Indoor Play – Page 2

Theatre and musical productions for families in and around Washington, DC

October 10, 2022

Kennedy Center Performances:

Sleepover at the Museum – Saturday, October 15 at 2:00pm & 4:00pm
The National Symphony Orchestra will perform Karen LeFrak’s Sleepover at the Museum. It combines music and adventure to tell the story of a boy named Mason and his birthday party and scavenger hunt at a natural history museum. It’s sure to keep the kids excited!

Jacqueline and Jason’s Block Party! – Sunday, October 16 at 1:00pm
Join us for a FREE outdoor family event hosted by Education Artist-in-Residence Jacqueline Woodson and Artistic Director for Jazz Jason Moran. There will be exciting performances, fun-filled games, and activities. A jazz performance with Jacqueline Woodson, Jason Moran and the Bandwago, DC’s Second Line band DuPont Brass, Go-go and jazz artist Sweet Cherie, The Duke Ellington School of the Arts Show Choir, Fly Zyah and DJ Malcolm Xavier, Double Dutch demos and lessons from DC Retro Jumpers, Roller Skating demo with Our Family Skate Association, Hopscotch, hula hoops, sidewalk chalk, fort building, and more. Inspired by Jacqueline Woodson’s book The World Belonged to Us.

Finding Rhythm: Grow Your Brain with Go-go Music – October 29 at 11:30am & 1:30pm
Take a journey through the musical brain with Mother Dance, Father Rhythm, and the Curious Scientist! D.C.’s own Go-go music and brain science come together for this lively show that’ll have kids singing and dancing to the beat. Learn the origins of human rhythm, how rhythm grows the brain, and where children find the source of their own power AND connection. Music neuroscientist and show creator Dr. Jessica Phillips-Silver draws together a team of master musicians and teaching artists to tell this powerful, unifying story. This isn’t the Mozart Effect—it’s the Go-go Effect!

Air Play – November 4-6
Umbrellas fly, fabrics soar over the audience, balloons swallow people, and snow swirls, filling the stage. Air Play transforms ordinary objects into uncommon beauty through a wordless, magical adventure as two siblings journey through a surreal land of air. Created by circus performers Seth Bloom and Christina Gelsone in collaboration with kinetic sculptor Daniel Wurtzel, this enchanting spectacle combines comedy, live sculpture, circus, and theater to fill both the young and young at heart with wonder.

The Day You Begin – November 19 – December 18
It’s not easy to take those first steps into a place where nobody really knows you yet…but somehow you do it. This world premiere commissioned musical is based on one of Kennedy Center Education Artist-in-Residence Jacqueline Woodson’s most popular picture books, a #1 New York Times bestseller illustrated by Rafael López and featured in its own episode in the Netflix original show Bookmarks: Celebrating Black Voices. Adapted by Woodson with music and lyrics by Toshi Reagon and direction by Charlotte Brathwaite, The Day You Begin is a poignant and heartening musical about finding courage to connect, even when you feel afraid.

Bluey’s Big Play – November 22-27
When Dad feels like a little bit of Sunday afternoon time out, Bluey and Bingo have other plans! Join them as they pull out all of the games and cleverness at their disposal to get Dad off that bean bag. Bluey’s Big Play is a brand-new theatrical adaptation of the Emmy Award-winning children’s television series, with an original story by Bluey creator Joe Brumm, and new music by Bluey composer Joff Bush. Join the Heelers in their first live theater show made just for you, featuring brilliantly created puppets, this is Bluey as you’ve never seen it before, brought to real life!

Imagination Stage Performances:
In the Year of the Boar – October 15-22
Adapted from the award-winning novel, this play tells the touching story of a young Chinese American girl and her family moving from China to the United States in 1947. Using humor and a rich multimedia staging, the play celebrates the bravery and sacrifice of those who bring new perspectives to our country.

S.P.I.E.S. 2 – October 29-November 20
Join S.P.I.E.S. in person, where it is more interactive than ever! This follow-up to the online hit S.P.I.E.S. & the Lost Treasure of Atlantis combines live theatre and taped adventure scenes to create a collaborative and exciting experience where each audience gets to be the hero and solve the puzzles–and no two performances are alike.

Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed – November 16-January 8
When clothing suddenly falls from the sky, Wilbur J. Mole Rat stuns the colony with his decision to get dressed! In a community where baring is caring and skin is in, can Wilbur find the courage to rock to the rhythm of his own electric guitar? Mo Willem’s beloved picture book explores what can happen when we have the courage to be ourselves.

Aquarium – January 14-February 12
Enter a fantastical island world where fish soar through the air, lemons light up the sky, and sheep go parading by. With gentle music, puppets, and props, actors lead children and caregivers in an interactive exploration of a magical place of play.

The Hula Hoopin’ Queen – February 15-April 8
Kameeka is confident that today she will finally beat her rival, Jamara, and become the Hula-Hoopin’ Queen of 139th Street in Harlem. But she has to prepare for Miz Adeline’s birthday party, and almost ruins the day. Until Miz Adeline confesses that she’s also got the itch–the hula-hoopin’ itch! Her fingers start snappin’. Her hips start swingin’. Soon everyone’s hips are swinging as the party spills out onto the street.

Wake Up, Brother Bear – March 11-April 8
Sister Bear and Brother Bear are back from hibernation to take little ones on an interactive journey through the seasons. Meet a curious butterfly, play in a rushing waterfall, and catch lightning bugs as the bears frolic through the forest in an unforgettable theatre experience.

Olney Theatre Center Performances:
Dance Nation – Through October 31
Clare Barron’s explosive off-Broadway smash kicks off Olney Theatre Center’s 2022-23 season! In this Pulitzer Prize finalist, about a tweenage dance team from Liverpool, Ohio, more is at stake than a first-place trophy. It’s a play about the puberty years, but leave the kids at home — adult actors of all ages portray the adolescent girls (and one boy) amidst their tween confusion, as well as their future adult selves. As the competition heats up, literal fangs come out, and the blood, sweat, and tears get very real in a drama about friendship, rivalry, and girls becoming women.

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast – November 9-January 1
Last winter our internationally acclaimed production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast inspired thousands of theatergoers: as People Magazine said, it’s “a tale as old as time [that] feels refreshingly new.” Now Jade Jones (Belle) and Evan Ruggiero (Beast) are back in a revival of the production that won hearts and attracted the admiration of audiences from around the country. Be our guest along with other returning cast members Bobby Smith (Lumiere), Dylan Arredondo (Cogsworth), Michael Burrell (Gaston) and the rest of the gang in the Beast’s cursed castle for an escape to a world where beauty is more than skin deep and happily ever after is just a rose petal away.

A Christmas Carol – November 25-January 1
In a season stuffed with varied versions of the classic yuletide tale, Paul Morella’s solo performance stands apart for its devotion to Dickens’ original language and storytelling genius. One extraordinary performer brings to life Scrooge and his specters, the whole Cratchett family, and celebrants of Christmases past, present, and future – more than 40 different characters in all. It’s why this production is a treasured annual tradition gathering more devotees than ever as it enters its 13th iteration

The Puppet Co at Glen Echo Performances:

Witch Wartsmith’s Halloween Spooktacular – October 1-31
Witch Wartsmith (the sister of Witch Wartsmith from our Legacy show “Rapunzel”,) hosts the annual Halloween Spooktacular and you get to vote on the winner! Part contemporary competition show, part vintage telethon, and part punpalooza, this spooky variety show will tickle your funny bone. Don’t miss this year’s performances, because some of our contestants will change year to year! With a special evening performance on Halloween! More shows coming soon!

The 34th Annual Nutcracker – November 25- January 1
Join the Puppet Co. for our 34th annual The Nutcracker! This time honored seasonal celebration includes Tchaikovsky’s familiar story of Clara and her prince, with some Puppet Co. nursery rhyme spin.

Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins – December 1-January 1
Hershel just wants to celebrate Hanukkah with the community, but the Queen and King of the Goblins have forbidden the lighting of the candles. Can Hershel save the day and lift the curse for this shtetl (village)? With a special performance at 7pm on the first night of Hanukkah, December 18th!

Arts on the Horizon Productions:

Sneakers & Gumdrop – December 2-January 1
One snowy winter morning, Mr. Gumdrop prepares for his annual holiday party! When an unexpected and curious mouse appears, Mr. Gumdrop’s routine is thrown for a loop. Can these two wildly different characters work together to get the holiday preparations done in time? This nonverbal, imaginative production captures the magic of making new friends and sharing ideas to accomplish big goals.

Fitting In – March 10-April 2
Three siblings find themselves in a room full of possibilities and one not so simple task- to put things in their proper place. However, they soon discover that throwing this and that into a box is not the same as finding where it fits in. Through clowning, movement, and original music, three performers will transform everyday objects into something extraordinary. Is a blanket a blanket? Or is it the sail of a boat setting off on an epic voyage? Together, we can find the magic buried in the bottom of every box, and hidden inside the world around us!

Acro Iris – June 9-July 1
Iris is excited about taking a trip to el parque with Abuela! But while getting ready, Iris has a hard time deciding what color shirt to wear. As Iris and Abuela explore each of the colors, they discover the different ways colors appear in the world and their own unique beauty. Abuela reminds Iris that each color lives inside everyone, so even if we choose one, the rainbow is always a part of us. Told through vibrant imagery, dynamic movement, and a beautiful soundscape created by each of the performers, this sensory-rich production is inspired by a Zapoteca myth and Quechua legends about the rainbow.

Saturday Morning Live! at the National Theatre
Fun takes center stage at the National Theatre for Saturday Morning Live! Join us in the Helen Hayes Gallery space on select Saturday mornings at 9:30 and 11:00 AM for wow-inspiring children’s entertainment of all sorts, from interactive performances, puppets, dance, and music – all designed to light up imaginations and celebrate a world of wonder. It’s free. It’s fun. It’s a great way to Saturday.

Millennium Stage at The Kennedy Center presents free performances everyday, no tickets required! Shows typically begin at 5:30pm.

Add to your calendar:
Disney on Ice: October 6-10
Masters of Illusion: October 22-23
Disney Junior Live: October 22
The Illusionists Magic of the Holidays: November 9
A Christmas Carol: November 23-December 31
The Washington Ballet’s Nutcracker: November 25-December 30
Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show: December 9-18
Capital City Symphony: Annual Holiday Concert and Sing Along: December 18

Additional venues:
Atlas Performing Arts CenterArts for Young Audiences
BlackRock Center for the Arts
Bloombars
Busboys + Poets
Encore Stage and Studio, Theatre for Kids, By Kids
Jammin Java
Other Voices Theatre
Strathmore
The National Theatre Saturday Morning Live!

A weekend with kids in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

March 29, 2022

The City of Brotherly Love is a place that is near and dear to our family for a variety of reasons. A few years ago we took a family road trip to Philadelphia and had an absolute blast. An easy car ride or train trip from Washington, DC. The city is so walkable and easy to navigate and has so much to offer families visiting. We’ve put together a very packed 3 day itinerary below but keep in mind you can easily spend all day at the museums if you have time to stay longer.

Day 1:

The BEST way to see a city and have the flexibility to get on and off at various places is the Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour! Visit Philadelphia’s top attractions—like the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall—on a full loop. You can select from a 1, 2, or 3-day pass. Board at any of the stops and get to know the city at your own pace, with live commentary.

Walk around The Italian Market where dozens of vendors line the street, selling vegetables, fish, meats, spices and produce from their stalls, while gourmet shops and restaurants occupy storefronts in between.

Lunch & dessert at the Italian Market is such a fun way to experience historic South 9th Street. Angelo’s Pizzeria for cheesesteaks and Isgro for italian pastries and cookies. Eat lunch at the nearby playground at S 10th St & Fitzwater St around the corner from Angelo’s Pizzeria.

Explore The Liberty Bell, housed inside of the Liberty Bell Center which spans almost an entire city block on 6th Street between Market and Chestnut Streets. Entrance to the Liberty Bell Center is free and no tickets are required. Walk across the street to Independence Hall, located on Chestnut Street, between 5th and 6th Streets. Tickets are required for entrance to Independence Hall from March through December. After your tour you can sit in the courtyard on benches and relax and take in all of the history.

Day 2:

Explore The Franklin Institute, one of America’s most celebrated museums—a renowned leader in science and technology. You can spend all day here- it is simply the best! Purchase tickets here.

I love this photo with the reflection of the city in it

Have a late lunch at the famous Reading Terminal Market. For 127 years, Reading Terminal has been providing Philadelphia neighbors with their grocery & meal planning needs and more than ever, we stand committed to being here for our community. You can spend a great deal of time walking around, looking at what each vendor has to offer. Think Union Market but on a much, much larger scale.

Philadelphia is a terrific foodie city, but, for visitors, it can be tricky to know where to find the best places to eat. A walking food tour removes the guesswork. Eat your way through the city, from Reading Terminal Market to Sansom Street, and experience the best of the Philly food scene.

Another amazing way to see the city and is sure to entertain your Bambinos is through the Philly by Night Double Decker Bus Tour! After dinner, climb on board and relax on the double decker bus and learn from the 90 minute tour and drive by 27 attractions. You can also do the double decker tour during the day as well.

Day 3:

Grab a coffee from the first La Colombe location found in Rittenhouse Square and walk to Love Park and take a photo in the iconic park.

Tour Eastern State Penitentiary, which was once the most famous and expensive prison in the world, but stands today in ruin, a haunting world of crumbling cellblocks and empty guard towers. Its vaulted, sky-lit cells once held many of America’s most notorious lawbreakers, including “Slick Willie” Sutton and “Scarface” Al Capone. Purchase tickets here.

Philadelphia’s Old City Historic Walking Tour is an informative way to end your weekend as you may visit some places you haven’t seen yet. Walk in the footsteps of America’s Founding Fathers on this walking tour of Philadelphia’s old city. Visit important landmarks such as Christ Church, the Ben Franklin Post Office, Carpenters’ Hall, and Independence Hall as your guide narrates local history.

Play at Please Touch Museum, with two full floors of fun, engaging exhibits, children are empowered to pursue their curiosity and explore the wonder of the world around them and within their own imaginations. Make online reservations here.

Eat & Drink-
If we aren’t stuffed from a food tour, we have some favorite places to eat when we are in Philly-
Osteria
Abe Fisher and any of their other restaurants
Cleavers for cheesesteaks
Great breweries in Philadelphia
You gotta try water ice

More Recommended Museums & Attractions-
Benjamin Franklin Museum
Museum of American Revolution
Philadelphia Zoo
Philadelphia Museum of Art
Rodin Museum
Mütter Museum
Rittenhouse Square
Rocky Statue & Steps
Elfreth’s Alley
Check out a sports game if you are there at the right time
Google parks near you to experience a local spot

Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden is great for families

March 2, 2022

The Hirshhorn is the national museum of modern and contemporary art, exploring the art and ideas of our time and is located on the National Mall in between 7th St NW & 9th St Expy. The museum is open Thursday through Sunday from 10:00am – 5:30pm (closed Mondays through Wednesdays) while The Sculpture Garden is open daily 10:00am – 4:30pm.

What are your plans on Thursday’s? Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden announced the return of the Art Cart every Thursday from 10:00am–noon through April. The Art Cart offers young artists (best for ages 6 and under) themed sets of materials to use during your visit. Each week’s Art Cart offers a fresh theme and location at the Hirshhorn, featuring an artwork on view, an art making activity to do at the Museum, and kids projects to extend the fun at home! The Art Cart is free, no registration required.

In addition to the great art inside of the museum, don’t forget to head outside to the Sculpture Garden while you are there. With more than thirty works of art displayed year-round, the Hirshhorn Museum’s Sculpture Garden and Plaza offer visitors a contemplative haven in the heart of our nation’s capital. Comprising nearly a fourth of Joseph Hirshhorn’s initial gift, sculptures were and remain a critical aspect of the Museum’s identity, and the garden, which opened with the Museum in 1974, provides the perfect setting for a collection of modern sculpture that, at the time, was said to be “without parallel in the world.”

Scan the QR code displayed in the garden for a scavenger hunt of the sculptures to keep your Bambinos entertained and exploring!

Read more about visiting with kids here.

Device-free road trip essentials for families

November 22, 2021

Thanksgiving is right around the corner and typically people hit the road for the holiday. This year being no exception as families may not be comfortable flying and many more will be on the road. We were eager to find some ways to occupy our kids in the car {as we plan our longest road trip yet} that invites them to put down a device for part of the trip.

Travel games:
Scavenger hunt
License plate BINGO
Magnetic puzzles
Guess Who card game
Road trip BINGO
Guess in 10
STEM cube
20 Q electronic game
Fidgets
Sensory toys

Crafts:
Dry erase travel board
Wiki sticks
Vacation activity kit
No-mess glitter dot
Travel pad with a variety of games
Mess-free coloring
Travel journal

Listen to family-friendly Podcasts and books on tape through Audible. I like to pop in my AirPods and listen to a book on tape on car rides– a bit of silence! Also, subscribe to Pinna for children’s audiobooks, music, podcasts and more!

No need for anything–play old school games: I-Spy, 20 questions, Play the license plate game aloud, “I’m going on a trip/picnic and bringing…”, The alphabet game, Who am I? & Round-robin story telling are a few. Just google the names of them to get a refresher on the rules.

Rest stop games: Bring a ball to kick around, throw a jump rope in the car, play Simon Says and try to challenge Simon to be active.

Create a playlist and have a sing-along. You can print some lyrics for kids who can read and they can sing the words.

Give your kids a camera to document their trip. Be sure to stock up on film. This also comes with a photo album they can just put the pictures right into and keep organized on the trip.

Helpful to have:
Car seat lap activity tray
Fill up this container with snacks
Kids travel pillow
Kids headphones that connect to each other
Travel Jane disposable urinal
Portable potty
Wet wipes
Organizer, Cooler & Tray in 1
UV Window shade

Related posts:
8 games to play in the pool + water play must haves!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means that should you click any of the links and make a purchase I may get a small commission at absolutely no cost to you.

34 ways to survive Daylight Savings in and around Washington, DC

November 17, 2021

Most of us dread that date in fall that creeps up and turns our strict routine into havoc; Daylight Savings. For parents, it’s a few months where our time spent outdoors comes to a halt and we wonder how to occupy the remainder of the evening (that used to be so sunny) with our children. And contrary to popular belief, the answer is not an earlier bedtime. Let’s be honest, you can only put on an afternoon movie so many times. Here are a few ideas I’ve compiled from readers as well as my own Daylight Savings adventures to help you get out of the house with your Bambino(s) this fall & winter. Don’t forget to check out our indoor fun guide for even more options!

Ideas for fun outside of your home:

1. Go for a dip at Wilson, Marie Reed or any of DC indoor swimming pools or sign up for swimming lessons at an indoor pool.

2. Bloombars has evening classes such as yoga and Bollywood for kids.

3. Drop by a pet store to observe the animals and maybe see some dogs getting groomed.

4. DC Library holds late afternoon family programs and events. Reserve a room at a public library and have a play date with friends.

5. Isn’t Target obvious?! (Try not to buy everything).

6. Grab a lane and try for a strike at Pinstripes or Bowlero. Dinner is served alongside bowling. Locations in Georgetown, Rockville & Bethesda.

7. Walk around Union Market, grab dinner and shop. Politics & Prose is now located here which is a bonus– get lost in a book or two.

8. Hotel lobbies can be fascinating, especially around the holidays. Plus, they have bathrooms and heat.

9. Get creative at Treehouse Atelier, Red Panda Art Studio, District Dabble Lab, The Loft Collective, Anna Banana or All Fired Up.

10. Child’s Play and Politics and Prose can be great places for your kids to check out new toys and books. Child’s Play has many toys laid out and welcome kids to play with them. Again, try not to buy everything =)

11. Go out to dinner at one of these DC restaurants that offer entertainment for kiddos.

12. Speaking of dinner, there are so many restaurants that offer KIDS EAT FREE throughout the week and weekend. (updating this soon)

13. Grab a flashlight and go on an adventure walk. Bonus if you have time to create a scavenger hunt and if not check out these.

14. Check the bus route and take a random ride. All DC Circulator rides are $1, DC Students (with Kids Ride Free SmarTrip^® Card) – free to school and school-related activities and children under 5 – free (with paying adult rider). Metro is also a fun option!

15. Fairmont Hotel has a piano and a pretty garden, is fairly tolerant of children climbing up and down the stairs and enjoying the lobby’s holiday decorations.

16. Kennedy Center Millennium Stage has free, daily shows that begin at 6:00pm. Catch the show or just part of it, explore and walk the long foyer and look at the mirrors, ramps, etc. Be sure to take a look at the new addition; REACH. Go outside onto the terrace and watch the cars on the bridge or boats on the water.

17. Lace up those skates and go ice skate! (will update to 2021 soon)

18. Enroll in a winter class.

19. Dare I say, grocery shop….but my kids love making lists and my youngest loves pushing the cart while I pick up everything she knocks over with said cart. Bonus– if you know of a store with a fun kid-car or kid-cart (Giant & Trader Joes grocery stores are the only one I can think of).

20. Go see a movie! Splurge for some popcorn and a later bedtime.

21. Happy Hour doesn’t have to wait until 5pm….Early dinner or apps (see #11 & #12).

22. Head to a Mall; head to the Apple store, food court or movie theatre. This Mall has a great family area. Chevy Chase Pavilion is a 3-story mall that will keep little kids attention with flashy lights and escalators and even has an underground tunnel that will take you across Wisconsin Ave. to more stores. Of course Tyson’s Corner is the mecca for shoppers but a trek for most of us.

23. Drop-in and play at The Lane.

24. One of these indoor spaces is a great option but check their hours before heading out.

Ideas for fun in your home in case you can’t escape:

1. Bake or cook something with your Bambino(s). Get some ideas or sign up for a class with Tiny Chefs and Together We Cook.

2. Get bath paints or crayons and let your child get artsy and messy in the bath– bonus they can get clean while having fun. Bath bombs are also a hit especially these with surprises inside!

3. Buy this slime kit so you have it on hand! Make your own play doh or slime. While you’re at it, create a sensory box.

4. Arts and crafts can provide endless fun and messes (put your OCD tendencies aside). This is a great starter box that has plenty of supplies.

5. Put on a play– get out that old camcorder and record them. Your iPhone will suffice too 😉

6. Download some educational apps on your device and set a timer.

7. Have your child help organize/fold socks when you’re doing laundry. My littlest loves to “wash” dishes; fill the sing with plenty of soap and give them a sponge or brush and have them wash those dishes that may have piled up.

8. Make a fort, add pillows and blankets and watch a movie, grab a flashlight and/or read stories.

9. Playdates help the time go by, (unless the kids don’t play together) and in that case you’d rather be doing one of the above mentioned activities.

10. Listen to a podcast or subscribe to Pinna.

STEAM Family Days at ARTECHOUSE

October 27, 2021

ARTECHOUSE has been such a wonderful addition to the art scene in Washington, DC. It is unique in that each exhibit is mesmerizing and limitless with an interactive, technology component. The concepts are engrossing and unusual which makes it that much more appealing.

STEAM Family Days are back at ARTECHOUSE for a limited time. We got the chance to see the newest display at ARTECHOUSE; Life of a Neuron. Just like all of the exhibits they have, it was immersive and interactive. The main room allows guests to sit on cushions and just take in the bright, constantly changing art that is projected on the walls and floor. Our ten year old really found the topic fascinating and had lots of questions. Our six year old was a bit uneasy with the subject matter particularly as the display got closer to the end with faint ambulance noises- closing in on death (just an fyi). All other exhibits we have been to have captured both of my kids attention in a positive light.

When: Family Days are every Tuesday and Wednesday all day

What: Families that book through this link will receive special pricing and an activity guide inspired by the exhibit Life of a Neuron. Through this limited offer all tickets are $17 and Family Packages are $60. Offer not valid the week of Thanksgiving .

About ARTECHOUSE: Started in 2017, ARTECHOUSE is on a mission to stimulate interest in the limitless possibilities of creative innovation and to push the boundaries of what is possible. Since founding we have expanded from our DC location to Miami and NYC—with more locations to come.

About Life of a Neuron: Walk through a neuron—the “thinking cells” of the brain—and witness first-hand the beauty of one of science’s greatest mysteries: the human brain.

Life of a Neuron brings artists and scientists together for a groundbreaking collaboration to explore how the brain shapes the shared human experience. Through collaboration with the Society for Neuroscience and the world’s leading scientists and creatives, this immersive exhibit will allow us to experience a neuron—from pre-birth to death—providing an experiential view of life at a cellular level.

Disney On Ice guest review

October 11, 2021

Disney On Ice’s Mickey’s Search Party has landed in Fairfax, Virginia with its final show October 11 at 1:00pm, and then will be headed to Baltimore, October 13-17. This previous “On Ice” skeptic says run don’t walk to see this show! Performed in the Eagle Bank Arena on George Mason University’s campus, this magical performance showcases amazing choreography and theatrical talents all tied to the new and not-so-new beloved Disney movies.

The premise of Mickey’s Search Party is that the crowd has to help save Tinkerbell and her magic wand after she has been kidnapped by Captain Hook and his crew of pirates. In order to save Tink, Mickey and his Search Party follow a map that takes the audience along for a ride through multiple Disney classics and characters revealing hidden clues that get us closer to freeing Tinkerbell. The performances are tied to a particular Disney movie, include 1-2 songs, and are each uniquely amazing. The first half of the show includes Beauty and the Beast, Toy Story, Moana, and Coco. After a 15 minute intermission, you get to see Peter Pan, Aladdin, Little Mermaid, and the grande finale Frozen.

I had fully expected to be leaving at intermission given that the start time was 7:00 pm and my almost-four-year-old hasn’t shown a propendency to sit through anything for more than an hour. I am happy to report that no one even thought about leaving until the very end. We, parents, grandparents, and toddler alike were locked in and enjoyed every moment. For the older generation, the classics brought back some much needed nostalgia (some tears may have been shed), while the Toy Story, Moana, and Frozen performances were mind blowing for the tots. High-flying acrobatics, stunts, and your favorite tunes make it impossible to look away.

A few things to keep in mind as you plan: (1) parking is free and a breeze at Eagle Bank Arena, (2) strollers are allowed but there’s a valet inside, (3) for every six souvenir stands selling $35-40 bubble wands and stuffed characters there is one vendor selling actual food so eat before or be prepared to stand in line for a bit (have no fear, beer and wine are available), (4) the only time you can get something from your seat is before the show and during intermission and that’s limited to cotton candy, snow cones , lemonade, and popcorn, and (5) I think the sweet spot for the younger crowd is 3 years and older and there is no age too old to enjoy. If you’re on the fence, just pull the trigger on this trip down nostalgia lane.

For ticket prices and to purchase tickets click here.
*Ticket pricing is subject to change based on market demand.

The Walt Disney Company is neither a sponsor nor endorser of this sweepstakes.

Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience in Washington, DC

October 5, 2021

Washington, DC is one of the lucky cities that get to host the Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience, a hot pop-up showing up in select cities and selling out fast! If this is your first “immersive” experience, do not fear, it really is calm and can be enjoyed if you are 2 or 92. Set in a large warehouse space at the Rhode Island Center, you get to witness the magical and beautiful works of Vincent Van Gogh from floor to two-story ceilings and 360-degree. The whole experience takes about an hour and a half, but if you have smaller children with shorter attention spans, you may be running through it faster than you normally would prefer. The first rooms you enter are more of your typical museum setting with some background on the artist and his art, but it’s mixed with some high-tech non-typical eye catching digital displays. You also get to experience a few life size replicas of paintings including Van Gogh’s “The Bedroom,” where you can actually walk into the art and sit on the bed.

The main event though is the largest room with the digital show display covering every inch of the space with beautiful music (though it could be loud for the youngest kids or those with sound sensitivities). There are bean bags, lounge chairs and benches to relax on with no bad seat. Kids are entertained by the art fluttering on the floor and moving on the walls, but the youngest fans probably won’t be able to stay the entire length of the show. It really is magical to be completely surrounded by famous works like “Starry Night” and “Irises” in this new way where the stars are actually twinkling or the flowers are moving as if in the wind.

You then step into a room where adults and kids alike get to test out their Van Gogh skills with coloring pages that can then be scanned and projected on the wall in a frame. For an extra fee, you can enjoy a “virtual reality experience” that puts you into Van Gogh’s world and paintings just by wearing a headset. A gift shop welcomes you at the end with plenty of “Starry Night” printed trinkets to take home.

Details: The exhibit runs from August 2021 to January 2022.

Tickets for adults start at $39.99 and $19.90 for children (children under 4 are free), with family passes available. More information can be found here.

Weekdays: 10am–8pm
Weekends & holidays: 9am–9pm

Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience is all digital, hands free, and perfect for our socially distant world.

Location: Rhode Island Center – 524 Rhode Island Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002.