Weekend March 24-25 | KidFriendly DC

Marching for these two and ALL kids this weekend

Get ready for a big weekend in DC! And, as always, Happy Weekend!

March For Our Lives
Where: Pennsylvania Ave, 3rd-12th St NW | Downtown DC
When: Saturday, 12pm
Admission: Free
On Saturday, kids, families, and supporters of the movement to end gun violence will take to the streets in communities across the country to demand that their lives and safety become a priority. The March For Our Lives here in DC is the main event — student speakers, musical performers, guest speakers, and video tributes are part of the day’s schedule. This is an important event — it’s about our kids, and their future — and I encourage all to attend! This post has information to help plan for it, and there have been updates since I first posted it, so be sure to see what’s new.

Trapeze School Staff Showcase
Where: Trapeze School of New York (DC) | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Friday, 8pm
Admission: $7
Start off the weekend with some high flying thrills! Trapeze School of New York (DC) is having their student and staff showcase on Friday evening. All ages will love seeing the flying trapeze, aerial silks, Spanish web, and more! Tickets are available here — select March 23 from the dropdown menu and ‘IFW Show’ from the options. Doors open at 7:30pm, and the show is approximately 1.5 hours long.

Bloomia Field of Tulips
Where: The Park at CityCenterDC | Downtown DC
When: Friday & Saturday
Admission: Free
Spring into the season with DC’s very own Tulip Festival! For two days only, The Park at CityCenter will be filled with more than 40,000 tulips per day. Entry into the garden is free, and you can take a piece of spring home with you for $1/stem. Every purchase made supports DC Central Kitchen.

Cherry Blossom Festival
Where: Smithsonian American Art Museum | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Saturday, 11:30am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Get Cherry Blossom season started at this celebration of Japanese culture. A taiko drumming performance will kick off the day, followed by Japanese music and a US premiere of Okinawa’s NS Ryukyu Ballet Company — their adventurous style interweaves classical dance with modern ballet and martial arts, highlighting cultural traditions of the region. Also enjoy face painting, make cherry blossom crafts, and go on a spring-themed scavenger hunt. Meet the 2018 Official Festival Artist Maggie O’Neill, local DC artist, designer, and creative entrepreneur, and join her for a hands-on workshop in our Luce Foundation Center.

Egg-Cellent Celebrations
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by event
Egg hunts, bunny visits, and more spring fun to celebrate Easter and the season are happening all around the area. Even if you’re not big on the holiday, there are attractions beyond bunnies and candy-filled eggs for your whole gang. Enjoy loads of festivities at Ticonderoga Farm or Butler’s Orchard. Find a great nature-themed activity at NoVa Parks. Take a special Bunny Train Ride. Fill a basket at an Eggstravagnza. Or find another egg-cellent event where you can celebrate here.

DC Baby Show
Where: Washington Convention Center | Mount Vernon, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 4pm
Admission: $20/person, $30/family (see discount below)
Explore all of your favorite baby and children’s brands all in one place; connect with beloved influencers from the world of parenting and pregnancy; see, touch and feel the very products you’ve read about on blogs, liked on Instagram, or pinned on Pinterest. Planned with you in mind, the DC Baby Show is a family-friendly, mega-event featuring everything to do with maternity, baby, and toddler from over 200 top brands, to trusted parenting and pregnancy influencers, to exceptional fun, bonding and support. Register using promo code KIDFRIENDLY50 and save 50% on tickets!

Spirit Riding Free Launch Party
Where: Woodland Horse Center | Silver Spring, MD
When: Saturday, 12-2pm
Admission: Free
Giddy Up! Join a party to celebrate the Season 4 launch of Spirit Riding Free which started March 16. Enjoy an afternoon full of complimentary horseback riding lessons, barn tours, face painting, treats, giveaways, and more.
Guests must be at least ages 5 and up for the horseback riding lessons. Rain or shine!

Refuge System Birthday Bash
Where: National Wildlife Visitors Center | Laurel, MD
When: Saturday, 10am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate the work of 566 wildlife refuges across the US and its territories at the annual Refuge System Birthday Bash. This year’s theme is Awareness & Action, and the Refuge will be sharing ways to help wildlife through crafts, games, educational activities, and Environmental Film Festival. The National Wildlife Visitor Center is located at 10901 Scarlet Tanager Loop in Laurel, MD.

Friendship Between Nations Family Day
Where: National Archives | National Mall, DC
When: March 24, 10am – 4pm
Admission: Free
Join the National Archives for a fun, activity filled day exploring the many ways countries show their friendship, such as the gift of the cherry blossoms from Japan to the US. Investigate treaties, learn about some of the crazy gifts countries have given, and participate in interactive activities designed for the entire family to enjoy.

Show Time
Where: Theatres around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
* Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day is still on stage at Adventure Theatre
* Reserve free tickets for Bright Star Theatre’s The Velveteen Rabbit, this week’s Saturday Morning at the National performance
* The Kennedy Center presents Waves, all that Glows Sees
* Ease on down the road to Ford’s Theatre for The Wiz
* Little ones will love Balloonacy at Imagination Stage
* Catch a fairytale classic as The Puppet Co. presents Beauty and the Beast
* And Mother Goose Caboose is the Tiny Tots performance for littles there on Saturday

Peter and the Wolf
Where: THEARC | Anacostia, DC
When: Saturday & Sunday
Tickets: $30+
The children’s orchestral classic comes to life in an engaging artistic collaboration with The Washington Ballet Studio Company and the DC Youth Orchestra Program. Best known as a children’s introduction to music and instruments, the addition of dance enriches the story as the tale of Peter comes to life in a tantalizing visual and musical tale that will inspire and enchant those of all ages. The program will also include a performance by The Washington Ballet @THEARC Performance Ensemble.

Big Apple Circus
Where: National Harbor | Oxon Hill, MD
When: Through April 1
Tickets: $25-59 (look for a discount)
The Big Apple Circus is in town and celebrating its 40th Anniversary Season, featuring stunts never before seen under the big top. Known for its one-ring, artistic, European-style, no seat is more than 50 feet from the performers. That’s perfect for viewing some first-ever feats for the Circus along with fan favorites. Hire wire acts, contortionists, bicycle acrobatics, hilarious clowns, and doggie dances are some of thrills and fun you can expect. Read a review of one of our past experiences at a Big Apple Circus show.

Celebrate La Francophonie
Where: Bonjour Mama | Kensington, MD
When: Saturday, 10:30-11:30am
Admission: $9
March is the month of the Francophonie! Join Bonjour Mama for a celebration as teacher and musician Achille Ango plays and sings songs and stories in French from his native Cameroon. Music will be followed by a light snack and theme-related craft/activity. Ideal for children ages 1-6. Advance purchase of tickets is required.

Muppet Babies Play Date
Where: Arundel Mills | Hanover, MD
When: Saturday, 12pm
Admission: Free
Arundel Mills invites the community to a “Muppet Babies”-themed Disney Junior Play Date event to celebrate the premiere of Disney Junior’s reimagined “Muppet Babies” on March 23. Families can enjoy a variety of activities including a Color Bingo Game, craft projects and face painting. The fun starts at noon in the Center Court at Neighborhood 4. This event does not include live character appearances.

Blacks in Wax
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: Saturday, 6pm
Admission: Free
Iconic figures will be brought to life through performances by the Southeast Tennis and Learning Center (SETLC) tennis youth scholars for the 12th Annual Blacks in Wax. This creative production of vignettes educates and entertains all ages through dance, music, and drama. Each year young performers breathe new life into American heroes from the worlds of sports, entertainment, activism, politics and literature. This year’s theme, “The Power of One,” shines a spotlight on individuals who spoke truth to power and ignited a movement; a celebration of those who with their words and actions took a stand for others.

Make Room for Matzah
Where: Edlavitch DCJCC | Downtown DC
When: 10:30 am – 12pm
Admission: $10/family by 3/23, $15/family at door
Join DCJCC for hands-on Passover activities including crafts, cooking, stories, and doing a mitzvah (good deed) project. It’s a perfect morning for Jewish and interfaith families with children ages 3 and older. Sign up by March 23, and it’s just $10 for your family. All registrations after March 23 will be $15/family and can be paid at the door.

John Wilmerding Community Celebration of American Art
Where: National Galery of Art | National Mall, DC
When: Sunday, 11am to 6pm
Admission: Free
What’s your American story? Join the National Gallery of Art on Sunday for a celebration of American art and storytelling. Highlights include an original “Story Chorus” performance designed and lead by DC artist Holly Bass, a collaborative “sidewalk” project that asks participants to draw and write together, and engaging pop-up experiences with local educators and artists.

DIY Zone Workshop
Where: Pyramid Atlantic Arts Center | Hyattsville, MD
When: Sunday, 1-3pm
Admission: Free
Anyone can make a zine: all you need is some paper, a writing utensil, copy machine, and a desire to create. Meet the artists from not too high, not too low and learn how to get started designing your very own self-published, no rules art piece. Join DC’s long tradition of DIY, counterculture art at this free, walk-in workshop open to all ages.

Happy Nappy Storytelling & Kids Yoga
Where: Sankofa Video & Books | Shaw, DC
Whne: Sunday, 2-4
Admission: Free
Sankofa Video & Books invites children to strengthen their minds, bodies, and imaginations at Happy Nappy Storytelling! Kids can unwind with an age-appropriate yoga class sponsored by Twist and Turns Body Fitness, followed by an engaging story hour that features characters from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Yoga mats are provided. Yoga begins at 2 p.m. and storytelling starts at 3. Recommended for ages 4-6.

Cool Hikes
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
If you want to get out of the crowded city and get a dose of nature, hit the trail! See spring buds getting ready to 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.

***MORE GOOD STUFF TO KNOW***
* Sakura Yume // Cherry Blossom Dream, the newest installation at ARETCHOUSE is sold out this weekend, a good indication that you should reserve tickets for future dates!
* A Kickstarter just launched for This & That Lunch Kit by Lunch Squares, a product that will invite and excite kids to actively participate in preparing their school lunch and making it healthy and fun. And it was started by a local mom!
* Looking for a tween read for your middle schooler? Owen (6th grade) recently read this book for school and really enjoyed it.
* The RBG documentary coming out in May looks like a must-see.
* So does the one about Mr. Rogers opening in June. (Warning: Even the trailer requires tissues.)

Spring view from the Tidal Basin

If you’re hoping to see the cherry blossoms, go today! Not only are they peaking right now, but this weekend’s forecast is looking pretty rainy. But we all know how quickly that can change around here, so keep this list of places to hang outdoors handy, along with this one listing a bunch of indoor ideas. And, of course, this round-up of special events and activities is a good reference for family fun, too. Happy Weekend!

A Peek at the Peak
Where: Tidal Basin, National Mall, and a few other areas
When: Best Bet is Friday
Admission: Free
It’s one of the most wonderful times of the year when the cherry trees are in bloom, and they are at their best right now. The National Mall and Tidal Basin are sure to be teeming with blossom oglers, but braving the crowds is worth it. Or you can try to see them in some other cherry tree-graced spots in the area — this post has suggestions of where to go, along with other tips for families viewing the cherry blossoms. Try to get out to see them today, as the forecast for this weekend looks pretty wet.

National Cherry Blossom Festival
Where: Various Venues
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
If the weather isn’t conducive to walks among the lovely cherry trees in bloom, you can still enjoy some blossom-related fun at the National Cherry Blossom Festival events taking place at a few places. This post highlights the best ones for families, and you can find more on the official NCBF website.

Kites of Asia
Where: National Air & Space Museum
When: Saturday, 10am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Start preparing for the Blossom Kite Festival! You can experience the beauty and artistry of kites from across Asia through all kinds of hands-on fun: make and decorate kites, design a Hacimaki, fold origami carp kites, fashion paper Happi coats, try “wood block” printing, and explore the aerodynamics of falling paper flowers.

Family Fun, Swedish Style
Where: House of Sweden
When: Saturday, 11am – 3pm
Admission: Free
It’s a day of free fun at the Embassy of Sweden! Children and their adults can enjoy mad Science shows, Swedish children’s stories, a Swedish fish pond (wonder if they are small red, and delicious?), scavenger hunt and interactive exhibitions. There will also be opportunities for photo ops with fun Swedish figures. See the schedule for activity times.

Hirshhorn Art on the Outside
Where: Hirshhorn Museum
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
Suprasensorial isn’t the only cool exhibit that all ages will dig at the Hirshhorn right now. In fact, you don’t even have to go inside the museum for this new one that just opened yesterday: SONG 1 illuminates the building’s entire facade, turning it into a 360-degree convex screen cinema, as various versions of “I Only Have Eyes for You” play. Wow. That is definitely a must-see!

Harlem Globetrotters
Where: Verizon Center & Patriot Center
When: March 24-25
Tickets: $19.95-144.50
The World Famous Harlem Globetrotters bring their ridiculous basketball skills and amazing athletes to the Washington, DC-Metro area for three fun family shows! And as a special thank you their fans, the Globetrotters have partnered with the National Children’s Museum on an event at the Launch Zone on March 18 and have also created a $5 off discount code good for each ticket purchased for one of their upcoming games. To take advantage, go to: www.ticketmaster.com/promo/8v2pmu and use the code NCM.

Show Time
Where: Various local theatres
When: Througoutthe weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
See Beauty and the Beast on Ice presented by the Gardens Figure Skating Club. Catch Basil Twists’ Petrushka before it closes after this weekend at the Lansburgh Theatre. The Puppet Co’s version of Rapunzel is delighting young audiences. Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day is still on stage at Adventure Theatre. The Alden Theatre in McLean presents The Revenge of the Space Pandas. Out of the Box is at the Atlas Performing Arts Center. And Bash the Trash is at BlackRock Center for the Arts. Get details on all of these productions and even a few more on stages this weekend in this post about spring entertainment or this one listing winter shows.

Nano Days
Where: Maryland Science Center
When: Saturday, 12-4pm
Admission: $11.95/ages 3-12, $14.95/adults
Explore the exciting world of tiny technology at the Science Center’s NanoDay. New nanotechnologies may soon have a huge impact on our lives, and you can discover how and why through hands-on activities. Uncover the mysteries of the super-small science that makes stained glass red, butterfly wings iridescent, and pants stain-proof. Hands-on activities illuminate the mysteries of the too-small-to-see science that is making waves in many areas, from medicine to molecular gastronomy and ecology to ethics. All activities are free with paid admission, while supplies last. And while you’re there, be sure to stop by the bug exhibit – the kids will love it!

Women in Aviation Family Day
Where: Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
When: Saturday, 10am – 3pm
Admission: Free, but parking is $15
Learn about the incredible contributions of women in aviation, science, and aerospace. Enjoy hands-on activities, guest speakers, a theatrical presentation, book signings, and Flights of Fancy Story Time for our youngest visitors. This event is in partnership with the Girl Scouts and helps commemorate their 100th Anniversary.

Artful Adventures for Families
Where: National Portrait Gallery
When: Sunday, 12:30pm & 3pm
Admission: Free, but registration is required
Families can explore portraits from the museum’s permanent collection and special exhibitions through exciting and educational games that help parents and children discover connections between the artworks. Participants also use their imagination to “step into” works of art with creative activities in the galleries. Recommended for ages 6-12. Go here to register.

Penny the One-of-a-Kind Piano
Where: Kennedy Center, Millennium Stage
When: Sunday, 6pm
Admission: Free
It’s a Target Family Night at the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage! That means the public is invited to enjoy a free family show. Join Penny on her musical adventure as she moves from the school band room to the stage of the National Opera. The curtain rises, the crowd hushes, and the spotlight is on Penny as she discovers her true home is within her One of a Kind self! Penny the Piano brings a heart and soul to every piano played by a child. Based on the delightful children’s book Penny the One of a Kind Piano, by Suzanne Jackson, this new musical brings a heart and soul to every piano played by a child.