The rain didn’t ruin all of the cherry blossoms, thankfully. There are many great places to view the blossoms, see our list here.

RENT at The National Theatre
One weekend only! For a quarter of a century, Jonathan Larson’s Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece RENT has inspired us to choose love over fear and to live without regret. Its immeasurable emotional impact has forever changed the world of musical theatre. RENT follows a year in the lives of a diverse group of artists and friends struggling to follow their dreams without selling out. This powerfully resonant phenomenon has become more than a musical – it’s a cultural touchstone, a rite of passage and a source of joy and strength for millions. The extraordinary RENT fan community spans every continent and every generation – including many born over a decade after the show opened on Broadway.

Saturday

9:00am-12:00pm: Community Spring Cleanup
The Rounds, Compass Coffee, and Anacostia Riverkeeper are coming together to host a cleanup! Come a few minutes early to enjoy a free cup of Compass Coffee and get some free Rounds merch before joining the community in cleaning up the waterfront starting at 9am. Rain or Shine. All supplies provided, please wear closed-toe shoes and clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty.

10:00am-4:30pm: Blossom Kite Festival
Rediscover the joy of kite flying back on the Washington Monument grounds, at featured parks, and at home in 2022! The Blossom Kite Festival is a long-standing DC tradition encouraging attendees of all ages fly kites among the cherry blossom trees. The iconic outdoor event is fun, free, and open to the public. This year will feature both virtual and in-person options so that you can fly your kite from your favorite neighborhood park or anywhere across the globe.

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

1:30pm & 4:00pm: P.Nokio at Imagination Stage
G.Petto is an ingenious computer games designer who one day discovers that his newest game character, P.Nokio, can live outside the computer! G.Petto is thrilled at the prospect of having a “son,” and with the help of the Graffiti Fairy, he teaches P.Nokio how to become a real boy. But, P.Nokio falls in with con artists and finds himself in a web of lies that endangers his father. To save G.Petto, P.Nokio must wise up, keep it real, and learn that words and truth are the mightiest weapons of all. A completely contemporary, high-energy musical update of Pinocchio by the creator of Imagination Stage’s hit Zomo the Rabbit: A Hip-Hop Creation Myth.

Sunday

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

1:30pm & 4:00pm: P.Nokio at Imagination Stage
G.Petto is an ingenious computer games designer who one day discovers that his newest game character, P.Nokio, can live outside the computer! G.Petto is thrilled at the prospect of having a “son,” and with the help of the Graffiti Fairy, he teaches P.Nokio how to become a real boy. But, P.Nokio falls in with con artists and finds himself in a web of lies that endangers his father. To save G.Petto, P.Nokio must wise up, keep it real, and learn that words and truth are the mightiest weapons of all. A completely contemporary, high-energy musical update of Pinocchio by the creator of Imagination Stage’s hit Zomo the Rabbit: A Hip-Hop Creation Myth.

Ongoing

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

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

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

DCPL’s Winter Challenge continues through the end of March. The DC Public Library and the Washington Wizards invite children and teens (ages 3 – 19) to stay active and engaged this winter season by participating. It’s easy! Register for Winter Challenge and pick up your Winter Challenge game board at your Neighborhood Library or sign up online. If you have participated in past reading programs, you can log in to your account with your username and password. Make sure your email is up to date as that is how the library and the Wizards will notify you about prizes.

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

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

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

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

Recent posts:
Easter basket & spring gift ideas

Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden

A visit to Planet Word Museum

Friday

10:00am-5:00pm: The National Postal Museum is re-opening today!
You can find the current exhibitions here. Regular hours will be Friday to Tuesday, 10:00am – 5:30pm (Closed Wednesdays and Thursdays, and closed December 25. Policies and requirements are subject to change without notice.) Learn more about visiting the museum HERE and view the CALENDAR OF EVENTS.

7:00pm: “Sweet” Cherie Mitchell-Agurs
Experience the rhythm and funk of Go-go music at The Kennedy Center. “SWEET” CHERIE MITCHELL-AGURS presents a performance for young people and families combining high-energy concert style presentation and dynamic musicianship. Mitchell-Agurs is Music Director of Washington D.C.’s own exciting all-female Go-go group, the Be’la Dona Band, and a six-time “Instrumentalist of the Year” for the Washington Area Music Association. Most enjoyed by 8+.

Saturday

10:00am to 12:00pm: Clean the Creek & Trail
Little Falls– Meet at the gravel parking lot at the intersection of Little Falls and Mass Avenue in Bethesda to clean the Little Falls Parkway and Creek. We have boots and grabbers to lend as well as gloves, safety vests. and bags.  
Capital Crescent Trail– Meet at the small parking lot alongside the trail south of the River Road Bridge. This event is hosted in partnership with the Coalition for the Capital Crescent Trail.

11:00am: “Sweet” Cherie Mitchell-Agurs
Experience the rhythm and funk of Go-go music at The Kennedy Center. “SWEET” CHERIE MITCHELL-AGURS presents a performance for young people and families combining high-energy concert style presentation and dynamic musicianship. Mitchell-Agurs is Music Director of Washington D.C.’s own exciting all-female Go-go group, the Be’la Dona Band, and a six-time “Instrumentalist of the Year” for the Washington Area Music Association. Most enjoyed by 8+.

11:00am: Kids in the Kitchen with Junior League of Northern Virginia
Join at Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library for a fun nutrition lesson and a healthy snack! This is an interactive experience that engages kids to form healthy eating habits and learn basic cooking skills. Snack ingredients are provided (may include nuts), just come ready to learn and have fun. This is for ages 3-8 with one parent.  Due to space limitations we only have room for one adult with each registered child.

11:30am & 1:30pm: Play with Color at The Phillips Collection
Explore the possibilities of color. How do artists mix colors and make tints and shades? What is a monochromatic palette? How can color create mood? Create and paint an abstract design that expresses an emotion. Free with general admission; reservation required. For families with children ages 5+; children must be accompanied by an adult. All guests ages 5+ must show proof of vaccination and wear masks. 12 people per session.

1:30pm & 4:00pm: P.Nokio at Imagination Stage
G.Petto is an ingenious computer games designer who one day discovers that his newest game character, P.Nokio, can live outside the computer! G.Petto is thrilled at the prospect of having a “son,” and with the help of the Graffiti Fairy, he teaches P.Nokio how to become a real boy. But, P.Nokio falls in with con artists and finds himself in a web of lies that endangers his father. To save G.Petto, P.Nokio must wise up, keep it real, and learn that words and truth are the mightiest weapons of all. A completely contemporary, high-energy musical update of Pinocchio by the creator of Imagination Stage’s hit Zomo the Rabbit: A Hip-Hop Creation Myth.

Sunday

11:00am, 1:30pm & 4:00pm: P.Nokio at Imagination Stage
G.Petto is an ingenious computer games designer who one day discovers that his newest game character, P.Nokio, can live outside the computer! G.Petto is thrilled at the prospect of having a “son,” and with the help of the Graffiti Fairy, he teaches P.Nokio how to become a real boy. But, P.Nokio falls in with con artists and finds himself in a web of lies that endangers his father. To save G.Petto, P.Nokio must wise up, keep it real, and learn that words and truth are the mightiest weapons of all. A completely contemporary, high-energy musical update of Pinocchio by the creator of Imagination Stage’s hit Zomo the Rabbit: A Hip-Hop Creation Myth.

4:00pm: “Sweet” Cherie Mitchell-Agurs
Experience the rhythm and funk of Go-go music at The Kennedy Center. “SWEET” CHERIE MITCHELL-AGURS presents a performance for young people and families combining high-energy concert style presentation and dynamic musicianship. Mitchell-Agurs is Music Director of Washington D.C.’s own exciting all-female Go-go group, the Be’la Dona Band, and a six-time “Instrumentalist of the Year” for the Washington Area Music Association. Most enjoyed by 8+.

Ongoing

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

ARTECHOUSE has a new exhibit– Transient: Impermanent Paintings. Experience an immersive journey into artistic process, inspired by music and traditional painting techniques. This groundbreaking exhibition, originally composed as a live performance, presents a series of audiovisual paintings created by the artist in concert with generative algorithms. The exhibition employs technology as a lens to explore music for the 21st-century audience and rethink the traditional artistic techniques in the context of human-machine relationship.

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

DCPL’s Winter Challenge continues through the end of March. The DC Public Library and the Washington Wizards invite children and teens (ages 3 – 19) to stay active and engaged this winter season by participating. It’s easy! Register for Winter Challenge and pick up your Winter Challenge game board at your Neighborhood Library or sign up online. If you have participated in past reading programs, you can log in to your account with your username and password. Make sure your email is up to date as that is how the library and the Wizards will notify you about prizes.

The Atlas INTERSECTIONS Festival is a performing arts festival that presents work that impacts our society, culture, and world by informing, inspiring, educating, and entertaining. INTERSECTIONS is about presenting excellent art that inspires a connected community, engages artists and audiences alike, and creates a vibrant neighborhood, city, and world. We are interested in unique perspectives and art that connect us to the many facets of our humanity.

Plan ahead:
Tudor Tots Workshops: March 16, April 20, May 18 & June 15

RENT at The National Theatre: Who wants to see Rent at Broadway at the National?! ​Use promo code ANGEL at checkout for 25% off Friday and Sunday evening performances. Tickets on sale now here. 

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

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

Recent posts:
Easter basket & spring gift ideas

Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden

A visit to Planet Word Museum

We have a new reel from a visit to FUTURES an exhibit in the Smithsonian Arts & Industries Building. You will find immersive art installations, interactives, working experiments, inventions, and “artifacts of the future,” as well as historic objects and discoveries from the Smithsonian that will inspire you to be hopeful and excited for the future. You can stay all day but since it is free of charge go and come as you please. It is situated next to Hirshhorn and across from the Sculpture Garden.

Ongoing

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

ARTECHOUSE has a new exhibit– Transient: Impermanent Paintings. Experience an immersive journey into artistic process, inspired by music and traditional painting techniques. This groundbreaking exhibition, originally composed as a live performance, presents a series of audiovisual paintings created by the artist in concert with generative algorithms. The exhibition employs technology as a lens to explore music for the 21st-century audience and rethink the traditional artistic techniques in the context of human-machine relationship.

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

DCPL’s Winter Challenge continues through the end of March. The DC Public Library and the Washington Wizards invite children and teens (ages 3 – 19) to stay active and engaged this winter season by participating. It’s easy! Register for Winter Challenge and pick up your Winter Challenge game board at your Neighborhood Library or sign up online. If you have participated in past reading programs, you can log in to your account with your username and password. Make sure your email is up to date as that is how the library and the Wizards will notify you about prizes.

The Atlas INTERSECTIONS Festival is a performing arts festival that presents work that impacts our society, culture, and world by informing, inspiring, educating, and entertaining. INTERSECTIONS is about presenting excellent art that inspires a connected community, engages artists and audiences alike, and creates a vibrant neighborhood, city, and world. We are interested in unique perspectives and art that connect us to the many facets of our humanity.

Enjoy Sunday’s weather with a hike or trip to a local beach.

Saturday

11:30am AND 1:00pm: Rapunzel at The Puppet Co
This charming hand puppet retelling of the classic fairytale is performed by just one person! Princesses can be named after vegetables, witches can have good intentions, and sometimes you need a little song to help you get you through your day. Recommended for ages 4+. Run time approximately 40 minutes.

1:00pm-4:00pm: Ice Yards
Ice Yards has become the event of the winter season, with revelers enjoying an unparalleled afternoon in DC’s winter wonderland. Guests are invited to enjoy this aprés ski inspired event! PLUS! Ice Yards will continue its partnership with The Polar Bear Plunge. The Yards and The Polar Bear Plunge will join forces to benefit the Special Olympics District of Columbia. Above- ground swimming pools will be erected at The Yards Park, and participants will “take the plunge” to the cheers of the crowd! The Polar Plunge supports over 2,500 DC-based athletes with year-round sports training and the opportunity to compete in the Special Olympics DC Games. It will be a snow-brainer to stop by this fun winter event in the middle of the city! This event will adhere to all city mandated Covid protocols. This event is 21+.

1:30pm: P. Nokio: A Hip-Hop Musical at Imagination Stage
G.Petto is an ingenious computer games designer who one day discovers that his newest game character, P.Nokio, can live outside the computer! G.Petto is thrilled at the prospect of having a “son,” and with the help of the Graffiti Fairy, he teaches P.Nokio how to become a real boy. But, P.Nokio falls in with con artists and finds himself in a web of lies that endangers his father. To save G.Petto, P.Nokio must wise up, keep it real, and learn that words and truth are the mightiest weapons of all. A completely contemporary, high-energy musical update of Pinocchio that will have your kids dancing in their seats. Best for ages 5-11.

2:00pm: Omnium Circus Presents I’m Possible at Capital One Hall in Tysons
“I’m Possible” is the story of young boy who has a dream to join the circus. He confronts a world full of challenges and through a death defying, awe inspiring, madcap circus adventure discovers the strength, courage and perseverance that changes his life forever. Omnium means of all and belonging to all- presenting the best in family circus entertainment—inclusive of all and accessible to all at every performance.

2:00pm: Make Way for Duckling at Adventure Theatre
Mr. and Mrs. Mallard are exhausted from their search for a starter home when they land in the Boston Public Garden as a potential home. Surprised by a few conditions in the Garden, the Mallards move on to continue their search until their baby ducklings are born. When the ducklings begin to explore the world around them.  The challenges of parenthood in the busy Boston environment create a fun bit of family drama.  A classic story for all ages, this world premiere musical celebrates family, Boston, children, and the beings who make an unfamiliar place a home.

3:00pm-7:00pm: Mardi Gras at the Wharf
New Orleans has come 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.

Sunday

10:00am-3:00pm: B&O’s 195^th Birthday Party
The B&O Railroad Museum is celebrating the 195th birthday of the B&O Railroad. Join for family-friendly festivities all day long as we celebrate the legacy of the B&O and the wonder of American railroading. Guests will enjoy train rides, a balloon drop in which you have the chance to win special prizes including Orioles tickets, Museum passes, and let’s not forget the cupcakes!

11:00am AND 2:00pm: Make Way for Duckling at Adventure Theatre
Mr. and Mrs. Mallard are exhausted from their search for a starter home when they land in the Boston Public Garden as a potential home. Surprised by a few conditions in the Garden, the Mallards move on to continue their search until their baby ducklings are born. When the ducklings begin to explore the world around them.  The challenges of parenthood in the busy Boston environment create a fun bit of family drama.  A classic story for all ages, this world premiere musical celebrates family, Boston, children, and the beings who make an unfamiliar place a home.

11:30am AND 1:00pm: Rapunzel at The Puppet Co
This charming hand puppet retelling of the classic fairytale is performed by just one person! Princesses can be named after vegetables, witches can have good intentions, and sometimes you need a little song to help you get you through your day. Recommended for ages 4+. Run time approximately 40 minutes.

1:30pm AND 4:00pm: P. Nokio: A Hip-Hop Musical at Imagination Stage
G.Petto is an ingenious computer games designer who one day discovers that his newest game character, P.Nokio, can live outside the computer! G.Petto is thrilled at the prospect of having a “son,” and with the help of the Graffiti Fairy, he teaches P.Nokio how to become a real boy. But, P.Nokio falls in with con artists and finds himself in a web of lies that endangers his father. To save G.Petto, P.Nokio must wise up, keep it real, and learn that words and truth are the mightiest weapons of all. A completely contemporary, high-energy musical update of Pinocchio that will have your kids dancing in their seats. Best for ages 5-11.

Recent posts:
A visit to Planet Word
Family-friendly performances at The Kennedy Center
17 things to do in Georgetown

Saturday:
9:30am: Coki by Natasha Cosme Batista at Saturday Morning Live!
Young Ana thinks she is too small for the super important job of picking the quenepas from the big, big tree for her abuelos. With the power of stories from her Puerto Rican Indigenous ancestors, and a little inspiration from nature, she is reminded that we can do anything we set our mind to— when we think BIG! GRANDE! Coki is written by playwright Natasha Cosme Batista and produced by the Indigenous Cultures Institute in partnership with the University of Texas at Austin. This virtual series will premiere on Facebook and YouTube.

10:00am AND 11:15am: Balloonacy at Imagination Stage
A beautiful, movement-based show that revisits the classic film “The Red Balloon.” Nothing can go right for the character of the old man, whose days are gray and dreary–until he is visited by a friendly red balloon. In the playful physical style of Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton, the old man–an adult version of the boy in the film–regains his youthful spirit, with the help of the red balloon! Best for ages 1-11. 

10:00am-1:00pm: Black History Month Family Day at Woodlawn Manor Cultural Center
Bring the whole family for a self-guided exploration of Montgomery County’s Black history at Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park. Drop by the Visitor Center to pick up take-home activities (for ages 5-12) and trail maps to explore the Underground Railroad Experience Trail on your own. This is a great opportunity to connect, learn, and get exercise as a family. This drop-in event is free and family friendly. Check in at the Visitor Center. Take-home activities available while supplies last. No advanced registration required.

10:30am AND 2:30pm AND 6:30pm: Disney on Ice
The legacy of Disney is displayed through 14 classic and modern stories in this epic production that features an international team of award-winning figure skaters, high-energy choreography and a breathtaking set. With over 30 melodious masterpieces such as “Let It Go!,” “You’ve Got A Friend in Me” and “Hakuna Matata,” Disney On Ice Let’s Celebrate is the ultimate Disney fan experience. Families will join the fun in an exciting opening number that salutes Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse as the original hosts of Disney On Ice in an unforgettable experience in your hometown!

11:00am AND 2:00pm: Make Way for Duckling at Adventure Theatre
Mr. and Mrs. Mallard are exhausted from their search for a starter home when they land in the Boston Public Garden as a potential home. Surprised by a few conditions in the Garden, the Mallards move on to continue their search until their baby ducklings are born. When the ducklings begin to explore the world around them.  The challenges of parenthood in the busy Boston environment create a fun bit of family drama.  A classic story for all ages, this world premiere musical celebrates family, Boston, children, and the beings who make an unfamiliar place a home.

1:00 to 3:00: Save the Trees at Little Falls Stream Valley Park
Free the Trees In the Little Falls Stream Valley Park. Save our natural areas by pulling vines and non-native invasives that are killing our trees and choking out native bushes.

Sunday:
10:00am AND 11:15am: Balloonacy at Imagination Stage
A beautiful, movement-based show that revisits the classic film “The Red Balloon.” Nothing can go right for the character of the old man, whose days are gray and dreary–until he is visited by a friendly red balloon. In the playful physical style of Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton, the old man–an adult version of the boy in the film–regains his youthful spirit, with the help of the red balloon! Best for ages 1-11. 

10:30am AND 2:30pm AND 6:30pm: Disney on Ice
The legacy of Disney is displayed through 14 classic and modern stories in this epic production that features an international team of award-winning figure skaters, high-energy choreography and a breathtaking set. With over 30 melodious masterpieces such as “Let It Go!,” “You’ve Got A Friend in Me” and “Hakuna Matata,” Disney On Ice Let’s Celebrate is the ultimate Disney fan experience. Families will join the fun in an exciting opening number that salutes Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse as the original hosts of Disney On Ice in an unforgettable experience in your hometown! Buy tickets here.

11:00am AND 2:00pm: Make Way for Duckling at Adventure Theatre
Mr. and Mrs. Mallard are exhausted from their search for a starter home when they land in the Boston Public Garden as a potential home. Surprised by a few conditions in the Garden, the Mallards move on to continue their search until their baby ducklings are born. When the ducklings begin to explore the world around them.  The challenges of parenthood in the busy Boston environment create a fun bit of family drama.  A classic story for all ages, this world premiere musical celebrates family, Boston, children, and the beings who make an unfamiliar place a home.

1:00 to 3:00: Save the Trees at Little Falls Stream Valley Park
Join weed warriors and remove invasive vines and non-native plants.

Monday:
President’s Day

DCPS mid-winter break camps

Ice skate

Add to your calendar:
National Geographic Museum is re-opened

Dinosaur Adventure

Petal Porches registration is open

You are invited to attend a Zoom event, The Making of the American People: How Immigration Impacted The American Landscape. The event will be an educational conversation about the rich history and impact of immigration in America, perfect for families looking for an educational virtual event. February 24th | 6:00 – 7:00 PM on Zoom. Register here

The Noyes Children’s Library Foundation presents Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed as the 11th free Noyes StoryWalk®. Families are invited to read the picture book on posted signs at Warner Circle Park, a spacious area adjacent to Noyes Library for Young Children (10237 Carroll Place, Kensington, MD 20895). The Mae Among the Stars Noyes StoryWalk®, presented in collaboration with Montgomery Parks and the Town of Kensington, will run from Feb. 12 to March 13, 2022.  

Friday
4:30pm-6:00pm: American Girl Valentine’s Cake Decorating
Your girl will enjoy this extra-sweet Valentine’s-inspired cake-decorating class in our store. After learning the basics of this tasty craft, girls can take their creative masterpiece home to admire—and eat with family! Each class will have an on-trend cake-decorating theme as well as two facilitators to help girls with any decorating questions they may have. Girls will leave with their personalized cake, plus each girl will receive the “American Girl Baking Cookbook.”

5:30pm-7:00pm: Fridays @ FUTURES: My Future Valentine
Start your weekend off right every Friday with a generous helping of fun and surprising brain snacks. ‘FUTURES’ is open late, plus bonus drop-in tours and special guests. Explore FUTURES and find inspiration for the future you want. Drop in to the Futures that Inspire hall to craft a Valentine for your dream future.  

6:00pm-8:30pm: Rockville Lantern Festival
Celebrated in many Asian countries, the Lantern Festival marks a major celebration on the 15th day of the first month on the lunar calendar. The Lantern Festival celebration will feature cultural performances, food, interactive calligraphy and cultural displays. Kids can take home beautiful personalized calligraphy after the celebration.

Saturday
10:00am AND 11:15am: Balloonacy at Imagination Stage
A beautiful, movement-based show that revisits the classic film “The Red Balloon.” Nothing can go right for the character of the old man, whose days are gray and dreary–until he is visited by a friendly red balloon. In the playful physical style of Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton, the old man–an adult version of the boy in the film–regains his youthful spirit, with the help of the red balloon! Best for ages 1-11. 

1:00pm-2:00pm: Won’t You Be My Owlentine?
Love is in the air! And literally, for these beautiful birds of prey! Join to discuss the mating habits of these animals during their breeding season and get a picture with a live bird of prey!

1:00pm-3:00pm: Lunar New Year at Montgomery Mall
Join us for a family-friendly cultural celebration with a dragon dance, lion dance, live performances, kids activities, giveaways and more!

1:00pm-3:00pm: Save the Forests
Vines are strangling native trees and crowding out the understory bushes. Join our weed warriors to remove these invasive pests from the Little Falls Stream Valley Park. We are hosting seven work days in February. No experience necessary!

1:00pm-3:00pm: Sir Rulean’s Valentine’s Day Card Soiree
Join The Station for this family friendly Valentine’s Day Card Soiree in Bear Square. Decorate and design your own Valentine’s Day cards with glitter pens, gems, and The Station branded Sir Rulean stickers for someone you love. After participating in the event, redeem a complimentary hot cocoa made with love by Starbucks at The Station.

2:00pm: How to Say ‘Be Mine’ in the Animal World
Animals communicate in many ways. Learn how to express your affection in chimpanzee, toad, wolf and more on this outdoor Valentine’s Day walk and talk. The program at Lake Fairfax Park runs from 2 to 3 p.m. The cost is $10 per person. Children must be accompanied by an adult who is also registered in the class.

2:00pm-5:00pm: Wharf Winter Games
Missed your Olympic qualifier? Need a good laugh? Join us for the second annual Wharf Winter Games! Compete in multiple disciplines, from pin the tail on the Husky to ice corn hole and curling, and sign up for the one-of-a-kind Wharfarod sled races. Don’t worry, no actual dogs take part in this event, just you and your friends racing to collect the most gold and trying to win great prizes from the restaurants at The Wharf.

Sunday
10:00am AND 11:15am: Balloonacy at Imagination Stage
A beautiful, movement-based show that revisits the classic film “The Red Balloon.” Nothing can go right for the character of the old man, whose days are gray and dreary–until he is visited by a friendly red balloon. In the playful physical style of Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton, the old man–an adult version of the boy in the film–regains his youthful spirit, with the help of the red balloon! Best for ages 1-11. 

12:00pm-3:00pm: Special Edition Crafternoon :: DIY VALENTINES CARDS at Shop Made in DC
Join on Sunday afternoons for crafternoons! Bring a project or come and make at our classroom table! They will have various art supplies available for you to come and craft in their space!

12:00pm AND 5:00pm: Laurie Berkner Virtual Valentine’s Day Concert
2 shows: 12p & 5p ET! Join Laurie Berkner for an 80+min LIVE interactive, virtual performance (plus pre-show!) for the whole family! Sing, dance, & play games through your device with Laurie as she performs fan favorites and Valentine’s songs, interacts with you through the screen, & brings in a few surprises – from her house to yours! Your ticket gives you access to BOTH shows (12p & 5pET) and helps the LBB team continue operations while we can’t tour! You can purchase a meet & greet add-on above. Group rates available, email  to inquire. Please note there will now be a 15% service fee added to tickets, which supports the wonderful folks at the platform that hosts our events.

2:00pm-5:00pm: Hike & Seek: I HEART Nature
This month work together with (or challenge!) your Valentine to nature trivia in a heart-themed scavenger hunt. Looking for a little adventure? Follow the clues and work together with your family to solve a new nature-themed puzzle each month in Hike & Seek. This outdoor-only program follows all best practices for social distancing.

3:00pm-7:00pm: Paint & Sip at AU Prosper
When was the last time you did something special with your children just to make memories? There’s going to be free food & drinks, music (DJ) , love, and happiness. The event space is made up into two sections one will be the Dance floor and the other will be holding the Paint and Sip. Come and make memories with us!! You’ll have a blast!!!

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

ARTECHOUSE has a new exhibit– Transient: Impermanent Paintings. Experience an immersive journey into artistic process, inspired by music and traditional painting techniques. This groundbreaking exhibition, originally composed as a live performance, presents a series of audiovisual paintings created by the artist in concert with generative algorithms. The exhibition employs technology as a lens to explore music for the 21st-century audience and rethink the traditional artistic techniques in the context of human-machine relationship.

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

DCPL’s Winter Challenge continues through the end of March. The DC Public Library and the Washington Wizards invite children and teens (ages 3 – 19) to stay active and engaged this winter season by participating. It’s easy! Register for Winter Challenge and pick up your Winter Challenge game board at your Neighborhood Library or sign up online. If you have participated in past reading programs, you can log in to your account with your username and password. Make sure your email is up to date as that is how the library and the Wizards will notify you about prizes.

Time sensitive
Single and ready to mingle! Humane Rescue Alliance adoption fees are being waived for dogs over 40 lbs starting Friday, February 11 through Sunday, February 13.

Get a photo journal for free from Tribery!

Enter to win tickets to Disney on Ice!

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Valentine’s treats, gifts & events

DCPS mid-winter break camps

This week we published our summer camp guide which is always a favorite among readers. Hopefully you find a camp that fits your Bambinos interests. Registrations for most have already started so don’t delay.

There are plenty of ways to spend the weekend outdoors (albeit, dress extremely warm in order for the experience to be a pleasant one). Ice rinks are open, the slopes have snow and typical hikes are more beautiful with a layer of white fluff on the branches. Sounds kind of crazy but our family loves to head to the beach in the winter and see the landscape in a different season. Our area has many beaches and state parks near us as well as marshes and gardens that are fun to walk through in the winter. It is Restaurant Week in DC through Sunday and many places have take-out options.

All weekend:
Washington Auto Show is at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center through Sunday, January 30. The Washington, D.C. Auto Show is also the largest public show in the nation’s capital. Test-drive an all-electric vehicle like Toyota’s RAV4 Hybrid, the Jeep Wrangler 4xe, a Polestar 2, and a Nissan Leaf on the streets of D.C. at the Washington, D.C. Auto Show! See the Exotic Car Display at the 2022 Washington Auto Show in Hall B on the lower level. Visit the Subaru Loves Pets exhibit in Hall A of the Walter E. Washington Convention Center during the times below, and you’ll be able to meet, play with, and even adopt one of the shelter dogs provided by the Humane Rescue Alliance.

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

ARTECHOUSE has a new exhibit– Transient: Impermanent Paintings. Experience an immersive journey into artistic process, inspired by music and traditional painting techniques. This groundbreaking exhibition, originally composed as a live performance, presents a series of audiovisual paintings created by the artist in concert with generative algorithms. The exhibition employs technology as a lens to explore music for the 21st-century audience and rethink the traditional artistic techniques in the context of human-machine relationship.

Eliana’s Light invites you and your family members, friends, and/or colleagues to participate in “Spreading Kindness”, their 7^th Annual community service program in advance of Valentine’s Day. Due to the pandemic, this year’s program will again be virtual, and you can participate where you are. They welcome photos of homemade cards, poems, printable artwork for coloring pages, and songs that give uplift, hope and encouragement to children with serious illnesses and complex medical conditions. Please email items to Eliana’s Light before Feb. 10th. They also welcome donations to purchase art supplies for these families in financial need. Please make a financial donation by clicking here. Questions? Please email!

REACH Lanterns glows again with the return of Winter Lanterns, a free display of approximately 100 stunning lanterns made up of 10,000 colored LED lights, all crafted by Chinese artisans. Offering a whimsical experience for visitors, the Winter Lanterns display includes six outdoor installations: the Butterfly Garden, Flamingo Lagoon, Coral Reef, Panda Grove, Mushroom Forest, and Flower Path. REACH Winter Lanterns PLUS, January 27–30 and February 3–6, will add excitement and interactive outdoor activities to the evenings. The first week, which will highlight Chinese culture, offers photo opportunities with Tiger and Panda characters; writing and sending letters to former National Zoo pandas Bao Bao, Tai Shan, and Bei Bei, who are now in China; Lunar New Year freebies, and more. The second week of the celebration spotlightsKorean arts and culture and includes activities such as a traditional Korean costume display at the River Pavilion; photo opportunities with Korean mascot characters, along with further Lunar NewYear giveaways. Both weekends will include food truck offerings on the REACH plaza.

Monster Jam is at Capital One Area Saturday & Sunday. Washington, DC fans will witness heated rivalries, high-flying stunts and fierce head-to-head battles for the Event Championship.  Engineered to perfection, the 12,000-pound Monster Jam trucks push all limits in Freestyle, Skills, Donuts and Racing competitions.  The Arena Series East Champion will receive a highly coveted automatic bid to the prestigious Monster Jam World Finals^® to compete for the title of World Champion. 

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

Plan ahead:
Get tickets to see Balloonacy at Imagination Stage February 5-20. A beautiful, movement-based show that revisits the classic film “The Red Balloon.” Nothing can go right for the character of the old man, whose days are gray and dreary–until he is visited by a friendly red balloon. In the playful physical style of Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton, the old man–an adult version of the boy in the film–regains his youthful spirit, with the help of the red balloon! Best for ages 1-11. 

DCPL’s Winter Challenge continues through the end of March. The DC Public Library and the Washington Wizards invite children and teens (ages 3 – 19) to stay active and engaged this winter season by participating. It’s easy! Register for Winter Challenge and pick up your Winter Challenge game board at your Neighborhood Library or sign up online. If you have participated in past reading programs, you can log in to your account with your username and password. Make sure your email is up to date as that is how the library and the Wizards will notify you about prizes.