Tag Archives: Winter 2016

The Weekend Round-Up: December 10-11

Skate under the stars at Washington Harbour

Skate under the stars at Washington Harbour



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Holiday season is in full swing, and this round-up of recs is proof with a loads of ways to celebrate the season. And DC’s tried and true activities are always a good bet for family fun — you can refer to the big list of indoor activities, or enjoy some cool outdoor pursuits. Happy Weekend!

#StandWithComet
Where: Comet Ping Pong
When: Friday, 11:30a – 9:30pm
Admission: Your meal and a big tip!

Show some support for this local institution! A favorite of many for pizza and family-friendly dining has had an undeserved rough time as of late, and the community is showing we stand with them by patronizing the restaurant today. Eat some pizza, play some ping pong, and show them some love. Read more about Comet here.

DIY Holiday Cards
Where: National Postal Museum
When: Saturday, 11am – 4pm
Admission: Free

Create one-of-a-kind handmade cards at the museum all about mail. The National Postal Museum provides beautiful holiday stamps from all over the world, along with a variety of crafts supplies to both inspire your creativity and decorate your cards. We’ve been to this event a few times over the years, and its always very well-organized and tons of fun. Plan to stay after to tour the exhibits, many of them interactive and interesting for all ages. Read more about the museum in here.

GLOW with It
Where: Georgetown
When: Nightly through January 1, 6-10pm
Admission: Free

See Georgetown in a whole new light — literally. Georgetown GLOW has the neighborhood sparkling with modern light art installations, some of them interactive, on display throughout the bustling community, which is extra lively and festive this time of year. The works are illuminated all around the neighborhood, and finding them is part of the adventure. Take the family to dinner or skating at Washington Harbour, then go for a stroll to check them all out.

Journey to Narnia
Where: Adventure Theatre
When: Throughout the Weekend
Admission” $19.50

Holiday magic comes to the Adventure Theatre stage in this very clever and creative production of the classic The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe. The two-actor show is exciting and fun, getting the audience in on the adventure, too. All ages will enjoy the journey to Narnia with the Pevensie siblings!

Italian Holiday Festival
Where: Smithsonian American Art Museum
When: Saturday, 11:30am-3pm
Admission: Free

There’s no place like SAAM for the holidays. To celebrate the vibrant culture of Italy, Simona Rodano returns as The Italian Fairy to engage kids with the beauty of her native language. Along with Nutcracker ballet and winter-themed crafts, this festival will have all the music and Italian flair you’ll need to get in the spirit of this joyful season.

“Yes, Virginia” Family Day
Where: Newseum
When: Saturday, 1-4pm
Admission: FREE for kids (details below), $19.50/adult

Celebrate the season with the Newseum at its 18th annual “Yes, Virginia” Family Day. Join for a reading of the heart-warming editorial, Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus. Afterward, the One-and-Only Macy’s Santa Claus will make a special guest appearance to read “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” and pose for photos with good boys and girls as Figgy Puddings Holiday Carolers from the Washington National Opera provide entertainment. Kids 18 and younger will receive free admission that day if they bring a letter to put in Macy’s Believe Mailbox. (There will also be a table outside the Newseum where youth can fill out a letter on the spot). Macy’s will donate $1 to Make-A-Wish® for every letter collected. For more about the museum, see this KFDC post.

Holiday Cheer
Where: Around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale

Holiday-themed fun is happening all over the area in all kinds of ways at every price point. See model trains buzz around the National Parks and Historic Sites-themed display at the US Botanic Garden’s Season’s Greetings exhibit. Or take the Magical Holiday Express at the B&O Railroad Museum. Enjoy an atrium full of activities for little ones at Christmas on the Potomac. View holiday planes and trains at the Aviation Museum. Take a street car ride with Santa at the Holly Trolley Fest. Find details on all of these events and more are in the 2016 Holiday Guide.

“Shop” & Gift Hope
Where: Discovery Elementary School, Arlington
When: Saturday, 10am – 2pm
Admission: Free

Put a new spin on gift-giving and philanthropy. At this Gifts That Give Hope Fair, you can support the community and give a meaningful gift by making a donation to one of 17 locally-based nonprofits featured at the fair. Personalize the card to a loved one, then give that act of kindness in their name. Shoppers of all ages are making GTGH an annual tradition, and there are some special touches this year just for them, including a Spanish-language children’s choir, interactive science experiments with Rosie Riveters, face-painting, Dr. Bear from Children’s National, and refreshments.

EdFEST
Where: DC Armory
When: Saturday, 11am – 3pm
Admission: Free

Explore the city’s many public school PK3-12 options for your child. Representatives from DC public schools (DCPS) and DC public charter schools will showcase their programs, just in time to help you make informed school selections for the 2017-18 school year common lottery. The event will also feature many free services and fun activities for the whole family, including games and entertainment; sports activities; story time; and flu shots, immunizations, and dental services.

Nationals Winterfest
Where: Washington Convention Center
When: Saturday & Sunday, 11:30am – 4pm
Admission: $33/adult, $23/child, under 2 are free

It’s the ultimate holiday season celebration for Nats fans! Join clinics with Nationals players and coaches, watch a Homerun Derby featuring the Nationals mascots, make a snow fort, take batting practice, hear a winter or baseball themed story read by a Nationals player, ride down The Slider – a giant slide reminiscent of a sledding hill, and more. Guests can also meet and greet their favorite Nats players and mascots, take a photo with Santa, strike a pose at the life-size snow globe photo station, and donate a toy to a child in need.

Hyattsville for the Holidays
Where: Hyattsville Arts District
When: Through December 17
Admission: Free (but plan to shop!)

Kick off a week of fun-filled neighborly holiday festivities for the whole family in Hyattsville. Participating businesses along the Arts District corridor are extending their shopping hours, offering engaging workshops for all ages, and hosting receptions for friends all over the DC Metro area to gather and celebrate all the innovative and artistic businesses that are blossoming in the Gateway Arts District. Franklin’s, Green Owl Design, and Tanglewood Works are a few of the places in the mix, plus there’s a chance to win prizes from them, too!

Family Opera: Goyesquitas
Where: GALA Hispanic Theatre
When: Saturday, 2:30pm
Admission: $25/adult, $23/senior, $15/student

Take the whole family on a musical journey to Spain with composer-pianist Enrique Granados as your tour guide! Goyesquitas, an original production from The In Series: Opera & More, celebrates Spanish culture through lovely music and lively dance. Audiences of all ages can explore cultural traditions as they hear, see, and dance along to the music around them.

Jazz Hip Hop Nutcracker
Where: Woodrow Wilson High School
When: Saturday, 5pm & Sunday, 3pm
Admission: $23-30/adults, $20-24 seniors/10+, $14-18/under 10

Capitol Hill’s Momentum Dance Theatre presents its 18th annual Jazz Hip Hop Nutcracker. The show is a unique, high-energy twist to the typical Nutcracker, set to music from Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker Suite plus hip hop, pop, funk, and more. Momentum’s professional performers are joined by students as young as age 5. Expecting a tree? Nope. A Nutcracker? Yes, but not the one you knew as a child. A prince and mice? Yep. Rats and ninjas? You bet! (The school is located at 3950 Chesapeake Ave. NW.)

Russian Winter Festival
Where: Hillwood Estate
When: Saturday
Admission: $18/adults, $12/members, $5/ages 6-18, free under 6

Grandfather Frost and the Snow Maiden are on hand at Sviatki, a Russian-style celebration of the holidays. Winsome characters will surprise and delight visitors across the estate, create and wear your own headpiece, listen to festive music, and enjoy a variety of live cultural entertainment.

Show Time
Where: Around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue

For shows without the seasonal trimmings, dance along with Rainbow Rock at Jammin Java. Enjoy Adventures with Mr. Bear at The Lab at Convergence. Or take little ones to Aquarium at Imagination Stage. Make it date night to see a fantastic production of Carousel at Arena Stage or take older kids to see Moby Dick there. Go Into the Woods at the Kennedy Center. See Sheakepeare Theatre Company’s enchanting and moving performance of The Secret Garden.

Holidays on Stage
Where: Local theatres
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue

If you’re looking for holiday-inspired entertainment, there’s plenty of that now. Enjoy the ultimate holiday classic The Nutcracker performed by the Washington Ballet at Warner Theatre. Join the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future as they lead Scrooge on A Christmas Carol journey at Ford’s Theatre, or see Disney’s Beauty and the Beast at Imagination Stage. Get details on these shows and see what else is coming up in the 2016 Holiday Guide.

Santa Brunch & The Nutcracker
Where: City Club of Washington
When: Saturday, 11am – 2pm
Admission: $15/child, $30/member, $40/non-member, Nutcracker tickets sold separately

Jeté into the holiday spirit by joining City Club Members and their families for a delicious meal, pictures with Santa, and gingerbread house making. All of this will be followed by a matinee presentation of The Nutcracker at 2pm at The Warner Theatre!

Wizard School Scavenger Hunt for Harry Potter Fans
Where: National Gallery of Art
When: Saturday, 2pm
Admission: $17.50/ages 10-17, $19.50/18 and up

Join Watson Adventures on a unique Harry Potter-themed scavenger hunt for kids 10 & up! Follow in the footsteps of young wizards on a field trip to the National Gallery in search of art that echoes characters, places and enchanted objects in the famed Harry Potter books and movies. Wizards and muggles alike can play and enjoy this hunt. The hunt is not an addition to or variation on Harry’s adventures, but instead references to the books will provide a surprising bridge to many strange and wonderful works of art. It’s a great way to discover—or rediscover—the museum. This hunt is designed for kids and adults to do together, but all-adult teams will be allowed to compete separately. Kids must be accompanied by an adult. Advance purchase is required.

Winter’s Eve
Where: Glen Echo Park
When: Saturday, 4-7pm
Admission: Free

Get into the holiday spirit at Glen Echo Park’s annual Winter’s Eve celebration. It’s free, open to the public, and visitors of all ages can enjoy performances, arts & crafts open studios, hot chocolate, and a holiday sing-along. Browse and buy fine artworks at the Holiday Art Show and artist studios. Kids and adults can create gifts to share in the holiday-themed craft rooms.

Songs for Unusual Creatures
Where: Kennedy Center
When: Saturday, 6pm
Admission: Free

Enjoy free entertainment on Saturday evening! It’s Target Family Night at Millennium Stage, the Kennedy Center’s free nightly performance. Composer, multi-instrumentalist, and writer Michael Hearst presents a special music program featuring some of Earth’s strangest animals and interesting, uncommon instruments.

Santa’s Elves Hunt
Where: Mansion on O Street
When: Sunday, many times slots available
Admission: $35

Join a festive holiday treasure hunt to help Santa find special goodies found only at O Museum in The Mansion! Easily one of the neatest places in the city, the Dupont Circle locale is filled literally floor to ceiling with all kinds of interesting items — and all of them for sale, so you can do some holiday shopping, too! Be ready to see some really funky decor, and keep an eye out for secret doors. Read more about this wonderful site here.

Magical Mirrors Children’s Book Fair
Where: Sankofa Video, Books & Café
When: Sunday
Admission: Free

Stock up on kids’ holiday gifts as DC’s largest collector of African-American children’s literature hosts its 5th Annual book fair! A special treat this year will be a chance to see author Sherrita Berry-Petus on Sunday, as she reads from her books, “Rock on With Your Afro Puffs” and “Smile Bright Chocolate Prince.”

Sunday at the Studio
Where: Gary Rosenthal Collection
When: Sunday, several time slots available
Admission: $22.50/family

Feeling a need for a joyful creative outlet? Want to take some broken pieces and make them whole? Join PJ Library for a unique craft opportunity. Nationally renown local artist Gary Rosenthal is welcoming guests to his studio to create fused-glass mosaic and metal art! These beautiful, heirloom-quality keepsakes also make great gifts. A wide range of project choices will be offered. All levels of artistic ability and ages welcome, but small children need supervision. Gary’s studio is located at 4218 Howard Avenue in Kensington, MD.

Christmas on the Big Screen
Where: Arlington Cinema Draft House
When: Sunday, 12:30-9pm
Admission: $8

Catch a merry flick — or eight — and get into the holiday spirit. This Christmas-themed movie marathon welcomes you to join for as many films as you’d like. You can even pop in for one early, leave, then return for evening entertainment. All for one very reasonable admission price!

Family-Style with Shakespeare Theatre
Where: Sidney Harman Hall
When: Sunday (and through December 18)
Admission: Varies by activity

Shakespeare Theatre Company’s annual Family Week is returning with free and low-cost programs, something for all ages. STC will celebrate the themes, story, and artists of their current production, The Secret Garden, through the workshops, events and conversations. Families can also get a special discount on tickets during this time — see the website for details.

Market (Holi)Days
Where: Eastern Market
When: Sunday
Admission: Free

A Capitol Hill weekend institution gets extra festive this weekend as Eastern Market celebrates the holidays. Along with the numerous vendors selling their art, accessories, treats, and more, there will be special activities for all ages, Make crafts, here stories, watch a juggler, and do some tree decorating, and more. See the website for the day’s schedule.

Ice It
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 holiday 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.

Colonial Wassail
Where: Claude Moore Colonial Farm
When: Saturday
Admission: $3/adult, $2/child, free for 2 and under

“Stand fast, root! Bear well, top!
God send us a howling crop!” In the winter the apple trees need encouragement to bear fruit during the coming year, so Claude Moore Colonial Farm invites you to gather in the orchard to wassail the trees with singing, dancing and chants to ensure “a howling crop.” Enjoy hot spiced cider, sugar cakes, a roaring bonfire, and 18th century games, too – a fun and educational activity for all!

Light it Up
Where: Around the area
When: Evenings
Admission: Varies by locale

Twinkling lights forming enchanting displays are easily a holiday season favorite. Visit one of several parks or gardens (or the Zoo!) that has transformed into a sparkling wonderland. Some you can walk through for an up-close experience, others you tour by car. If you opt for the latter, dress the kids in PJ’s, turn up the holiday tunes, and bring along a thermos of hot chocolate. Either way, expect to be dazzled!

**If you’re doing some holiday shopping this weekend, check out the KFDC Holiday Gift Guide, full of ideas and inspiration for gifts for all ages at all price points (even free!), from kids’ products to theatre tickets to unique experiences to gifts that give back!**

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Filed under All ages, Animals, Annual, Art, Chanukah, Charity, Christmas, Date Night, DC, Educational, Exhibit, Fall, Festival, Free, Holidays, Live Entertainment, Maryland, Movies, Museums, Music, Nature, Outdoor, Seasonal, Shop, Theatre, Virginia, Weekend

Glow with it in Georgetown During the Holiday Season

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From now through January 1, you can see Georgetown in a whole new light — literally. Georgetown GLOW is the annual holiday season exhibit that has the neighborhood sparkling with modern light art installations on display throughout the bustling community, which is extra lively and festive this time of year.

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Works by local, regional, and international artists are illuminated in both public and privately-owned spaces every evening from 6-10pm. You can see them along the C&O Canal, up Wisconsin Avenue, at the Washington Harbour and Georgetown Waterfront Park, Grace Church, and more nearby places. Take the family to dinner, then go for a stroll to check them all out.

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Finding all of the installations is a little adventure in itself, and watching them twinkle, spin, change color, and just glow in their environments is mesmerizing. This is a quick glimpse, but you really need to experience it in person. And Georgetown GLOW is all free to see.

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Filed under All ages, Annual, Art, DC, Exhibit, Fall, Free, Holidays, Outdoor, Seasonal, Weekdays, Weekend, Winter

Giveaway! Brighten Up the Holidays at Brookside’s Garden of Lights

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Dazzling light shows are a staple of the holiday season, and one of my very favorites in the area is Brookside Gardens’ walk-through exhibit, Garden of Lights. The gardens are transformed into a magical winter wonderland illuminated by more than one million twinkling colorful lights handwoven into original works depicting animals, flowers, and other natural elements. It will all be on view for visitors every night from November 25 through January 1 (with the exceptions of December 24 and 25). And I have two admission passes (admission is per car/van) to give away to a couple of lucky KFDC readers.

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Stroll from garden to garden to enjoy long-time favorite displays, including Nessie the Serpent, flying geese, and butterflies. The gardens’ trees and hardscapes such as the Children’s Garden Treehouse and Wedding Gazebo are bedecked in a rainbow of colorful glimmering lights. It is a light display unlike any other. (Get a glimpse of it all in this post about one of our visits there.)

Inside the Conservatory, enjoy the sights and sounds of model trains as they wind their way through seasonal greenery and miniature reproductions of local landmarks such as the RedDoor Store in Sandy Spring, the Kensington MARC railway station, Glen Echo Park complete with Bumper Car Pavilion and 1921 Dentzel Carousel, and even Brookside Gardens’ Conservatories.

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A new fire pit on the South Terrace is the latest addition to Garden of Lights, where refreshments — think S’mores kits and hot cocoa — will be available for purchase. And nightly musical performances take place inside the Visitors Center.

Garden of Lights is located in Brookside Gardens at 1800 Glenallan Avenue in Wheaton, MD. It runs November 25, 2016 – January 1, 2017 (closed December 24 & 25). Hours are 5:30-9:30pm Sunday – Thursday, and 5:30-10:30pm Friday & Saturday. Admission is $25 per car/van Sunday – Thursday, and $30 per car/van Friday & Saturday.

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Giveaway: For a chance to win one of the two admission passes to Brookside’s Garden of Lights, simply leave a comment below or enter through the KFDC Facebook page or on Instagram. The passes can be used on any date the exhibit is open. This giveaway will run through November 23, 2016, then a winner will be drawn at random and notified shortly thereafter. Good luck!

This post is sponsored by Montgomery Parks, however, I only promote events, places, and programs that I genuinely believe in and think will appeal to KFDC readers.


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Filed under All ages, Annual, Art, Christmas, Exhibit, Giveaway, Holidays, Maryland, Outdoor, Seasonal, Sponsored Post, Trains, Weekdays, Weekend, Winter

The Weekend Round-Up: March 4-6

Giant bunny sculptures will be back at The Yards - see them aglow in the evenings

Giant bunny sculptures will be back at The Yards – see them aglow in the evenings



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Once again, there are numerous great ways to enjoy your days off with the kids around DC. From a performing arts fest to museum programs to nature explorations to winter fun to whimsical art in the park and plenty more among all of that, there’s something for everyone to love. Happy Weekend!

Intersect with the Performing Arts
Where: Atlas Performing Arts Center
When: Friday, Saturday & Sunday
Admission: See the website

There’s more family programming at the INTERSECTIONS Festival this weekend, most of it on Saturday. See Midsummer Madness, Shakespeare for the Young’s puppet tribute to the bard. Arts on the Horizon presents several Space Bop performances. And enjoy The Singing Cricket, a cross-cultural interactive show for all ages. There will also be fun activities and music in the lobby. Check the schedule for details on all of the shows plus more (grown-up) events going on throughout this weekend.

Washington Antiquarian Book Fair
Where: Holiday Inn Rosslyn at Key Bridge
When: Friday, 4-8pm & Saturday 10am – 5pm
Admission: $14/two days, $8/Saturday, $5/students & librarians

Book lovers, rejoice! The Washington Antiquarian Book Fair returns to DC celebrating its 41st year, featuring new and longtime favorite exhibitors and collections. Celebrate and discover rare books and manuscripts, and connect with fellow enthusiasts for this rare opportunity to share conversations, discoveries, and experiences with the larger community. New (and highly anticipated) to the Fair this year is Typewriter Rodeo, who will bring custom, on-demand poetry written on vintage typewriters. In five minutes or less, this Austin, Texas-based traveling quartet will write ticket holders an original and personal poem as a keepsake!

Women’s History Month Celebration
Where: National Postal Museum
When: Saturday, 11am – 4pm
Admission: Free

Celebrate Women’s History Month at this family festival! See “Amelia Earhart” speak about her love of stamps and airborne adventures, and enjoy activities that focus on females in the USPS. A special story time will be held featuring the adventures of good friends Amelia Earhart and Eleanor Roosevelt in the story “Amelia and Eleanor Go For A Ride.” Guests can also participate in a scavenger hunt and take home an NPM airplane as a souvenir.

Tossed & Found Children’s Trunk Show
Where: Crystal City – 1225 S. Clark Street, 10th Floor
When: Saturday, 10am – 12:30pm
Admission: $10

Score some great deals at this huge second hand sale. The Tossed & Found Series features new and gently used clothing, toys, and gear with proceeds going to support the Junior League of Washington’s mission of improving children’s literacy. This year’s sale also features great vendors like Arbonne from Heidi Miller, thirty-one from Erin Krekeler, Wren Riley by Amy Riley and children’s author Sharon Hicke.

Shake Up Your Saturday with Shakespeare
Where: Folger Shakespeare Library
When: Saturday, 10am – 12pm
Admission: Free, but registration required

Join this family program about the Merry Women of Shakespeare at the Folger on Saturday. Are you a fan of Beatrice or Ophelia? What about Viola, Juliet, or Kate? In honor of Women’s History Month, explore your favorite heroines from the works of Shakespeare. Ages 5-7 at 10-11am, and ages 8-14 at 11am – 12pm. Go here to sign up.

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

* Reserve free tickets to InterAct Story Theatre’s One Gold Coin, this week’s Saturday Morning at the National performance
* James and the Giant Peach is Adventure Theatre’s latest play for all ages
* Encore Stage & Studio brings theatre by kids for kids in their latest production, Treasure Island
* Catch a performance of Beauty and the Beast at The Puppet Co.
* And Baby Bear’s Birthday is the featured Tiny Tots show at the Glen Echo theater
* JACK and Phil, Slayers of Giants-INC is on the Imagination Stage
* The Reston Community Players present Mary Poppins
* A Midsummer Night’s Dream is on stage at the Folger Shakespeare Library
* Justin Roberts is playing two shows, morning and afternoon, at Jammin’ Java on Saturday
* Catch Wild Kratts Live at DAR Constitution Hall on Sunday
* Enjoy a grown-up night out at Shakespeare Theatre Company’s new production of Othello

Nowruz: A Persian New Year Celebration
Where: Sackler Gallery
When: Saturday, 11am – 5pm
Admission: Free

Ring in the Persian New Year with the kids at a scaled-down version of the gallery’s annual Nowruz celebration! With free attractions for all ages include storytelling, hans-on art activities, a photo booth, calligraphy, food trucks, and a book signing by Najmieh Batmanglij.

Bird Walk
Where: Patuxent Wildlife Research Center
When: Saturday, 8:15-10:15am
Admission: Free

All ages are welcome on this guided hike to search for birds in several refuge. Field guides and binoculars are recommended. Registration is required The program is held at the North Tract located on Rt. 198 between the Baltimore-Washington Parkway and Rt. 32.

Animal Close-Ups
Where: National Geographic Museum
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $15/adult, $10/ages 5-12 (find a discount here)

Experience two fascinating exhibits in one outing at the museum downtown. Photo Ark, a gorgeous collection of portraits of the world’s animal species, spotlights conservation through the lens of photographer Joel Sartore. And you can zoom in on CROCS through an exhibit focusing on crocodilians. Components like captivating images, interactive displays, and live creatures are compelling for all ages.

Bunnies A-Glow-Glow
Where: Yards Park
When: Saturday & Sunday evenings
Admission: Free

Light Yards, the art installation melding light, sculpture, and music, that opened at The Yards Park two weeks ago will be hopping again this week as the giant luminescent bunnies return. While there won’t be another special event along with the art, you can still see them in the park, and they’ll be lit up in the evenings starting at sunset. Plan on dinner at The Yards then check out the glowing riverfront rabbits.

Weekend Family Matinee
Where: Avalon Theatre
When: Saturday, 10:30am
Admission: $12/adult, $9/child

Enjoy the Avalon’s series that present films and live performances that are family-friendly and ridiculously fun. This week, meet the rainbow and join Rainbow Rock Band members, the Rainbow Lady (Kate Moran) and Mister Melody (Michael Mattice), as they entertain little ones with tunes, laughs and lots more. This amazing team will have microphones and more for kiddos to get in on the fun.

Rock(noceros) On
Where: Gypsy Sally’s
When: Saturday, 11am (door open at 10:30am)
Admission: $10

Local music fave Rocknoceros have just released a new album, Plymouth Rockers, and they’re sharing the new tunes live at Gypsy Sally’s, the place for family-friendly musical events in Georgetown. The new batch of songs is sure to entertain and educate in equal measure!

A Great Escape
Where: The Escape Lounge
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $15

Test your puzzle solving skills and have a great adventure at the H street venue that offers escape experiences for kids and adults. Bring the whole fam to Escape the Classroom by figuring out a series of clues – it’s a fun and challenging way to enjoy time together. Read more about it in this new post about Owen’s birthday party there.

National Parks Adventure
Where: National History Museum
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $9

Explore some of our country’s most spectacular places at a viewing of National Parks Adventure 3D at the National History Museum’s Johnson IMAX Theater. The film is full of stunning cinematography and thrilling adventure that will transport you and spark wanderlust. You can also try to win a 4-pack of tickets to see it here!

Ice It
Where: Local Ice Skating Rinks
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by rink

Take advantage of a fun and active winter activity while you can. 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, Veteran’s Plaza, Rockville Town Square, or Reston Town Center. This post has details on alfresco (and indoor) ice skating options in the area. And note that both at Canal Park and Washington Harbor are hosting Cartoon Skate on Saturday morning!

Date Night: Shakespeare Sans Words
Where: Synetic Theater
When: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
Admission: Tickets start at $20

It’s probably hard to imagine a wordless Shakespeare production, but Synetic Theater’s version of Romeo and Juliet is just that — and it’s phenomenal. Innovative, fluid choreography set against dramatic scenery of gears in a clock, all to a unique soundtrack of ticks, tocks, and chimes makes for a gorgeous, mesmerizing production. Words aren’t necessary when a familiar story is told in such a beautifully expressive way. If you’re a fan of the bard or just appreciate superb theatre, I highly recommend this show. Teens and up could enjoy it, but it makes for a great grown-up night out.

Portrait Stories & Discoveries
Where: National Portrait Gallery
When: Saturday, 1-4pm & Sunday, 2-5pm
Admission: Free

Drop in at the Portrait Gallery to listen to a story about Clara Barton 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, see this post about one of our experiences there.

An Evening of Exploration
Where: National Geographic Headquarters
When: Sunday, 5:30pm
Admission: Free, but registration required

Join National Geographic Student Expeditions for an evening of exploration and a chance to meet with experts, trip leaders, and alumni. Hear about the careers of photographer Tyrone Turner and biologist Greg Marshall, and learn how middle and high school students can pursue their own passions while traveling on a summer trip with the group. Learn what it’s like to shoot a story for National Geographic magazine, and get an intro to the Crittercam—a device to see what wild animals do when we’re not around. Eligible high school students who attend can enter to win a summer 2016 trip with National Geographic Student Expeditions. Register here to reserve your space!

The Ins & Outs of DC
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 70 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.


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Where to Play on the Weekdays: February 29 – March 4

The National Arboretum is always a good bet on a nice day

The National Arboretum is always a good bet on a nice day



Monday – Locate secret doors, see outrageously fabulous themed rooms, and browse a trove of secondhand treasures on a tour of The Mansion on O Street. The Dupont Circle landmark is a mansion, museum, restaurant, vintage store, and hotel all in one. And visitors are welcome to explore it all. Tours offered 11am – 3:3opm. Self-guided tours start at $15. Purchase tickets in advance online.

Tuesday – Seize what’s forecast to be a beautiful day at the National Arboretum. Go for nature walks through the woods, visit the Washington Youth Garden, romp in open green spaces and at the old Capitol columns, picnic in the Grove of State Trees… so many ways to enjoy one of the loveliest places in the city. Hours are 8am – 5pm, and admission is free.

Wednesday – Let little ones bounce, climb, swing, tumble, and slide at the PG Sports & Learning Complex Gymnastics Center. The hour-long open play session begins at 11:30am, and admission is $6/child. (This also takes place on Tuesday at the same time.)

Thursday – Venture up to Baltimore to see some of the most wonderful, whimsical art around at the American Visionary Art Museum. The colorful, quirky works — some of them interactive — can be appreciated by art buffs of all ages. Hours are 10am – 6pm Tuesday – Sunday. Admission is $15.95/adults, $13.95/seniors, $9.95/students & ages 7 and up, free for 6 and under.

Friday – Catch a performance of Callaloo: A Jazz Folktale at the Discovery Theater. As this post goes live, tickets are still available for the 10:15am show. Admission is $3-6. If the show sells out, take the opportunity to explore the Smithsonian Ripley Center, where the theater is located, and the Smithsonian Castle next door.


Thredup Inc.


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Filed under All ages, Art, DC, Educational, Exhibit, Free, Indoor Play, Live Entertainment, Maryland, Museums, Nature, Outdoor, Park, Theatre, Weekdays, Winter