Tag Archives: Weekend June 18-19

Fun Ways to Celebrate Father’s Day Around DC

All adoring eyes on dad this weekend

 

It’s a special day for the dads this coming weekend, and there are a bunch of great ways for the whole fam to celebrate if you’re still looking for ideas. This round-up has a variety of suggestions, with something to suit every honoree. Happy Father’s Day!

Take Dad Out to the Ballgame
Where: Nationals Park | Capitol Riverfront & Shaw, DC
When: June 16-19
Admission: Ticket prices vary

For Dads who are Nats fans, take them to the ballpark for a game against the Phillies. They are hosting them Thursday through Sunday, so if the actual Father’s Day doesn’t work, you’ve got your pick of other days — and there are special promos and activities on some of them, including Ryan Zimmerman’s retirement ceremony on Saturday.

Walk in the Woods
Where: Around the DC Area
When: Ongoing
Admission: Varies by locale

Celebrate the day and dad on the trail.  Tramp in places with scenic views, walk and explore history at interesting locales, try to spot wild creatures, and enjoy a day of active fun. Bring along a picnic for lunch al fresco, too. This go-to KFDC post has a bunch of recommendations for good places to hit the trail with kids.

Hike+
Where: Around the DC area
When: Ongoing
Admission: Varies by place

Just mentioned above, but these specific recommendations for hikes are great if you want to extend the day to include food and drinks to celebrate, too.  A few awesome combos for that: Sky Meadows State Park and Barrel Oak WinerySugarloaf Mountain and The Comus Inn or Sugarloaf Mountain VineyardGreat Falls (MD side) and The Old Angler’s InnPatapsco Valley State Park and the Guinness Brewery.

Free Beer!
Where: All Purpose Pizza | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: June 19
Admission: Cost of your meal

According to All-Purpose Pizza, “all he wants is a hot slice (or 5) and a cold beer, trust us … we know.” Both their Riverfront and Shaw restaurants will have their respective brunch menus on offer; even better, they are gifting dads with a pint of their DC Brau collab, Full Count Lager — on the house!  And their brunch is delicious — trust me.  Make a reservation here

Columbia Pike Blues Fest & Juneteenth Walk
Where: Arlington, VA
When: June 18-19
Admission: Free (some activities are extra)

If your honoree likes the blues, take him to the annual Columbia Pike Blues Festival. Starting on Saturday at 1pm and going through Sunday, the event will feature performances by many local blues bands and artists along with more family-friendly activities. Interact with the Arlington Art Truck, and enjoy food, beverages, arts, and a KidsZone. On Sunday, join a Historic Juneteenth Walk through the neighborhood in collaboration with the Black Heritage Museum of Arlington and Walk Arlington from 9-10am, visit the Columbia Pike Farmers Market for the live performance of Rick Franklin, followed by a special “Blues Brunch Menu” at Café Sazó. Close the weekend with a free screening of the musical-comedy The Blues Brothers at the Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse at 3pm.

Father’s Day Fish-a- Rama
Where: Great Country Farms | Bluemont, VA
When: June 19
Admission: $15/child, $17/adult

Treat Dad to a fun-filled weekend with BBQ and catch-and-release fishing. Guests can compete in the Fish-a-Rama contest, fishing for catfish, bass, and blue gill in the stocked ponds, and prizes are on the line for the largest fish hooked from 9am – 2pm. Bring your own pole and gear to fish (no drag hooks). GCF has worms for purchase in the country store. The amusement continues on the five-acre farm-style playground featuring the Giant Jumping Pillow, Triple Threat slide, corn bin, animal barnyard, and loads more fun for all.

Food & Drink Filled Festivities
Where: Around the DC Area
When: June 19
Admission: Cost of your meal

You really can’t go wrong with plans focused around food and drink, and there are a bunch of restaurants and other places around DC that are offering something special for the big day, from Juneteenth-inspired menus to five-course feasts to whiskey evenings to meals that you can pick up and enjoy at home.  This Washingtonian article has a great round-up of them.  And if you just want to go out for a good, fun meal with the fam, here are a few of my recs:  Ivy City Smokehouse, The Salt Line, Lupo Marino, Cactus Cantina, and Farmers Fishers Bakers, and Tabard Inn. Be sure to make reservations.

Fun in the Trees
Where: Adventure Park at Sandy Spring
When: Ongoing
Admission: Starts at $42

For adventurous dads who love the outdoors, particularly being in the trees, an afternoon in the aerial adventure forest of the Adventure Park at Sandy Springs is the perfect way to spend the day — it is hands down the best aerial ropes course in the area.  There are still some tickets available for Sunday, but if you can’t score them for that day, think Father’s Day gift and reserve for another day! (FYI: This is one of our favorite adventures in the area — read more about it here.)

Juneteenth Freedom Celebration
Where: National Harbor, | Oxon Hill, MD
When: June 19, 2-4pm
Admission: Free

Celebrate dad and Juneteenth at National Harbor, where there will be performances on the Plaza stage from the Prince George’s County Poet Laureate and Youth Poet Laureate, local dancers, live music, artists, and more. The property is partnering with the Prince George’s Arts and Humanities Council for a day of education, reflection and celebration. Food truck Mardi Gras Tyme will add to the festivities and offer a variety of southern cuisine samples, plus there are dozens of nearby restaurants. And there are even more fun activities to enjoy at National Harbor — read more about all of them here.

Thee Phantom and the Illharmonic Orchestra
Where: Wolf Trap | Vienna, VA
When: June 19
Admission: $27

This show family-friendly show celebrating Juneteenth is a great evening activity on dad’s big day. Hip-hop and classical music collide when Thee Phantom and The Illharmonic Orchestra come to Wolf Trap for a special performance. The all-star lineup features some of the most outstanding Black orchestral musicians from across the country performing works by Beethoven, Donny Hathaway, Jay-Z, Rossini, Wu-Tang Clan, Mozart, Mary J Blige, and William Grant Still.

Take Dad Out to the Minors
Where: Prince George’s Stadium | Bowie, MD
When: Throughout Father’s Day weekend
Admission: Starts at $16

The Nats aren’t the only team in town for some Father’s Day baseball. The Bowie Baysox, one of the local minor league teams, are hosting the Binghamton Rumble Ponies all weekend, and there’s extra fun and special promos to enjoy — post-game fireworks, a Roberto Clemente Latin celebration on Saturday, and giveaways among them.

Go With the Flow
Where: Around the DC area
Admission: Varies by locale

Spend quality time with the man of the hour on the water, where you can paddle and explore. A bunch of places around the area rent kayaks, canoes, rowboats, and pontoons. Fletcher’s Boathouse is a popular place to go.   The Wharf is a great starting place for a paddling excursion.  Quiet Waters Park showcases beautiful nature in Annapolis that you can view from the South River. Bladensburg Waterfront Park also has vessels for rent for a great all-day deal.  And if you want to go a little bigger, consider a Solomons Island pontoon boat rental (the post is about a Mother’s Day excursion, but can obvi be for Father’s Day, too).  For even more recommendations, see this round-up of places for recreation on the water.

Disc Golfin’
Where: Parks Around the DC Area
When: Ongoing
Admission: Varies by locale (usually FREE)

Celebrate the day by hitting the links, the chain links, that is! Disc golf is a great way to savor a day outdoors with the family.  This post has info about our favorite in College Park, and there are also great courses at Patapsco Valey State Park in MD,  Pohick Bay Regional Park in Lorton, VA,  Seneca Creek State Park in Gaithersburg, MD, and Burke Lake Park in Burke, VA. Not only is it fun and challenging, the courses are set up in pretty parks with opportunities for more recreation at all of them. Bring along a picnic for lunch in the fresh air, too.

A Grand Feast
Where: Crab houses around the area
When: Ongoing
Admission: Cost of your meal

Steamed crabs, cold beer, scenic views… that’s a recipe for a great Father’s Day for at least one dad I know. The 2022 Summer Guide has several suggestions on where to feast on Maryland’s best dish. I recommend making reservations if possible — this is always a popular way to celebrate.

 

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Filed under 2022, DC, Maryland, Summer, Virginia, Weekend

The Weekend Round-Up: June 17-19

A daddy-daughter bike ride :)

A daddy-daughter bike ride 🙂



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No more pencils, no more books! Between the end of the school year for most area kids, Father’s Day, and the almost official start of the summer, there’s a lot to celebrate this weekend. Luckily, there are a lot of ways to do just that, and this round-up has the scoop on the best of ’em. Happy Weekend! And a very Happy Father’s Day to all the dads!

Father’s Day Fun
Where: Around the area
When: Sunday
Admission: Varies by activity

If you’re still looking for ways to celebrate dad’s big day, don’t stress. You’ve got plenty of options to plan something great. From medieval entertainment to outdoor pursuits, special events to everyday fun, freebies to splurges, this post has a variety of ideas to make Father’s Day an awesome one.

Joys of Summer
Where: Throughout the DC-Metro
When: All weekend long
Admission: Varies by locale

As school ends for many, and summer is just about to officially begin, celebrate with one — or several — of the many activities exclusive to the season. Swim under the sky, catch a concert beneath the stars, see a special exhibit, play at a water park, and more. For the whole gamut of seasonal fun, check out the 2016 Summer Guide.

Friday Night Fishing
Where: Diamond Teague Park
When: Friday, 5-8pm
Admission: Free

Join Anacostia Riverkeeper at the dock at Diamond Teague Park for catch and release fishing. This evening kicks off the series that will take place every Friday through September 4. Rods, reels, bait, and instruction are all free. No registration required — just show up! Diamond Teague Park is located at 100 Potomac Avenue SE, between Nationals Park and Yards Park.

National Maker Faire
Where: University of DC
When: Saturday & Sunday, 11am – 6pm
Admission: Free

Join curious, inventive peops from across the country at the Second Annual National Maker Faire. Kicking off the “Week of Making,” the event give innovators a place to share what they love to make. And attendees at theis family-friendly affair have the opportunity to interact with technologies like Raspberry Pi, Arduino, electronics, and 3D printers as well as STEM projects, textiles, crafting activities, homemade robots, and more. And be sure to stop by the DK Publishing booth for book giveaways and prizes, plus the chance to get in on the action with our dinosaur dance party computer coding photo opp!

Juneteenth Celebration
Where: Walker Miller Regional Park
When: Saturday, 12-5pm
Admission: Free

Bring the whole family to celebrate this historic date and enjoy free concerts, exhibits, and activities honoring African American culture. Performances include Anthony “Swamp Dog” Clarke, The Doo Wop Cops, Malcom X Drummers, master story teller Baba Jamal Koram, a Tribute to Prince, and a Tribute to the Music of Motown by the BRENCORE Allstars Band.

Taste of Reston
Where: Reston Town Center
When: Friday, 3-11pm & Saturday, 12-11pm
Admission: Free (purchase tickets for tastings)

The largest outdoor food festival in NoVA has also been voted “Northern Virginia’s Best Food Festival” by Virginia Living magazine since 2012. Reston Town Center will be bustling for two days with restaurants and community vendors, live entertainment on three stages, a Wine ‘n Dine area, and the Family Fun Zone featuring activities, interactive games, demonstrations, and arts & crafts for all ages.

Summer in the City Family Day
Where: Smithsonian American Art Museum
When: Saturday, 11:30am – 3pm
Admission: Free

Stay cool and celebrate the hottest season in the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s indoor Kogod Courtyard. With water scrims to play in, steel drums to dance to, and crafts and games for the whole family, what’s not to love about summer in the city.

Saturday Family Jazz Session
Where: Strathmore
When: Saturday, 11am
Admission: $10

Jumpstart a love for jazz with classes that nurture talent and spark musicality! Junior jazz aficionados can spend Saturday mornings singing, playing, and preparing for a lifetime of jazz appreciation at this fun, creative, kid-friendly class with renowned jazz singer Rochelle Rice. Children under 7 must be accompanied by an adult. All attendees, regardless of age, must have a ticket.

Show Time
Where: Local theatres
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue

* It’s opening weekend for Jumanji at Adventure Theatre! (look for discount tickets)
* Reserve free seats for Saturday Morning at the National, featuring Groovy Nate this wee
* Catch a performance of Little Red Riding Hood and the 3 Little Pigs at The Puppet Co.
* And World on a String is their featured Tiny Tots show
* Two of a Kind are playing the Saturday morning kids show at Jammin’ Java
* See Creative Cauldron’s production of The Wind in the Willows
* Be entranced by The Magic of Bill Blagg Live at Alden Theatre on Saturday evening

Columbia Heights Day Festival
Where: Harriet Tubman Elementary School field
When: Saturday, 11am – 6pm
Admission: Free

Whether or not you live in the Columbia Heights neighborhood of DC, you’re invited to rbing the fam out for a fun, free day of excitement and activities to help celebrate the community. In its 11th year, Columbia Heights Day brings together residents and businesses for festivities that will stretch along 11th Street between Park Road and Kenyon Street and take over the Harriet Tubman Elementary School Field. Enjoy local food vendors, live music and entertainment on the Main and Bloombars Stages, a beer garden, six group tents full of fun and unique vendors, as well as many unique stand-alone vendor tents. And this year, there’s a carnival, to boot!

Petworth Park Summer Jam
Where: Petworth Recreation Center
When: Saturday, 5-9:30pm
Admission: Free

Petworth is putting a spin on the summer music series — literally. While most present live entertainment by local artists, the Summer Jam features a swath of the most talented DJ’s the city has to offer. And all ages are welcome to come dance the third Saturday of the month in June, July, and August.

Market Days
Where: North Bethesda Market
When: Saturday, 10am – 2pm
Admission: Free

North Bethesda Market’s first Home and Garden Market is an outdoor event for the entire family on Saturdays through June. Shop for plants and fresh cut flowers, find decor to refresh your home and garden, and enjoy live music and a fresh grilled lunch al fresco. Whole Foods will offer gardening items just for kids, and you can get tips on flower arranging and creating a succulent garden during free weekly seminars.

Innovations in Flight Family Day
Where: Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
When: Saturday, 10am – 3pm
Admission: Free

Head to the Chantilly arm of the Air & Space Museum for a special Family Day and Outdoor Aviation Display. See military, recreational, and home-built aircraft as well as classic automobiles. Enjoy presentations, demonstrations, special tours, and hands-on activities for all ages.

Colonial Wheat Harvest
Where: Claude Moore Colonial Farm
When: Saturday, 1-4pm
Admission: $3/adult, $2/child

Help the Claude Moore Colonial Farm Family harvest their wheat and rye crops. After, participate in baking breas on the hearth using those very grains. This fun and educational activity is great for families! Learn more about the Farm here, and read about a KFDC experience here.

Chesapeake Exploration
Where: Calvert Marine Museum
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $9/adult, $4/ages 5-12, free for 4 and under

Discover how the prehistoric past, natural environment, and maritime heritage come together to tell a unique story of the Chesapeake Bay. Fascinating exhibits, including display cases full of fossils and artifacts, live fish and other creatures, and a real lighthouse to tour are engaging for all ages. Even better, there are things to see both indoors and out, so you can enjoy the weather and scenic views, too. Read more about it and get a glimpse of what’s there in this new KFDC post.

*A heads-up on fountain fun this weekend: The water features at Yards Park will be unavailable this Saturday & Sunday. If you still want to splash around in the Navy Yard, head to the southern block of Canal Park (200 M Street SE). For water play elsewhere, check out another spray park in the area.

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Filed under All ages, Annual, Art, DC, Eats, Educational, Exhibit, Free, Holidays, Live Entertainment, Maryland, Museums, Music, Nature, Outdoor, Park, Seasonal, Summer, Theatre, Virginia, Weekend

Father’s Day Weekend

This weekend's honoree

When I asked my husband what he wanted for Father’s Day, he told me without a tinge of sarcasm, “A nap.”  Fair enough. (To be honest, I kind of wish I had thought of that for Mother’s Day.)  But we’ll be doing some celebrating along with his special snooze fest and enjoying quality time with our little people who make him the doting dad he is.  And with so many great things going on this weekend, we’ll have our pick of fun.  From kids art events to a hometown baseball match-up to loads of seasonal activities all around the area, here’s where it’s all happening.  Happy Weekend!  And Happy Father’s Day to all the Dads!

World Children’s Festival – All weekend long, art and creativity will be just as prevalent on the National Mall as it is in the museums surrounding it. Occurring every four years, the World Children’s Festival is considered the “Olympics” of the International Child Art Foundation. Live performances, art exhibits and workshops, book readings and storytelling, and many more activities representing art and culture from around the globe can be enjoyed Friday through Sunday from 4th to 7th Streets on the Mall.  And it’s all free to the public. Festivities will run from 10am – 5pm each day, and a schedule of events is available on the website.

Sculpt It!This workshop at the Corcoran invites families to check out the variety of materials that artists use to create three-dimensional art and get in the studio to design their own creations. The artistic fun takes place on Saturday from 10:30am – 12pm. Registration is $8/child for members, $10/child for non-members.

Become a Pilot Family Day & Aviation DisplayThe Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center (the Dulles arm of the Air & Space) is hosting the 7th annual event on Saturday from 10am – 3pm. At least 50 aircraft, from vintage and recreational to military and homebuilt, will be on on display outside the Center. Visitors can get an insider’s view on flying by talking to pilots and other aviation experts, then test their own piloting skills in flight simulators. Story time and hands-on activities will also be held for kids.  Admission is free, though parking is $15.

Baseball Battle of the BeltwayIt’s the Nationals vs. Orioles this weekend with games this evening at 7:05pm, Saturday at 1:05pm, and Sunday at 1:35pm.  On Saturday, the first 10,000 fans age 12 and under will receive a free kids jersey. On Sunday there’s even — the first 30,000 fans to arrive will get a Nats baseball cap in honor Father’s Day, select baseball players will be available for autographs at 12:15pm, and kids can run the bases after the game.  Purchase tickets through the Nationals website.

Father’s Day at Mount Vernon – Spend the day with the father of our country! This weekend, the entrance fee for dads will include a meet-and-greet with “General Washington” as well as complimentary admission to George Washington’s Distillery & Gristmill, located three miles from the estate on Route 235 South.  Open both Saturday and Sunday from 8am – 5pm.  Tickets are $15/adult, $7/ages 6-11, free for ages 5 and under.

ImaginAsia: Echoes of the PastKids can explore the art of Asia at the Freer and Sackler Galleries on both Saturday and Sunday at 2pm. A tour through the museum will include a look at Echoes of the Past, which showcases the art of Xiangtangshan caves. From there, guests will head to a classroom for a project that’s part archaeology, part art. This is a free workshop.

Portrait Story DaysDrop in at the National Portrait Gallery on Saturday or Sunday from 1 – 4pm to listen to a story about a person who has influenced American history and culture and to create a special piece of art. In keeping with the Father’s Day theme, guests can learn about founding father Benjamin Franklin.

Tiny TotsTwo puppet shows for the littlest ones will be performed at The Puppet Co. this weekend: Clowning Around on Saturday and Second-Hand Stars on Sunday. Both start at 10amTickets are $5 and available online. Tiny Tots shows are recommended for ages 0-4.

Moma Doni BandTickets are still available to see a free Father’s Day family concert on Sunday at 11am. The Mama Doni Band is performing at the DC JCC as part of the Washington Jewish Music Festival, and they’re giving away family tickets. They’re going fast, so get yours soon.

Useful posts any day of the week:

The Best Places in the DC Area to Enjoy a Beautiful Day Outdoors with the Kids  – The title says it all.

Rainy Day Recreation (ie, Indoor Fun)Ideas for family fun when the weather isn’t cooperating.

Joys of SummerOngoing activities and events that only happen during the season.

Live Entertainment for FamiliesSee what’s on stages this weekend.

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Filed under All ages, Annual, Art, Class, DC, Educational, Festival, Free, Indoor Play, Live Entertainment, Museums, Music, Outdoor, Seasonal, Summer, Theatre, Weekend