Weekend Picks – Page 39

Weekend Picks: Roller skate, fly around at a fair and watch an outdoor movie

August 13, 2015

Didn’t get enough carnival rides and fried twinkles on the boardwalk this summer? Head over to the Montgomery County Fair. It is happening through Saturday, August 22. Fair and carnival hours vary as do animal exhibits in Old MacDonald’s Barn. Children 11 and under are FREE while adults cost $10. Check the schedule for daily events. Address is 16 Chestnut Street, Gaithersburg, MD 20877.

Prince William County Fair is also happening through Saturday, August 22. Adults $10, Children over 5 $5 (with specials on various days).

11:00am-6:45pm Weekends: Roller Skate at NPS Park before it closes for the season
(1500 Anacostia Drive SE, Washington, D.C)
Have you checked out the National Park Pavilion turned roller rink? Free roller skate rentals with a valid ID.

Potomac Nationals are in town and have some fun promotions and events happening, including a Ryan Zimmerman Bobblehead giveaway on Sunday.

[Read more…]

Weekend Picks: jazz, movies and Nationals players

July 17, 2015

Summer is flying by and we have some of the fun DC has to offer right here. This weekend is sure to keep you busy.

Saturday–

10:00am-11:00am: Washington Nationals players at DC Public Libraries
Players will read to children participating in the DC Public Library Summer Reading Program. Participants in the program who meet their Summer reading goals will be rewarded with two free tickets to a Nationals game! And finally, at the close of the Summer, on September 19th, the Washington Nationals will recognize the DC Public Library in a pre-game, on-field ceremony with kids representing each of the 26 branches.

Drew Storen
Tenley Library- 4450 Wisconsin Ave., NW Washington, DC 20016

Stephen Strasburg
Anacostia Library- 1800 Good Hope Rd., SE Washington, DC 20020

Aaron Barrett
Mount Pleasant Library- 3160 16th St., NW Washington, DC 20010

10:00am-1:00pm: Kidical Mass Family Biking: Swim Center!
(355 Martins Ln, Rockville, MD)
Join us for our second Kidical Mass Rockville ride starting at the Rockville Swim Center! The Kidical Mass rides are designed for families with young children or anyone who supports family biking. We welcome parents with children on their own bikes or coming along for the ride via trailers, bike seats, tag-alongs or any other family biking set-up you have. This is a 1.4 mile ride that is a full circle, starting and ending at the Rockville Swim and Fitness Center. We will be meeting at the indoor entrance and using multi-use trails and quiet residential streets. At the end of the ride, we’ll have popsicles to break the heat a little!

MammothFollies_640 10:30am: Hudson Vagabond Puppets at Wolf Trap Children’s Theatre-in-the Woods
(1645 Trap Rd. Vienna, VA. 22182)
Go on a pre-historic adventure with this award-winning theatre troupe as they presentMammoth Follies. Learn about marvelous creatures from the Jurassic era in an old-fashioned revue of original songs, witty jokes, and earth-smashing dances performed by life-size puppets. $10 tickets

10:30-11:30am: Ice Cream Social with Katie Kraft at Stead Park
(1625 P St NW, Washington, DC 20036)
Katie is the owner of Accelerando Music and a certified childhood music educator. Accelerando Music is home to ʻTots with Tempo,ʼ the 2013 winner of Red Tricycleʼs ʻMost Awesome Music Class for Kidsʼ award, as well as the 2015 winner of Washington Familyʼs ʻBest for Families.ʼ With action-oriented songs and interactive movement, she is sure to have the little ones dancing & singing.

7:00pm: Cinema Del Ray showing of Penguins of Madagascar
(Mount Vernon Rec Center: 2017 Belle View Blvd, Alexandria, VA 22307)
Free open air movie showings sponsored by Jen Walker. Snacks are even available for purchase, bring blankets and cozy up. (No 4 legged friends)

Sunday–

3:00pm-7:00: Family Jazz Day at Glen Echo
(7300 MacArthur Blvd. Glen Echo, MD 20812)
Blues Alley and the Glen Echo Park Partnership are proud to host an afternoon. Family Jazz Day concert featuring the U.S. Army Blues Band, the Blues Alley Youth Ensemble and other youth jazz bands.

6:00pm: Movies on the Potomac at National Harbor showing of Jumanji
(165 Waterfront St National Harbor, MD 20745)
Nothing says summer like an evening under the stars—and there’s no better way to enjoy the season than Movies on the Potomac at National Harbor. The 2015 season will run on Sundays from May 10 through September 27. So pack your picnic blankets, grab food to go from one of our delicious dining establishments, and meet us at the Plaza’s big screen for a FREE evening of fun for all ages! Please note that movies will begin at 6 p.m. and will be shown once, so end times may vary with each movie. A schedule of movies to be shown can be viewed below.

Weekend Picks: Superheros, trucks and festivals

June 4, 2015

Happening all weekend:

The Green Festival – kids will have a blast at The Green Kids Zone.

Celebrate Fairfax – make sure to see their Innovation Health Family Stage line-up!

Also, we have outlined some great live music and outdoor movies to enjoy this summer.

Saturday-

8:00am-1:00pm: 8th Annual DC Truck Touch
(RFK Stadium Lot 7 Oklahoma Avenue, NE, Washington, DC 20002)
Come experience the high-tech equipment and vehicles used to provide vital city services. Learn how they operate to serve you better. Kids can climb aboard, work the gears, and honk the horns!

9:30am AND 11:00am: The Three Not So Little Pigs at The National Theatre
(1321 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC. 20004)
Little Yellow Pig the musician, Little Blue Pig the mechanic, and Little Red Pig the architect are fighting and not getting along. They quickly learn that cooperation is the key to success and happiness in Blue Sky Puppet Theatre’s production of this familiar tale. FreetTickets distributed 30 minutes prior to each show.

10:00am-1:00pm: Superhero Training Camp at Chevy Chase Library
(5625 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20015)
Discover your Superhero Identity! Come to CC Library for Superhero Training Camp! Kids and teens can create their own superhero identity, complete with costume. You’ll be saving the world in no time! Training camp includes a photo booth, so bring your super fast camera to capture the action.

10:00am-3:00pm:Imagination Bethesda
(Woodmont Avenue and Elm Street in downtown Bethesda)
Celebrate children, art, and all things fun at the 21st annual Imagination Bethesda. Activity tents line the streets, face painters bring butterflies and pirates to life, a stage of live entertainment will have the whole street dancing and more! Enjoy this free family fun day!

4;30pm: Here Comes Trouble CD Release Party at FNDTN Gallery and Liveroom
(3762A Howard Avenue, Kensington, MD 20895)
Led by a husband-and-wife team of conservatory-trained jazz musicians who lead double lives as successful lawyers, the beloved DC-area band Here Comes Trouble is thrilled to announce the national release of their debut kids’/family album, Goo On My Shoe, an eclectic collection of songs that celebrate the goofy and sweet things that are likely to pop up in everyone’s life. $6 in advance/$8 at door, cash only.

Sunday-

10:00am: Sunday Funday at Imagination Stage
(4908 Auburn Avenue Bethesda, Maryland 20814)
We invite you and your child to bring your favorite stories to life through dramatic play activities, movement, music, and visual art. Each session you leave with a completed craft, as well as a Parent Pack to extend the experience at home. These popular workshops are themed around beloved children’s books. Story this week: Stone Soup. Best for ages 3-5. Tickets are $10.

Weekend Picks: CD Releases and Truck Touch

May 29, 2015

It’s summer, which means lots of fun things to do outdoors, including free movies under the stars. Check out this list!

Saturday-

9:30am-11:30am: Truck Touch at Grace Episcopal Day School
(9411 Connecticut Ave Kensington, MD 20895)
Climb on, hop in, and interact with a variety of trucks for free! Food, beverages, face painting, bouncy house and a bake sale.

10:00am-11:00pm: Capital Wheel turns 1!
(116 Waterfront Street National Harbor, MD 20745)
We’ll be throwing a Capital Wheel Birthday Party, complete with live music on the pier and amazing giveaways! Plus, the first 500 riders on May 30th will receive Buzz Bakery cupcakes!

10:00am-8:00pm: Discover Madagascar at Vienna Community Center
(120 Cherry St SE, Vienna, VA 22180)
Learn about the world’s 4th largest island. Market space, vendors, live music, folkloric dances, arts and crafts, Malagasy food and more. All tickets include a plate of food.

[Read more…]

Weekend Picks: Dragon Boats, LEGOS and Art

May 15, 2015

Happy Weekend! Enjoy it outdoors at some of these great events. Or hang out inside if the weather gets rainy.

Saturday-

8:30am-5:00pm: 14th Annual Dragon Boat Festival at Thompsons Boat Center
(2900 Virginia Ave NW Washington, DC 20007- near the Georgetown Waterfront)
The Washington DC Dragon Boat Festival, now in it’s 14th year, is a two day festival held along the Potomac River complete with cultural exhibitions, craft demonstrations, and of course… dragon boat racing made to look just like dragons. The event is sponsored by the Chinese Women’s League (CWL) and serves to promote Chinese culture to the Washington DC area through the sport of dragon boat racing. Schedule of events here. The kids will enjoy watching the races as well as brushing painting, calligraphy and paper cutting.
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Weekend Picks: Magic Tree House, MusiKids and Engineers for a day

February 27, 2015

Arts on the Horizon will be featuring Sunny and Licorice at Atlas Performing Arts Intersections Festival this weekend. Check here for the Family Schedule of Events.

Friday & Saturday-

Magic Tree House: Dinosaurs Before Dark, Kids! at Adventure Theatre featuring ATMTC Academy Students in Grades 2 – 5 Feb. 27 & 28
(7300 MacArthur Blvd, Glen Echo, MD 20812)
While exploring one afternoon, Jack and Annie discover a tree house full of books: Jack looks through a book about dinosaurs and wishes he could see a real one. Suddenly the wind begins to blow and the tree house starts to spin wildly. When it finally stops, Jack and Annie open their eyes to find they have been transported back to the time of the dinosaurs! Tickets are $5.

Saturday-

10:00am: MusiKids at Avalon Theatre
(5612 Connecticut Avenue NW Washington, DC. 20015)
Come join musiKids in a brand new Adventure Day – “Down on the Bayou”! This interactive musical show will have children singing and moving to songs inspired by the colorful creatures from the bayous of Louisiana. Learn how to snap like an alligator or jump like a rabbit! musiKids Adventure Days encourage kids to sing and move along with each and every song. Recommended for children ages 18 months to 6 years old.

10:00am-4:30pm:Engineering Family Day at National Building Museum
(401 F Street NW Washington, D.C. 2000)
Every February, the National Building Museum and the National Engineers Week Foundation invite you to debunk the myths of engineering and discover how professional engineers turn ideas into reality. Celebrate Engineers Week by participating in this free, hands-on, and fun-filled festival. Explore thermodynamics, electricity, aerodynamics, and more with engineers at more than 25 activity tables and demonstrations made especially for kids. Discover Engineering Family Day is a FREE, drop-in program. $5 donation suggested. Program and activities are most appropriate for children ages 6 to 12 with adult supervision. Registration is not required.

10:30am: Saturday Fun-Day at Imagination Stage
(4908 Auburn Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814)
You and your child are invited to a fun, interactive musical experience! An Early Childhood Teaching Artist (playing a ukulele!) 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. Best for ages 1 month-3 years. Featured story: The Wheels on the Bus

11:00am and 1:00pm: Human Rights Campaign features “Dancin’ in the Kitchen” concert
(640 Rhode Island Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20036)
Join HRC for a special family concert featuring the Grammy winning duo, Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer and songs from their forthcoming CD, “Dancin’ in the Kitchen,” featuring songs that celebrate all kinds of families! Each family will receive an advance copy of “Dancin’ in the Kitchen,” a chance to meet the musicians, and snacks during the show. Seating will be limited, so get your tickets early! Adult General Admission: $10 and Children General Admission: $5

Sunday-

10:00am: Sunday Fun Day at Imagination Stage
(4908 Auburn Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814)
We invite you and your child to bring your favorite stories to life through dramatic play activities, movement, music, and visual art. Each session you leave with a completed craft, as well as a Parent Pack to extend the experience at home. These popular workshops are themed around beloved children’s books. Best for ages 1-3. Featured story: Where the Wild Things Are

2:00pm: The Wacky & Whimsical Tea for THEARC
(1150 22nd Street, NW Washington, DC 20037-The Ritz-Carlton of Washington)
Enjoy a fun-filled Sunday afternoon that will include high tea, a silent auction and creative games for kids of all ages and their families, including a treasure trove, special entertainment and other surprises. All of the proceeds from the event will benefit the Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus (THEARC).

Weekend Picks: Intersections Festival, Chinese New Year and Tunes

February 20, 2015

Atlas Intersections Festival kicks off the 6th annual Festival this weekend showcasing over 125 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 20-March 7. There are many family events (too many to choose for our picks), so please check out the schedule for family friendly shows.

Saturday-

10:00am: Avalon Theatre presents The RTT’s
(5612 Connecticut Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC 20015)
The RTTs (also known as the Rhodes Tavern Troubadours) bring their toe-tapping, award-winning, original roots rock back to the Avalon! The whole family will want to dance along as they play hits like “Snack Time” and “Turn it Up, Mommy.”

10:00am-12:00pm: Open Studio at Little Loft
(511 11th St SE Washington, DC 20003)
Drop in anytime during our open hours to play at our sand and rice tables, play dough station, book corner, and art table. Great for ages 1.5 – 8. $15/child (siblings half price), no preregistration necessary.

10:30am: GIGS and Kindiemusicdc present Junior Jams: John Henry the Guitar Playing Man! at FNDTN Gallery and Liveroom
(3762A Howard Ave. Kensington, MD. 20895)
John Henry is renowned for his ability to connect with his audiences. He brings 20 years of early childhood education, and experience as a dad himself to his interactive program, engaging children of all ages as they dance, sing and imagine.

10:30am: Saturday Song Circle at Imagination Stage
(4908 Auburn Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814)
You and your child are invited to a fun, interactive musical experience! An Early Childhood Teaching Artist (playing a ukulele!) 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. Best for ages 1 month-3 years. Featured story: Five Little Monkeys

11:00am-4:00pm: Mardi Gras Family Day at Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum
(1901 Fort Place SE Washington, DC 20020)
Join in on the fun with this popular annual museum event featuring storytelling, face painting, balloon artist, mask-making, and other hands-on activities including a second line parade through the museum. Attendees can also participate in the popular Art of Adornment workshop with artist and entrepreneur, Januwa Moja-Nelson. Get a complimentary picture of you dressed in Januwa’s individual designs. Those interested in the Adornment workshop should sign up on a first-come, first-served basis upon arrival. This program is free and open to everyone! Register or call 202.633.4844.

Sunday-

2:00pm-5:00pm: Chinese New Year Parade and Festival
(H Street, NW, between 6th and 7th Streets)
Each year a parade is held in Chinatown to celebrate the Chinese New Year. The event features the traditional Chinese Dragon Dance, Kung Fu demonstrations and live musical entertainment. The firecracker will be lit at 3:45 p.m. A good place to view the parade is along 7th St. The closest Metro station is Gallery Place/Chinatown.

2:00pm: McLean Community Center presents “Fly Guy and Other Stories”
(1234 Ingleside Avenue McLean, Virginia 22101)
Fly Guy has met his match, and her name is Fly Girl. Fly Guy is totally impressed and totally smitten. Will Fly Guy and Fly Girl get married and leave Buzz without his dear pet? Other stories by authors such as McMullan, Howe, Henkes and Munsch will be featured. Tickets are $15 for non-members. For ages 5+.

Weekend Picks: Be My Valentine this President’s Day Weekend

February 13, 2015

The Kennedy Center Performances for Young Audiences presents: Jack’s Tale: A Mythic Mountain Musical Adventure. This world premiere Kennedy Center co-commission with Nashville Children’s Theatre uses actors and a live bluegrass band to dive deep into the eclectic music traditions of the Appalachians. The result: a delightfully authentic mountain musical! There are 5 shows throughout the weekend, tickets are $20 for the 60 minute musical, best suited for children ages 8+.

It is George Washington’s Birthday Weekend! Celebrate George Washington’s 283rd birthday this weekend with special activities at Mount Vernon! Enjoy a sample of George Washington’s favorite breakfast on February 14-15 (included in admission). Celebrate the national observance of George Washington’s birthday by attending Mount Vernon’s events free-of-charge on February 16! Admission on Monday is free.

Friday:

11:30am-7:00pm- SweetARTS and Valentines at American Art Museum
(8th and F Streets, NW)
Need something special for your sweetie? Looking for a snarky card to send to your BFF? Tired of the same ol’ Valentine’s Day options? Look no further; American Art has what you need. Come on by to make the perfect, personalized card—we supply all the necessary materials at no cost. If you are feeling fancy, horticulturists from Smithsonian Gardens can help you make an orchid corsage for a $10 materials fee, while supplies last.

Saturday:

10:00am- Baby Loves Disco DMV presents Brunch Box at H St Country Club
(1335 H Street, NE, Washington DC 20002)
From the host who brought the DC area Baby Loves Disco since 2008 and owner of Hex9 Productions – we present “Brunch Box” – a pop up Brunch event for families in the DC area debuting at the wildly popular H Street Country Club in the Atlas Arts District of Washington, DC. Your ticket also includes the entertainment: a balloon twister, The Face Paint Lady! and other activities. Mini golf and the two shuffle board tables are available for exclusive use for the two hours. Tickets are $23 pp and children 8 and under are FREE. Get your tickets here.

10:00am- Avalon Theatre presents The Great Zucchini
(5612 Connecticut Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC 20015)
It’s time for The Great Zucchini to take over The Avalon once again! And he’s bringing in New York’s Charlie & Checkers for their first DC appearance ever! Don’t miss this very special performance from some of the biggest children’s entertainers on the east coast.

10:30am- Saturday Song Circle at Imagination Stage
(4908 Auburn Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814)
You and your child are invited to a fun, interactive musical experience! An Early Childhood Teaching Artist (playing a ukulele!) 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. Best for ages 1 month-3 years. Featured story: Skidamarink

10:30am-11:30am or 1:30pm-2:30pm- Be My Valentine Tour & Workshop for Children at Tudor Place
(1644 31st Street, NW Washington, DC 20007)
Tour the historic mansion in search of Valentine’s Day greetings from long ago. Children then design their own Valentines to take home, drawing artistic inspiration from historic cards in the Tudor Place Archive.

10:30am, 12:30pm and 2:30pm- Steve Songs at Jammin Java
(227 Maple Ave E Vienna, VA 22180)
Steve Roslonek of SteveSongs has been writing and performing his award-winning music for kids and families for the past fifteen years. Steve blends participatory songs, clever stories and great melodies to create what the Boston Globe called “not just a musical journey but an entertaining, interactive and educational one.”

1:30pm-3:00pm- The French Academy presents Saint Valentin Workshop
(Baptist Church of Chevy Chase)
On Valentine’s Day we will talk about LOVE, of course: our best friends, our pets and family. We will prepare cards for our loved ones. Songs, games and treats await you too! Price for our students: $25 for one child/ $20 per child if you sign up two or more. Price for non students: $30 for one child/ $25 per child if you sign up two or more. For children ages 3-12 years old. Register

Sunday:

10:00am- Sunday Fun Day at Imagination Stage
(4908 Auburn Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814)
We invite you and your child to bring your favorite stories to life through dramatic play activities, movement, music, and visual art. Each session you leave with a completed craft, as well as a Parent Pack to extend the experience at home. These popular workshops are themed around beloved children’s books. Best for ages 1-3. Featured story: My Heart is Like a Zoo

11:30am-3:00pm- Presidential Family Fun Day at The National Portrait Gallery
(8th and F St NW)
Celebrate President’s Day weekend during a patriotic family day at the National Portrait Gallery. Enjoy a variety of crafts and performances dedicated to our nation’s famous past-leaders.
Meet Presidents George Washington and Abraham Lincoln in person and enjoy several art activities like Presidential Polaroid’s and making picture frames. See performances by the local a capella group, “Snowday,” get your picture taken with the Washington Nationals Racing Presidents, and more.

Monday:

9:30am-11:00am- Presidents Day Family Storytime Yoga at Lil Omm
(4708 Wisconsin Ave. NW Washington, DC 20016)
Storytime Family Yoga with Arts and Crafts with Julia Colton. Storytime Yoga is the perfect family workshop for budding bookworms and reluctant readers alike. Drawing on her experience working at Politics & Prose in the Children’s department and as “the best bed-time story reader ever” (according to several moms), teacher Julia Colton was inspired to combine two of her favorite things: books and yoga. Start with “Ish” by Peter H. Reynolds and then play our way through a few classics of children’s literature with time at the end for crafts based on our favorite stories (Ish drawings & butterfly masks). The workshop costs $30. Children ages 2-3 must be accompanied by a parent/caregiver.Drop-off optional for ages 4-5 years. Sign up here.

10:30am- Rocknoceros at Jammin Java
(227 Maple Ave E Vienna, VA 22180)
Spend Presidents Day rocking out with a DC favorite. As every family with youngsters in the DC area knows, Rocknoceros (pronounced like rhinoceros) is three guys: Coach Cotton, Williebob, and Boogie Woogie Bennie. They have been making award-winning music for the whole family since 2005.