Weekend Picks – Page 13

Weekend picks for families and more

July 10, 2020

If you were late to buy tickets to Union Market’s sold out drive-in, have no fear. Park Up DC is a pop-up drive in at RFK starting July 17!

If you are looking for some at home art, Hirshhorn Kids at Home gives you great ideas each week.

Friday, Saturday and Sunday:
8:30pm: Tino’s Pizzeria presents movie night on the patio. All weekend long they will be showing Meet the Parents (PG-13). Tino’s is thrilled to invite all of you for an opportunity for some socially-distanced summer fun right on our front porch. They have chairs and tables set up on the patio between Tino’s and Uptown Cinema with a movie starting at 8:30pm. Grab a friend, some pizza, a fresh Tino’s cocktail, and sit back and relax.

Sunday:
1:00pm: The BeatBuds’ Virtual BeatBASH! – Live, 360° Interactive Experience
Kids and families around the world can experience a live BeatBuds performance as a 360° interactive experience in the comfort of their own homes with the first-ever virtual BeatBASH. CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS. A portion of the proceeds from this concert will be donated to Rock The Vote.

All weekend and beyond:
Food Drive: National United Methodist Church, 3401 Nebraska Ave. NW, is holding a drive-through Food Drive this Saturday, July 11 from 9am- 1pm in the parking lot of the Metropolitan Memorial campus. Please bring non-perishable food items, including canned food (especially meat), cereal, and single-serve items. No glass jars or expired items. Food will be donated to food pantries operated by two of our Campus Kitchen DC partner churches, Community UMC in Petworth and Hughes Memorial UMC in Deanwood. Email with questions.

Pick your own fruit and vegetables

Get outdoors

Smithsonian’s Summer Road Trip provides you with a 40 page activity guide. Learners are encouraged to let their minds wander and embark on a road trip to the Smithsonian museums in Washington, D.C., making stops along the way to visit an artist’s gallery, explore local cuisine, learn about the local wildlife, and much more.

ARTECHOUSE has opened their doors again. ARTECHOUSE DC brings back Spring with Hanami: Beyond the Blooms, inviting visitors to enter an immersive digital world of spring re-imagined. Familiarize yourself with our new safety protocols here. Please note admission is limited and a timed ticket is required for entrance. For safety reasons, the AR Bar remains closed.

Reopened:
International Spy Museum
National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden
DC’s Museum of the Bible
U.S. National Arboretum
Glenstone Museum
The Carlyle House
The Lee-Fendall House Museum and Garden
George Washington’s Mount Vernon
The Cold War Museum
The Fauquier History Museum at the Old Jail
B&O Railroad Museum
The National Museum of Civil War Medicine
Hillwood Estate, Museum & Garden
Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens
Boathouses

Looking ahead:
Legendary children’s musician Laurie Berkner invites everyone to join her for a special “Dinosaur Beach Party” Virtual Family Concert. This LIVE interactive performance for the whole family will take place on Sunday, August 9 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Laurie’s website: HERE.

Weekend activities, reopened museums and virtual fun in and around Washington, DC

June 26, 2020

We are excited to share a new weekend picks post; the last one we published was in March! Washington, DC is officially in Phase 2 of reopening the city. You may see summer camps adjusting their original plans, playgrounds are now open and restaurants are adopting safeguards as they begin serving.

Friday
5:30pm – 6:30pm: My Gym Bethesda & Potomac Kid’s Night In
A special one-hour “evening” event where kids will spend time together on Zoom enjoying games, puppet shows, story time, and more with their favorite teachers. Perfect for ages 3 to 10 years (Younger or older siblings are welcome to participate). Members $10 per family, Non-Members – $15 per family.

8:30pm: Tino’s Pizzeria presents movie night on the patio
Tino’s is thrilled to invite all of you for an opportunity for some socially-distanced summer fun right on our front porch. Beginning this past Wednesday and again on FRIDAY (6/26) evenings, and continuing on Wednesday and Friday evenings after that, they will have chairs and tables set up on the patio between Tino’s and Uptown Cinema with a movie starting at 8:30pm. Grab a friend, some pizza, a fresh Tino’s cocktail, and sit back and relax.

Sunday
8:30am-1:30pm: Dupont Circle Farmers Market faced backlash about the lack of diversity at the market and welcomed four new black vendors last weekend: Dodo Farms produce, organic Fight Juice, vegetarian/vegan foods vendor Sexy Vegie, and Cajun/Creole kitchen Puddin’.

All weekend
18th Street in Adam’s Morgan will close traffic and is open to pedestrians and bikes this weekend and also will be open for dining, shopping and drinking.

Reopened
International Spy Museum
National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden
DC’s Museum of the Bible
U.S. National Arboretum
Glenstone Museum
The Carlyle House
The Lee-Fendall House Museum and Garden
George Washington’s Mount Vernon
The Cold War Museum
The Fauquier History Museum at the Old Jail
B&O Railroad Museum
The National Museum of Civil War Medicine
Hillwood Estate, Museum & Garden (open to the public on Saturday)

Virtual
Smithsonian Folklife Festival goes beyond the Mall this year and has a list of great virtual events.

Saturday 1:00pm-4:00pm: Rosé All Day at The Yards
The unofficial kick-off to summer! This year, Rosé All Day has been reimagined—celebrating National Rosé Day Live on Instagram. They’ve got all the essentials for a rosé-filled party with your (literal) closest friends. Rosé All Day party kits will feature 1, 2, or 3 bottles of rosé from restaurants at The Yards and include a curated box of rosé-themed party starters. Every hour they’ll give away $100 gift cards live on Instagram for the most Insta-worthy and PINK party accents.

Sunday 11:00am-12:00pm: Groovin’ with CityDance
Join virtually for family fun day with CityDance POP!. Instructors will teach your family the dances from your children’s favorite movies and songs via Zoom. Get excited for a weekly family dance party in the comfort of your home! We will be Groovin’ as we learn iconic choreography from Hairspray’s, “You Can’t Stop The Beat.”

News
DC kids and teens under 18 have access to free meals at various DPR locations this summer

Bakers against racism raises over $1.6 million for racial justice

Recent posts
Trails, marshes and gardens
Beach and state parks
Overnight trips
Outdoor post

Weekend picks and Mother’s Day ideas

May 8, 2020

So this year Mother’s Day looks like none other but the day still holds the same meaning– love on the Mama’s! We have found a few virtual events and then supplemented with some ideas to make the day special– this year you may have to be more creative to make the day as special as she deserves. Here’s a cute tribute to Mom’s from CBS News.

Saturday
10:15am: Strathmore Family Jam Session: Discover the Blues with Mark G. Meadows
Join jazz pianist, singer/songwriter, and music director, Mark G. Meadows, as he breaks down the blues and its influence on all of American Music. Through storytelling, call and response, and performance, Mark will make blues artists out of everyone by the end of the jam session!

11:00am-11:30am: Dino Drawing
Parents, take a breather and allow your kids to hang out dinosaurs for a bit. The National Museum of Natural History and some of the world’s top paleoartists—no, that’s not a diet—will help guide your little ones through their very own sketch of a dinosaur. As participants draw, they’ll get to ask these experts questions about how they use science to create realistic artwork on the dinosaurs. The weekly series, which begins Saturday, will feature a new dinosaur each week and is FREE.

11:00am-11:45am: Stories on the Horizon: Blossoming Together from Arts on the Horizon
Parents/Caregivers join their little ones for this virtual class where we will grow and blossom together through the use of songs and movement. Stretch out your leaves and reach towards the springtime sun! Best for children ages 9 months to 2.5 years old.

May 8-11 Hillwood Estate, Museum & Garden will be sharing the best of the New York International Children’s Film Festival’s short films with you. (View the trailer here.) With these hour-long screenings, you can bring artful, inspired storytelling and hilarity to your home screen. Two short film programs are available, Kid Flicks One recommended for ages 3+, and Kid Flicks Two for ages 8+. Enjoy high-quality films as a family, and continue the fun with coloring pages, art projects, games, and more when you Explore Hillwood from Home. Be sure to try out the following activities, inspired by Marjorie Post’s use of her pavilion to screen first-run films.

Maryland has now expanded opportunities for outdoor exercise and recreation which include beaches, boating, camping, fishing, horseback riding, hunting/trapping, off-road vehicles and shooting ranges all with specific conditions.

The Yards has just the thing for every mom – and everyone. Explore special menus and gifts. Plus, what better way to celebrate mom than with sundae fun? Join Ice Cream Jubilee founder and super-mom Victoria Lai, as she shakes things up with a spiked ice cream recipe guaranteed to make the day that much sweeter.

The Lane Social Club has put together an all-inclusive kit, so you can have Mother’s Day in the Ba g.

The Creative Kitchen in NYC has many virtual offerings! They have a special “Mother’s Day Weekend Breakfast for Dinner” class or you can sign up for a private family cooking class! Freshmade NYC also has virtual cooking classes!

Ideas to make Mama feel the love:
-Make breakfast in bed or even just deliver a coffee and newspaper. Treat her to homemade pop tarts because we are all over banana bread.
–Support your local community and order dinner in and/or pick-up curbside or contactless delivery
-Turn off electronics for the day
-Homemade cards are the best
-Give an Audible subscription or send her a Kindle book
-Take the kids out of the house and leave Mom in a quiet home
-Clean up the kitchen or do laundry– even better teach your kids to do both!
-Have a “spa day” and make DIY masks and bath bombs and do her nails
-Plant flowers or weed the yard
-Have a social distance happy hour if you have the space– invite Mom friends over and bring your own drinks, snacks and chair
-Picnic in your backyard and create a fun playlist

Ways to celebrate your Mom:
-Organize a drive-by if you live close to your Mom and decorate her driveway with chalk and leave gifts
-Schedule a Zoom call with family members and/or friends and share something special with the Moms like a story, recommend a podcast or show a special photo. You could even enjoy a meal together over a Zoom call.
-Invite your Mom to come park in front of your house and wash her car while she keeps her distance

Enjoy this coloring sheet from District Dabble Lab! Click on the image to print it out.

Weekend picks for families in and around Washington, DC

March 6, 2020

Nowruz: A Persian New Year Celebration at Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, Freer Gallery of Art

123 Andrés is at The Kennedy Center this weekend! You won’t want to miss this interactive, bilingual show. Join Andrés and Christina on an exciting cultural exploration of Latin America through an introduction of language, music, and dance. Families sing, shake, and sound out.

Saturday

10:00am-11:00am: First Studio at the Kreeger Museum
Children, ages 3-5, are invited to use their imaginations as they explore the paintings, sculpture, and architecture of The Kreeger Museum. Read about our experience from 2015, here.

10:00am: Marsha & The Positrons at The Avalon
Marsha and the Positrons are back with their fun songs about science and how the world works! Expect an interactive show where audiences can sing & dance along and make fun memories experiencing the joy of live music!

10:30am-2:00pm: 39th annual Alexandra St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Dog Show
Don your green and line King Street to kick off the region’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Parade-goers come early at 10:30am for the Fun Dog Show on Market Square

10:30am: Saturday Song Circle at Imagination Stage: Good Night, Good Night Construction Site
You and your child are invited to a fun, interactive musical experience! An Early Childhood Teaching Artist explores a popular children’s book with your family through song and musical instruments, and you will receive a list of all the songs to practice at home.

11:00am: Spies in Disguise at AMC Mazza
FREE showing, grab tickets at link above.

5:00pm-7:00pm: JFamily playtime and Havdalah at The LANE
Celebrate the end of Shabbat and the start of a new week with JFamily at the brand new Lane Social Club! The Lane is a family social club that is meant to be a space that’s fun for the whole family. The space is complete with play structures, toys and activities for kids as well as comfortable seating, food and drinks (real drinks!) and activities for adults. The afternoon will include open play, story time, delicious snacks and a family Havdalah service! Children of all ages are welcome to join and participate in the play (and adults too!).

Sunday

Cancelled 10:00am-5:00pm: Ethiopia Day at KID Museum
Visitors will celebrate the culture, crafts, and flavors of Ethiopia as they explore traditional forms of making, experience Ethiopian art and music, take part in cultural rituals, enjoy performances, sample traditional Ethiopian foods, and more. As always, visitors can drop in any time and stay as long as they like. Same day tickets may be purchased at the front desk. General admission costs $12 and includes one child and two adults.

10:00am-11:30am: Family fun Harambe at Capital Cider House
Harambee has become a DC institution and a cultural/moral compass for thousands of parents and youth over the past decade. Harambee, which means “all pull together” in Swahili, is the practice of hope, possibility and compassion – basically, all the things that happen when we all come together. Full food and drink menus will be available.

10:00am-12:00pm: Family Purim Carnival
When was the last time you dressed up like a queen or king? Now is your chance – the EDCJCC’s Purim Carnival is the perfect time for children and adults to dress up and celebrate this festive annual holiday! Join the carnival games, arts & crafts, hamantaschen (yummy Purim treats), and a community service project! Don’t forget your costume! Little ones are welcome at this Carnival but it’s geared towards ages 3-6. Tickets are $20 for a member family ticket, $25 for a non-member family ticket and $30 at the door.

11:00am-5:00pm: Nowruz: A Persian New Year Celebration at Freer|Sackler Gallery
Ring in the Persian New Year at our twelfth annual Nowruz celebration! Celebrate Persian culture and the arrival of spring with free attractions for all ages, including performances, storytelling, hands-on activities, and more.

11:00am: Sunday Funday at Imagination Stage: Roaring Rockets
Your favorite stories come to life through dramatic play activities, music, movement, and visual art. Each session you leave with a special take-home item we used or created that day, as well as a Parent Pack to extend the experience at home. These popular workshops are themed around beloved children’s books.

Weekend theatre–
The Snowy Day and Other Stories by Ezra Jack Keats at Adventure Theatre through April 5
Zomo the Rabbit: A Hip-Hop Creation Myth at Imagination Stage through March 22
Thumbelina at Imagination Stage through April 5
Hear Me Say My Name at Discovery Theater
Beauty & The Beast at The Puppet Co through March 29
Magic Toyshop at The Puppet Co Tiny Tots

GIVEAWAY: There is still time to enter to win tickets to see the Harlem Globetrotters!

1, 2, 3 Andrés performs at the Kennedy Center this weekend

March 3, 2020

The Latin Grammy-winning duo, 123 Andrés, will perform family concerts at The Kennedy Center on Saturday, March 7 and Sunday, March 8.

These highly interactive and bilingual events are free and will delight children ages 3-8 and their families. Before each concert, kids may explore the instruments that the artists will be playing during the show. Tickets ($20) are available now from the Kennedy Center box office.

123 Andrés has been featured by NPR’s “Alt Latino,” Univisión, SiriusXM and other outlets, and Billboard called them “Rock stars for little language learners.” 123 Andrés’ concerts have gained them a national following among the Latinx and Spanish-speaking bilingual community for their warm, interactive style that beckons children and adults alike.

https://soundcloud.com/123andresmusica/sets/canta-las-letras

123 Andrés (pronounced uno, dos, tres Andrés), is the husband-wife team of Andrés Salguero and Christina Sanabria, and they’ve reached millions of families through their YouTube channel and award-winning albums including Latin Grammy winner Arriba Abajo, and Latin Grammy nominees ¡Uno, dos tres con Andrés! and Canta las Letras. “We want our songs and concerts to make learning joyful,” said Christina. “At our concert our goal is to get children dancing – and teachers and parents, too!”

In addition to music and videos, 123 Andrés will soon have their own books to share with families; they will release their first children’s books with Scholastic this year.

Weekend picks for families in and around Washington, DC

February 27, 2020

**Family Fun Day at Intersections Festival**

Atlas Performing Arts INTERSECTIONS Festival is a festival that showcases performances in music, theatre, dance, film, spoken word and performance art that offer new ways to see ourselves and to celebrate our community and our world. The festival runs February 19 – March 1. There are many family events including a 10am show on Saturday (too many to choose for our picks), so please check out the schedule.

Saturday

10:00am-1:00pm: Maker Morning: Leap Year! Pop-Up!
What are the odds? Explore the art of Marcel Duchamp through silhouettes, chess and wordplay in this extra special Maker Morning Pop-up!
-Hands-on MAKER stations
10 am–1 pm, Museum-wide
-Chess with Silver Knights Enrichment
10 am–1 pm, Lerner Room
-KIDS TOUR: Art and Chance
10:30 am, Meet in the Lobby

10:00am: Frozen 2 playing at the Avalon Theatre
Elsa the Snow Queen has an extraordinary gift – the power to create ice and snow. But no matter how happy she is to be surrounded by the people of Arendelle, Elsa finds herself strangely unsettled. After hearing a mysterious voice call out to her, Elsa travels to the enchanted forests and dark seas beyond her kingdom – an adventure that soon turns into a journey of self-discovery.

11:00am-3:00pm: Art and Me: Preserving Cultural Heritage at Freer|Sackler
Bring your little ones to learn about the conservation of artifacts from Iraq and Syria with conservator Ellen Chase. Take a guided tour of Age Old Cities and then experiment with using professional tools to examine objects. Back in the studio you can build your own conservator toolkit to take home! For ages three to five with adult companions. This program is part of a year-long program series with the Lunder Conservation Center at the Smithsonian American Art Museum.

11:00am: Yao Yao at the Kennedy Center: Sensory friendly performance
Yao is a mischievous little girl who loves to play, but hates when her Daddy picks up his briefcase and goes off to work. One day, Yao grabs Daddy’s overcoat and accidentally pulls a thread that leads to the start of a magical world. South Korea’s Brush Theatre uses interactive screen art technology and live music to capture the whimsical adventure that follows. What Yao finds at the end of the thread playfully blurs reality and imagination. Most enjoyed by ages 3–7.

11:45am-4:00pm: Portrait Gallery for Families
–Strike a Prose Elementary School Edition Creative Writing Inspired by Contemporary Americans 10:00am-11:30am
In this creative writing workshop, we will write stories inspired by the portraits of American icons, such as Michelle Obama, LL Cool J and Toni Morrison, who are featured in the National Portrait Gallery’s exhibition “Contemporary Americans.” We will learn how to develop characters, represent conflict and action and use our imaginations to write exciting stories. Open to elementary school students (grades 4–6). Each participant must be accompanied by an adult. Registration required.
–Story Time Explore! Space 11:45am
Story time in the Explore! space immerses you in tales of artists, presidents, inventors, athletes, and more! Before or after story time, enjoy the family space where you can play and learn about portraiture.
–Portrait Discovery Kits 1:00pm-4:00pm
Pick up an activity kit that guides you through the museum with games and puzzles and learn more about the people who have made American history.
–Portrait Story Days: Wilma Rudolph 1:00pm-4:00pm
Drop by on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon to hear a story and create art inspired by someone in the Portrait Gallery’s collection.

Sunday

11:00am & 3:00pm: The Laurie Berkner Band at the Gordon Center
Don’t miss the whimsical pop lyrics and melodies of the artist People magazine deemed “the queen of children’s music.”

1:00pm & 5:00pm: Wow in the World Pop-Up Party at Strathmore
The Wow in the World Pop-Up Party brings the insanely popular kids podcast out in the world. Host Mindy Thomas weaves STEM-themed interactive games and foley-infused comedy skits with science-themed songs from three-time Grammy-nominated kindie duo, and creators of the “Wow in the World” theme song, The Pop Ups. Sketches and games are inspired by topics from Wow in the World and bring Wowzers from the audience on stage to be lab assistants and game show contestants. This exciting show engages curious kids and their grown-ups in science, wonder, imagination, and music and leaves them all saying “WOW”! Ideal for ages 5–12.

3:00pm: Chocolate Making for Kids at Harper Macaw
In this hands on class, children will get the opportunity to learn about where chocolate comes from, see, touch, smell and taste different parts of the chocolate making process as well as sample a variety of different flavored bars. Finally, they’ll take a look at the production area to see it all in action! Recommended for ages 5-12.

3:00pm-6:00pm: Open House at Dynamite Gymnastics
Head to the annual summer camp open house to learn about our various camp offerings, play on our equipment, and meet our awesome staff. There will be carnival games where kids earn tickets to redeem for prizes. Bring your entire family and have a blast!

3:30pm-4:30pm: JFamily Purim Celebration and Sing Along at Mt. Pleasant Library
Join JFamily for a pre-Purim celebration. Ms. Naomi will be playing songs on the guitar for the children to move and dance around to. Afterward kids will eat some snacks, listen to a Purim story and make crafts for kids. Costumes are not required but encouraged.

Recent posts-
Spring break camps
The Kids Mindfulness Project

Weekend picks in and around Washington, DC

February 21, 2020

This weekend kicks off Atlas Performing Arts INTERSECTIONS Festival. The Festival showcases performances in music, theatre, dance, film, spoken word and performance art that offer new ways to see ourselves and to celebrate our community and our world. The festival begins February 19-March 1. There are many family events (too many to choose for our picks), so please check out the schedule.

National Symphony Orchestra Music for Young Audiences presents a Mozart Mash-Up. Share the magic and music of Mozart in a special family concert when members of the National Symphony Orchestra play favorites from the prolific composer. Best for ages 7+.

It is the inaugural Washington Justice weekend at the Anthem! They play on both Saturday & Sunday. You can expect a packed arena full of dedicated fans, performances by local favorites including DJ Kool and more.

Friday

5:30pm-8:00pm: Nerf Night at Badlands
Kids ages 7+ are invited to join for Nerf Night by Badlands! Come enjoy a fun new theme each Nerf Night.

Saturday

9:00am-4:00pm: George Washington’s 288th Birthday at Mount Vernon
Celebrate with General Washington in honor of his 288th birthday! Admission is free and no advanced tickets are required.

9:15am: Building Better People Productions: Friendlier Fables
This show is part of the INTERSECTIONS Festival. Here are some of your favorite kid stories, told with kinder twists. Cheer on friends like our not-so-ugly duckling and a boy who cries wolf for reasons you might not expect, as they learn to respect themselves and others in a funny, touching, engaging show for all ages! Best for ages 0-8.

9:30am AND 10:30am: Harambe at Bloombars
Ten years and more than 1,600 shows later, Harambe at BloomBars has become a Washington DC institution and a cultural/moral compass for thousands of parents and youth. In Swahili, Harambe means “All pull together.” At BloomBars, Harambe is the practice of hope, possibility and compassion – basically, all the things that happen when we all come together. Think of it as your little one’s first opportunity to express his or her voice (into a microphone), dance, play a drum or percussion instrument, shout, or sing-along to songs that build character, confidence and community.

10:00am: Saturday Morning Tunes “Frozen” live in concert at Miracle Theater
All your favorite “Frozen” songs, performed live by classically trained opera singers, with a few inside jokes for us parents too. Kids can meet and greet the princesses afterwards. Doors open at 9:30am.

10:00am: Imagination Stage: Down by the Station
Take an imaginary train adventure in this interactive musical experience with Imagination Stage at Avalon Theatre! An Early Childhood Teaching Artist accompanied by a live percussionist guides you through a musical exploration of the classic children’s tale.

1:00pm-2:30pm: Mr. Jon & Friends Concert
Mr. Jon performs energetic music for the entire family that is all about fun, dancing, and laughter! He has won a Parents’ Choice Award for his music and attracted loyal audiences across the D.C. area. The concert is free with a $10 suggested donation for adults and $5 for kids. No tickets or reservations are required.

4:00pm-7:00pm: Mardi Gras at the Wharf
New Orleans is coming to DC! Celebrate Mardi Gras with a free community-wide extravaganza featuring a lively parade down Wharf Street, a dance party with live music on District Pier, and a special fireworks finale.

6:00pm-9:00pm: Dynamite 2 Gym Parents Night Out
Drop off the kids for an evening of free play, fun, friends, and a movie, too! One hour of open gym followed by popcorn and a movie in the gym.

Sunday

10:00am-12:00pm and 12:00pm-2:30pm: Family Gras at Capitol Cider House
Join the 2nd annual Family Gras, a family-friendly Mardi Gras celebration!!!! Kids will enjoy complimentary face painting, balloon animals, festive crafts and beads (gently) thrown from a cider house float.

11:00am-12:00pm: CUENTA-CUENTOS: STORYTIME at Hirshhorn
Your voice is powerful! Join for a close look at artworks on view in Manifesto: Art x Agency and a reading of Mi Voz by Jose Fragoso. Stay to create an artwork that amplifies your own voice! CUENTA-CUENTOS: STORYTIME in Spanish explores contemporary art through stories and movement. Each week STORYTIME features a fresh and fun theme. Bring your littlest art lover for an introduction to an artist on view, interactive read aloud, and a hands-on activity.

11:00am-11:45am: Sunday Funday at Imagination Stage
You and your child will bring your favorite stories to life through dramatic play activities, music, movement, and visual art. Each session you leave with a special take-home item we used or created that day, as well as a Parent Pack to extend the experience at home. These popular workshops are themed around beloved children’s books.

Weekend Theatre:
The Snowy Day and Other Stories by Ezra Jack Keats at Adventure Theatre through April 5
Zomo the Rabbit: A Hip-Hop Creation Myth at Imagination Stage through March 22
Thumbelina at Imagination Stage through April 5
Hear Me Say My Name at Discovery Theater
Beauty & The Beast at The Puppet Co through March 29
Baby Bear’s Birthday at The Puppet Co Tiny Tots

ARTECHOUSE: Future Sketches
Imagine different possible futures – for the intersection of computation and design, for the interaction between humans and computers, and for an expressive augmented reality. Future Sketches is a collaboration with one of the most dynamic pioneers in the field of coding and interactive media. Zach Lieberman creates digital poetry through code, technology and theory. He writes his own software to create his artwork, and is a co-creator of openFrameworks, an open source C++ toolkit for creative coding.

Weekend picks for families in and around Washington, DC

February 14, 2020

Your favorite Disney stories come to life as you thaw a frozen heart with Elsa, sail along with Moana, dance with the Toy Story friends and feel inspired by the Disney Princesses. Share the excitement and make new memories at Disney On Ice presents Celebrate Memories at Capital One February 13-17!

For those of you with children in DCPS schools and need some last minute camps for next weeks mid-winter break, you can plenty here.

The King’s Speech is based on the true story of King George VI’s struggle with a speech impediment and the friendship he formed with his unconventional speech therapist, Lionel Logue. The show is at National Theatre thorugh February 16 and is wonderful! With the Nazi threat looming and civil unrest at home, royal secrets explode around the King as he’s thrust onto the world stage. David Seidler’s original play – which inspired the 2010 Oscar-winning film starring Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush – will make its long-awaited U.S. debut in a production The Mail proclaims “A right royal treat.” This show is recommended for ages 13 and up. Find tickets here.

Friday

Happy Valentine’s Day to everyone. If you don’t have a sitter but want to get out tonight there are some great options here.

5:00pm-7:00pm: Valentine’s Day Handi-Hour Pop-Up
Celebrate friendship, love, and fun at our annual Valentine’s Day Handi-hour pop-up in SAAM’s dazzling Kogod Courtyard. Paper, scissors, stickers, glue, and more are provided for you to make the perfect sweet or snarky valentine. While you craft your heart out at this free event, drink specials and snacks are available for purchase from the Courtyard Café. Free. Registration recommended.

Saturday

9:30am AND 11:00am: Mary Ann Jung: The Queen’s Speech at The National Theatre
You’ve heard of the King’s Speech? Well, long before that, a queen sat on the English throne, lending her name to England’s Golden Era. Mary Ann Jung introduces children to Elizabethan language, manners, Shakespearean insults, and yes, Queen Elizabeth’s most famous speeches.

9:30am AND 10:30am: Harambe at Bloombars
Ten years and more than 1,600 shows later, Harambe @BloomBars has become a Washington DC institution and a cultural/moral compass for thousands of parents and youth. In Swahili, Harambe means “All pull together.” At BloomBars, Harambe is the practice of hope, possibility and compassion – basically, all the things that happen when we all come together. Think of it as your little one’s first opportunity to express his or her voice (into a microphone), dance, play a drum or percussion instrument, shout, or sing-along to songs that build character, confidence and community.

10:00am: John Henry the Guitar Playing Man at Avalon Theatre
Join us as we celebrate President’s Day with a live concert from John Henry, The Guitar Playing Man! With 20 years of childhood education and performance experience, John Henry’s program engages children as they dance and sing during this memorable concert.

10:15am–12:00pm or 1:30pm–3:15pm: National Gallery of Art Family Workshop
Workshops provide the opportunity to explore artists’ thinking and studio practices. Taught by museum educators, each workshop includes a conversation in the galleries followed by a hands-on studio art session. Family Workshops are designed for children (ages 8–11) and adults to participate in together. See the complete listing below for topic, dates, and times. Workshops are free but preregistration is required.

11:30am-3:00pm: Presidential Family Fun Day
Every year we kick off Presidents’ Day weekend with a presidential party loaded with crafts, music, dancing, games and special tours of “America’s Presidents.” Celebrate the presidents with the Portrait Gallery, President Lincoln’s Cottage, the DC Public Library, the Washington Nationals’ Racing Presidents, artists, and experts from the Bureau of Engraving and Printing

Sunday

11:00am-11:45am: Sunday Funday at Imagination Stage: Pete the Cat
You and your child will bring your favorite stories to life through dramatic play activities, music, movement, and visual art. Each session you leave with a special take-home item we used or created that day, as well as a Parent Pack to extend the experience at home. These popular workshops are themed around beloved children’s books.

11:00am: Family Dance Workshop: American Ballet Theatre at Kennedy Center
Join a 45-minute workshop led by artists from American Ballet Theatre. Designed for families with children age 10 and under, the workshop explores music, movement, and/or themes of a ballet while taking families through learning simple ballet steps or choreography.

11:15am–1:00pm or 2:30pm–4:15pm: National Gallery of Art Family Workshop
Workshops provide the opportunity to explore artists’ thinking and studio practices. Taught by museum educators, each workshop includes a conversation in the galleries followed by a hands-on studio art session. Family Workshops are designed for children (ages 8–11) and adults to participate in together. See the complete listing below for topic, dates, and times. Workshops are free but preregistration is required.

2:00pm AND 4:00pm: NSO Family Concert: Girl Power!
Don’t miss a special showcase of female composers, conductors, and performers to mark 100 years since the 19th Amendment gave many women the right to vote. Ages 5+

2:00pm-4:30pm: Rumpus Room Family Dance Party
Rumpus Room is a family-friendly daytime dance party created by Marc Meistro & Steven Faith, DJs who wanted to share the nightclub experience with their children. Rumpus Room transforms the club environment (think disco balls, lights, and of course music) into safe family-friendly fun. Prepare for a dance floor filled with little ones, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and caregivers. The soundtrack for Rumpus Room is always a family-friendly mix of popular dance hits, classics, children’s songs and more, all at a kid-friendly volume.

Weekend Theatre:
The Snowy Day and Other Stories by Ezra Jack Keats at Adventure Theatre through April 5
Zomo the Rabbit: A Hip-Hop Creation Myth at Imagination Stage through March 22
Thumbelina at Imagination Stage through April 5
Mouse on the Move at Imagination Stage through February 16
Hear Me Say My Name at Discovery Theater
Rapunzel at The Puppet Co through Feb. 16
Baby Bear’s Birthday at The Puppet Co Tiny Tots