Escape the crowds and create unforgettable family memories at these spectacular, lesser-known beach destinations! While popular beach destinations certainly have their charm, we are helping our clients discover the magic of hidden gems that offer pristine beaches, authentic culture, and significantly fewer crowds. These destinations provide the perfect blend of relaxation for parents and adventure for kids, all without the hustle and bustle of overtouristed hotspots. Depending on when you want to go, booking NOW provides you with deep discounts compared to waiting until summer is over.

1. St. Lucia: Sugar Beach Resort

Nestled between the iconic Piton mountains, Sugar Beach Resort offers families an extraordinary Caribbean experience without the typical resort crowds. This Viceroy property provides the perfect balance of luxury and family fun.

Why it’s perfect for families:

• Spacious beachfront villas with separate children’s areas
• Calm, protected waters ideal for young swimmers
• Kids’ club with nature-focused activities and Piton hiking adventures for teens
• Multiple dining options accommodating even the pickiest eaters
• Snorkeling equipment and water sports included
• Cultural experiences like chocolate-making workshops using local cacao

2. Dominica: Secret Bay

Often called the “Nature Island of the Caribbean,” Dominica’s Secret Bay offers eco-luxury accommodations that immerse families in one of the Caribbean’s most pristine environments.

Family-friendly highlights:

• Treehouse-style villas that kids absolutely love
• World-class whale watching (humpback whales visit seasonally)
• Guided rainforest adventures and waterfall exploration
• Calm snorkeling bays perfect for beginners
• Educational programs about marine conservation
• Cliff-jumping spots for adventurous teens (supervised)
• Small resort size ensures personalized attention

3. Bonaire: Harbour Village Beach Club

Renowned for its serene ambiance, exceptional diving opportunities, and commitment to sustainability. Nestled on the island’s only private beach, the resort offers an idyllic setting for relaxation and adventure.

What makes it special for families:

• Consistently calm waters protected by natural coral reefs
• Spacious suites with kitchenettes for flexible family dining
• Complimentary snorkel gear and kayaks
• Short walk to authentic local fishing village
• Cultural activities including Dutch colonial history tours
• Safe, family-friendly environment with 24/7 security
• Multiple pool areas for different age groups

4. Grenada: Mount Cinnamon Beach Resort

Perched on a hillside overlooking pristine Grand Anse Beach, Mount Cinnamon offers families a boutique resort experience on Grenada’s most beautiful coastline with breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea.

Family advantages:

• Spacious villa-style accommodations with full kitchens and separate living areas
• Multiple bedroom configurations perfect for multi-generational families
• Private terraces with stunning ocean views from every unit
• Direct beach access to Grand Anse’s two-mile stretch of white sand
• Complimentary shuttle service to nearby attractions and restaurants
• Swimming pool complex with separate children’s area
• Easy access to Grenada’s famous spice plantations and chocolate tours
• Snorkeling equipment and kayaks included for guests
• Walking distance to local restaurants and authentic Caribbean culture
• Safe, family-friendly environment with 24/7 security

5. Antigua: Galley Bay Resort & Spa (Family Villas)

Located on Antigua’s less-developed northwestern coast, Galley Bay offers families a secluded tropical paradise with three-quarter mile of private beach.

Family-friendly features:

• All-inclusive packages that eliminate budget worries
• Supervised kids’ club with Caribbean cultural activities
• Protected lagoon area ideal for young children
• Complimentary water sports including sailing lessons for teens
• Nature walks through tropical bird sanctuary
• Flexible dining with multiple restaurants and room service
• Spacious family accommodations with connecting rooms available

6. Turks and Caicos: Beach House Turks & Caicos

Situated on the quieter Providenciales coastline, this boutique resort offers families an intimate alternative to the island’s larger resorts.

Why families love it here:

• Directly on world-renowned Grace Bay Beach’s quieter section
• Spacious family suites with full kitchens
• Complimentary beach and water sports equipment
• Small resort atmosphere ensures personalized service
• Easy access to conch hunting and shell collecting
• Proximity to excellent family restaurants in nearby Grace Bay
• Safe swimming conditions year-round

7. Anguilla: Zemi Beach House

This luxury resort on Anguilla’s stunning Shoal Bay East provides families with an authentic Caribbean experience in an upscale, uncrowded setting.

Perfect for families because:

• Mile-long stretch of pristine white sand beach
• Multiple villa configurations for large families
• Kids’ club with focus on local culture and marine life
• Calm, clear waters ideal for snorkeling
• Complimentary water sports and beach equipment
• Family-friendly spa treatments
• Easy day trips to nearby islands and cultural sites

8. Belize: Turtle Inn (Francis Ford Coppola Resort)

Located on Placencia Peninsula’s stunning coastline, this intimate beachfront resort offers families an authentic Central American experience with world-class amenities and direct access to the Belize Barrier Reef.

Why it’s exceptional for families:

• Private beachfront cottages with authentic Balinese-inspired design
• Direct access to some of the world’s best snorkeling and diving
• Educational programs about Mayan culture and rainforest ecology
• Adventure excursions to ancient Mayan ruins suitable for all ages
• Guided jungle tours with opportunities to spot howler monkeys and exotic birds
• Fresh, locally-sourced cuisine including kid-friendly options
• Small resort size ensures personalized attention and safety
• English-speaking staff in a country where English is the official language
• Easy access to inland adventures like cave tubing and zip-lining for older kids

9. Belize: Thatch Caye Resort

This private island resort on a 5-acre caye offers families an exclusive experience with overwater bungalows and direct access to the world-renowned Belize Barrier Reef.

Why families love it:

• Private island setting eliminates safety concerns and provides exclusive beach access
• Overwater bungalows create magical experiences kids never forget
• Small resort size (12 cabanas) means personalized attention and easy supervision
• Direct access to Belize Barrier Reef for world-class family snorkeling
• Cultural excursions to Garifuna villages provide educational experiences
• All-inclusive packages remove budget stress for parents
• Kayaking and fishing activities suitable for various age groups
• English-speaking staff in Honduras’ Bay Islands region

10. British Virgin Islands: Scrub Island Resort & Marina

A private island resort that’s much less crowded than Tortola or Virgin Gorda, featuring family-friendly villas and easy access to other BVI islands via their full-service marina.

Perfect for families because:

• Private island location with multiple secluded beaches for family privacy
• Marina access allows easy island-hopping adventures to other BVI locations
• Family villa accommodations with separate bedrooms and living spaces
• Nature trails perfect for family hiking and wildlife spotting (iguanas, tropical birds)
• Multiple pool areas cater to different age groups
• Kids’ club with Caribbean cultural activities and marine education programs
• Safe swimming lagoons protected from ocean swells
• Close proximity to other family attractions like The Baths on Virgin Gorda

11. Mauritius: Heritage Le Telfair Golf & Wellness Resort

Located on Mauritius’ quieter south coast, this Indian Ocean gem offers families pristine beaches without the crowds of the north coast resorts, plus unique cultural experiences.

Exceptional family advantages:

• Located on quieter south coast away from crowded northern resort areas
• Supervised kids’ club with age-appropriate activities and cultural programs
• Multiple swimming pools including dedicated children’s areas
• Protected lagoon with calm, shallow waters ideal for young swimmers
• Easy access to wildlife parks featuring giant tortoises and exotic bird watching
• Cultural village experiences teaching local traditions and crafts
• Family-friendly dining options accommodating various dietary needs
• Spacious family suites with connecting room options
• Year-round tropical climate perfect for beach activities

Ready to discover your family’s perfect hidden beach gem? Contact me to discuss your reservations and take advantage of current specials at these incredible destinations.

Hanukkah begins December 18 this year but festivities start on Dec. 1! There are several ways to get festive in our area from menorah lightings to family Hanukkah parties to ice skating! Edible DC has an amazing round-up of places to get delicious food for your holiday.

Dec. 1 – Jan. 1: Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins at The Puppet Co.
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)? Join us during Hanukkah (December 18 – December 26) to take home a special gift.

Dec. 6 from 6:30pm-8:30pm: Chanukah Holiday Market
Shop handmade goods from independent artists from holiday cards to jewelry to baked goods. It’s Etsy IRL! Back at the EDCJCC and we’re taking over the whole building.

Dec. 11 from 3:00pm-4:00pm: Menorah Workshop at Home Depot
How fun would it be to have a brand new, custom built Menorah for this Chanukah?! Join at the Home Depot for a menorah building workshop! Driedel games! Chocolate gelt coins! And your very own, hand-painted menorah!

Dec. 18 from 3:15pm – 5:45pm: National Menorah Lighting
Hailed by international media as “the most prominent public Chanukah event in the world” the annual lighting ceremony of the National Chanukah Menorah, on the Ellipse, just across from the White House, helps launch and strengthen the celebration of “Chanukah – Festival of Lights” in all 50 states and over 100 countries globally.

Dec. 18 from 5:00pm-6:00pm: The Wharf Lighting of the Menorah
The Wharf is continuing the annual tradition of lighting the menorah in District Square for each night of Hanukkah. Come to The Wharf to celebrate the Festival of Lights.

Dec. 18 from 6:00pm-7:00pm: Kensington’s Annual Menorah Lighting
Join the fun including the lights, music and treats.

Dec. 18 at 6:30pm: Chanukah Festival in Old Town, Alexandria
Join to celebrate the holiday of Chanukah! Enjoy delicious latkes, hot cocoa, gelt and more!

Dec. 19 from 7:00pm-8:30pm Chanukah Holiday Party
Join your friends for a festive night of celebrating Chanukah at the JCC! We will light candles, enjoy holiday music, play dreidel, and participate in other fun Chanukah-themed activities. Feel free to invite friends and family to come celebrate with you as well!

Dec. 20 from 5:00pm-6:00pm: Community Menorah Lighting
It’s Chanukah time – and they’re bringing the celebration to you! Join as they light the candles, sing songs, enjoy entertainment, spin the dreidel and more!

Dec. 20 at 6:00pm: Light Up Arlington
Experience the festival of lights at Clarendon Menorah Lighting and Community Celebration when they light a giant 9 foot Menorah. Enjoy delicious hot potato latkes, hot cocoa, donuts, chocolate gelt and dreidels for all. There will also be lively Chanukah music!

Sign up for PJ Library! You will receive free Jewish storybooks delivered each month! PJ Library sends curated, award-winning storybooks and activities for kids from birth through age 12. They have a complete Hanukkah Hub.

Related posts
Holiday gift guide and stocking stuffers
Gift guide
2022 guide to holiday shows, ballets and concerts in and around Washington, DC
Christmas trees, lights and holiday markets
Toys & games that are educational
Indoor & outdoor must-haves
Subscription boxes for children
Holiday tea

The Drive-In at Union Market – Washington, DC
Roll down the windows, feel that summer breeze and turn up the radio because the 10th annual Drive-In at Union Market is back. A DC “must-do,” the series of six movies will launch the second Friday of every month through October 14. Movie audio will be transmitted through an FM transmitter on the radio. As always, all movies are shown with open captioning. Each movie showing costs $20 per car. “Sold Out” means that all 170 parking spaces have been reserved.

• July 8: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
• Aug. 12: Dirty Dancing
• Sept. 9: Encanto
• Oct. 14: Black Panther

Starlight Cinema – Fairfax, VA
Welcome to another exciting season of Starlight Drive-in Cinema. These movie nights bring the community together and nurture community spirit with features that appeal to both children and adults. The 2022 season provides four movies, free for the public to enjoy. The atmosphere is relaxed and informal so feel free to bring a picnic, blanket and chairs, and enjoy the movies.

• Aug 6: Luca
• Aug 13: Encanto
• Aug 20: Rocknoceros
• Aug 27: The Mitchells vs The Machines

DC Party Box – Bethesda, MD
This drive-in theatre offers two showings on Thursday and Friday as well as daytime and evening showings on Saturday and Sunday. They feature a family friendly showing early and a more mature showing later. The theatre follows CDC required social distancing and currently guests have to remain in their vehicle and no more than 50 cars are admitted in.

Movies in the Park – Montgomery County, MD
Get outside this summer and get into Rockville’s free outdoor movies in the parks on the big screen. Bring chairs, blankets, food and non-alcoholic beverages, and enjoy four different movies at four different neighborhood parks throughout the city. Movies begin at dusk (approximately 8 p.m.) and are free.  

• Aug. 3: Parent Trap at Rockville Town Center Park
• Aug. 10: The Boss Baby at Montrose Park
• Aug. 17: The Secret Life of Pets at Potomac Woods Park
• Aug. 24: Shrek at Calvin Park

Bengie’s Drive-In – Middle River, MD
The BIGGEST movie theatre screen in the USA! Bengie’s offers TriPPPle features almost every Friday and Saturday night, DouBBle features on Sunday night with non-stop projection. The show always begins with the National Anthem. In between movies, they play intermission clips, classic cartoons, and vintage trailers. On Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends, they have Dusk till Dawn, All Nite Shows!

Summer Movies on the Lawn
The Library of Congress will host its fifth annual “Summer Movies on the Lawn” outdoor film festival this summer, starting July 7. The series of movies from the Library’s National Film Registry will be presented Thursday evenings at sundown on the southeast lawn of the Library’s Thomas Jefferson Building. Film screenings will include open captions. Music will be presented prior to each film, with live performances on July 7, July 21 and Aug. 4. 

• July 7: “Top Gun” (1986) (2015 National Film Registry)
• July 14: “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” (1971) (2014 National Film Registry)
• July 21: “Rocky” (2006 National Film Registry)
• July 28: “Mary Poppins” (2013 National Film Registry)
• Aug. 4: “Wall-E” (2021 National Film Registry)

The series is a feature of the new Library after hours experience, Live at the Library. From 5 – 8 p.m. on Thursday evenings, visitors are invited to enjoy happy hour drinks and snacks available for purchase in the Great Hall overlooking the Capitol and the Thomas Jefferson Building’s beautiful architecture while immersing themselves in the Library’s exhibits, collections and programs. Free timed-entry passes for entrance to the Thomas Jefferson Building are required and can be reserved here.

Summer Night Series – Cabin John, MD
Starting June 10, “Movies Under the Stars” will screen every second Friday on the plaza. Film lovers can watch their favorite flicks on the outdoor screen while sitting picnic-style in Cabin John Village’s plaza. Live music and kids’ activities available from 6:30 pm. Free and open to the public

• July 8: Sunset-Sister Act, movie starts at 8:30 pm
• Aug. 12: Encanto, movie starts at 8:00 pm
• Sept. 9: Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, movie starts at 7:30 pm

Family Drive-In – Stephens City, VA
This is a two screen, 65 year old classic, 484 car drive-in theatre. They offer movie sound via the traditional speakers or via stereo sound (through your car radio). There is a concession stand that offers theatre snacks or full meals. The space has a playground and is pet friendly.

Sunset Cinema at the Wharf – Washington, DC
Get your family and friends together this summer to watch a movie on the big screen. Join on Thursdays along the waterfront for Sunset Cinema at The Wharf—outdoor movies on the Transit Pier big screen, presented by Pacifico Beer. Each movie begins at 7:30pm. No reservations or tickets are needed—just show up, grab a seat, and enjoy a free movie outdoors. Seats are available on a first come, first serve basis. We’ll have drinks and snacks available at the Cantina Bambina concession window and you can bring in food (but not drinks) from any Wharf restaurant.

• June 23: Best in Show
• June 30: Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle
• July 14: A League of Their Own
• July 21: Girls Trip
• July 28: Top Gun
• Aug. 11: Spider Man: No Way Home
• Aug. 18: Crazy Rich Asians
• Aug. 25: Summer of Soul

Bethesda Outdoor Movies – Bethesda, MD
Enjoy three nights of blockbuster hits at downtown Bethesda’s 18th annual outdoor movie series!  Show times begin at 9pm at the corner of Norfolk & Auburn Avenues. A limited number of chairs will be provided – please bring your own lawn chairs. Admission is FREE! Spend an enjoyable evening in Woodmont Triangle and have dinner at one of the neighborhood’s delicious and diverse restaurants before the show!

• July 28: Dirty Dancing
• July 29: Mama Mia!
• July 30: Knives Out

Pack your chairs, grab food to go from one of the delicious dining establishments, and meet on the Plaza’s big screen for a *FREE* evening of fun for all ages!

Movie Night in the Park at the UDC Amphitheater – Van Ness, DC
The park will be open one hour before showtime to select your seats and enjoy food and drinks before (or during!) the show. Seating is limited and will be based on capacity limits provided by UDC. When you RSVP to the event, you will receive a reminder 2 days prior to the event and you’ll receive notification if the event is postponed due to weather. Tickets for all showings will be released approx 3 weeks prior to showtime.

• July 13: Remember the Titans
• July 20: Space Jam: A New Legacy
• Sept. 23: Encanto

The DowntownDC Summer Flicks – Franklin Park, DC
CAN I KICK IT? movie series returns for its fifth season, and this year, the DowntownDC BID and Shaolin Jazz are bringing the outdoor cinematic experience to its new home: Franklin Park! This free event series begins June 7 and will run every Tuesday evening through July 26. Join for action-packed films, live DJs, treats from Whole Foods Market, and more. Seating starts at 7:30 PM, when you can enjoy music by Shaolin Jazz’s own DJ 2-Tone Jones and other special guests. Movies start at sunset.

• June 21: Passenger 57 
• June 28: Spider-Man: No Way Home 
• July 5: House of the Flying Daggers 
• July 12: The Warriors 
• July 19: Black Widow 
• July 26: Rush Hour

Mosaic – Strawberry Park, VA
Films in the Park are every Thursday evening at 7 PM through August 25 for the perfect date night under the stars. Film lovers can watch their favorite flicks on the larger-than-life outdoor screen while sitting picnic-style in Strawberry Park. All movies are shown rain or shine unless otherwise noted.

• June 23: In & Out
• June 30: The Birdcage
• July 7: Clifford The Big Red Dog
• July 14: In The Heights
• July 21: Dating & New York
• July 28: Dog
• Aug. 4: Spider-Man: No Way Home
• Aug. 11: Encanto
• Aug. 18:  Under the Stadium Lights
• Aug. 25: F9 | The Fast & Furious Saga

Adam’s Morgan Movie Nights – Adams Morgan, DC
Voted as one of the best outdoor movie series in DC by readers of the Washington City Paper, Adams Morgan Movie Nights is a can’t-miss event!This year’s series focuses on “The Road Less Traveled,” showcasing movies that find our heroes on a quest of one sort or another. Series runs from May-June.

• June 28: Queen of the Capital [RESCHEDULED from 6/7]

Movies on the Potomac at National Harbor –
Pack your chairs, grab food to go from one of the delicious dining establishments, and meet on the Plaza’s big screen for a *FREE* evening of fun for all ages! Family Movie Nights: Sundays at 6pm | Date Night Movies: Thursdays at 7pm

• June 26: The Great Outdoors
• July 3: Lady & The Tramp
• July 10: Ratatouille
• July 17: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
• July 24: Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory
• July 31: James & the Giant Peach
• Aug. 7: Newsies
• Aug. 14: Nanny McPhee
• Aug. 21: Annie (2014)
• Aug. 28 :The Jungle Book ( 1967)
• Sept. 4: An American Tail
• Sept. 11: Miracle
• Sept. 18: American Underdog: The Kurt Warner Story
• Sept. 22: A League of their Own
• Sept. 29: Minari

Happy Mother’s Day to all!! We’ve found some fun things families can do together this weekend. It is going to be a wet and cold weekend in Washington, DC. Perhaps breakfast in bed with a movie marathon or game day is in the books. If you are okay going to indoor places, scroll all the way down for ideas.

Friday and Saturday you can head to the National Cathedral for the Flower Mart. In addition to the flower sales, there will be performances, children’s rides and games, craft booths and food for sale.

Friday and Saturday The Kennedy Center invites you to be their guest at Disney Princess: The Concert. Broadway’s Belle, Jasmine, Anastasia, and Nala sing your favorite Disney Princess songs and share exclusive, hilarious, and heartfelt behind-the-scenes stories from their time portraying princesses on the stage and screen.

All weekend long you can head to the US Arboretum for the Bonsai Festival. The Potomac Bonsai Association’s Annual Bonsai Festival returns to the National Arboretum. The festival will include an exhibition of bonsai by PBA members in the courtyard of the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum, formal bonsai displays in the Museum’s exhibits gallery, vendors, workshops, demonstrations, and more! Click link above for the events each day.

Saturday:

10:00am-4:00pm: Around the World Embassy Tour.
Embassies will open their doors to DC visitors and residents the first two Saturdays in May 2022 for Around the World Embassy Tour.  Participants can travel the world as they experience the food, art, dance, fashion, and music of different countries. In the past, visitors have been treated to karate demonstrations, dance performances, sari wrapping lessons and more!

10:00am-1:00pm: Maker Morning: Performance Party at Hirshhorn
Bring your most creative self and meet us on the third level of the museum for a morning filled with performance and celebration. Participate in a workshop with local artist Nicoletta de la Brown. Join our friends from DC Public Library to celebrate books and reading. Create a bold accessory, dance in a performance art parade, and make your own crown to take home! 

10:00am or 10:30am: Brunch on the Go
Back by popular demand! We’re partnering with Pacers to produce a cardio club for the brunching set. Treat yourself to bubbles and brunch with your walking/running crew. Also taking place on May 14 & 21. Cardio options: 10:00 AM: 2 mile walk or 5 mile run or 10:30 AM: 2 mile walk or 5 mile run. Participating Yards Restaurants: La Famosa, Osteria Morini and Chloe.

11:00am-5:00pm: Funk Parade Day Festival
Music lovers can bounce between four music activation sites that will feature live, outdoor music.

11:30am-12:30pm: Patterns Here, There, Everywhere! at The National Building Museum
Patterns are everywhere! They help us remember what comes next and organize things in the spaces we use.  Learn to understand patterns that make up the built environment and decode information about the world around you! Your participant ticket includes access to all of the Museum’s exhibitions on this specified date. Additional exhibit tickets must be purchased separately. Ticket sales end at midnight the night before.

Sunday:

1:00pm-4:00pm: Mother’s Day at Mount Vernon
Join the Mother of our Country, Martha Washington, for Mother’s Day at Mount Vernon! Lady Washington will receive guests in the Interpretive Center from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Indoor ideas:

US Botanic Garden
Hirshhorn: One with Eternity Yayoi Kusama exhibit
ARTECHOUSE: Pixelbloom
Bowl with the family and have brunch
Paint pottery at All Fired Up
Smithsonian FUTURES or any Smithsonian Museum

Make a donation to DC Diaper Bank and support other Mom’s

One with Eternity: Yayoi Kuama at the Hirshhorn
Follow us along on Instagram on Friday as we experience the exhibit!
The Hirshhorn has been collecting the prolific work of Yayoi Kusama since 1996. Our 2017 survey of her work traveled to five North American art museums, introducing Kusama’s spellbinding visions to record audiences. Next up: an exhibition of her five works in our permanent collection, including two of the artist’s transcendent Infinity Mirror Rooms, sculptures, an early painting, and photographs of the artist. One with Eternity: Yayoi Kusama in the Hirshhorn Collection is a tribute to the life and practice of this visionary artist. Owing to the nature of the artwork, free same-day Timed Passes will be distributed daily at the Museum starting at 9:30 am throughout the run of the upcoming exhibition. Learn more. Exhibiting through Nov. 27.

U.S. Botanic Garden has finally re-opened!! The Conservatory is open 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. daily. Timed tickets are not required and is free to enter.

Smithsonian FUTURES is part exhibition, part festival!. FUTURES presents nearly 32,000 square feet of new immersive site-specific art installations, interactives, working experiments, inventions, speculative designs, and “artifacts of the future,” as well as historic objects and discoveries from 23 of the Smithsonian’s museums, major initiatives, and research centers. Of the nearly 150 objects on view, several are making their public debut: an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven rover from Alphabet’s X that could transform agriculture; a Planetary Society space sail for deep space travel; a Loon internet balloon; the first full-scale Buckminster Fuller geodesic dome built in North America; the world’s first controlled thermonuclear fusion device; and more.

ARTECHOUSE is pleased to announce its fifth annual cherry blossom-inspired exhibition, PIXELBLOOM. An ARTECHOUSE original production, the immensely popular spring program that runs as part of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, pushes the boundaries of immersive digital art, inviting visitors to jump into the metaverse and glide through a virtual world of cherry blossoms brought to life only at ARTECHOUSE. PIXELBLOOM merges the digital and physical worlds in a one-of-a-kind dynamic experience inspired by nature’s beauty. The main 22-minute audiovisual installation in the Immersion Gallery employs an 18-channel, 270° floor-to-wall surround projection array and a 22.5-channel spatialized audio system to breathe a new ARTECHOUSE life into cherry blossoms in peak bloom through an explosion of vibrant colors and textures, intensifying the cherry blossoms’ allure in a way that is only possible in a virtual environment.

Thomas & Friends™: Explore the Rails! is at National Children’s Museum through May 15. Step into the world of Thomas & Friends™ in our new exhibit, which features favorite engines and destinations from the popular children’s series alongside playful STEAM learning experiences. As Dreamers help Thomas and his engine friends Percy and Victor solve a variety of challenges, they’ll build foundational STEAM skills, like thinking mathematically and creatively, making comparisons, experimenting to solve problems, and reflecting on actions and results. Recommended for children ages 2-7, the exhibit features text in both English and Spanish.

Saturday
9:30am-4:30pm: Spring Gardening at the National Children’s Museum
Every spring, the National Cherry Blossom Festival takes place in Washington, DC, to honor the history and friendship between the United States and Japan. In celebration of this year’s festival, we will make and decorate plant pots using recycled newspaper and folding techniques inspired by the Japanese origami art form. Then, Dreamers will plant a seed in their pot and take it home to continue to care for it. This program will take place in the Tinkerers Studio and is included in the price of Museum admission. Recommended for ages 3+.

9:30am: Saturday Morning at The National Theatre: Life Now Connecting
LIFE NOW by Imagine U features original content designed for young viewers and families to explore new ideas and simply have fun together! Created by a company of artists with roots in theatre for young audiences, each episode is a mix of music, movement, crafts, and storytelling. Imagine U is a popular performance series geared toward families with young children presented by Northwestern University’s Virginia Wadsworth Wirtz Performing Arts Center. Productions spark imaginations, create fun, build community, and strengthen families. In 2020 as a result of the pandemic, Imagine U created Imagine U Storytime where Northwestern theater students, faculty, and alumni share weekly stories for young audiences on the Northwestern University Wirtz Center YouTube channel.

10:00am & 11:15am: Mother Goose at Imagination Stage
Humpty Dumpty, Old King Cole, the Itsy Bitsy Spider, and more come to life through adorably engaging puppets and props. The magical Mother Goose invites your little ones to join in with each rhyme’s story. Mother Goose is best for ages 1-5.

12:00pm-10:00pm: Petals in the Park
Attendees will be greeted by the Petal Promenade as they enter Franklin Park. Followed by a lively arts stage celebrating the performers of DC and Japan, inclusive of roaming artists, and competitive lawn games area featuring croquet and badminton. Local Artist area featuring live art activation and local artisan vendors. Picnic Baskets available for pre-purchase where ticketed guests can reserve, in advance, to enjoy the garden party, with friends and family in the park. Attendees will have the option to purchase different packages but there will be free elements to the event.

1:00pm-2:30pm: Into the Woods at Frying Pan Park
Celebrate the National Cherry Blossom festival with this free event at Frying Pan Farm Park. We invite you to trek on our nature trail to experience the changes of spring. Visit stations peppered throughout the trail to build a fairy house, discuss woodland creatures, and search for critters in the soil and water. Enjoy Japanese teas at the historic Frying Pan Meeting House.

2:00pm-9:00pm: Bloomaroo at the Wharf
Visit The Wharf on April 2, 2022 for Bloomaroo®, a free spring extravaganza featuring a full day of cherry-blossom themed art, music, fireworks, and family-friendly fun along the waterfront! Enjoy beer gardens on District pier, a pop-up roller skating rink, s’mores at our firepit, and live music. We’ll cap it all off with our blossom fireworks finale.

Sunday
10:00am & 11:15am: Mother Goose at Imagination Stage
Humpty Dumpty, Old King Cole, the Itsy Bitsy Spider, and more come to life through adorably engaging puppets and props. The magical Mother Goose invites your little ones to join in with each rhyme’s story. Mother Goose is best for ages 1-5.

12:00pm-6:00pm: Sakura Sunday at National Harbor
This is a free festival that will feature a wide array of activities including Japanese market, cultural performances, art, culinary demonstrations, and much.

Plan Ahead:
Applications for Acton Children’s Business Fair of Washington, DC will be open until 8pm on Monday, April 4!

Tudor Tots Workshops: April 20, May 18 & June 15

Family Workshops at The Phillips Collection: April 9 & May 14

National Postal Museum- Baseball America’s Home Run: April 9

NSO Music for Young Audiences: Super Cello! (World Premiere): April 9-10
Music to the rescue! The city is safe with the help of a unique cellist: professional musician by day, superhero by night. SCOTTIE ROWELL of Atlanta’s TELLER PRODUCTIONS and NSO cellist DAVID TEIE unite to tell a fantastic story using puppets, props, and plenty of music to help a very super musician save the day. Sunday, April 10 at 4pm is a sensory friendly performance. Most enjoyed by 3+.

Blippi The Musical: June 25
Blippi The Musical is on tour across North America, with two performances in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, June 25, 2022 at 2:00pm and 6:00pm.  Blippi The Musical is set to bring the vivacious, energetic, and educational children’s character from the screen to the stage for an all-ages extravaganza of fun, dancing, singing and meeting amazing new friends onstage.

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