Day Out with Thomas is at B&O Railroad Museum for it’s final weekend in town. Little Engineers and families take a 25 minute train ride behind Thomas the Tank Engine, meet Sir Topham Hatt and enjoy a full day of live entertainment, activities, and family fun! NEW this year and for the first time ever children will be able to meet Thomas’ animal-loving friend Nia in the form of a ten-foot inflatable—perfect for photo ops! Nia comes from Kenya and is a reliable friend who is always ready to lend a helping hand! Don’t miss this opportunity to meet one of Thomas’ best pals. 

Definitely a sign that summer is on the horizon as it’s the weekend of Flower Mart’s in DC!
–National Cathedral Flower Mart: May 3-4, 2019
–Flower Mart at Mount Vernon Place: May 3-4, 2019
–Landon Azalea Fest: May 3-5, 2019

Saturday

10:00am-4:00pm: 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 henna demonstrations. See all of the fun planned activities here.

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. Each First Studio includes a gallery tour, a story, and a hands-on art-making experience. Pre-registration is required. Workshop fee per child: $10
Adult companion: Free

10:00am-1:00pm: 16th Annual Truck Touch at Silver Spring Nursery School
The parking lot will be filled with vehicles of every kind that kids of all ages can explore, including; a police cruiser, rescue vehicle, school bus, fire truck and ambulance, Montgomery County Police Dept rescue van, Moyer and Sons Moving and Storage moving van, dump truck, front end loader and bucket truck from Montgomery County Construction and more! Live music, bake sale, food & drinks, arts & crafts, face painting & silent auction! 

10:30am-12:30pm: Creativity Workshop at Phillips Collection
Let your creativity fly in our art-making stations—it’s an art materials “petting zoo” for the whole family! Comes with Artful Wellness Kit for parents and caregivers. Geared for families with children ages 2 to 8. $18 for 1 adult and 1 child; $15 for 1 member and 1 child; $5 per additional person. Reservations required.

10:30am-11:15am: Saturday Song Circle at Imagination Stage
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. Baby Beluga is the featured story.

12:00pm-4:00pm: Raptor Festival at Meadowside Nature Center
Experience the thrill of seeing raptors – real owls, hawks, eagles and other predators –  up close and face to face! Explore the world of these beautiful birds through all kinds of games and crafts, flight demonstrations and presentations from local experts. Mascot Otus the Owl will be there to greet you, too! Don’t forget your camera! No registration required.

12:00pm-8:00pm: Kingman Island Bluegrass Folk & Festival
Nestled between the banks of the Anacostia River lies a park dedicated to preserving natural resources and educating District youth about conservation and becoming better stewards of the natural world.  Voted Best Music Festival in DC by City Paper readers in 2018, the Kingman Island Bluegrass & Folk Festival will return to celebrate its 10th Anniversary. The festival will feature delicious local cuisine from your favorite food trucks, craft beer, cocktails, local merchants, and fun for all ages through various outdoor activities, a kids’ zone, and much more. Children 10 and under are admitted FREE to this event!

Sunday

10:00am-12:00pm: International Family Equality Day at the Zoo
Celebrate the beauty and importance of family diversity at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. Enjoy family-focused activities, including field games with prizes, special animal enrichment demonstrations and live entertainment.

10:00am-5:00pm: Taiwan Day at KID Museum
Join KID Museum and the Vogai Children’s Choir to explore Taiwanese culture through creative hands-on projects. The whole family will enjoy building mechanical bears, making water soakers from bamboo, tasting homemade Taiwanese fig jelly, and many other activities. KID Museum’s Taiwan Day will feature performances by visiting children of the Bunun tribe, an indigenous group from Taiwan. Join them for traditional dance, music, and song. General Admission: $12 (includes 1 child and 2 adults)
KID Museum Members: FREE

12:00pm-4:00pm: STEM Expo at Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
The Navy League STEM Institute, in conjunction with the Office of Naval Research, is celebrating the return of our Sea-Air-Space STEM Expo. Geared toward 5th through 12th grade students, this free event inspires and empowers students interested in science, technology, engineering and math careers. Students and parents are invited to enjoy interactive STEM workshops, hands-on demonstrations, STEM career information, networking opportunities and more.

4:30pm-6:30pm: Mother’s Day gift making with Red Panda Art Studio at the Little House at Westmoreland Hills Park
Beth Diaz of Beth Diaz Photography will be on hand for 15-minute mini sessions of kids with their moms. Beth will send along 5 edited digital images after the photo session. Ages 2 to 10 welcome. Drop-off optional. Photo sessions will be scheduled from 4:00PM on. Limited photo spots available. Cost is $35/child for the art workshop, $45/photo session, and $75/art and photos! You can register here. If you are registering siblings for the workshop and photos, use code PHOTOS to take $5 off the second art registration. 

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Plan Ahead:
May 11: Spring in the Valley
May 11: Acton Business Fair

The Nationals return home on Friday to begin a seven-game homestand, and Kids Opening Day is just one of several family-friendly events at Nationals Park over the next week. Please see the attached document and photos for further details on the events and activities for families to enjoy during the upcoming homestand. Use code: 19NATSKIDS for a 20% discount on any ticket available to the April 27 or April 28 games with a $10 food and beverage credit preloaded to each ticket purchased. The food and beverage credit can be redeemed at any concessions stand in the park.

Day Out with Thomas has arrived to B&O Railroad Museum and you can get tickets through May 5! Little Engineers and families take a 25 minute train ride behind Thomas the Tank Engine, meet Sir Topham Hatt and enjoy a full day of live entertainment, activities, and family fun! NEW this year and for the first time ever children will be able to meet Thomas’ animal-loving friend Nia in the form of a ten-foot inflatable—perfect for photo ops! Nia comes from Kenya and is a reliable friend who is always ready to lend a helping hand! Don’t miss this opportunity to meet one of Thomas’ best pals.

The Georgetown French Market, one of the District’s most anticipated shopping weekends, marks the triumphant return of the spring season. Georgetown’s Book Hill neighborhood will transform into an inviting open-air market as the over 35 locally-owned merchants, restaurants, salons and galleries display discounted items and unique finds.

Awesome Con is here for the weekend & is Washington DC’s Comic Con! Awesome Con is a celebration of geek culture, bringing over 70,000 fans together with their favorite stars from across comics, movies, television, toys, games, and more! . There is even an Awesome Con, Jr which brings new and beloved toy and pop culture brands together in one area for an interactive and fun-filled live event open to families, fans, and media! Families can expect to meet their favorite characters, experience tons of hand-on activations and visit an entire stage dedicated to kids programming the whole weekend!

Saturday

10:15am: Strathmore Saturday Family Jam Session
Junior music aficionados spend Saturday mornings singing, playing, and preparing for a lifetime of music appreciation. Strathmore’s fun, creative, kid-friendly series is recommended for ages 3–8. This session features Finding Inspiration in Sweet Honey in the Rock With Rochelle Rice. Sweet Honey in the Rock is an a cappella singing group that has been inspiring the world with music of social justice for over 40 years. Kids learn about activism, social responsibility, and using their voices to bring about change.

10:30am-11:15am: Saturday Song Circle at Imagination Stage
You and your child are invited to a fun, interactive musical experience! An Early Childhood teaching artist explores a popular children’s book; Take Me Out to the Ballgame with your family through song, musical instruments, and movement. Plus, you receive a list of all the songs to practice at home.

11:00am-4:00pm: Carousel Day at Glen Echo
The historic Dentzel Carousel will open for 2019 on Saturday, with one of the largest family festivals — Carousel Day! The event also offers a full day of FREE activities for families throughout Glen Echo Park, including live music & dance performances, face painting, open studios and galleries, and more. The historic Dentzel carousel has operated in Glen Echo Park since 1921! The carousel operates from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., $1.25 per ride. Praline, the Park’s on-site cafe, will be open throughout event and Ben & Jerry’s will be on site with an ice cream cart! While you are there grab tickets to see Winnie the Pooh at Adventure Theatre.

Sunday

10:00am-5:00pm: KID Museum
From Family Coding Day to Robotic Carnival there is something for all. KID Museum is an innovative learning space unlike any other. The museum provides impactful hands-on learning that incorporates STEM, art and culture with 21st century skills like creativity and critical thinking.

1:35pm: Kids Opening Day at Nationals
The Nationals invite the team’s youngest fans to help kick off the 2019 season! A variety of kid-friendly activities will be available before the start of the game, including face painters, caricature artists, and balloon twisters by the PenFed Kids Fun Zone from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. All kids ages 4 through 12 will have the opportunity to run the bases after Sunday day games.

3:00pm-5:00pm: 60th Anniversary Playground Party at CCPC
Join us for a neighborhood celebration with BBQ and ice cream and cookie food trucks (food for purchase), free beverages, a bounce house and games for children and live bluegrass music from Rattlesnake Hill.  Join Mayor Bowser and other elected officials from DC and Montgomery County to celebrate this community milestone anniversary.  Rain or Shine, all are welcome.

Plan Ahead:
Friday Nerf Nights at Badlands
May 4: First Studio at The Kreeger Museum
May 11: Spring in the Valley
May 11: Acton Business Fair
Tennis is coming to the roof of Union Market in July!
Summer camp options!

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The Children’s Art Studio: A Creative Summer
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The Stuttering Association for the Young– 2 day FREE camp
Camp Kesem– free camp for kids with parents who have cancer

This weekend is full of eggcellent hunts! Check out our Easter post. Catch a show when it may be raining this weekend, our theatre guide has some great shows!

Saturday

9:15am: The B&O Railroad Museum is having an Easter Egg Hunt
The second session is only available (the first one is sold out) for 6 to 10-year olds. Each hidden Easter egg will be filled with prizes and candy, and whoever finds the golden egg will win four tickets to Day Out With Thomas at the B&O. Following the egg hunt children and their families will hop on board the B&O’s Mile One Express for a round trip train ride with the Easter Bunny. Later that morning when the B&O opens to the public at 10:00am, Museum visitors may hop on board the Mile One Express and take a train ride with the Easter Bunny that departs promptly at 11:30am and 2:00pm. While on board each child will personally receive a prize filled Easter Egg from the Easter Bunny. 

9:30am: Civil War Hike
Join historians from the National Park Service and Arlington County Parks and Recreation for a special hike from Fort Ethan Allen to Fort Marcy.  The 2.5 hour guided hike will take visitors from Fort Ethan Allen to Chain Bridge to Fort Marcy on the George Washington Memorial Parkway. Ranger Steve T. Phan of the Civil War Defenses of Washington and Historian John McNair of Arlington County Parks and Recreation will lead visitors on an in-depth fort tour beginning at the remnants of Fort Ethan Allen.

10:00am-12:00pm: Family Introduction at Climbing at Earth Treks
Earth Treks is excited to offer a course where both kids and adults can learn and climb together. During this 2 hour program, the kids will climb with one of our instructors while the adults climb and learn the necessary skills to belay. After the adults have learned the basic safety skills, everyone climbs together. The course is designed for adults that are interested in getting their children involved in climbing and wish to help them with their journey. No experience is necessary.

10:00am-12:00pm: Cupcake Wars Families Unplugged
Looking for a fun way to spend time with your family? Come try your hand at cupcake wars! Each family will learn fun new ways to decorate this popular dessert and create a fabulous spring-themed cupcake design to take home. Register ahead of time.

10:00am-5:00pm: Celebrate Spring at Port Discovery with STEM
Explore Science, Technology, Engineering and Math in fun, playful ways during STEM in Spring at Port Discovery! Enjoy hands-on learning, special performances, and activities from partners including NISE Network (National Informal STEM Education), Eric Energy, Wildlife Adventures, Numbers Alive! and others! Plus, Explore The Construction Zone and let your little Van Goh shine as you create and make in the Art Studio, build creations straight out your imagination at the Block Dock, explore the Universe and launch rockets towards the moon at the Sun, Earth, Universe exhibit! Plus, take center stage in the Black Box Theater and don’t forget to venture upstairs to enjoy The Oasis, Dance Dance Revolution and more!

10:30am-12:30pm: Dino-fy Yourself: Make Your Own Prehistoric Animal Costume at Q?rius Lab
Dinosaurs, giant sloths and mastodons, oh my! During this program, visitors will use art materials to create prehistoric animal costumes, wearable art, and accessories informed and inspired by science and the animals that will be featured in the new Fossil Hall that opens this summer. Participants can wear their creations on June 8th as part of the Fossil Hall opening celebration.This program is designed for ages 8 and up.

10:30am-11:15am: Saturday Song Circle at Imagination Stage
You and your child are invited to a fun, interactive musical experience! An Early Childhood teaching artist explores a popular children’s book; Rain, Rain, Go Away with your family through song, musical instruments, and movement. Plus, you receive a list of all the songs to practice at home.

1:00pm-5:00pm: Anacostia River Family Festival
The 11th Street Bridge Park and the National Park Service present the fifth annual Anacostia River Festival, a premier event and the official closing of the 2019 National Cherry Blossom Festival. For a taste of local D.C., come celebrate the Anacostia River and the 100th birthday of Anacostia Park. Take a canoe out to explore the River, ride in our bike parade, play lawn games with your family and experience Southeast D.C.’s local arts scene at this special FREE event.

Sunday

11:00am-4:00pm: The B&O Railroad Museum
Families and their guests from out of town will have the special opportunity to see the most important American railroad collection in the world! At 1:00pm visitors may hop on board the Mile One Express train ride and travel along the nation’s first mile of commercial railroad. It’s sure to be a “hoppening” good time!  

11:00am-11:45am: Sunday Funday at Imagination Stage
You and your child are invited to 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. The featured story is Dragons Love Tacos.

12:00pm-5:00pm: Celebrate Spring at Port Discovery with STEM
Explore Science, Technology, Engineering and Math in fun, playful ways during STEM in Spring at Port Discovery! Enjoy hands-on learning, special performances, and activities from partners including NISE Network (National Informal STEM Education), Eric Energy, Wildlife Adventures, Numbers Alive! and others! Plus, Explore The Construction Zone and let your little Van Goh shine as you create and make in the Art Studio, build creations straight out your imagination at the Block Dock, explore the Universe and launch rockets towards the moon at the Sun, Earth, Universe exhibit! Plus, take center stage in the Black Box Theater and don’t forget to venture upstairs to enjoy The Oasis, Dance Dance Revolution and more!

Monday

11:00am: Easter Egg Hunt in the Firehook Garden
Join a neighborhood Easter Egg Hunt in the Firehook Cleveland Park Garden. The event will start promptly at 11:00am, a winner will be announced and a delicious 8 inch Carrot Cake will be awarded to the participant with the most eggs. The first 20 guests will receive seasonal carrot cake cupcakes! All ages are welcome!

Plan Ahead:
–Friday Nerf Nights at Badlands
-April 27: Saturday Family Jam Session at Strathmore
-May 4: First Studio at The Kreeger Museum
–Tennis is coming to the roof of Union Market in July!
–Summer camp options!

Recent Posts:
The Children’s Art Studio: A Creative Summer
Smithsonian Summer Sleepovers
The Stuttering Association for the Young– 2 day FREE camp
Camp Kesem– free camp for kids with parents who have cancer

Easter, eggs and festivals galore have definitely begun. Many hopping events to check out this weekend! 

Arlington Festival of the Arts in Clarendon is going on Saturday & Sunday and is free. 

Celebrate the 2019 Cherokee Days Festival Friday through Sunday. The three federally recognized Cherokee tribes—Cherokee Nation, United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians, and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians—come together to share the Cherokee story at the museum on the National Mall. This event showcases the shared history and cultural lifeways of the Cherokee people through storytelling, traditional flute playing, weaponry, wood-carving, beadwork, traditional games, basketweaving, and pottery-making, along with music and dance performances. This year, the festival coincides with the installation of the Treaty of New Echota (1835) in the museum’s exhibition “Nation to Nation: Treaties Between the United States and American Indian Nations.” Two banner exhibitions—”The Cherokee Culture” and “A Story of Cherokee Removal”—will be shown as part of the festival presentation.

The Washington Auto Show has revved into town and is at Washington Convention Center through Sunday. There is a lineup of family entertainment, including PBS Kids cartoon and action characters will be making an appearance this year at the revamped WHUT/PBS Kids Family Fun Zone.

A few park clean-ups going on this weekend:

-Join Tenleytown Main Street, friends, and neighbors in getting Tenleytown ready for spring! Saturday from 10:00am to 12:00pm.

–Pierce Mill is not running yet but they are planting with Casey Trees from 9:00-12:00 and mulching the orchard from 11:00-2:00 with free activities for children from 11:00-2:00: planting seeds and making birds’ nests!

Saturday

10:00am-12:00pm: Cherry Blossom Festival Parade
Giant colorful helium balloons, elaborate floats, marching bands from across the country, celebrity entertainers, and performers burst down the Parade route in a grand spectacle of music and showmanship seen only once a year during the Festival.

10:00am-11:30am: Easter brunch and egg hunt at Matchbox Restaurants 
All locations of the family-friendly neighborhood pizza bistro in D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia invite kids to enjoy an Easter egg hunt around the restaurants during brunch from 10-11:30am. Prizes include fun items for the whole family, including a complimentary kids pizza party for up to six, brunch for two, a free kids pizza, free passes to a kids pizza class on June 22, plus candy, and more. Kids will receive an Easter coloring sheet to enjoy while they dine as well.

10:00am: The Children’s Hour at The House of the Temple
Sponsored by the House of the Temple Historic Preservation Foundation, Inc., the Children’s Hour is a free, children’s show on the second Saturday of every month that is open to the public. Each month, we will feature a different entertainer, today is Peter McCory The One-Man Band.

10:30am-6:00pm: 59th Annual Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival
The Sakura Matsuri – Japanese Street Festival is the largest one-day celebration of Japanese culture in the United States and is proud to be the grand finale of the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Performers and vendors travel from all over the country and the world to Washington, DC to share their love of Japanese culture and traditions with the Festival attendees. The festival runs along Pennsylvania Avenue between 3rd and 7th Streets, NW – anchored at the corner of 7th and Pennsylvania, Ave, NW.

11:00am: The Nitwits at Washington Improve Theater
Every NitWITs show is a high-energy, unique theater experience for families. You’ve never seen anything like it before! And you’ll never see anything like it again…because it is all made up right on the spot with the help of your suggestions. Audience members guide the cast in making up spontaneous stories and playing fun theater games in a family-friendly, relaxed atmosphere.This show is recommended for ages 6 and up.

11:00am-2:00pm: Cherry Blossom Performance at The National Arboretum
Celebrate spring with The Washington Ballet at the National Arboretum for a free performance. Enjoy cherry blossom inspired performances every half hour from 11:00am to 2:00pm. Meet and take photos with some of our dancers, do a craft, and learn about The Washington School of Ballet. Families may also want to visit the Ikebana International Exhibit and Kids Class that day. Ikebana is the Japanese art of flower arranging.

Sunday

10:30am–12:00pm: Make Room for Matzah
Join for hands-on Passover workshop to get ready for Passover and learn more about this tradition for your interfaith or Jewish family. Your family will make items to enliven your seder with hands-on projects, plus songs, stories and snacks.  Best for ages 3 and up. Register now

11:00am-2:00pm: 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.  Rumpus Room is designed for kids 8 and under, but older siblings are welcome!

11:00am-11:45am: Sunday Funday at Imagination Stage
We invite you and your child to 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.- Not a Box is the featured story.

3:30 pm: An Afternoon in the Park with Nefesh Mountain
Pop-Ups to Pop In! presents a family friendly bluegrass concert from Nefesh Mountain. Doni Zasloff (Mamma Doni) and her husband Eric Lindberg create family friendly shows that infuse bluegrass music with Jewish heritage and tradition. Rain location is Ohr Kodesh Congregation in Chevy Chase, MD. Purchase tickets here.  

Related Posts:

Spring Break Camps for 2019

Summer Camps for 2019

Plan Ahead:

Nerf Night at Badlands: April 19

Rocklands Farm Chick Rental: April 20

New Pajama Jams at AMP by Strathmore:
Summer vacation may not start for months but playtime is year-round at AMP, and we’re bringing back our Pajama Jam series to prove it! Sing, dance, and strike a few (yoga) poses with Gina Chavez on April 7, Yogapalooza on April 28 and Moona Luna on June 16.

This has to be one of the most beautiful week in Washington, DC. The cherry blossoms always amaze me and leave me in awe of their beauty. Take advantage of the warmer weather and head to some iconic areas that are lined with the blossoms or brave the crowds and go downtown– it’s worth it. The National Cherry Blossom Festival has plenty of ways to celebrate the season.

Easter hunts and festivals have started! Check out this post for all things having to do with baskets and eggs.

The Washington Auto Show has revved into town and is at Washington Convention Center through April 14. There is a lineup of family entertainment, including PBS Kids cartoon and action characters will be making an appearance this year at the revamped WHUT/PBS Kids Family Fun Zone.

Friday

6:00pm-9:00pm: Parents’ Night Out at My Gym Bethesda: Tie Dye
Drop your kids off for three hours of nonstop action at My Gym, including fitness games, active play, pizza and fun! Potty independent please. $40 Members, $45 Non-members, Sibling Discount, Ages 3yrs – 10yrs. Save the Date: May 10th- Star Wars

Saturday

9:00am-12:00pm: Home Depot Kids Workshop: Build a Birdhouse
Encourage a love for nature and ornithology in our hands-on workshop where you and your child can build a birdhouse. Your young birdwatcher can observe birds’ behaviors like nest building and provide them a safe place to eat without the need for expensive equipment. Once your birdhouse is built, your child can decorate it with paint and stickers. All Kids Workshop attendees must be accompanied by a parent or adult at all times. All kids get to keep their craft, receive a FREE certificate of achievement, a Workshop Apron, and a commemorative pin while supplies last. Children must be present at the store to participate in the workshop and receive the kit, apron and pin.

10:00am-4:00pm: Baseball Opening Day Family Festival at National Postal Museum
Come join us for a free fun-filled family day festival to kick off the 2019 Major League Baseball season and the one year countdown until our own baseball exhibit opens up in April, 2020. Make your own baseball and Cherry-blossomed themed craft to welcome in Spring, learn about pioneering deaf ballplayer William Hoy at ASL-interpreted Story Time, watch and learn from 19th century baseball re-enactors, and see live baseball bat-making demonstrations from local bat-maker Juan Baret. Fill up with some delicious grub from local vendors and enjoy!

10:00am-3:00pm: 6th Annual Virginia Touch-a-Truck
It’s fun for the whole family – meet Redskins legend Gary Clark from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, climb on the big trucks, run out some energy in the back of the Martin’s Potato Roll truck, visit the kid-friendly food trucks, and much more! The first hour is horn-free for sensitive ears! $5/person, children 12 months and under free
The first 300 children receive a free die-cast car with paid admission.

10:00am: 123 Andrés at Miracle Theater
123 Andrés is back for an encore performance at the Miracle Theatre Saturday, April 6th! Don’t miss your chance to see this special, high energy performance that is sure to get you and your little ones singing and dancing. Benefitting the Greater DC Diaper Bank.

10:30am-11:15am: Saturday Song Circle at Imagination Stage
You and your child are invited to a fun, interactive musical experience! An Early Childhood teaching artist explores a popular children’s book; Five Little Ducks with your family through song, musical instruments, and movement. Plus, you receive a list of all the songs to practice at home.

12:00pm-3:00pm: DC Youth Orchestra Program Open House at Eastern High School
Join the DC Youth Orchestra Program for its Spring Open House at Eastern High School! The DC Youth Orchestra Program will open its doors to the public on Saturday, April 6, with a day of free musical events for the entire family, featuring a concert by the popular DuPont Brass. The DC Youth Orchestra Program is the leading ensemble-based classical music education program in the metropolitan region, serving over 600 students from DC, Maryland, and Virginia each semester. DCYOP offers group lessons and ensemble training on all orchestral instruments for students ages 4-18, who range in level from complete beginners to experienced musicians.

Sunday

Times vary by location: Sara & Samuel J. Lessans Good Deeds Day
Join PJ Library in Greater Washington, The Jewish Federation and our partners and share a volunteering experience with your family.  The three hub sites (Bender JCCGW in MD, MILTON in DC and JCCNV in VA) will have a variety of family-friendly projects for children as young as 3.  SSL hours are available for older tweens and teens.  Or, sign up with a Good Deeds Day 2019 partner.  Register here  and be a force for GOOD in the world.  For more information, please contact Ruth Lamberty.

9:00-10:30am: Small Wonders Preschool Class at the National Zoo
Join zoo educators to learn about some favorite new Zoo babies at the Small Mammal House, including a new wallaby joey and baby golden lion tamarin! Friends of the National Zoo preschool classes are designed for children ages 2-3 to discover a whole new view of the National Zoo. “Adult-and-me” format classes use interactive learning stations, hands-on activities and crafts, Nature Play, and exciting Zoo Walks to engage your child’s sense of wonder and curiosity about wildlife and the natural world. Pre-registration is required. Please note that classes do not include any behind-the-scenes access or animal contact. $28/child for FONZ members. $35/child for non-members. Registration fee covers one child with adult.

Marvel Universe Live! is at Eagle Bank Arena March 22-31! Marvel fans, assemble for this live, legendary battle to defend the universe from evil. The Avengers, the Guardians of the Galaxy and Spider-Man join forces with Doctor Strange, master of the mystic arts, in a race against time to recover the Wand of Watoomb before it falls into Loki’s hands in this all-new, spectacular arena production.

Imagination Stage has their early childhood programs on both Saturday & Sunday. 

Saturday

9:30am-10:30am: Family Yoga at Lemon Tree
Start your Saturday with an all-levels vinyasa yoga practice the whole family can enjoy. Mamas and/or papas with kiddos of any age are welcome to join us for this fun, interactive flow. Grown-ups and older children will move through poses while littler yogis sleep, play and/or explore in a child-friendly (and safe) environment. No prior experience is required. Please bring your mats and a playful attitude.  Online registration is available here. 

10:00am AND 11:30am: Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) Music Box at AMP Strathmore
The BSO Music Box Concerts are the perfect program for your budding music lovers! Each half-hour-long, highly engaging and interactive concert is hosted by Maria Broom and features a small ensemble of musicians of the BSO performing light-hearted classical and children’s songs to develop your child’s musicality, creativity, coordination, and literacy. 30 minutes prior to the concert, the room fills with a range of musical, creative, and fun activities for babies and families. The Ticket Office will open at 9am. Doors open 45 minutes before the show. Seating will be available in the back of the house, but we plan to leave plenty of floor space for dance and play!

10:00am-3:00pm: Japanese Culture Day at Library of Congress
Sponsored by the Library of Congress, Japan-America Society of Washington DC and the National Conference of State Societies, this event will provide an exciting opportunity for children of all ages, their families and teachers to learn about Japanese culture through reading, writing and craft-making with Japanese cultural and linguistic professionals. Japanese-related books also will be on display. One special highlight of the day is “Japan-In-A-Suitcase,” an inspiring program about Japanese life and culture. Other activities include: Rodd Chin and his students performing Japanese drum music, including Sakura Saku Ondo; Sakura Saku Ondo dance performance by Satoko Kajima Best; Former Cherry Blossom princesses providing instructions on the art of tiara-making; Hands-on lessons about origami artwork creation; Decorative Konobori coloring, the kimono dress-up experience and more.

11:30am-3:00pm: Cherry Blossom Celebration at Smithsonian American Art Museum
Join SAAM and the National Cherry Blossom Festival for a celebration of Japanese culture. A taiko drumming performance kicks off the day on our F Street plaza. Afterward, move into the Kogod Courtyard for a day of Japanese music and performances. Enjoy face painting, make cherry blossom crafts, decorate a kite, and go on a spring-themed art hunt.

1:00pm-3:00pm: Family Circus Yoga
Wanna shake up your own learning and grow new playful connections within your family? Join founders Kevin and Erin Maile O’Keefe who have been leading communities in this CircusYoga blend of interactive group yoga, circus arts, acrobatics and play for over 20 years. Surprise yourself by what you and your family can do while experiencing your whole village at play together. Learn games and practices that you can take home immediately and teach others. Most importantly, leave feeling energized and deeply connected to yourself and your loved ones. CircusYoga has been connecting communities, families and people through their unique blend of circus, yoga and play since 1997. For adults & kids ages 7 to 97!

3:00pm: Picasso at Gala Hispanic Theatre
The great Spanish painter Pablo Picasso comes to life on stage and inspires children to pursue their dreams. Picasso centers on the art and life of the creative genius, and his feelings and thoughts about children and childhood. Through the use of music, dance, and puppets, this bilingual play for families entertains audiences ages 5 to 105!

Sunday

10:00am-4:00pm: Sensory Friendly Day at B & O Railroad
The B&O offers a new first in a series of Sensory Friendly Days for children and guest with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and sensory processing differences. The Museum opens one hour earlier at 10am on this day to accommodate our special guests and their families. Staff will modify museum lights and sounds and post extra signs to give guests a more accessible experience. Additional volunteers and staff will be available to support visitors throughout their stay. Come and enjoy smaller crowds, specialized activities, less sound and light stimuli, and a special quiet room. Event is free with general admission. To RSVP and receive specialized sensory story, contact Rebecca Funk.

3:00pm: Balloon Animals 101 at Makeshift
Delight your friends and family with this crowd-pleasing talent! Join professional balloon twister Julie Zauzmer for Balloon Animals 101. You’ll learn the basics of balloon twisting, from balloon selection and sourcing to twisting mechanics, and will walk away with 3 of your own balloon animals! Recommended for children 5+

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Spring Break Camps for 2019

Summer Camps for 2019

Plan Ahead:

New Pajama Jams at AMP by Strathmore:
Summer vacation may not start for months but playtime is year-round at AMP, and we’re bringing back our Pajama Jam series to prove it! Sing, dance, and strike a few (yoga) poses with Gina Chavez on April 7, Yogapalooza on April 28 and Moona Luna on June 16.