Why wait until Sunday to start celebrating? There are so many great ways for mom — and the rest of the fam — to enjoy the whole weekend. This round-up has the scoop on all of them. Happy Weekend! And a very Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms!
Mom’s the Word
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
If you’re still in need of plans to celebrate mom’s big day, there are so many great ways to celebrate. The are activities and offerings especially for the occasion, special events that coincide with the date, and everyday outings that can be made special with a few extra touches and great company. See this post with a bunch of ideas to help plan your day.
Artes de Cuba
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free (fee for some performances)
The festival is a celebration of the Cuba’s “artistic richness,” showcasing it through a variety of live entertainment, art exhibits, hands-on activities for kids, fashion, films, and more. A few events that children will especially enjoy, all free and happening this Saturday: A Drum Beat Parade, talks about Cuban Natural Wonders by scientist Dr. Ana Luz Porzecanski, and Batucada for Cuba: From Brooklyn to Brazil, a drumming performance on the Millennium Stage. The art exhibits are also free to view, and they include amazing installations that all ages can enjoy.
Smithsonian Sleepover
Where: American History Museum | National Mall, DC
When: Friday – Saturday
Admission: $125
Registration is still open for a real night at the museum: Become a detective and roam through the galleries. Use your cunning and skills to collect clues that guide you to the crime scene. Along the way, take part in some great games, experiments, and craft projects — and even become a presidential candidate. After you have solved the crime, roll out your bag and sleep soundly knowing that you’ve protected some of America’s treasures — and had plenty of fun.
Raiders of the Lost Ark at the Drive-In
Where: Union Market | Northeast DC
When: Friday, 6-10pm
Admission: $10/car, free for walk-ins
Union Market’s monthly outdoor movie series is back, and they’re kicking it off with an 80’s action classic. Watch Raiders of the Lost Ark on the big screen from the comfort of your car in the UM parking lot. Get there as early as 6pm and have a bite to eat in the Market or bring food back to your car. The lot closes at 8:15pm, and the film begins at 8:30pm. Advance purchase is recommended.
EU Open House
Where: EU Embassies throughout DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 4pm
Admission: Free
Avoid the hefty airfare and jet lag and explore the Continent from this side of the pond. Passport DC invites you to join European Union embassies and the EU Delegation for a day of international food, dancing, kids entertainment, exhibitions, vacation planning, and more. Get a rare behind-the-scenes look at the embassies, some of which are among Washington’s historic and architectural treasures. Admission is free, but bring identification, as some embassies will conduct security checks. Get an idea of what to expect in this post about one of our experiences at an Around the World Embassy Tour.
Preakness Balloon Festival
Where: Howard County Fairgrounds | West Friendship, MD
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: Free, balloon rides are a splurge
WCBM and WQLL present the annual Preakness Balloon Festival with over 25 hot air balloons, tethered balloon rides, a large kid zone, a beer and wine garden, Maryland’s finest vendors, the Baltimore area’s best food, a balloon glow after dusk, live music on the main stage by Pressing Strings, Higher Education, Amber North, Rhett Repko, Shiftwork, Spencer Joyce, and many more! Nathan’s Hotdogs will be having a qualifying round for their national Hotdog Eating Championship and the winner will be competing in Coney Island to compete in the finals on July 4th! Join for music, food, and tons of balloon fun!
World Migratory Bird Day
Where: National Zoo | Woodley Park, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 2pm
Admission: Free
Saturday is World Migratory Bird Say, and the Zoo is celebrating our feathered friends with special games, family activities and animal demonstrations. Visitors will be able to learn about migration while sipping Bird Friendly® coffee and testing their bird-spotting skills.
Anacostia Boat Tour
Where: Kingman Island | Northeast, DC
When: Saturday, 9am – 12pm
Admission: Free
Join the Anacostia Watershed Society for a tour of the Anacostia River by boat and an exploration of Kingman Island. Learn about the hard work of students participating in their Rice Rangers program and ways to get your students involved. Advance registration required! Read more about Kingman Island here.
Spring Farm Day
Where: Frying Pan Farm Park | Herndon, VA
When: Saturday, 10am – 3pm
Admission: $7/advance, $8/at door
Have a super fun day getting the farm experience at Frying Pan Farm Park’s annual spring fest — milk a cow or goat, visit baby animals, see farm equipment demos, and watch some sheep lose their wool. Along with the farm-y stuff, there will be carousel and wagon rides, plus crafts, games, and fair food for all to enjoy.
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Family Day
Where: American Art Museum | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Saturday, 11:30am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Bring the whole family for a day filled with art, performances, and a variety of crafting activities. Make a parol lantern from the Philippines or create a rubbing inspired by Korean artist Do Ho Suh’s work, currently featured in the exhibition Do Ho Suh: Almost Home. Be sure to explore the galleries by taking part in a scavenger hunt that will guide you to works by Asian American and Pacific Islander artists in SAAM’s collection
Acton Children’s Business Fair
Where: 3400 Connecticut Ave | Cleveland Park
When: Saturday, 10am – 1pm
Admission: Free
Experience the power of young entrepreneurs! Shop the Acton Children’s Business Fair of Washington, DC, an outdoor market where children ages 6-14 become entrepreneurs for a day. Over 100 young entrepreneurs will be selling everything from animal books to poems, tomato plants and wiggly worms, homemade bread, iPhone screen repairs, and more. This event is free and open to the public. Most businesses will accept cash only, so plan accordingly.
Day of the Dog
Where: Congressional Cemetery | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 3pm
Admission: Free
The sixth annual Day of the Dog festival celebrates everything to love about dogs. Activities for both people and their pups include contests, games, demonstrations, and much more. Local pet vendors and services will also be present, as well as pet adoption agencies and shelters with dogs and cats ready for adoption.
Author Reading
Where: SolidState Books | H Street NE, DC
When: Saturday, 10:30am
Admission: Free
Local author, Barbara Kanninen, will present her first children’s book, Circle Rolls, at morning story time. She has written a charming story about shapes with beautiful illustrations by Serge Bloch, perfect for young kids up to age 6. In addition to being an author, Barbara is also Chair of the Arlington School Board.
A Wildly Fun Treasure Hunt
Where: Adventure Theatre | Glen Echo, MD
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $19.50
Judy Moody and Stink: The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt, is the current production at Adventure Theatre, and it’s a hilariously entertaining and engaging one. Based on the popular children’s books, the play follows Judy Moody and her little brother Stink on a weekend family getaway to Ocracoke Island that turns into quite an adventure for the duo. Read a full KFDC review of the show here.
La Bella Strada
Where: Mount Vernon Avenue | Del Ray, VA
When: Saturday, 9am – 3pm
Admission: Free (donation to the school welcome!)
Del Ray’s main street, Mount Vernon Avenue, will come alive with vibrant chalk art on Saturday as Del Ray Montessori School and parents host the third annual La Bella Strada Street Painting Festival. Modeled after an ancient Italian art form, the event will bring artists from around the region to create masterpieces up and down the sidewalk. La Bella Strada, reviving the street painting tradition of Renaissance-era Europe, will offer patrons of the Del Ray main street an afternoon of interactive public arts programming. With a donation to La Bella Strada, families and children can use a reserved area to add their own artistic imprint on the Avenue. It’s a great time to explore the vibrant community. watch artists work on their craft, and do some art yourself!
KidStory Theatre Festival
Where: Glenallan Elementary School | Wheaton, MD
When: Saturday, 11am – 12pm
Admission: Free
KidStory Theatre Festival wraps up season three of the Wheaton Family Theatre Series with a celebration of stories for kids and families. Celebrate a wonderful year of arts with a day fill of stories and plays written by kids for kids. Throughout 2018, InterAct Story Theatre visited classrooms throughout Maryland and invited kids from all over the state to submit their stories and ideas for short plays. InterAct’s artists chose the best of the best to be developed into a unique collection of performances. Now, you can join them for a joyous theatrical celebration of kid-fired, kid-inspired imagination and creativity!
Funk Parade
Where: U Street NW, DC
When: Saturday
Admission: Free
This one-of-a-kind day fair, parade, and music festival in Washington DC’s U Street neighborhood celebrates DC’s vibrant music and arts, the history of Black Broadway, and the Spirit of Funk that brings us all together. Now in its 5th year, hundreds of thousands of Washingtonians from all corners of the District have come together for the Funk Parade, and all are welcome to participate and celebrate.
Flower Arranging Workshop
Where: Rosewood Hotel | Georgetown, DC
When: Saturday, 11am – 12pm
Admission: $75/parent & child ($20/additional children)
Ideal for parents and children looking for a perfect gift for mom or for moms and kids to celebrate the holiday with a unique bonding moment, this workshop will be led by a local floral expert providing tips and techniques for creating a sophisticated, one-of-a-kind arrangement using the season’s most beautiful blooms. Guests will go home with a stunning bouquet for mom! Taking place on the hotel’s stunning Rooftop Bar, the event also includes two bespoke beverages, a cocktail for parents, and mocktail for children. Reserve a spot in the workshop by emailing washingtondc@rosewoodhotels.com or calling 202.617.2400.
Hooded or Being Black for Dummies
Where: Atlas Performing Arts Center | H Street NE, DC
When: Saturday
Admission: $20-60
One for the T(w)een Scene! See Mosaic Theater’s show about growing up black in America, then participate in a post-show discussion, From Ferguson to a National Movement: Black Lives Matter. At Mosaic, they encourage open dialogue during post-show discussions to create a “fusion community” around stories that illuminate issues of justice, tolerance, and identity with universal resonance. Representatives from Moms Demand Action DC will sit on a panel and contribute to this urgent national discussion.
T(w)een Theatre Scene: Snow Child
Where: Arena Stage | Southwest DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Ticket prices vary
The latest production at Arena stage is recommended for tweens and teens, but slightly younger children may enjoy it as well. The musical is as beautiful as it is entertaining with a great bluegrass score, amazing puppetry, and a story that is played out masterfully by the talented cast. Read a full KFDC review here.
Lion Fest
Where: Liberty Middle School | Clifton, VA
When: Saturday, 11am – 4pm
Admission: Free (fee for some activities)
All are invited to a day of fun, food and shopping to help support a local school. Check out the “pie in the face” contest, SuperNova Archery, local vendors, henna and face painting, food truck and silent auction table where all proceeds go to support the Liberty Middle School PTA!
Catch the Ultimate Breeze
Where: Gallaudet University | Northeast, DC
When: Saturday, 6:30pm
Admission: $10/advance, $12.50/day of
Bring the kids out for fun, fresh air, and Pro Ultimate Frisbee! Not only will you get to see exciting Frisbee action as local team DC Breeze takes on Philadelphia Phoenix, kids can join a free youth clinic (for ages 6-17) before the game at 5pm (FYI: they offer this at every home game.) And while your kids are learning Ultimate out on the field, you can enjoy food and drink specials and listen to a live band to get ready for the game.
AF Pop-Up Market
Where: Union Market Dock 5 | Northeast DC
When: Saturday & Sunday, 11am – 6pm
Admission: Free
The pop-up market of local and national craftsmen and makers returns to DC this weekend, putting a spotlight on authentic, high quality products, and connecting makers within the fashion, food, lifestyle, and home industries directly with consumers, providing a fun and engaging marketplace for everyone, especially families.
Children’s Program: Mother’s Day at the USBG
Where: U.S. Botanic Garden | National Mall, DC
When: Sunday, 1-4pm
Admission: Free
One more fun, easy way to celebrate Mother’s Day: Join Lee and Danielle to explore the “Wall Flowers: Botanical Murals” exhibit as you make your own oversized flower to take home. Afterwards, learn how to make (and taste) several healthy recipes kids can make for mom. This drop-in program is appropriate for ages 7 and up.
Movie on the Potomac
Where: National Harbor | Oxon Hill, MD
When: Sunday, 6pm
Admission: Free
Wind down the weekend with an outdoor movie by the water. National Harbor’s Movies of the Potomac series has begun, and Despicable Me 3 is the featured film being shown on the Plaza Square this weekend. Movie-goers are encouraged to bring chairs and order take-out from one of the many restaurants right around the plaza.
The Ins and Outs of DC
Where: Around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by adventure
If you’re looking for activities outdoors or inside, depending on the weather or simply your preference, these posts are chock full of evergreen pursuits:
The Great Indoors
The Best Places in the DC Area to Enjoy a Beautiful Day Outdoors with the Kids
***MORE GOOD STUFF TO KNOW***
* Mark your calendar: June 2 is Wear Orange Day, Moms Demand Action’s annual (and very kid-friendly) event and part of their gun violence prevention campaign.
* On Mother’s Day, bring mom (or moms bring kids) to Poke Papa and get a free baby poke bowl with the purchase of a regular one. (Btw, it’s the best poke place in the city!)
* The next batch of free tickets for Carne Y Arena, the incredible virtual reality immigration experience for tween ages and up, will be released on May 15 at 8am.
* If you love a good flower bloom, this new KFDC post has details on where and when to view them best of them around the area.
