art

Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden is great for families

March 2, 2022

The Hirshhorn is the national museum of modern and contemporary art, exploring the art and ideas of our time and is located on the National Mall in between 7th St NW & 9th St Expy. The museum is open Thursday through Sunday from 10:00am – 5:30pm (closed Mondays through Wednesdays) while The Sculpture Garden is open daily 10:00am – 4:30pm.

What are your plans on Thursday’s? Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden announced the return of the Art Cart every Thursday from 10:00am–noon through April. The Art Cart offers young artists (best for ages 6 and under) themed sets of materials to use during your visit. Each week’s Art Cart offers a fresh theme and location at the Hirshhorn, featuring an artwork on view, an art making activity to do at the Museum, and kids projects to extend the fun at home! The Art Cart is free, no registration required.

In addition to the great art inside of the museum, don’t forget to head outside to the Sculpture Garden while you are there. With more than thirty works of art displayed year-round, the Hirshhorn Museum’s Sculpture Garden and Plaza offer visitors a contemplative haven in the heart of our nation’s capital. Comprising nearly a fourth of Joseph Hirshhorn’s initial gift, sculptures were and remain a critical aspect of the Museum’s identity, and the garden, which opened with the Museum in 1974, provides the perfect setting for a collection of modern sculpture that, at the time, was said to be “without parallel in the world.”

Scan the QR code displayed in the garden for a scavenger hunt of the sculptures to keep your Bambinos entertained and exploring!

Read more about visiting with kids here.

STEAM Family Days at ARTECHOUSE

October 27, 2021

ARTECHOUSE has been such a wonderful addition to the art scene in Washington, DC. It is unique in that each exhibit is mesmerizing and limitless with an interactive, technology component. The concepts are engrossing and unusual which makes it that much more appealing.

STEAM Family Days are back at ARTECHOUSE for a limited time. We got the chance to see the newest display at ARTECHOUSE; Life of a Neuron. Just like all of the exhibits they have, it was immersive and interactive. The main room allows guests to sit on cushions and just take in the bright, constantly changing art that is projected on the walls and floor. Our ten year old really found the topic fascinating and had lots of questions. Our six year old was a bit uneasy with the subject matter particularly as the display got closer to the end with faint ambulance noises- closing in on death (just an fyi). All other exhibits we have been to have captured both of my kids attention in a positive light.

When: Family Days are every Tuesday and Wednesday all day

What: Families that book through this link will receive special pricing and an activity guide inspired by the exhibit Life of a Neuron. Through this limited offer all tickets are $17 and Family Packages are $60. Offer not valid the week of Thanksgiving .

About ARTECHOUSE: Started in 2017, ARTECHOUSE is on a mission to stimulate interest in the limitless possibilities of creative innovation and to push the boundaries of what is possible. Since founding we have expanded from our DC location to Miami and NYC—with more locations to come.

About Life of a Neuron: Walk through a neuron—the “thinking cells” of the brain—and witness first-hand the beauty of one of science’s greatest mysteries: the human brain.

Life of a Neuron brings artists and scientists together for a groundbreaking collaboration to explore how the brain shapes the shared human experience. Through collaboration with the Society for Neuroscience and the world’s leading scientists and creatives, this immersive exhibit will allow us to experience a neuron—from pre-birth to death—providing an experiential view of life at a cellular level.

Weekend programs at The Kreeger Museum

October 4, 2021

I’ve relayed to you my love for The Kreeger Museum in past posts and now I am excited to share they are bringing back family-friendly events to the museum!

Saturdays at The Kreeger Museum: Winged Things– Make a thing and give it wings! Kids use their imagination to create a unique “winged thing” and see it take flight! Registration is $10. Please note that this class will be held outdoors. Please dress accordingly. In the event of inclement weather the class will be cancelled and refunds will be issued.

In addition to Winged Things, The Kreeger Museum has a variety of other outdoor activities planned including yoga and a drum circle.

Saturday, October 9 | 10:30am – Yoga in the Sculpture Garden Recommended for Age 12+
Saturday, October 9 | 2:30pm – Winged Things
Saturday, October 16 | 10:30am – Djembe Drumming Recommended for Age 7+
Saturday, October 23 | 10:30am – Sketching in the Sculpture Garden Recommended for Age 12+
Saturday, October 23 | 2:30pm – Vision Boarding
Saturday, October 30 | 10:30am – Djembe Drumming Recommended for Age 7+

Location: 2401 Foxhall Road, NW Washington D.C. 20007

Notes: Proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 is required for all individuals 12 and older to attend all programs and events at The Kreeger Museum. Masks are required in all indoor spaces regardless of vaccination status in all indoor spaces at The Kreeger Museum.

Visit Glenstone Museum in Potomac, Maryland

May 19, 2021

Glenstone Museum is located in Potomac, Maryland and is a private museum with art located outdoors as well as indoors. Glenstone offers nearly 300 acres of landscape fully integrated with the architecture and art. The landscape includes paths, trails, streams, meadows, forests and outdoor sculptures throughout the grounds. I snagged a last minute ticket and happily spent the day alone at Glenstone last week. Visitors should be prepared to spend considerable time on foot so be sure and wear comfortable walking shoes. I stayed outdoors while I was there, walking from sculpture to sculpture and admiring the landscape and foliage but the indoor exhibits are also now open. At Glenstone, architecture is as essential as artwork and nature, providing a minimal design to complement the collection and visitor experience. You will see a nice combination of art, nature and architecture. You can wander about without a map or grab one when you enter (or even scan a qr code). I enjoyed just strolling and finding the works of art myself, enjoying the long walk along boardwalks, in the woods and through meadows.

The museum is open in a limited capacity on visitor days (Thursday-Sunday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.). Scheduled visits are required, and admission is free. August visits will be released on June 1st at 10:00 a.m. All visitors must be 12 or older and all minors (ages 12-17) must be accompanied by an adult at all times. This museum offers a place for peace and it offered a space to really take in the art and just be one with nature. It was a welcomed trip away from my kids to enjoy art and being outside without the typical screaming and chattering. I passed by about 15 people while I was there– truly an escape!

The Children’s Art Studio: A Creative Summer in Washington, DC

April 17, 2019

The Children’s Art Studio is founded on the belief that young people reap tremendous emotional, intellectual and developmental gains from making art and that this opportunity should be made available to all. Small class size, thoughtful instruction and the inventive use of high quality materials is what it is all about. We hope your child will join us!

Camp will take place at Hearst Elementary School: 3950 37th Street
Camp is available from June 24 to August 2, 2019
You may enroll for one week at a time
The cost for each week is $450
There is an aftercare add on option!
Camp meets from 8:30am – 3:30pm
Camps are for children 5 -12 years old

There will be two classrooms/studios. Each classroom will have two teachers and a max of 12 students. Children will thrive as they explore a bounty of cool art supplies in a calm, structured upbeat environment.

Enroll here!

Please see our site for more information about our programs. Email or call with questions 202-247-1155. We look forward to speaking with you!The Children’s Art Studio will hold one day Workshops on May 27th and May 28th! Readers can use this link for a 10% discount.

This is an excellent way for kids and parents to try out our programs before committing to a full week of Summer Camp. If students like the Workshop, and we feel really confident that they will, sign up for camp!

Weekend Picks for Families in and around Washington, DC

November 2, 2018

It is the final weekend for this year’s Kids Euro Festival which is one of the largest performing arts festivals for children in America, bringing Europe’s most talented children’s entertainers to the DC metro area each fall for two weeks of free performances, concerts, workshops, movies, storytelling, puppetry, dance, magic, and cinema.

Cinderella debuts at Imagination Stage this weekend. This wacky retelling of the beloved fairy tale takes Cinderella on a royal adventure complete with a wisecracking rat, evil stepsisters, and a smitten prince. When Cinderella’s stepmother forbids her from attending the ball, her fairy godmother convinces here that if the shoe fits- wear it! True love may await her if only she can put down her sword. Just the right fit for the holiday season! Recommended for all ages 4+.

Friday

Union Market Drive-In: Hocus Pocus
After three centuries, three witch sisters are resurrected in Salem, Massachusetts on Halloween night, and it is up to two teenagers, a young girl, and an immortal cat to put an end to their reign of terror once and for all. 1 h 36 min, rated PG
Lot opens 5:30, Lot closes promptly at 7:45, Film begins 8:00, Film ends at 9:50

Saturday

9:00am-12:00pm: Kids Workshop at Home Depot
Celebrate and honor all who have served our country in our hands-on Veteran’s Day focused workshop. You and your child can build a custom model military helicopter to spark a conversation with a Veteran about fighting large fires, moving troops, getting supplies to ships and transporting patients. Once the “helo” build is complete, your child can decorate it with paint and stickers. 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-5:30pm: Smithsonian Food History Festival
The Food History Festival is a free day of hands-on learning, live demonstrations, talks, and stories exploring the past, present, and future of regional food cultures in America. Talented chefs, local organizations, experts, museum curators, students, and more will be on hand to spark conversation, lead activities, and dig into food history with museum visitors of all ages. All activities are free.

10:00am-12:00pm: The Forest Hills Playground’s annual Halloween Spooktacular
Come see our favorite magician, Abracadabra Alex, who also excels at balloon-making! There will also be a bake sale, face painting, spooky music, and the annual costume parade. This is Friends of Forest Hills Playground’s biggest fundraiser of the
year. 100% of bake sale proceeds and donations support playground improvements and programming like the popular summer concert series. Costumes encouraged for kids and grown-ups (but not required)!

10:00am: Native American Stories Family Day at National Archives
As NASA celebrates its 60th anniversary, this new documentary from Discovery presents a moving portrait of the agency’s many accomplishments in space: taking us to the Moon, to the surface of Mars, to the outer edge of our solar system, and beyond. Above and Beyondalso sheds light on the vital role NASA has played in measuring the health of our planet. Directed, produced, and narrated by Academy Award–nominated and Emmy-winning Rory Kennedy (Last Days of Vietnam). Save the Date: Story Time in the ReSource Room for Pre-Schoolers and Adults on Tuesday, November 20, at 10:00am.

10:00am-1:00pm: Glen Echo: Saturday Art Explorers
Drop in for an art activity and play in the Candy Corner Studio for $5, no need to pre-register. Play on the playground afterwards, look around the Glen Echo Park Aquarium or catch a show at Adventure Theatre or the Puppet Co.

10:00am-12:00pm: Michael’s Kids Club
They craft, you shop! Kids 3 and up can enjoy making a Christmas tree. Sign up in store or online, or just drop in. Parent or guardian must remain on premises during the event.

10:30am-12:30pm: Creativity Workshop at The 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.

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. Ages 1-5. Featured story: The Pout-Pout Fish

Sunday

9:30am: Fit4Mom is partnering with FRESHFARM farmer’s market
Join Stroller Strides on Sunday November 4 and November 11 at the TD Bank Dupont Circle. Bring the whole family for a workout and then shop the market goodies after class! The market is held on 20th St NW, right next to the class, and features fresh produce, smoothies, and ready-to-eat foods from local vendors! Bonus: The first class is always free.

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

12:00pm-2:00pm: Pumpkin Hill at Nalls Produce
SPIRIT: RIDING FREE and TROLLS: THE BEAT GOES ON! will both be onsite to promote their new seasons streaming on Netflix. There will be free face painting, complimentary cotton candy, and fun SPIRIT and TROLLS promotional items, such as bubbles, bouncy balls, chap stick, hair ties, luggage tags, pencils, bookmarks, stickers, tattoos, and more, all while supplies last. Pumpkin Hill is a FREE fall playground event.

Have you entered to win a spot at Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (SEEC) weekend workshop?

Related Links:
Holiday Tea for Families

Yoga with Bambinos

Weekend Picks in and around Washington, DC + Columbus Day

October 5, 2018

The weather is predicting a perfect weekend for Fall festivals, pumpkin and apple picking!

Maryland Renaissance Festival takes place on weekends from August 26-October 21, 2018. The Rent Fest will be full of jousting while serving up lots of turkey legs! Take a time machine back to medieval times where you’ll see wizards, knights and wenches. With plenty of entertainment, including music, jousting, mazes, puppetry, pony rides, a huge pirate playground and so much more. Your children will see people dressed up in 16th century outfits and will be begging to participate while staring in awe. Dress like a knight and come participate or just watch!

BloomBars; a local, not-for-profit community arts organization has a long list of children’s programming you don’t want to miss. King Bullfrog; a high-energy acoustic duo playing folk, blues, world, and original music for children and their grown-ups will perform on Saturday at 4:00pm.

Friday

5:30pm-10:00pm: Drive-in at Union Market
When a Jamaican sprinter is disqualified from the Olympic Games, he enlists the help of a dishonored coach to start the first Jamaican Bobsled Team. 1h 38 min, rated PG. Lot opens 5:30, Lot closes promptly at 7:45, Film begins 8:15, Film ends at 9:55.

Saturday

8:00am-11:00am: Hot Wheels Legends Tour
When Hot Wheels launched the original “Sweet 16” die-cast cars in 1968, they were considered some of the most influential and legendary cars in automotive history. And now, we’re hitting the road to find custom cars worthy of joining them as HOT WHEELS LEGENDS. One finalist from each of the 15 cities will join us at SEMA 2018 in Las Vegas, where one lucky winner will be immortalized as a Hot Wheels Legend and transformed into a die-cast car sold around the world. Don’t miss this family friendly event!

10:00am-12:00pm: Shake up your Saturday at Folger Shakespeare Library: Deception & Disguise
Hide your true self and see what mayhem you can bring. Shake Up Your Saturdays is a free program that takes place on the first Saturday of every month. Family members of all ages are welcome to join the fun! Foulke Conference Room; Register to attend. NOTE: This program has a limited number of spots. Please register and receive a confirmation before attending.
10-11AM: Recommended Ages 4-7
11-12PM: Recommended Ages 7-11

10:15am & 11:30am: Saturday Story Sessions at Strathmore with InterAct Story Theatre
In this delightful, interactive workshop, miniature items and toys creates a captivating story. Parents will take away effective storytelling techniques that can be used at home to promote literacy and other cognitive skills.

11:00am-4:00pm: Taste of Bethesda
Bethesda’s famous food and music festival brings 60 restaurants and five stages of entertainment to Bethesda’s Woodmont Triangle. Each year, more than 40,000 attendees sample the delicious restaurants, enjoy the live entertainment and visit the kid’s corner for face painting and arts & crafts.

11:00am-4:30pm: Hispanic Heritage Month Family Day: Making History, Sharing Culture Featuring Disney Pixar’s Coco at National Museum of American History
The Smithsonian Latino Center and the National Museum of American History invite you to celebrate the kick off of Hispanic Heritage Month in this day full of activities for families and visitors of all ages! Participate in hands on activities, learn about animation and storytelling, enjoy the Cooking Up History demonstration with renowned Mexican-American chef Zarela Martinez; meet members from Disney·Pixar’s “Coco” team, including character modeling artist Alonso Martinez, watch “Coco” with your friends and family, dance to the music of Grupo Bella, an all-female mariachi band. All festival activities are free, however reservation tickets will be needed for the timed film screenings of Coco.

12:00pm-3:00pm: FAMILY FUN: Children’s Arts & Crafts Workshops at Embassy of Sweeden
Swedish artist Karin Lithell leads children ages 3-10 in expressing themselves through art! Attendees are set up with everything they need to participate free of charge. Come try quilling or create your own abstract art piece inspired by Swedish artist Hilma af Klint. Free admission and no registration required. Also check out Room for Children and Storytime Sessions! Storytime Sessions are offered every Saturday at 2 pm for families to experience Swedish children’s literature. The sessions are held in Room for Children. FREE admission. No registration is required.

12:00pm-6:00pm: College Park Day at the College Park Aviation Museum
Free Admission for All! Fun for Kids and Adults! Join us for an afternoon of fun and laughter! Activities include obstacle courses, climb wall, bounce house, face painting, live bands and performers … and more! Enjoy creating different arts and crafts. Come say hello to the folks who keep you safe and check out their fire trucks and squad cars! Music all day long … our main stage will feature jazz, rock, cumbia, pop, R&B and more! Put your dancing shoes on! The College Park Aviation Museum also offers free admission and you can see their new exhibit “Delivering America: Airmail to Email.” As a special bonus you can go on the airfield and check out several helicopters and say hello to their pilots and crews.

Sunday

10:00am-12:00pm: Red Panda Art Studio: Selfies
Bambinos will create many different self-portraits in multiple different ways– and we will create a customized name plate wall hanging! This morning session is intended for ages 2 to 6.

12:00pm-4:00pm: Piketoberfest
There will be live music, craft brews, food from your favorite neighborhood restaurants, hay maze, corn hole tourney, and more. There is something for everyone at our biggest festival of the year.

Monday

What to do with your child when there is no school!

9:30am-11:00am: Rise and Rhyme at Busboys and Poets (VARIOUS LOCATIONS)
Rise + Rhyme is a weekly morning storytelling and performance series for children ages 5 and under with the goals of teaching children to engage with their community, learn to love performing and become rising artivists! Rise + Rhyme is held every Monday morning in Hyattsville, MD and Takoma & Brookland, DC and every last Tuesday of the month at 9:30 AM at Busboys and Poets in Shirlington.

10:45am: The 2018 National Columbus Day Ceremony at the Christopher Columbus Memorial Plaza (across from the Union Station)
The festivities will begin with music from “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band. Other featured parts of the program include: US Joint Services Honor Guard, Knights of Columbus Color Corps, Presidential and Mayoral Proclamations, Addresses from the National Park Service and the embassies of Italy, Spain, and the Bahamas, Youth Essay Contest winner, and the wreath presentations. This is a great event for the entire family. Do not miss this educational, historic, and patriotic ceremony.

Make sure you LIKE us on Facebook for updates and fun articles.

We are also on Instagram!

Weekend Picks {and more} in and around Washington DC

September 21, 2018

This weekend is JAM PACKED with events due to last weekend’s rain-ing on everyone’s plans. The plans got out of hand, so we’ve highlighted a few with details and included a list below of a few others!

King Street Art Festival

Saturday

9:00am-10:30am: Storybook Safari: “Where the Wild Things Are” Zoo Class
Friends of the National Zoo preschool classes are designed for children ages 3-5 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.

10:30am: Marsha and the Positrons at Jammin Java
Get an early listen to these new songs! Tickets are $8 (for everyone age 1 & up); or $25 for a family 4-pack. And meticulously updated scientific facts are free of charge!

11:00am-2:00pm: Little Sprouts at Beefsteak Tenleytown
Little Sprouts is an seasonal program that takes place across Beefsteak locations, designed to prove to children that veggies are both delicious and fun. The complimentary event on Saturday, September 22 will feature kid-friendly entertainment with coloring books, raffles and a plant potting activity with ThinkFoodGroup’s Chief of Produce Bennett Haynes. Beefsteak will offer small bites to sample from the menu, and children 10 & under will receive a free JV Bowl with purchase of any full-size bowl, salad or burger (this same deal applies every Wednesday at Beefsteak as part of their “Kids Eat Free” promotion).

12:00pm-3:00pm: DCPS Block Party at Anacostia High School
There will have food, special guests, opportunities to learn more about the resources from district partners, and lots of activities for students. The Ward 8 Fall Attendance Festival was cancelled due to inclement weather, so the Block Party will also be a time to recognize and celebrate the attendance strides of the Ward 8 community. The Block Party is free and open to the public.

1:00pm-3:00pm: Kids at Katzen; American University Museum
Join the American University Museum for an age-appropriate tour and hands-on art-making workshop inspired by one of the current exhibitions. Recommended for ages 5-12. Cost is $10 per child. Free for up to 2 children for members at the Family Level & above.

1:00pm-4:00pm:Brews, Booze & Bites at Tudor Place— DAY DATE!
Good weather is forecast, so come listen to live music while tasting and sipping the afternoon away in the gardens.

Sunday

10:00am-12:00pm AND 4:00pm-6:00pm: Red Panda Art Studio- Slime and other concoctions
Workshops will include open art exploration, sensory stations, a related story, and a guided project. Each workshop is $30/child.

12:00pm-5:00pm: KIDfest at Veterans Plaza
DC region’s largest family festival celebrating creativity and innovation! KIDfest, voted one of the best local festivals by Bethesda Magazine, features exciting STEM, arts, and creative activities of all kinds that inspire kids and adults alike.

1:00-4:00pm: Tenleytown Block Party (next to Best Buy & Tenley Metro)
Join us for our annual fun, family-friendly and completely free Tenleytown Block Party! Free Grilled Burgers/Hot Dogs/Drinks & More, Food Truck!!!! Free Ice Cream by Local Area Favorite Food Truck, Cotton Candy, Shaved Ice & Popcorn, Children’s Ferris Wheel & Bounce House, 24 ft Rock Climbing Wall, New Rides to include: Reckless & Super Sonic! Face Painting, Balloon Artists & Temporary Tattoos, The Fan Zone- Featuring Lounge Area with Live Viewing of NFL Games, Shaded Seating Areas, Rides & Amusements for All Ages, Live DJ/Music. Lend a hand in helping put together 150 care packages that will be distributed by Martha’s Table to our neighbors in need. (Rain Date: Sunday, September 30th, 1-4pm)

3:30pm-4:15pm: Sunday Funday at Imagination Stage
You and your child (ages 1-5) 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. Featured story: The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Get your tickets!

5:30pm: Joanie Leeds & The Nightlights at AMP powered by Strathmore
As one of America’s top nationally touring kindie rock bands, Brooklyn-based Joanie Leeds & The Nightlights has played for thousands of families across the country. Leeds began her career in the club scene in New York, but she was inspired by the unbridled and unadulterated joy of children. She wanted to write music that reflected that sense of carefree adventure. On her latest release, Brooklyn Baby!, she celebrates equality, healthy eating, education, and love with a fun, silly twist.

6:00pm: Target Family Night: “Callaloo: The Trickster and the Magic Quilt“
Join the Callaloo Kids ensemble at The Kennedy Center as they adventure to the Gullah Sea Islands in search of a long lost patch for Zoe’s grandmother’s quilt. Celebrating African-Diaspora folklore, this performance includes puppetry, drumming, and storytelling for the entire family to enjoy.

Have you entered to win 4 tickets to Disney On Ice?!?!

Local theatre productions are ramping up. Make sure you plan ahead and get tickets.