Disc golfin’ – a great way to enjoy a nice day outdoors with the fam
Happy Weekend!
INTERSECTIONS
Where: Atlas Performing Arts Center | H Street NE, DC
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: Varies by show–see the website
The Atlas is kicking off its annual INTERSECTIONS festival that presents tons of fantastic performances in music, theatre, dance, film, and spoken word with several exhibitions especially for families. Family Fun Days are this weekend with free and ticketed shows for young audiences plus a Creation Station by Happy Little Art Studio and an Instrument Petting Zoo with Capitol City Symphony. On stage for kids: Building Better People Productions’ Friendlier Fables & Thoughtful Tales, Imagination Stage’s Mouse on the Move, a free show by Mr. Skip, and more! These are just the most family-friendly opportunities — the whole line-up throughout the Festival is worth checking out by adults.
#OptOutside
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission:Varies by Locale
It looks like it’ll be great weather to get outside! You’ve got your pick of places around the DC-Metro for adventures in the fresh air. Take a hike, play some disc golf, hit a playground, explore a garden, visit animals, or see what else there is to do al fresco in this post with tons of inspiration for fun (hopefully) in the sun.
Wizards vs. Cavaliers
Where: Capital One Arena | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Friday, 7pm
Admission: Tickets start $10
Kick off the weekend with some basketball! The Wizards are hosting the Cavaliers on Friday evening. Plan on a pre-game dinner in Penn Quarter — there are plenty of family-friendly places to go in the neighborhood. Some recs: Carmine’s, Jaleo, Pi Pizzeria, Cava Grill, and Shake Shack. Before you get tickets, learn about the Wizards Kids Club that offers some great perks for young fans!
Ford’s For Me
Where: Ford’s Theatre | Downtown DC
When: Saturday, 9am
Admission: Free (reserve by phone: 202.347.4833)
Ford’s Theatre Society is hosting a sensory-friendly open house for families and those with cognitive and sensory processing disabilities. Guests are invited to explore Ford’s Theatre spaces with fewer crowds than a typical public entry time. Activities include time to explore Ford’s Theatre and Museum, a Lincoln-related craft activity in the Ford’s Theatre lobby, tactile costume interaction in the Museum, a puzzle activity in the balcony, a story time reading of Abe’s Honest Words: The Life of Abraham Lincoln By Doreen Rappaport, illustrated by Kadir Nelson, and more. Read more about Ford’s Theatre in this KFDC post.
Washington Justice for All
Where: The Anthem | Southwest DC
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: Ticket prices vary
The District’s first esports team, The Washington Justice, will be playing their first set of DC-based matches this weekend. And if, like me, you’re not familiar with esports, I’ll save you a Google search. Per Wikipedia, “esports often takes the form of organized, multiplayer video game competitions, particularly between professional players, individually or as teams.” There are several matches throughout the weekend, and both kids and adults can enjoy them.
Cartoon Skate
Where: Washington Harbour Ice Rink | Georgetown, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 12pm
Admission:
Join some costumed characters on the ice — a great way to enjoy the outdoors during winter and have some family fun. And for more places to skate the day away, see this post.
Thread of Evidence: Exploring the Science of Fibers and Textiles
Where: National Law Enforcement Museum | Judiciary Square, DC
When: Saturday, 1-3pm
Admission: $19.95/adult online, free/12 & under
Enjoy a fun-filled afternoon of STEAM activities at the National Law Enforcement Museum! For “scientists” of all ages, experiment with museum educators by participating in hands-on activities with a Fiber and Textiles theme. Practice your investigative skills with crime scene fiber pick-up, uncover the identities of textiles with a liquid test, and create your own fiber magnifier! Fibers and Textiles introduces participants to chemistry, optics, and engineering. Note: Science Saturday occurs the fourth Saturday of every month and is free with admission to the Museum. Admission for kids under 12 is always free. No need to register.
Show Time
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by show
* The Snowy Day and Other Stories by Ezra Jack Keats is on stage at Adventure Theatre
* The National Symphony Orchestra is performing a Mozart Mash-Up for young audiences at the Kennedy Center
* Thumbelina is making a big impression on the Imagination Stage.
* Zomo the Rabbit: A Hip-Hop Creation Myth is also at Imagination Stage on Saturday (read a KFDC review)
* See legendary prima ballerina Irina Kolesnikova in the US debut of Tschaikovsky’s Swan Lake at National Theatre
* It’s opening weekend for Beauty and the Beast at The Puppet Co.
* And really little ones will enjoy Baby Bear’s Birthday, Sunday’s Tiny Tots performance there
* Make it a date night for Synetic Theatre’s production of Phantom of the Opera
Maple Sugaring Days
Where: Brookside Nature Center | Wheaton, MD
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: $7
February is Maple Sugaring Month at Brookside Nature Center, and you can be a part of the maple sugaring process. Help collect the sap from trees, watch as its boiled down into sweet maple syrup, and enjoy a taste! This is the last weekend to take part in this program, and sessions fill up fast, so register now!
Portrait Stories & Discoveries
Where: National Portrait Gallery | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Saturday & Sunday, 1-4pm
Admission: Free
Drop in at the National Portrait Gallery to listen to a story about Frederick Douglass and complete a hands-on activity. When you’re done there, pick up a Portrait Discovery Kit to explore the museum. For more about the program and museum, go here and here.
Mardis Gras Celebration
Where: The Wharf | Southwest DC
When: Saturday, 4-7pm
Admission: Free
The Wharf is bringing New Orleans to DC! Come celebrate Mardi Gras with a free community-wide extravaganza featuring a lively parade down Wharf Street, a dance party with live music on District Pier, and a special fireworks finale.
Black History Month Celebrations
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
February is Black History Month, and there are events and activities throughout the DC area to celebrate it. Museum programs (including an entire museum!), special tours and exhibits, story time sessions, and more will be enlightening and fun for all ages. See where they’re all happening here.
IKEA After Dark Bedtime Stories
Where: IKEA locations around the DMV
When: Saturday, 8=9pm
Admission: Free
Let IKEA help get your little ones ready for bed by reading classic bedtime stories in Smaland from 8-9pm. Drop them off in Smaland while you enjoy the IKEA After Dark FREE yoga and mediation session in the Restaurant. Pajamas, their favorite stuff friend, and blankets are all welcomed. RSVP required. (Note: This links to the College Park location, so be sure to RSVP to your location!)
Mark Nizer 4D
Where: BlackRock Center for the Arts | Gaithersburg, MD
When: Saturday, 7:30-9
Tickets: $20
The only live 3D show in the world! Okay, technically any on-stage performance is a live 3D show, but this world-champion juggler uses lights, music, special effects and his own incredible skill to put on a dazzling performance with thrills and outrageous laughs. Special 3D glasses available to the audience give a surreal sensation of depth that take this family-friendly show beyond anything you’ve ever seen on stage before!
2020 Family Gras
Where: Capitol Cider House | Petworth, DC
When: Sunday, 10am – 12pm
Admission: $10
Join Capitol Cider houser for their 2nd annual Family Gras, a family-friendly Mardi Gras celebration! Kids will enjoy complimentary face painting, balloon animals, festive crafts, and beads (gently) thrown from a cider house float. Adults will enjoy our stellar weekday happy hour, and as an added bonus, they’re flying in king cake from Gambino’s – a legendary New Orleans bakery. Tickets required for ALL AGES, and it’s highly recommended to purchase ahead. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2020-family-gras-tickets-92098871203
Cuenta Cuentos: STORYTIME in Spanish
Where: Hirshhorn Museum | National Mall, DC
When: Sunday, 11am – 12pm
Admission: Free
Bring the littlest art lovers for an introduction to an artist on view, interactive read aloud, and a hands-on activity. This week, take a close look at artworks in the exhibit Manifesto: Art x Agency and hear a reading of Mi Voz by Jose Fragoso. Stay to create an artwork that amplifies your own voice! All audiences are welcome to join this Spanish-language program, led by a multilingual educator. (FYI: Each week STORYTIME features a fresh and fun theme!)
Caps vs. Penguins
Where: Capitol One Arena | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Sunday, 12pm
Admission: Tickets prices vary
The Washington Capitals will be taking over Capital One Arena on Sunday afternoon when they host the Pittsburgh Penguins. If you want to plan on a pre-match brunch in Penn Quarteo, there are plenty of family-friendly places to go in the neighborhood. Some recs: Jaleo, Carmine’s, Oyamel, Shake Shack, and Pi Pizzeria.
2020 Relay-Palooza
Where: Jammin Java | Vienne, VA
When: Sunday, 1pm (doors open at 12pm)
Admission:
Join Relay For Life of Northern Virginia for their annual Relay-Palooza Battle of the Bands kickoff celebration benefiting the American Cancer Society. Doors open at 12 pm and the event begins at 1 pm. Local acts register to perform on the Jammin Java stage, then you get to vote to determine a winner. The winner of Relay-Palooza will get the chance to headline the 2020 Relay For Life event! This is a family-friendly event. Donations benefit the live-saving mission and programs of the American Cancer Society.
***MORE GOOD STUFF***
* The giveaway for a Family 4-Pack of tickets to see A Snowy Day at Adventure Theatre is still going on.
* The new National Children’s Museum is opening VERY soon!
* I highly recommend Playa del Carmen for a family getaway!
* Saturday is National Margarita Day. Ole!
