kids in dc – Page 2

DC Family Weekend Fun Guide

April 26, 2024

Be sure to visit our summer camp guide as many camps are already full, but some of our favorites still have a few spots available, including the first session at Camp Arena Stage.

All weekend
Georgetown French Market
This popular open-air market – originally inspired by those often seen in France – will feature sidewalk sales and specials from more than 40 locally-owned boutiques, cafés, and galleries along Wisconsin Avenue from O St to Reservoir Rd., plus live music, stilt-walkers, face painting, a mime, and more. Neighborhood restaurants will also offer food and drink specials featuring French cuisine and beyond – from pastries, croissants, and macarons, to lunch items grilled outside, and wine discounts.

Sing Down the Moon: Appalachian Wonder Tales at Adventure Theatre
Journey into the Appalachian Mountains in this award-winning musical that deftly weaves four traditional tales and original music into a keepsake quilt of mountain lore and wisdom for the whole family. Jack who lands himself a job despite his foolishness. “Catskins” is a spunky Appalachian Cinderella. “The Enchanted Tree” is a beauty-and-the-beast love story between a lost girl and a frightening crow. And in a zany, sung-through “Sow and Her Three Pigs” plucky Nancy the pig outsmarts the hungry fox. This play with music incorporates singing, mountain dances, music, and puppets to create a highly theatrical storytelling style. The score, which interweaves music throughout the tales, is inspired by “Old Time” Appalachian music featuring fiddle and banjo that drives the play’s action and makes music itself a character in the play.

Friday
7:30pm: Superhero Night at Washington Spirit Game
The Spirit faces off against the Pride on Marvel Super Hero™ Night at Audi Field. Fans are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite Marvel character for a chance to win prizes throughout the match, and then test their super hero knowledge at halftime during trivia highlighted on the video boards.

8:00pm: Movie Screening at The Yards Sundeck
Gather your friends and family for a screening of Disney’s Elemental on The Yards Sundeck. Don’t forget to bring blankets and chairs and stop by your favorite Yards restaurant on the way to pick up dinner for a picnic under the stars! Ice Cream Jubilee will be selling scoops onsite and a deluxe topping bar will allow guests to customize their movie treat.

Saturday
9:30am AND 11:00am: Saturday Morning Live! at the National: Off the Page
The magic of books can transport us to new worlds; illustrations and entire adventures can lift right off the page. When an imaginative young child dives into a book, the stories come to life around them. Through dance, music, puppetry, and vibrant imagery, this world premiere production will literally unfold before your eyes! Performances take place in the Helen Hayes Gallery on Saturday, April 27th at 9:30am and 11am. You can register on our AllEvents page soon and learn more about Arts On the Horizon by visiting their website.

10:00am-1:00pm: STAR Fest at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library
DC Public Library will host its annual STAR Fest, a free family celebration promoting early literacy development. Children and caregivers can experience the five practices at the heart of the library’s Sing, Talk and Read (STAR) initiative. The festival features interactive stations that make building pre-reading skills feel like playtime. Kids can sing and move along to live musical performances by Kofi Dennis, Uncle Devin, and Marsha and the Positrons. Imaginative play areas like a pretend garden, grocery store and pizza parlor will inspire storytelling and conversation. The Children’s Room will also host family story times, a soft play area and a sensory Story Walk experience.

10:30am-5:30pm: DC Chocolate Festival at La Maison Française at Embassy of France
The DC Chocolate Festival is a celebration of artisan and fine chocolate from the Mid-Atlantic and beyond! This event brings together over 30 chocolate vendors and thousands of chocolate lovers for a day of tasting, talking and learning.

11:00am-4:00pm: Carousel Day
An annual tradition at Glen Echo Park and one of the Park’s most popular festivals, will be held this year on Saturday, April 27, from 11am to 4pm. In addition to free performances – including music, dance,, and storytelling – Carousel Day features art projects for kids, open art studios and galleries, a parade through Park grounds led by resident performers, and much more. Carousel Day is presented by the Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture (the Partnership) and often attracts up to 4,000 people who come to the Park to celebrate the opening of the Dentzel carousel for the season. This year mark’s the ride’s 103rd season in Glen Echo Park.

12:00pm-2:30pm: Gnome Homes at Red Panda Art Studio
This workshop is designed for ages 7+. Pizza is included! Nothing makes us more excited for Spring than gnomes! This twist on our classic fairy garden project is sure to be a new favorite.

Sunday
10:00am-12:00pm: Family Fundays with The Great Zucchini at Hook Hall
Sundays at Hook Hall is all about FAMILY FUN! Bring the kiddos for some dancing and singing with different musical guests joining us each week! Enjoy entertainment from family favorites. The Great Zucchini is the DMV’s funniest and most magical entertainer who performs a magic show where every child is a star! The Great Zucchini’s performance will begin at 10:30am and will last 45 minutes. Don’t miss out!

Hanukkah celebrations in and around Washington, DC

November 30, 2023

Hanukkah begins December 7 this year! There are several ways to get festive in our area from menorah lightings to family Hanukkah parties to performances!

Nov. 30 – Dec. 31: Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins at The Puppet Co.
Hershel just wants to celebrate Hanukkah with the community, but the Queen and King of the Goblins have forbidden the lighting of the candles. Can Hershel save the day and lift the curse for this shtetl (village)?

Dec. 7 at 4:00pm: National Menorah Lighting
The annual lighting ceremony of the National Chanukah Menorah, on the Ellipse, just across from the White House, helps launch and strengthen the celebration of “Chanukah – Festival of Lights” in all 50 states and over 100 countries globally. The National Menorah is honored to have the presence of the Military Bands of the Military District of Washington perform at the lighting ceremony, often accompanied by a celebrity Jewish artist. Prominent guests including the President, Vice President, members of the Cabinet, Congress and the diplomatic corps, as well as numerous senior Administration officials and international dignitaries and celebrities have participated in the ceremony. The event creates much joy and celebration throughout the entire Washington community and beyond. Music, food, entertainment and the “National Essay Winners” are main attractions of the National Menorah Ceremony.

Dec. 7 – Dec. 15 from 5:00pm-6:00pm: The Wharf Lighting of the Menorah
The Wharf is continuing the annual tradition of lighting the menorah in District Square for each night of Hanukkah. Come to The Wharf to celebrate the Festival of Lights.

Dec. 7 at 6:00pm: Chanukah Festival in Old Town, Alexandria
Celebrate the holiday of Chanukah! Enjoy delicious latkes, hot cocoa, donuts and more!

Dec. 8 from 6:00pm-8:00pm: Lights & Ice: Hanukkah Skate Night
The Festival of Lights is back at the Canal Park Ice Rink with Free Skate Rentals for the first 150 attendees to glide around the outdoor menorah along with live music from DJ Ci Ci, free Hannukah-themed donuts, and hot cider from neighborhood confectionary shop Kilwins courtesy of the Capitol Riverfront BID; PLUS dreidels, glow sticks, gelt, and an exclusive Capitol Riverfront mug & hot cocoa kit for the first 100 attendees! The official menorah lighting will take place at 7:00 pm.

Dec. 10 from 10:30am-11:30am: Family Chanukah Party
Join us for a Chanukah gathering for families of young children!

Dec. 10 at 5:00pm: Light Up Arlington
Celebrate the holiday of Chanukah! Enjoy delicious latkes, hot cocoa, donuts and more!

Dec. 12 from 6:30pm-9:00pm: Hanukkah Party at National Museum of American Jewish Military History
Join the annual Hanukkah Party for latkes, jelly doughnuts, gelt and song! Explore the museum and enjoy food, music, and more.

Dec. 14 from 5:00pm-6:30pm: Community Menorah Lighting
It’s Chanukah time – and they’re bringing the celebration to you! Join as they light the candles, sing songs, enjoy entertainment, spin the dreidel and more!

DC Family Weekend Fun Guide

September 15, 2023

All weekend

Colonial Market & Fair at Mount Vernon takes place Saturday & Sunday from 9am-5pm. Step back in time at Colonial Market & Fair, featuring food and wares made by colonial artisans. Colonial Market & Fair is included with general admission. Admission is free for Mount Vernon members.

Washington Ukrainian Festival takes place at St. Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral Friday-Sunday. You can look forward to food and entertainment. A portion of the proceeds is for humanitarian aid to Ukraine.

Friday

5:00pm-8:00pm: Jessica Diamond: Wheel of Life Family Friendly Open House at Hirshhorn
Celebrate the opening of the Hirshhorn’s latest exhibition, Jessica Diamond: Wheel Of Life, with a special evening event featuring extended Museum hours and activities for all ages. This open house has a Hirshhorn Kids twist: Find five maker-stations in and around the second level galleries, each one inviting visitors to toy with text-based art and our distinctive building. Take our new Hirshhorn Eye tour, and find Dolcezza gelato and cold drinks for sale on the Plaza. If you want to wear your pajamas, be our guest.

6:30pm-9:00pm: And Action: A Night of Dancing & Film
Every Friday from through October 8th, swing by and join for And Action: A Night of Dancing & Film at Color Burst Park, where families and friends can enjoy a free dance class and corresponding movie under the stars. We may not talk about Bruno, but we can talk about dancing and singing in Color Burst Park to our favorite Encanto tunes. A Cumbia dance class will be taught prior to the movie screening. Bring your dancing shoes and join us for Downtown Columbia’s Fall Film & Dance Series!

6:30pm-8:30pm: Red Panda Art Studio’s September Kids’ Night Out Workshops: Squishmallow-Inspired Art Adventures
Drop your child(ren) off for an evening of art fun at Red Panda Art Studio! Kids’ Night Out Workshop is held at 11 Wisconsin Circle. Pizza dinner included. Ages 4 to 11. Drop-off expected.

Saturday

7:30am-3:00pm: Homecoming at President Lincoln’s Cottage
Highlights include our morning Freedom 5K race followed by a FREE family day with pony rides, a petting zoo, face painting, music, storytime, preservation activities, and more!

10:00am-11:30am: Red Panda Art Studio’s Panda Farewell Celebration with Chia Chinese Learning
Join for a heartwarming event co-hosted by Red Panda Art Studio and Chia Chinese Learning, as we bid farewell to our beloved pandas before they return to China. This is a wonderful opportunity for children to engage in hands-on creativity, learn about Chinese traditions, and bid a fond farewell to our panda friends. The event is the perfect mix of artistry, bonding, and cultural exploration that you won’t want to miss! All ages welcome.

12:00pm-3:00pm: Beer in the Garden
Halley Rise, Northern Virginia’s largest, most exciting new neighborhood, is hosting its first Beer in the Garden event in partnership with Lost Rhino Brewing Company! Located in Reston on the Silver Line, Halley Rise contains a pop-up urban farm that offers educational community events. There will be games, bouquet-making and music. This will be a ticketed event. Everyone over the age of 21 will need to purchase a ticket to enter the event, and guests under the age of 21 must register.

12:00pm-7:00pm: H Street Festival
The best kept secret in DC! You don’t want to miss this. Lots of entertainment, food, crafts, children’s activities and more spanning 11 blocks and featuring 14 stages.

Sunday

10:00am-12:00pm: Red Panda Art Studio Superhero Slime Lab with Miles Morales and Gwen Stacy Workshop
Join for a one-of-a-kind superhero art adventure! Miles Morales and Ghost Spider will be on hand to guide workshop participants through superhero training, potion mixing, and slime making. Workshop is held at 11 Wisconsin Circle.

10:00am-2:00pm: DC Family Bike Fest
Calling all family bikers, kid bikers, cargo bikers, unicyclists, and the bike curious. Everyone is welcome! Connect with other families, check out lots of different bikes, and have fun together.

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DC Family Weekend Fun Guide

August 18, 2023

It’s sunflower season! The blooms are ready to be marveled at, picked and photographed!

It is county & agriculture fair time! Carousels will be spinning at Arlington County, Prince William County & Montgomery County this weekend!

Friday
4:00pm-9:30pm: Food Truck Friday Block Party
Join for this monthly food truck fest of delicious food, great music, and an amazing community atmosphere. This event is a unique opportunity to try a variety of mouth-watering dishes, all made by Black-owned food truck owners.

5:00pm-8:00pm: Friday Night Fishing
Who doesn’t love a summer Friday night spent on the river? This Friday Night Fishing program is a free, family friendly, learn-to-fish program. It takes place along the Navy Yard on the Anacostia. Open to all ages. ARK, and partner Earth Conservation Corps, provide everything you need for you and your family to learn how to fish in a fun and educational environment.

6:00pm: Starlight Cinema Drive-in – Bad Guys
Welcome to another exciting season of Starlight Drive-in Cinema. These movie nights bring the community together and nurture community spirit with features that appeal to both children and adults. Free for the public to enjoy. The atmosphere is relaxed and informal so feel free to bring a picnic, blanket and chairs, and enjoy the movies. Gates open 6 p.m. * Pre-movie children’s show 7 p.m. * Movie starts at dark •

7:00pm: Friday Night Concert Series
The free Capitol Riverfront Friday Night Concert Series is back on the Yards Park boardwalk! Every Friday night this summer, come to Yards Park to relax and enjoy the river view, fantastic bands, food and beverage, and a large variety of great restaurants within a few minutes walk from the park. Family-friendly lyrics and grassy open space make this an enjoyable event for adults and kids alike.

8:00pm: A League of Their Own at The REACH
Join for a FREE film screenings outdoors on the REACH Video Wall. Films start at sundown or around 7:45 p.m. A League of Their Own is a comic look at the true story of two sisters who join the first female professional baseball league, and their struggle to help it succeed amid their own growing rivalry.

Saturday
9:00am-5:00pm: The Big Dig Potato Harvest at Great Country Farms
Join for Potato Diggin’, Honey Crisp Apple & Peach Pickin’ & Sunflower Clippin’. Tickets include a full day of fun on the farm and access to the potato field & peach orchard. Potatoes are sold separately on site by the peck and half peck box.

10:00am-3:00pm: Dolley Day at Dumbarton House
Dolley Madison herself will be at Dumbarton House to share stories about her life and teach some of her favorite games! Additionally, there will be yard games and ice cream (one of Dolley’s favorite foods) available to add to the fun. The museum will be open for FREE self-guided tours with a special handout about Dolley.

1:00pm-5:00pm: Saturdays at the River Pavilion
Enjoy featured performances and activities with food and beverages available for sale at the River Pavilion. Youth Poet Laureate All Stars will perform with music by DJ B-Blast.

2:00pm-7:00pm: Chuck Brown Day
It’s that special time of the year when DPR celebrates the music and history of DC culture and the ‘Godfather of Go-Go’. This is the largest celebration of Go-Go at an even larger venue this summer. BYO chair or blanket and get ready to jam out with live performances.

Sunday
9:00am-5:00pm: The Big Dig Potato Harvest at Great Country Farms
Join for Potato Diggin’, Honey Crisp Apple & Peach Pickin’ & Sunflower Clippin’. Tickets include a full day of fun on the farm and access to the potato field & peach orchard. Potatoes are sold separately on site by the peck and half peck box.

Cool down at some splash parks– a few are listed below:
The Wharf: 999 7th St SW, Washington, DC 20024
Color Burst Park: 6000 Merriweather Dr, Columbia, MD 21044
The Yards: 355 Water St SE, Washington, DC 20003

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DC Family Weekend Fun Guide

August 11, 2023

Can’t make the trek to Legoland? No problem! A LEGO Discovery Center just opened in Springfield, VA. This indoor center focuses on building with legos perfect for kids ages 3-11.

Celebrate the last weekend of peach picking at Great Country Farm is having the final weekend of Peach Fuzztival! Enjoy peaches in great food and drink at this full collaboration between Bluemont Vineyard, Dirt Farm Brewing, Henway Hard Cider, and Great Country Farms, all located in Bluemont, VA.

Friday

7:00pm-11:00pm: Smithsonian Nighttime Adventures at the Natural History Museum
The crowds are gone, and the doors have closed. Finally, one of the world’s most popular museums is your playground until nearly midnight! Join fellow adventurers at one of the world’s most visited museum as the doors close, the lights dim, and the crowds shuffle out for the day. Wander through the Fossil Hall, where dinosaurs cast giant shadows. Learn about Earth’s past, discover the ocean’s aquatic wonders, blast off to the moon, visit pollinators, and walk softly past mysterious mammals. Participate in games and challenges, immerse yourself in hand-on crafts and even learn how to eat like a T-rex while playing The Game of Survival. This program is for children ages 8 to 14 years old, accompanied by their adult chaperones (21 or older).

7:00pm: Planet Word JokeFest! An Open Mic Night Moderated by Pros
Prepare to be entertained and delighted as Planet Word presents our First Annual JokeFest Open Mic Night. Get ready to witness an uproarious celebration of language, wit, and jokes like never before! Our talented lineup of professional comedians will have you engaged with their clever wordplay, hilarious anecdotes, and side-splitting punchlines. Don’t forget, this is an open mic event, so if you’ve always wanted to try your hand at stand-up comedy, now is your chance. Share your jokes, tickle our funny bones, and bring the house down with your unique comedic stylings.

7:00pm: Friday Night Concert Series
The free Capitol Riverfront Friday Night Concert Series is back on the Yards Park boardwalk! Every Friday night this summer, come to Yards Park to relax and enjoy the river view, fantastic bands, food and beverage, and a large variety of great restaurants within a few minutes walk from the park. Family-friendly lyrics and grassy open space make this an enjoyable event for adults and kids alike.

Saturday

9:00am-8:00pm: National Book Festival
The event is free and open to the public. A selection of programs will be livestreamed online and videos of all programs will be available shortly after the Festival. Attendees may expect enhanced safety and security measures when entering the Convention Center.

10:00am-11:30am: Train Your Brain Project: Saturday Academy Col-Laboratory!
Train Your Brain Project presents…Saturday Academy Col-Laboratory. We are the passport to FUN for the weekend! Jumpstart your child’s day for amazing, snaps, crackles, and pops! The Collaboratory promotes a joyful environment for a diverse group of learners ages 3.5 – 10.

10:30am-11:30am: Summer Saturdays: Nature Detectives at Tudor Place
Intrepid explorers will create their own Nature Detective field journal and venture into the Tudor Place garden with a magnifying glass to uncover it’s secrets. Summer Saturdays is best enjoyed by young learners ages four to eight and their adults. This is not a drop-off program.

11:00am-12:00pm: Ice Cream Making Demonstration at Pierce Mill
Come learn about making old-fashioned ice cream, made famous by Dolly Madison, Quaker friend of Betsy Peirce. Watch the ingredients being poured into the dasher, learn about the brine that freezes the cream, and take a turn cranking the handle to make old fashioned ice cream. A historic recipe by Thomas Jefferson with modern adaptation will be available to take away. After the demonstration, we’ll have free ice cream treats for the kids!

11:00am-11:00pm: National Museum of African American History & Culture Hip-Hop Block Party
This year’s celebration will honor 50 years of hip-hop’s artistry, innovation and global transcendence — recognizing the culture and music that has been originated and shaped by Black America for decades.

11:30am-1:30pm (ages 5-8) OR 2:30pm-4:30pm (ages 9-12): The Phillips Plays with Photography: Creating Mood
Join to investigate materials, methods, and ideas in art. Families will explore the special exhibition, noting how Frank Stewart creates mood in his photographs. In the studio, families will play with light and shadow in digital photography to tell a moody story. $16, free for Phillips members and children. Reservations required, includes general admission.

County & Agriculture Fairs: Howard County, Montgomery County, Prince William County

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Treats worth the hype — What’s new from Milk Bar – Summer 2023:

Strawberry Corn Cake (available online and at bakeries until 9/18): They slather buttery, sweet corn cake – think the best cornbread you’ve ever had – with layers of bright strawberry jam and crunchy bits of corn crumb. We top these flavored-filled layers off with a coating of strawberry speckled buttermilk frosting and more corn crumbs to give one last wink of flavor. Also available in bite-sized truffle form!

Toasted Marshmallow Sundae (at bakeries only until 9/18): In this textural trifecta we celebrate the best part of a s’more, starting with a base of classic, lightly vanilla marshmallow flavor and caramelizing it for a richer, more deeply summer vibe. We top that with a thick drizzle of marshmallow goo and a ring of tiny toasted marshmallows for campfire crunch.

What’s new in grocery stores: Strawberry Pie Ice Cream pints, packed with strawberry-flavored ice cream with pie crust and strawberry swirls are available starting this month for a limited time on GoPuff and at local grocery stores near you.

DC Family Weekend Fun Guide

June 9, 2023

Playing all weekend long: Hadestown at the National Theatre
It is an incredible show!!

Friday
5:00pm-7:00pm: Poster Making at The Loft Collective
Bring your positive messages and a spirit of inclusivity and joy to support and celebrate Takoma Park’s LGBTQ+ community! Community events will take place on Sunday, June 11, 10a-2p (more info on Takoma Pride Day here). Poster making is a family event is open to all ages. This event is FREE, but please register so that we know how many to expect.

Saturday

9:30am AND 11:00am: Saturday Morning Live! at The National: VIORE: An Adaptation Story by Regan Linton
Once upon a time, the letters V, I, O, R, and E were living their best lives – happy, active, and joyful. But one day, things began to change and the letters transformed. It’s an engaging story of adaptation and how we can all change and grow to become happy, active, and joyful in a whole new way.

10:00am-1:00pm: Art Cart at Hirshhorn
Make some noise for a sound inspired Art Cart. Join us at this week’s Art Cart to investigate and play with sound. Then, make your own sound inspired collage. Find the Art Cart on the Third Level and pick up noise-making materials.

11:00am-2:00pm: Pride at Bark in Boro Park
All are welcome, especially those without a pet at home! Looking for a new leash on life? Paw by Paw Dog Training will host two hour-long training workshops from 11:45 AM – 12:45 PM and 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM. Pre-register to participate here. Bone Appetit! A dog (& human!) treat bar will serve pastries, coffee and puppuccinos from Bluestone Lane, as well as milk bones, chews and treats. Get your furry friend glammed with live tag engraving on-site. Need some puppy therapy? Wolf Trap Animal Rescue will bring a group of puppies to snuggle as they share more about animal rescue & adoption. A kids’ craft and activation area will be set up for little ones to enjoy throughout the festivities.

2:00pm-9:00pm: Pride on the Pier
The Washington Blade in partnership with LURe DC and The Wharf are excited to announce the 4th Annual Pride on the Pier celebration during DC Pride in June 2023. Pride on the Pier extends the city’s annual celebration of LGBTQ visibility to the bustling Southwest waterfront with an exciting array of activities and entertainment. The District Pier will offer a DJ, dancing and other entertainment. Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase for those 21 and older.

3:00pm-7:30pm: Pride Parade
Celebrate with the LGBTQ+ community and its allies at the historic Capital Pride Parade! This beloved tradition honors our history and acknowledges the evolution of the LGBTQ+ neighborhoods in Washington, DC, while respecting the origins and importance of taking to the streets in the fight for equality. Be prepared to experience one of the largest Pride Parades to ever take place in the Nation’s Capital.

7:00pm: Youth Soccer Night at the Spirit Game
Versus Angel City

Sunday

11:00am-2:00pm: Takoma Pride Day
Celebrating LGBTQ+ community during Takoma Pride Day. This year’s theme is Protect Trans Rights. With significant legislation across the country attacking the trans community, the intention is to send messages of equality, acceptance, and action.

12:00pm-10:00pm: Pride Festival
Join the LGBTQ+ community on America’s Mainstreet, historic Pennsylvania Avenue, for the Capital Pride Festival. Enjoy a full day of entertainment on three stages, food, drink, and advocacy with over 300 exhibitors. The Festival is the largest annual event in the national capital region and continues to be free to the public.

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Celebrate Passover with PJ Library

April 6, 2023

Passover takes place April 5, 2023 – April 13, 2023 this year. PJ Library has so many great resources you can access to use this holiday. I particularly like the 15 minute seder, because well kids….the lunch box ideas are great and can come in handy any weekday of the school year and you know I am always a sucker for the books. We hope you find these resources useful this Passover.

PJ Library brings the age-old Passover story to life with a wealth of resources via their Passover hub. This holiday hub is packed full with everything from music, stories, crafts and recipes to games, history and printables. Families can find a 15 Minute seder — a step-by-step video playlist where kids can learn (or refresh) their seder skills; the PJ Library Passover River Ride booklet which is the story of Passover in ten scenes; Printable Passover Recipe Cards; Passover-Themed Mad Libs; seasonal lunch box ideas, lists of Passover themed picture books and more.

PJ Library offers a downloadable and colorfully illustrated Haggadah for families: In Every Generation: A Pj Library Family Haggadah. While subscribers receive printed copies, this guide to the seder is also available to download for free in five languages, including English, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian and French. The printed English version of In Every Generation is available from the PJ Library store on Amazon.

New this year, PJ Library books are available on the Novel Effect app. As they read along, seder guests will be treated to a synchronized soundscape to In Every Generation: A Pj Library Family Haggadah, including authentic music, sound effects, and even pronunciation of Hebrew words that help kids stay engaged and excited throughout the meal.

Also available this Passover holiday for the first time are large print, Braille, and audio versions of the Haggadah prepared by the Jewish Braille Institute, to ensure accessibility for anyone who is visually impaired, blind or reading disabled.

PJ Library Presents podcasts for kids are NAPPA Award-winners, and a new episode of “Afternoons with Mimi” is “Kiddo’s Passover Table.”

Weekend picks in and around Washington, DC

December 16, 2022

The countdown is on for holiday fun! There are several festive events and activities you can still do, from holiday shows, ballets and concerts, tree lightings and holiday markets, and gift guides to purchase from (you still have time).

Be sure to click the above links as there are plenty of events happening this weekend that are included in those above posts.

Holiday events our family hopes to do still this season: Light Yards, Georgetown Glow, US Botanic Garden and the light exhibit at Brookside Gardens.

Winter Lantern Festival comes to the Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia area for its FIRST immersive DMV Winter Lantern Festival! From New York with 150,000 annual guests, 3 years in a row, this is an experience you don’t want to miss! Starting Dec. 16 to Feb. 12, Lerner Town Square at Tysons II will be transformed into a dazzling world of light with over 1000 Chinese lanterns; all handmade by artisans with decades of experience. Our lanterns and bright displays will light the night and bring warmth this holiday season!

Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience! Walk into the depths of a dark forest and discover fantastic beasts and iconic wizarding world moments illuminated like never before. Follow a trail through a mysterious and magical forest full of interactive moments, mesmerizing lights, and theatrical illusions. Come face-to-face with magical creatures from the Harry Potter™ and the Fantastic Beasts™ films, such as Hippogriffs, Centaurs, Unicorns, Nifflers, and more.

Greenberg’s Great Train & Toy Show at the Dulles Expo Center is in town Saturday & Sunday from 10am-4:00pm. There will be 250+tables of trains for sale, 60+ exhibitors from across the country, huge operating model train displays, free workshops and demonstrations, free test track – test run your trains at the show, free door prize giveaways and more.

Saturday

11:00am-2:00pm: Rudolph’s Rockin’ Reindeer Games at Boro Park
Get your groove on with friends, families and neighbors at this holiday-themed dance party featuring a live DJ. Move and sing to your favorite seasonal tunes while sipping hot cocoa, doing arts and crafts and capturing memories (with Santa photo ops!) for your holiday card. Take part in a special scavenger hunt and compete in reindeer games like freeze dance, red light green light and limbo! Santa photo opportunity will be from 11:30am-1:30pm. Rudolph’s Rockin’ Reindeer Games is FREE and open to the public. Registration is encouraged, but not required through Eventbrite.

1:00pm-4:00pm: JoAnn Hill at Steadfast Supply
We just had our first post by JoAnn and we are thrilled to welcome her back soon. You can meet her and purchase her amazing books on Saturday!! Perfect for gifts (hint, hint).

1:00pm AND 4:00pm: Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed at Imagination Stage
A new, high-energy musical to rock the holiday season! When clothing suddenly falls from the sky, Wilbur J. Mole Rat stuns the colony with his decision to get dressed! In a community where baring is caring and skin is in, can Wilbur find the courage to rock to the rhythm of his own electric guitar? Based on Mo Willem’s beloved picture book, the show explores what can happen when we have the courage to be ourselves. Best for ages 4-10.

Sunday

1:00pm: Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed at Imagination Stage– ASL Interpreted Show
A new, high-energy musical to rock the holiday season! When clothing suddenly falls from the sky, Wilbur J. Mole Rat stuns the colony with his decision to get dressed! In a community where baring is caring and skin is in, can Wilbur find the courage to rock to the rhythm of his own electric guitar? Based on Mo Willem’s beloved picture book, the show explores what can happen when we have the courage to be ourselves. Best for ages 4-10.

3:45pm-5:15pm: National Menorah Lighting
Musical performances, special guest and the lighting will occur on the Ellipse. Register to attend at link above.

4:00pm: Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed at Imagination Stage
A new, high-energy musical to rock the holiday season! When clothing suddenly falls from the sky, Wilbur J. Mole Rat stuns the colony with his decision to get dressed! In a community where baring is caring and skin is in, can Wilbur find the courage to rock to the rhythm of his own electric guitar? Based on Mo Willem’s beloved picture book, the show explores what can happen when we have the courage to be ourselves. Best for ages 4-10.

5:30pm: Northern VA Night of Lights
Join a family-oriented, community-wide candle lighting event featuring holiday-themed activities, including latkes, dreidel playing, doughnuts, kids crafts, music, a photo booth and more!

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