them. Happy Weekend!

Chinese New Year Family Day
Where: Kennedy Center
When: Saturday, 10:30am – 4pm
Admission: Free
Bring your entire family to a fun-filled day of activities and entertainment for all ages. Learn the arts of paper cutting, Beijing-style appliqué, calligraphy, sugar and bottle painting, “bristle dolls,” and Chinese makeup. Play dress up and snap pictures at the Chinese costume trunk. Enjoy performances by Beijing acrobats and Chinese musicians. And much more!

Chocolate Lovers Festival
Where: City of Fairfax
When: Saturday & Sunday,
Admission: Depends on activities
The City of Fairfax presents its annual festival centered around one of the most wonderful things in the world: Chocolate! There will be all kinds of activities for all ages throughout the weekend, both chocolate and non-chocolate themed — tastings, story time, puppet shows, face painting, chocolate challenges, a chocolate caper mock trial, and much more. The schedule of events has details.

Celebrate La Chandeleur!
Where: Hillwood Museum
When: Saturday, 10am – 5pm
Admission: $18/adult, $12/member, $5/child, free under 3
La Chandeleur, also known as Crêpe Day, marks the halfway point between winter and spring. In France, families celebrate by eating crêpes, which are round and golden, like the springtime sun. Hillwood and Alliance Française de Washington invite families to celebrate this holiday in festive French fashion amidst Hillwood’s spectacular gardens, magnificent mansion, and exquisite French treasures.

Washington Auto Show
Where: Washington Convention Center
When: Friday, 12-10pm; Saturday, 10am -10pm; Sunday 10am – 7pm
Admission: $12/adults, $5/ages 6-12, free for 5 and under
The annual Washington Auto Show is parked at the Washington Convention Center for one more weekend. And if there’s any “grown-up” event that is equally fun for all ages, this is it. The Auto Show is like a Truck Touch, but with automobiles — more than 700 of them! — on display for guests to check out. Other activities, like Ride ‘n Drives and celeb appearances, give guests even more to do and see. There will also be fun especially for kids and pop-ins by some of their favorite characters along with the autos. This post about one of our experiences at a past show has more about what to expect.

Archi-Builder Studio Series
Where: District Architecture Center
When: Saturday, 9am – 12pm
Admission: $75/5-week series
Kids ages 9-14 who love drawing houses, building structures, designing a pillow fort might consider signing up for this. This multi-series architectural program engages students in the design process used by architects to build scale models of habitable spaces of their own imagining. At each session, young architects will work in teams to learn processes and techniques to progress their ideas into a final design.

hiSTORYtime
Where: National Museum of American History
When: Saturday, 11am
Admission: Free
Early learners ages 0-6 and their caregivers will have the chance to hear a story and participate in hands-on activities and crafts inspired by objects from the museum’s collection at this weekly program. Saturdays in February are all about things that go! Join for stories about transportation, and enjoy games, crafts, and activities inspired by objects in the museum that help us travel.

Show Time
Where: Local Theatres
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by show
* Ella Enchanted opens at Adventure Theatre this weekend!
* Reserve free tickets to see Magician Brian Curry, this week’s Saturday Morning at the National performer
* Experience Pokémon: Symphonic Evolutions at Strathmore on Saturday
* Hamlette puts a twist on the Shakespearean classic as it open at The Keegan Theatre
* Goldilocks is the latest Main Stage show at The Puppet Co.
* And Dragon Babies is the featured Tiny Tots performance on Sunday
* Mr. Jon and Friends are playing the Saturday morning show at Jammin Java
* Watch Blue Sky Puppet Theatre perform at the Avalon Theatre in Alexandria, the first show in this season’s Family Matinee series
* Little ones will be delighted by Blue at Imagination Stage
* The Folger Theatre presents As You Like It
* Make it a KidFree night out at Arena Stage where ROE recently opened

Crush-Worthy Classroom Valentine Workshop
Where: The Paper Source
When: Saturday, 11am – 1pm
Admission: $25
Kids ages 8 and up can grab their BFF and some glitter for a workshop that will give them heart eyes! Make 5 – 6 Valentines for your classmates, friends, and family using your favorite stickers, stamps, washi tape, and more! A 10% off coupon will be provided with the class. Buy two seats at the same time and save 10% off each seat.

Valentine Crafts
Where: Michael’s
When: Saturday, times vary
Admission: $2
Head to a Michael’s location for some creative Valentine’s fun. The arts & crafts supply store is hosting drop-in workshops this weekend (and next) for children to make cards and decor — all with a love theme. Search the website to find a store near you.

YA Book Launch Party
Where: Hooray for Books
When: Friday, 7pm
Admission: Free
Calling all YA Bookworms! New York Times bestselling author Robin Talley will be launching her newest YA novel Our Own Private Universe, a thoughtful look at the search for self that comes with adolescence, complicated by the intersection of race, religion, and orientation. They will also have brownies, books, and general merriment.

Hawks and Owls
Where: Buddie Ford Nature Center
When: Saturday, 2 – 3pm
Admission: $5/resident, $10/non-resident
Discover the important work of the Raptor Conservancy of Virginia from a raptor expert through a live hawk and owl presentation. Recommended for ages 5 & up, and all children must be accompanied by an adult. Read a KFC review of Buddie Ford here.

Weekend Walk in the Woods
Where: Woodend Nature Sanctuary
When: Saturday, 9-10am
Admission: Free
Take a hike — and advantage of the Audubon Naturalist Society’s free monthly family program. On the first Saturday of each month from 9-10am, join Master Naturalists for a nature hike around Woodend Sanctuary. Each outing has a unique and exciting natural history theme that’s appropriate for family members of all ages. Be prepared to hike in sneakers. Meet in the gazebo by the main house. Read a KFDC review of Woodend Nature Sanctuary.

Valentine Photo Box
Where: The Home Depot
When: Saturday, 9am – 12pm
Admission: Free
Join the home improvement store’s weekly hands-on workshop and build a Valentine-themed photo box, perfect for keeping photos of loved ones front and center. Once the box is built, kids can decorate it with paint and stickers. Along with their craft, all participants receive a certificate of achievement, a workshop apron, and a commemorative pin (while supplies last). Register here.

Chinese New Year Celebration
Where: Port Discovery
When: Saturday, 10am – 5pm
Admission: $14.95/ages two and up
Celebrate the Chinese New Year and commemorate the year of the Rooster at Port Discovery. Learn, experience, and participate in traditions surrounding the Chinese New Year celebration, including the Lion Dance (complete with a paper mache lion, drums, and cymbals), performances from the Gina Ling Dancers, festive rooster and dragon-themed art projects, Happy Fortunes, and Chinese New Year Lucky Charms. Also learn about Calligraphy and Chopstick training and enjoy a live petting zoo from Wildlife Adventures.

Marine MRE Cook-Off
Where: National Museum of the Marine Corps
When: Saturday, 2-4pm
Admission: Free
Watch a couple of marine chefs vie for the coveted Golden Canteen Cup as they pull two MREs (Meals Ready-to-Eat) from a box and combine them to create one meal. MRE’s are intended to be consumed by the military when traditional food is not readily available, each packing about 1200 calories and containing a main course, side dish, dessert or snack, bread, spread, beverage mix, utensils, a heater, beverage mixing bag and more. It’s like Top Chef, military-style!

Maple Sugaring Days
Where: Brookside Nature Center in Wheaton
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: $6
Be a part of the maple sugaring process and help collect the sap from trees, watch as its boiled down into sweet maple syrup, and enjoy a taste! This program takes place every Thursday Saturday, and Sunday in February at select times. Sessions fill up, so register now! This event is also offered in Spanish.

World Wetlands Day
Where: Huntley Meadows Park
When: Saturday, 12-2pm
Admission: $8 Free
Get a little nature fix at this hidden spot in Alexandria. The park will be showcasing the importance and beauty of wetlands with presentation and education stations, a guided wetland walk, and crafts for participants ages four and older. Learn why these unique ecosystems are significant to people, plants, and animals and how the Huntley Meadows wetland was formed. Head home with ideas about what you can do to help protect these fading treasures. Read a KFDC review of Huntley Meadows.

Lunar New Year Celebration
Where: Potomac Mills
When: Saturday, 1-3pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate the Year of the Rooster with an afternoon of festivities for shoppers at Potomac Mills. Stop by the Grand Court to experience the celebratory events, including Chinese Dance, the iconic Lion Dance, a Fashion Show, traditional Chinese music, the Guzheng, food samples, and much more.

Love Rocks! Family Dance Party
Where: Port Discovery
When: Saturday, 6-9pm
Admission: $18/members, $20/non-members
Bring the whole family to the Love Rocks! Family Dance Party on Saturday! The special night out will be filled with Valentine’s-themed fun. Dance along to tunes from DJ Holly, become your most-loved character with face painting fun, create Valentine’s crafts and art projects, and explore three floors of fun exhibits that are sure to get hearts pumping. Food and beverages included.

Chinese New Year Celebration
Where: Sackler Gallery and Ripley Center
When: Sunday, 11am – 5pm
Admission: Free
Ring in the Year of the Rooster with art! The Sackler’s third annual Chinese New Year celebration features free attractions for all ages highlighting contemporary performers and artists from Beijing. See Chinese opera and acrobatics, create Year of the Rooster-themed crafts, see demos of traditional Chinese art, and try your hand at projects, too. Chinese food will also be available for purchase.

Recreation on Ice
Where: Local ice rinks
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
Warm up with a quintessential cold weather activity! Lace up the ice skates and get gliding at one of many outdoor rinks in the area. Enjoy art as you skate at the Sculpture Garden; circle the rink at Washington Harbour; meander the paths at Canal Park; or do some shopping then skate at Pentagon Row, Tyson’s Corner, Veteran’s Plaza, Rockville Town Square, or Reston Town Center. This post has details on both alfresco and indoor ice skating options in the area. And I recommend checking Certifikid for admission deals.

Watch the Wizards
Where: Verizon Center
When: Saturday, 7pm
Admission: Ticket prices vary
The Wizards will be hosting at home this weekend with a game Saturday night. Catch them at the Verizon Center against New Orleans. And be sure to look for a ticket deal through Certifikid — along with the discount seats, you’ll also get a Wizards T-shirt!

Full STEAM Ahead: Creative Compost
Where: Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center
When Sunday, 1-4pm
Admission: Free
Bring the preschool set the artLAB for hands-on investigations and challenges! This free program is designed to help children explore, observe, ask questions, and make predictions as they create and play. Plan to stay beyond the session to explore the beautiful grounds, play in the Fairy Lolly, and check out the art. Read a KFDC review about Annmarie Sculpture Garden.

DC, Inside & Out
Where: Around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
Looking for ways to stay active and entertained without a chill in the air? Then The Great Indoors post, a list of over 80 ideas for places to go inside, should have you covered. And if you prefer the outdoors no matter the weather, The Best Places in the DC Area to Enjoy a Beautiful Day Outdoors with the Kids, has a bunch of recommendations, too.

Find Reviews on Outdoor Gear at GearWeAre.com!

The Weekend Round-Up: February 4-5

Memories of Snowmageddon: It was two years ago this weekend that the mega snowstorm hit

Two years ago this month, I remember thinking that I couldn’t picture DC without two feet of snow blanketing the sidewalks, streets, front yards, and green spaces. We temporarily replaced the stroller with a sled, and snow boots became our everyday kicks. Getting around was a massive pain in the butt, especially with a baby in an Ergo on my back and a four-year-old in my arms as I carried him over the drifts that almost came up to his shoulders. We fell on slippery areas. We were cold.

But I look back on that time that so many of us endearingly call Snowmageddon as one of the most fun times I can remember in all my years of living here (which is a long time). The stairs in our neighborhood park became a little sledding hill, and Capitol Hill became a big, thrilling one. Someone built a real igloo in the park large enough for several kids to play in together. We gathered with friends for chili, Trivial Pursuit, and National Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day. We drank a lot of beer and wine. Folks walked in the middle of the street and greeted each other with extra enthusiasm (see that part about beer and wine).

I’m merely reminiscing, not wishing for another huge storm. Though if Part Deux were to hit the area, there would be no complaining. Rather, I’d get out the sled, bundle up the kids, pull the Trivial Pursuit out of the game closet, and stock up on booze.

And on that note, here’s what’s happening over the next couple of relatively warm, sunny winter days. Happy Weekend!

Black History Month Family Day – Celebrate the start of Black History Month with the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery. Head to the Penn Quarter venues on Saturday for a day full of art, crafts, and live entertainment for the whole family. Enjoy music, dance, hands-on activities for kids, and a special tour of the related exhibition, The Black List: Photographs by Timothy Greenfield-Sanders. Main festivities take place in the Kogod Courtyard from 11:30am – 3pm, and you can see the schedule of them here. Admission is free.

Americana Valentines – Get ready for the love-filled holiday at the National Postal Museum on Saturday afternoon. Drop in anytime from 12 – 3:30pm for their Red, White, & Blue Valentines workshop. Create two heartwarming cards — one for a friend, another to send to military personnel. Beautiful materials and inspirational examples will be provided. The Postal Museum’s workshops for kids are always well done, plus the exhibits are fun to tour and you can easily gran lunch at Union Station next door, so plan to make a big outing of it. Admission is free.

Monster Mash of Movie Shorts – The National Gallery of Art’s monthly film program for kids is all about monsters this weekend, presenting a series of animated shorts featuring furry and fun-loving ogres of all sorts, sizes, and shapes. The mash includes favorites like The Gruffalo and an adaptation of Where the Wild Things Are, along with a few others that young film-goers will enjoy. Recommended for ages 5 and up, the program takes place on Saturday at 10:30am and Sunday at 11:30am in the East Building Auditorium and lasts about an hour. Admission is free.

It’s a Bug, Bug World – Chocolate chirp cookies, anyone? Try treats with crickets, see live bugs up close, and explore all kinds of interactive installations featuring all kinds of insects at the Maryland Science Center this weekend. The brand new exhibit Harry’s Big Adventure: My Bug World opens on Saturday and runs through April 29. On weekends only, you can enjoy extras along with the displays, like tasty bug bites prepared by a chef, an insect petting zoo, roach races, and cricket spitting. Read more about the exhibit in this new post.

Jam along with SteveSongs – The award-winning children’s musician and PBS co-host is performing three shows at Jammin’ Java with his band on Saturday. The 10:30am is sold out, but you can still catch the 12:30pm and 2:30pm shows. Tickets are $15 for ages 1 and older. Find out more about SteveSongs and hear samples of his music here.

Super Bowl Pre-Game Warm-Up – Athletes aren’t the only ones who need to warm up before the big game; fans need to get ready too! The National Children’s Museum Launch Zone is hosting its own Super Bowl party, complete with physical drills to get little ones in top shape, paper football tournaments, and craft activities for guests to make their own fan gear. Learn about some delicious, and healthy, game-day snacks, too. Drop in and have a ball on Saturday from 11am – 4pm. Admission is free.

The Languages of Love – Get ready for Valentine’s Day with the Smithsonian at the Freer/Sackler Galleries. On Saturday and Sunday, the Museums of Asian Art are hosting “In Every Language Love”, an open house for all ages. After a slideshow of images representing love in Asian art, guests can use printing blocks inscribed with the word “love” in more than a dozen Asian languages to make valentines. The free program runs from 12 – 4pm both days

Celebrate La Chandeleur – On the same day we wait for a groundhog to give us a weather report, France celebrates La Chandeleur (or “Crêpe Day”). And Alliance Française de Washington and Hillwood Estate and Garden are observing it on Saturday with a day full of food, fun, and games. Families are invited to celebrate the holiday in festive French fashion by eating crêpes, listening to a story, and experiencing the exciting culture of Brittany, where crêpes are said to have originated. Guests can learn a customary Breton dance, make traditional Breton hats, and hear classic children’s tales told in French and English. Tickets are $15/adults, $8/ages 2-18, free for ages 2 and under, $8/Hillwood and Alliance Française Members. The event runs from 10am – 4pm.

Auto Show – The Washington Auto Show is still going on through the weekend, and it’s an event the whole family can enjoy. We went last Saturday, and the kids had a blast checking out all of the cars, sitting in the driver’s seats pretending to take the wheel, and even lounging in the trunk of a Mini Cooper. There’s also the PBS Playland where kids can watch a show, play games, and meet some of their favorite characters. Taking place at the Washington Convention Center, tickets are $12/adults, $5/kids 6-12, free for children 5 and under.

Dramagami – The Capitol Hill Arts Workshop is sill celebrating it’s 40^th anniversary with 40 days of free events. And there’s one this Saturday especially for kids that combines origami with storytelling, drama, and fun. Or, as CHAW calls it: Dramagami! Learn to fold three animals in each workshop and create a mini-play about the animals. Leave with your newly folded animals and a story you can act out at home with them. As you fold the animals, let your imagination go wild as you create a whole world for the animals as you activate your body and voice with a little play creation. The class will take place from 10-11:30am and is recommended for ages 7 and up. Space is limited, so registration is required – go here to sign up.

In Theatres Now – There are several children’s productions on stages this weekend – P. Nokio at Imagination Stage, Peter and the Wolf and Tiny Tots at The Puppet Co., Teen Ensemble: Romeo and Juliet at Synetic Theatre, Saturday Morning at the National, and The Wings of Ikarus Jackson at The Kennedy Center. Get details and ticket info on all of them in this post about winter entertainment.

Winter Walks – A slight drop in temps doesn’t mean you have to shun the outdoors, especially on a sunny day. Get some exercise and enjoy the crisp weather on a nature walk – there are plenty of great places in the area where you can hit the trail with the kids. This post from awhile back lists some of the ground we’ve covered.

Rock Creek Recreation– Take advantage of having one of the nation’s largest natural urban parks right in our backyards. Rock Creek Park is teeming with recreational and educational opportunities for all ages. Take a hike, stop by the horse center, visit the National Zoo, check out the nature center, see historical sites, or enjoy one of many free ranger-led programs.

And it never hurts to keep these posts, loaded with ideas for indoor and outdoor recreation, handy:

The Best Places in the DC Area to Enjoy a Beautiful Day Outdoors with the Kids

Rainy Day Recreation (ie, Indoor Fun)

Baby, You Can (Pretend) Drive My Car

O finally gets to takes the wheel at the 2011 Washington Auto Show

The 2012 Washington Auto Show begins this Friday, January 27, and runs through Sunday, February 5. And before you dismiss this information, thinking you can’t bring your kids to this adult event, keep an open mind and read on.

Beep, beep... outta my way!

Sure, the show is intended for adults to see all kinds of makes and models of cars, but if there’s any “grown-up” event that is equally fun for all ages, the Washington Auto Show is it. I know this from firsthand experience; our family went to the show last year, and we practically had to drag the kids out of there when it was finally time to go.

It’s like a Truck Touch, but with autombiles — more than 700 of them! — on display for guests to check out. This means you and the kids can take the wheel, inspect dashboard details up close, be backseat drivers, go on a pretend road trip, and maybe even find your family’s next ride. At the event last January, Owen and Sasha had a blast crawling into the front seats of all kind of vehicles, pretending to take us ‘rents for a drive, and pushing all the buttons we don’t let them play with in our car.

But checking out the cars is just the main part of the event. On weekends and weeknights, kids can also enjoy Playland, a special area filled with games, toys, videos, and cuddly mascots, including some from the PBS show SuperWhy! Last year, there were also fun interactive shows for kids, that included magic tricks and a dance contest, which (I can’t help but boast) Owen won.

Super fun with SuperWhy!

These characters will also be making special appearances throughout the Auto Show, along with several other celebrities who adults will be excited meet, Washington Capitals and Redskins players among them. And this weekend, guests can enjoy Lion & Dragon Dancers to celebrate the Chinese New Year. See the website for the full schedule of performances and celebrity appearances.

Wait, there’s even more! Guests will have Ride N’Drive Opportunities to test out select cars (passengers must be at least 8 years old), plus chances to win prizes in contests and giveaways.

The way I’m pushing this event, you’d think that I was getting paid to promote it, but I can assure you that’s not the case. It’s simply a really fun time, so I wanted to share the details.

This all takes place at Washington Convention Center January 27 – February 5. Tickets are $12/adults, $5/ages 6-12, free for ages 5 and under. The Convention Center is located at 801 Mount Vernon Place NW. Go here for parking and Metro information.