mount vernon

DC Family Weekend Fun Guide

October 25, 2024

This weekend has much to offer those wanting to celebrate fall and Halloween! It is the final weekend of apple picking at Great Country Farms, pair it with the corn maze and fall harvest festival.

Saturday

10:00am-3:00pm: Kreeger Museum Open House
Join this family-friendly celebration of art, music, and architecture! This event is free and open to all with live jazz music and art-making activities. Food trucks will be selling refreshments for purchase. Entrance to the Museum will be free of charge and our permanent collection will be on view. Free parking is available at The Field School, located next door at 2301 Foxhall Road NW. Picnic blankets are welcome in the Sculpture Garden. Click link about to see schedule of events.

10:00am-12:00pm: Trick or Treat at Tudor Place
Wear your Halloween costume and search for treats (not tricks) in every corner of the garden. Enjoy crafts, activities and period games amid lovely autumn plant life. This outdoor event will take place rain or shine.

10:00am-3:00pm: Air & Scare at Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
Join us for our annual Halloween event at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center to explore the spooky side of air and space. This year, the event will take place both inside and outside at the Museum.

11:30am-3:00pm: Dia de Los Muertos at Smithsonian American Art Museum
Celebrate Día de los Muertos with the Smithsonian American Art Museum! Bring the whole family to see exciting live performances, including traditional Mexican folk dance by Corazon Folklorico, a mariachi performance by Mariachi Aguila DC, and a showcase of different Latin American music genres and dances with Sol y Rumba. Attendees ages 12 and younger can enjoy face painting throughout the day, while visitors of all ages can participate in hands-on craft activities. Round out the day by exploring the museum’s collection with our Día de los Muertos-themed scavenger hunt.

11:30am AND 1:00pm: Family Workshop: Something Wicked: Supernatural Shakespeare at Folger Shakespeare Library
Get spooky with Shakespeare’s ghosts and witches. Join the Folger on fun escapades as we explore the play’s hurly-burly elements! Costumes not required but welcomed!

12:30pm-3:00pm: Little Goblins Parade
All boys and ghouls are invited for the 13th edition of this beloved Halloween celebration! Parade from Ross Elementary down 17th Street, trick or treating at the stores along the way, and finish at Stead Park for a Halloween party! There will be music, candy, photo ops, games, giveaways, and more. Costumes encouraged. Free! RSVP to link above.

1:00pm-4:00pm: Glen Echo Fall Frolic
Join for some Halloween fun at Glen Echo Park! Activities include decorating a Trick-or-Treat bag and other crafts, a festive fall photo-op (say that 10 times!), a costume contest (will you win for “Most Spooky,” “Most Creative,” or “Best Group?”), and Trick-or-Treating at our resident art studios and galleries. We focus on the arts-y & crafts-y more than the scary, but we love to see all the costumes – even the scary ones!

1:00pm-4:00pm: Fall Festival & Bluegrass Jamboree
The event will be held in Dupont Circle Park. The Fall Festival & Bluegrass Jamboree will feature live bluegrass by Shannon Leigh and the Good Bygones, a pumpkin patch where participants can decorate their pumpkins, games such as cornhole in the grassy areas of the Circle, and a costume contest for pets, kids, and adults with prizes.

2:00pm-6:00pm: Trick or Treat at Mount Vernon
Celebrate Halloween with 18th-century entertainment and activities. Collect candy in your special Mount Vernon treat bag around the historic grounds. Watch Halloween-themed Punch & Judy shows at 3pm & 4:30pm. See an 18th-century bake oven demonstration with Half Crown Bakehouse on the 12-acre field. Sample a rusk (twice-baked bread pieces) with chocolate cream from a recipe dating back to the 1760s and using American Heritage Chocolate. And more!

Sunday

10:00am-5:00pm: Día de los Muertos at National Museum of the American Indian
Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a time for commemorating our ancestors. Rather than a period of mourning, it is an occasion for celebrating with family—both living and dead—and honoring the cycle of life.

10:00am-2:00pm: Van Ness Spooktacular
Everyone’s favorite kid-friendly Halloween event is returning to Forest Hills Playground this year. Parents and kids of all ages are invited to dress in their favorite costumes and gather at Forest Hills Playground for spooky-inspired activities followed by Trick or Treating at small businesses along Connecticut Ave in Wakefield, Forest Hills and Van Ness from 12:30pm-2pm.

12:00pm-3:00pm: Halloween at the Harbor
Enjoy trick-or-treating, a pumpkin carving competition, pet pawrade and more. This family-friendly party is sure to be a wicked good time!

2:00pm AND 4:00pm: NSO Family Concert: Halloween Spooktacular
An annual tradition! The Concert Hall transforms into a ghostly sight when ghoulishly attired National Symphony Orchestra musicians celebrate Halloween with fa-boo-lous new works and spooky old classics.

2:00pm: 28th Annual Del Ray Halloween Parade
One of Del Ray’s favorite traditions takes place along Mount Vernon Avenue, beginning at E. Bellefonte Avenue. Children, pets, and decorated strollers are invited to march and show off their costumes! This parade ends with live music and an award presentation at the Mount Vernon Rec Center field. This hometown favorite event is a must-see!

Theatre

Winnie the Pooh at Imagination Stage through Oct. 27

Doktor Kaboom: Under Pressure! at the Kennedy Center through Nov. 3

She Persisted at Adventure Theatre through Nov. 3

Independence Fireworks

June 10, 2019

Start your Independence Day celebration with a bang at George Washington’s Mount Vernon! Enjoy an evening of family fun and fireworks choreographed to patriotic music and celebrate our nation’s founding!

Enjoy a patriotic evening filled with dazzling fireworks, Mansion tours, musical performances, and games on George Washington’s beloved estate! Fireworks begin at approximately 9:30pm on June 28 & 29.

Greet General and Mrs. Washington in the historic area before trying your hand at bocce ball. Dust off your dancing shoes for 18th-century dancing demonstrations. Mount Vernon’s colonial artisans will reveal how 18th-century ice cream was made in the days before freezers.

Visit Washington’s Tomb at night—this event is one of the few times this area is open in the evening—and watch sparks fly at blacksmith shop. Concessions from the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant will also be available.

Independence Fireworks takes place rain or shine. A separate ticket is required for this special evening event, and does not include daytime admission. Rain date: June 30.

Adults: $36 with Mansion tour, $30 without tour; Youth: $26 with Mansion tour, $20 without tour

Mom picks this weekend in and around Washington, DC

May 11, 2018

Happy Mother’s Day to all!! We’ve found some fun things families can do together. And, in case you still need brunch plans for that special Mama, here’s a list of some family friendly places. Find more ideas on our Instagram & Facebook pages!

The Kennedy Center is hosting Artes de Cuba through May 20.

Friday-

5:30pm-8:00pm: Pajama Party at Hillwood Estate & Museum
Embark on a magical adventure as you enjoy short films featuring all sorts of fanciful creatures from friendly dragons to the monster under the bed. Before the movie begins, relax in the gardens and enjoy a picnic on the lawn. Sandwiches, drinks and snacks, including popcorn and other movie treats, will be available for purchase from the Cafe’s express menu. Hunt for knights and dragons in artwork displayed in the mansion and make your own work of art: decorative medals to celebrate your bravery, inspired by honorary knight’s badges in Hillwood’s collection. Bring pajamas, pillows, blankets, and cushions from home to get cozy as you head indoors and settle in for the film screening. Enjoy a selection of award-winning, family-friendly short films.

6:00pm-10:00pm: Drive-in at Union Market: Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark
The Drive-In at Union Market is back for a new season — from May through November — our biggest season yet! $10 parking fee per car. Advance purchase is highly recommended. Free for walk-ups. (Synopsis: Archaeologist and adventurer Indiana Jones is hired by the U.S. government to find the Ark of the Covenant before the Nazis. 1h 55 min, rated PG) Lot opens at 6:00, Lot closes promptly at 8:15, Film begins 8:30; Film ends at 10:25

Saturday-

9:00am-5:00pm: Mothers Day Weekend at Mount Vernon
Join the “Mother of our Country”, Martha Washington, for Mother’s Day weekend at Mount Vernon! Stroll through Mount Vernon’s magnificent gardens in bloom. Lady Washington will give lavender sachets to all mothers (while supplies last).

10:00am-3:00pm: Frying Pan Farm Park Spring Farm Day
Watch sheep shearing and antique farm equipment demonstrations. Participate in hands-on farm activities such as cow and goat milking. Enjoy crafts, games, and get an up-close introduction to the baby farm animals. Walk-ins welcome $8 at the door.

10:00am-1:00pm: Acton Children’s Business Festival
Outdoor market with over 100 young entrepreneurs ages 6 to 14. Shop original board games, Star-Wars-themed noodles, tooth fairy monsters, hand-dyed jump ropes, race car crayons, and more! (Rain date is Saturday, May 19, 10am to 1pm)

10:00am-6:00pm: Bethesda Fine Arts Festival
Delight in fine art created by 130 of the nation’s best artists, live entertainment and Bethesda restaurants. Children’s area will be on Auburn Ave. Festival takes up space from Bethesda Woodmont Triangle, Norfolk Ave., between Auburn and Del Ray Aves.

11:00am-12:00pm: InterAct KidStory Theatre Festival
It’s that time of year again! Join InterAct Story Theatre as we present the second annual KidStory Theatre Festival: A celebration of stories for kids, by kids! Throughout the year, InterAct’s artists help students craft unique stories and share some of them on stage. We take a handful of these stories and transform them into short plays, musical numbers or theatrical vignettes, all so we can share the creativity of kids at this wonderful FREE event. This year’s selections come from Prince George’s County Public Schools, Montgomery County Public Schools, Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS), DC Public Schools and more!

11:00am-1:00pm: Nibble+Squeak Mother’s Day Lunch at Plume
Nibble+squeak will be hosting a very special, Mother’s Day Weekend lunch at Plume. Nibble+Squeak is a community of “parents with pipsqueaks” who love to eat! A family-friendly resource for restaurant dining, we host private events that allow everyone to relax and enjoy the meal, in a welcoming and worry-free environment. As the recent recipient of one star from the prestigious Michelin Guide and the only Forbes five star rated restaurant in Washington, DC, Plume at The Jefferson serves as a discreet and elegant backdrop to the artistry of an award-winning culinary team. Savor classic dishes crafted using traditional techniques and a seasonal menu inspired by the harvest from Thomas Jefferson’s kitchen gardens at Monticello.

1:00pm-12:00am: Funk Parade
Funk Parade is a one-of-a-kind day fair, parade and music festival, celebrating Washington DC’s vibrant music, culture, and arts, the U Street neighborhood, and the Spirit of Funk that brings us all together. Day Fair 1-7pm, Parade is 5-6pm, Music Fest 7pm-12am and the Showcase is at 8pm.

6:00pm-8:00pm: Mother’s Day Wine Tasting at Firehook Cleveland Park Garden
Join us in celebrating all the wonderful moms in our community! Wine tasting will begin at 6 PM, and feature 3 tastings, $5 glasses, complementary small bites and a new pop-up menu! Come enjoy beautiful weather, fine wine, and delicious, local food in our neighborhood garden! All ages are welcome ( Must be 21 to purchase/consume alcohol).

Sunday-

9:00am-10:30am: Littlest Critters class at National Zoo
Celebrate Mother’s Day with some of our favorite new moms and babies at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo! Bring your little critter and get to know some of our favorite Zoo babies, including our juvenile orangutan Redd and baby gorilla Moke. Friends of the National Zoo preschool classes are designed for children ages 2-3 to discover a whole new view of the National Zoo. “Adult-and-me” format classes use interactive learning stations, hands-on activities and crafts, Nature Play, and exciting Zoo Walks to engage your child’s sense of wonder and curiosity about wildlife and the natural world. Pre-registration is required. “Littlest Critters” will run on Sunday, May 13 from 9-10:30a.m. $28/child for FONZ members. $35/child for non-members. Registration fee covers one child with adult.

10:00am-4:00pm: Mother’s Day Brunch at Pinstripes
Treat mom to an expansive bottomless brunch this Mother’s Day and then a game of bowling or bocce! Indulge in favorites like made-to-order omelets, carved prime rib and fresh shrimp, bagels with spreads and smoked salmon, flatbreads, waffles ‘her-way’ topped with berries, bananas foster or Nutella, plus a chocolate fountain for dessert. Moms will be especially encouraged to sit back and relax with mimosas and bloody Mary’s as the kids are taken care of at the ‘Kids Corner’ station with pizzas, chicken fingers, Mac and cheese and more. Adults $40, includes bottomless mimosas or $34 without Mimosas | Kids 6-12 $15 | Kids 5 & Under: Free | $4 Mimosas & $7 Bloody Marys available all day. Please call to make a reservation!

10:00am-5:00pm: Bethesda Fine Arts Festival
Delight in fine art created by 130 of the nation’s best artists, live entertainment and Bethesda restaurants. Children’s area will be on Auburn Ave. Festival takes up space from Bethesda Woodmont Triangle, Norfolk Ave., between Auburn and Del Ray Aves.

11:00am-2:00pm: Mother’s Day Tour of the Rose Garden
Is your Mom breathtakingly beautiful, cuddly or–oh my goodness–ferociously thorny? Does she flit like a butterfly or prefer walks in sensible shoes? We have just the right rose and rose story for her. Bring your Mom to stroll the paths, hear the rose’s stories, and enjoy our beautiful rose garden. Please note: This tour is held outdoors. We suggest wearing sunscreen and protective clothing and bringing water. The tour is canceled if it rains or during times of extreme heat (head index of 95 degrees or higher/Code Red weather alert).

12:00pm-2:00pm: Fluffness at The Plaza at CityCenter
They will be passing out free cotton candy to celebrate Mother’s Day. After taking mom on a stroll through Palmer Alley or after enjoying brunch at one of our restaurants, make sure to stop by the Fluffness cotton candy cart to make her special day even sweeter!

1:00pm-4:00pm: Celebrate Mothers Day at United States Botanic Garden
Looking for a fun way to celebrate Mother’s Day? Join Lee and Danielle to explore the Wall Flowers exhibit as you make your own oversized flower to take home. Afterwards, learn how to make (and taste) several healthy recipes you can make for your mom. Please note: This is a drop-in program and appropriate for ages 7 and up.

1:00pm: Free movie screening of Book Club + Pampering at Mazza
The screening begins at 2:00pm, but beforehand there will be a Mother’s Day tea in a private room at the movie theater. The pre-party tea will include snacks, tea, complimentary massages, a photobooth, and makeup touchups by the Glam Squad! There are also some prize packs to give away at the screening.

6:00pm: Despicable Me 3 at National Harbor
Nothing says summer like an evening under the stars—and there’s no better way to enjoy the season than movie nights at National Harbor. Pack your chairs, grab food to go from one of our delicious dining establishments, and meet us at the Plaza screen for a free evening of fun!

Shows:
Judy Moody at Adventure Theatre plays all weekend long with some extra treasures! Saturday & Sunday at 11am & 2pm.

Robin Hood at Imagination Stage plays at 1:30pm & 4pm on Saturday & Sunday.

Make a donation to DC Diaper Bank and support other Mom’s.

Independence Day in and near Washington, DC with kids

June 22, 2017

Have a safe and fun July 4th celebrating in the most perfect place; the nation’s capitol! To kick off the weekend grab some Washington Nationals tickets and cheer for the home team.

July 3: 6:05pm: Nationals will play the Mets. Postgame Freedom Fireworks
July 4: 11:05am: Nationals will play the Mets. No fireworks but a nice way to spend the holiday and is part of the Patriotic Series.
July 5: 7:05pm: Nationals will play the Mets.

July 4: 10:00am-11:00am: Declaration of Independence Reading at the National Archives
(National Archives Building on the Constitution Avenue steps between 7th and 9th St
Greetings from Allison Seymour, Fox 5 News Anchor. Presentation of colors by the Continental Color Guard. National Anthem by Caleb Green. Performance by the 3rd U.S. Infantry “The Old Guard” Fife and Drum Corps. Remarks by David S. Ferriero, Archivist of the United States. Keynote remarks by Laura Murphy, descendant of Signer Philip Livingston of New York. Dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence by special guests including Abigail Adams, John Adams, John Dunlap, Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock, Ned Hector, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington. “America the Beautiful” by Caleb Green.

July 4: 10:00am-4:00pm: Inside the National Archives Building
(National Archives Building- Boeing Learning Center)
Come celebrate like it it’s 1776! Enjoy hands-on family activities, including story time, crafts and more! Meet John and Abigail Adams, Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock, Ned Hector, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington. Collect autographs, Declaring Independence scavenger hunt, Listen to stories of our patriotic past (noon, 12:30 p.m., 1 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 3 p.m., 3:30 p.m.), Make colonial-style wigs and dress in period clothing, Sign the Declaration of Independence, Write with a quill pen & Set your name in type. Watch the National Independence Day Parade go by outside the National Archives at 11:45am.

July 4: 11:45am-2:00pm: National Independence Day Parade
(Constitution Ave and 7th St)
Get your spot along Constitution Ave where the parade will travel from 7th St to 17th St. Show your kiddos the balloons, floats, military units, bands and much more. Be prepared for a large crowd.

July 4: All Day: National Mall Independence Day Celebration
(On the National Mall)
There’s no better place to be on Independence Day than the National Mall, the nation’s most important civic space and home to some of the most iconic monuments and memorials in our country. Fireworks will begin at 9:09pm.

July 4: 8:00pm-9:30pm: A Capitol Fourth Concert
(West Lawn of the Capitol)
Gates open at 3:00pm and the concert begins at 8:00pm and airs on PBS and can be heard on NPR. Admission is free. They typically have a dress rehearsal on July 3 if you want to skip the larger crowd.

July 4: 9:00pm: Fireworks
Fireworks will be launched from the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool area, and will be visible from many locations in D.C. and Virginia.

Other viewing areas of the Mall fireworks:
Washington DC: U.S. Capitol, Lincoln Memorial, National Mall, Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, Thomas Jefferson Memorial, The White House Ellipse, West Potomac Park, East Potomac Park, Anacostia Park

Virginia: U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial and the George Washington Memorial Parkway

Celebrate someplace other than the National Mall-

July 1: 10:00am-12:00pm: Happy Birthday, America & Tudor Place

July 4: 9:00am-5:00pm: An American Celebration at Mount Vernon

July 4: 12:00pm-Dusk: Frederick’s 4th

July 4: 4:00pm-10:00pm: Historic Manassas Celebrates America

July 4: 6:30pm: Annapolis Fourth of July

July 4: 6:00pm: Falls Church Music & Fireworks

Mom Picks this Weekend

May 11, 2017

Happy Mother’s Day to all!! We’ve found some fun things families can do together. And, in case you still need brunch plans for that special Mama here’s a list of some family friendly places.

All Fired Up offers 10% off to all Moms Saturday & Sunday at both locations.

Friday-

3:00pm-7:00pm: Jo Malone London at City Center
(996 I St NW)
Customize a cologne or candle with a beautifully engraved message. RSVP to attend.

Saturday-

8:00am-5:00pm: Mothers Day Weekend at Mount Vernon
(3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway Mount Vernon, Virginia 22121)
Join the “Mother of our Country”, Martha Washington, for Mother’s Day weekend at Mount Vernon! Stroll through Mount Vernon’s magnificent gardens in bloom. Lady Washington will give lavender sachets to all mothers (while supplies last).

10:00am-6:00pm: Bethesda Fine Arts Festival
(Bethesda Woodmont Triangle, Norfolk Ave., between Auburn and Del Ray Aves., Bethesda, Md)
Delight in fine art created by 130 of the nation’s best artists, live entertainment and Bethesda restaurants. Children’s area will be on Auburn Ave.

10:00am-12:00pm AND 1:00pm-3:00pm: Children’s Ball at The George Washington University Museum and The Textile Museum
(701 21st Street, NW)
Dress in your best for our Children’s Ball during a very special Mother’s Day weekend at the museum. Join us for fun and fancy treats, dancing beats, and a kid-centered visit to the exhibition Inspiring Beauty: 50 Years of Ebony Fashion Fair. $10/museum members and GW students, faculty, and staff; $15/public (entrance for one adult and one child). Advance registration is required; space is limited. Register online or call 202-994-7394.

5:00pm-7:00pm: Adam’s Morgan Summer Concert
(Columbia Rd and 18th St NW)
Join us for the second show in Free Summer Concert Series! We’ll have hula hoops and bubbles for the kids as free wristbands good for discounts at businesses all over Adams Morgan. The Oxymorons take the stage with a mix of the hottest new songs, the best of the old, and their award-winning originals, giving audiences a night of hip-shaking New Orleans funk, soulful blues, Americana roots, and jam-band rock. This seriously-fun eight-piece band has been playing the DC area for more than 25 years, reeling off favorite party tunes spanning four decades and witty, well-crafted originals.

Sunday-

9:00am-12:00pm: La Bella Strada
(Mount Vernon Ave. Alexandria, VA)
Del Ray’s main street, Mount Vernon Ave. will come alive with vibrant chalk art. The second annual La Bella Strada Street Painting Festival, modeled after an ancient Italian art form, will bring artists from around the Northern Virginia/Washington D.C. region to create masterpieces up and down the sidewalk. Learn more about the event here. The event raises money for The Del Ray Montessori School, a 501c3 profit, for an outdoor playspace.

9:30am-4:00pm: Mother’s Day Brunch at Pinstripes
(1064 Wisconsin Ave NW Washington DC 20007)
Make this Mother’s Day special by treating mom to an expansive bottomless brunch fit for a queen! Indulge in favorites like made-to-order omelets, carved prime rib and fresh shrimp, bagels with spreads and smoked salmon, flatbreads, waffles ‘her-way’ topped with berries, bananas foster or Nutella, plus a chocolate fountain for dessert. Moms will be especially encouraged to sit back and relax with mimosas and bloody Mary’s as the kids are taken care of at the ‘Kids Corner’ station with pizzas, chicken fingers, Mac and cheese and more. Adults $36, includes bottomless mimosas | Kids 6-12 $15 | Kids 5 & Under: Free | $4 Mimosas & $7 Bloody Marys available all day. Please call to make a brunch reservation: 202-625-6500 Or plan ahead to Father’s Day Brunch.

10:00am-5:00pm: Bethesda Fine Arts Festival
(Bethesda Woodmont Triangle, Norfolk Ave., between Auburn and Del Ray Aves., Bethesda, MD)
Delight in fine art created by 130 of the nation’s best artists, live entertainment and Bethesda restaurants. Children’s area will be on Auburn Ave.

11:00am AND 2:00pm: Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp at Adventure Theatre
(7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, MD. 20812)
See my review of the play here. Bring your mom to see Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp this Sunday and she will receive a chocolate rose!

1:00pm-4:00pm: Celebrate Mothers Day at United States Botanic Garden
(Conservatory Garden Court)
Looking for a fun way to celebrate Mother’s Day? It is never too early to start planning your vegetable garden. Bring your mother to the USBG and help her design and plant her very own cook’s garden! Join Danielle Cook as she whips up two recipes and savor the bounty your garden will bring. Please note: This is a drop-in program and appropriate for all ages.

President’s Day Weekend Picks 2017

February 17, 2017

Celebrate George Washington’s birthday this weekend with special activities at Mount Vernon! Honor President George Washington on Presidents Day by attending Mount Vernon’s events for FREE on February 20 and 22 (his actual birthday) or pay admission any other day, children under 5 are free! Story time, character performances, card making, birthday cake and more. See schedule online.

presidents-day

Disney on Ice: Dream Big is at Verizon Center from February 15-20, 2017

Saturday-

9:30am AND 10:30am: Mr. Gabe will be performing at Little Loft
(7007 Carroll Ave Takoma Park, MD)
Saturday Morning Family Jam $6/ticket (since this is a show for ages 0-5, ALL attendees must have a ticket)
9:30 am: Purchase tickets here 10:30 am: Purchase tickets here

10:00am: Avalon Theatre plays Babe
(5612 Connecticut Ave NW)
A young pig fights convention to become a sheep dog — or, rather, sheep pig — in this charming Australian family film that became an unexpected international success in 1995. Confused and sad after being separated from his family and sent to a strange farm, the piglet Babe is adopted by a friendly dog and slowly adjusts to his new home. Discovering that the fate of most pigs is the dinner table, Babe devotes himself to becoming a useful member of the farm by trying to learn how to herd sheep.

10:00am-4:30pm: Discover Engineering Family Day at The National Building Museum
(401 F Street NW Washington, D.C. 20001)
Kick off National Engineers Week with a fun-filled day at the Museum. Drop in to meet real engineers and to test out your ideas with over 20 hands-on engineering activities. You can launch rockets, meet an astronaut, make slime, pop popcorn, and more. Register online. This event is free.

10:00am: First Studio at The Kreeger Museum
(2401 Foxhall Road, NW Washington D.C. 20007)
Children are invited to use their imagination as they explore the paintings, sculpture, and architecture of The Kreeger Museum. Each program includes a gallery tour, a story and a hands-on art-making experience. Adult companion required and art-making attire recommended. $10 register online. To get a glimpse into the program see my review here.

10:00am: Jason Didner & The Jungle Gym at Jammin Java
(227 Maple Ave E Vienna, VA 22180)
Jason and Amy’s performance for kids and their grown-ups is more interactive than ever! Act out the parts of a fire engine, shake an egg shaker, twirl a colorful dance ribbon, and catch the rock-n-roll spirit. This is a musical experience for the whole family to cherish together. Tickets are $8

10:30am: Saturday Song Circle at Imagination Stage
(4908 Auburn Avenue Bethesda, Maryland 20814)
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. Featured story: Five Little Monkeys

11:00am: The Saturday Family Jazz Sessions at Strathmore’s Mansion
Junior jazz aficionados spend Saturday mornings singing, playing, and preparing for a lifetime of music appreciation. Strathmore’s fun, creative, kid-friendly series features world music percussionist Tom Teasley, renowned jazz singer Rochelle Rice, and multi-instrumentalist Seth Kibel. Recommended for ages 3–8. All sessions take place Saturdays at 11am in the Mansion. All attendees, regardless of age, must have a ticket. Children under 7 must be accompanied by an adult. Accompanying adults must also have a ticket. $10 for each session in advance, $12 at the door.

2:30pm: ComedySportz at DC Improv
(1140 Connecticut Ave NW)
A Saturday afternoon improv comedy show for kids as young as first grade. ComedySportz is a comedy troupe that specializes in short-form improv games. This show features child-sized versions of those games, hosted by a Kids Coach. Younger kids enjoy being able to shout out during a show, and older kids (even teenagers) enjoy being given the chance to go crazy onstage. Doors open at 2:00, the show starts at 2:30, and it lasts around 60 minutes. Admission is $10 per person.

Sunday-

11:00am-11:45am: Sunday Fun-Day at Imagination Stage
(4908 Auburn Avenue Bethesda, Maryland 20814)
We invite you and your child to bring your favorite stories to life through dramatic play activities, movement, music, and visual art. Each session, you leave with a special take-home item we used or created that day, as well as a Parent Pack to extend the experience at home. Activities in Sunday Fun-Day are most appropriate to 3-5 year-olds but 1-2 year-old siblings and friends are also welcome! Featured story: This is Not My Hat

0763655996

Monday-

9:30am: Harambe at BloomBars
(3222 11th St NW, Washington, DC. 20010)
Think of it as your little one’s first opportunity to express his or her voice (into a microphone), dance, play a drum or percussion instrument, shout, or sing-along to songs that build character, confidence and community.

9:30am-11:00am: Rise + Rhyme at Busboys & Poets
(5331 Baltimore Avenue Hyattsville, MD 20781) AND (235 Carroll St NW Washington, DC 20012)
A Busboys and Poets in-house series! Rise + Rhyme is a weekly morning storytelling and performance series for children ages 5 and under, stay-at-home parents, and early rising families of all kinds.

10:00am-12:00pm: Open Studio at Little Loft
(7007 Carroll Ave Takoma Park, MD)
Join us for some pop art presidents, as well as our usual assortment of tactile play stations – rice table, sand table, play dough. For kids ages 2-8 for this school day off. Adult caregiver must be present. No pre-registration necessary, just drop in! $12/child at the door (half price per additional child)

10:30am: Rocknoceros at Jammin Java
(227 Maple Ave E Vienna, VA 22180)
As every family with youngsters in the Washington, DC area knows, Rocknoceros is three guys: Coach, Williebob, and Boogie Bennie. They have been making award-winning music together since 2005 and are celebrating their 10th year together with a brand new album. Tickets $5.

1:00pm-3:00pm: George Washington Birthday Parade in Alexandria
It winds through a one-mile route along the historic streets of Old Town on President’s Day. It is the oldest and largest, thanks to thousands of participants.

4:30pm: Rainbow Rock Band at St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub
(2300 Mt Vernon Ave Alexandria, VA 22301)
Our family loves this coffee pub and it’s sweet treats of course but an added bonus to hear live music.

Your guide to getting outdoors this holiday season in and around Washington, DC

December 1, 2016

holiday-pollinationstation2

(Photo: Seasons Greenings at The U.S. Botanic Gardens)

Get outdoors and enjoy the chill of the air while sipping a good cup of joe and hot cocoa for the Bambino(s). Here are some festive places to visit all while being outside.

Outdoor Ice Rinks:

Canal Park Ice Rink– 202 M Street, SE Washington, DC 20003

Tyson’s Corner Center Ice Rink– 1961 Chain Bridge Rd., McLean, VA. 22102

National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden Ice Rink– National Mall at 7th Street and Constitution Avenue NW

Washington Harbour Ice Rink– 3050 K St NW, Washington, D.C. 20007

Silver Spring Veteran’s Plaza Ice Rink– 8523 Fenton St., Silver Spring, MD. 20910

Rockville Town Square Ice Rink– 131 Gibbs St., Rockville, MD. 20850

Pentagon Row– 1201 S Joyce St, Arlington, VA 22202

christmas_white_house_11
(Photo: Funzug)

Outdoor Festivities:

National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse– The National Mall
The National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony is the beginning of three weeks of celebration in holiday music in the nation’s capital. Musical groups from Washington D.C. and across the country provide holiday entertainment to the countless visitors for a one of a kind holiday experience set against the backdrop of the National Christmas Tree. Dec. 2-Jan.1.

Christmas at Mount Vernon– 3200 Mt Vernon Memorial Hwy, Mt Vernon, VA 22121
The holidays are full of delight at George Washington’s estate. Join for candlelight tours of the Mansion, a dazzling display of fireworks set to Christmas music (Dec. 16-17), dancing, fire-side caroling, Aladdin the Christmas camel, and so much more! Nov. 25-Jan. 6.

Holidays on the Harbor– 165 Waterfront St. National Harbor, MD. 20745
Each weekend, from Nov. 19 to Dec. 17, National Harbor 12:00pm-2:00pm you can see holiday performances and they show holiday movies on Saturdays at 2:00pm. Be sure and warm up inside the Gaylord Resort and then bundle up to check out ICE!. Get your tickets in advance though.

Holly Trolley Fest at National Capital Trolley Museum– 1313 Bonifant Road Colesville, MD 20905
Celebrate the season with toy trains and Santa aboard the streetcars from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Dec. 3-4, 10-11, 17-18.

Seasons Greenings at The U.S. Botanic Gardens– 100 Maryland Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20001
Season’s Greenings opens on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 24- Jan. 2. The best times to visit Season’s Greenings are weekdays early in December or on select Tuesday and Thursday evenings in December when the Conservatory is open until 8 p.m. with live seasonal music. Aside from these extended holiday hours, the Conservatory is open every day of the year, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., free of charge.

Festival of Lights at the Mormon Temple– 9900 Stoneybrook Drive Kensington, MD 20895
As one of the D.C. area’s great community traditions, the Festival features free performances nightly in the comfortable, state-of-the-art theater located in the Visitors’ Center while the Temple grounds glow with 650,000 lights. Begins Dec. 1 and lasts through Jan. 1 from 10:00am-10:00pm.

Zoo Lights at The National Zoo– 3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008
Join the thousands of visitors who make ZooLights a part of their annual holiday tradition. ZooLights includes live music performances, tasty winter treats, and plenty of opportunities for holiday shopping. More than 500,000 environmentally-friendly LED lights transform the Zoo into a winter wonderland. New this year will be a dazzling light show set to music, snow-less tubing, trackless train and ride the carousel! Nov. 25-Jan. 1 (exception: Dec. 24 & 25) hours are 5:00pm-9:00pm.

Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens– 1800 Glenallan Ave Wheaton, MD 20902
Step into a magical winter wonderland illuminated with more than one million dazzling colorful lights shaped into hand-crafted, original art forms of flowers, animals and other natural elements. Stroll from garden to garden enjoying twinkling tree forms, fountains, sparkling snowflakes overhead and more. Nov. 25-Jan.1 (closed Dec. 24 & 25) Hours and prices vary by night.

Bulls Run Festival of Lights- 7700 Bull Run Dr Centreville, VA 20121
Experience the Bull Run Festival of Lights, 2.5 miles illuminated by holiday light displays. Drive the festival route from the comfort of your car; turn out your headlights and just follow the magical glow. After viewing the lights, bring your family and friends to the holiday village to enjoy rides, refreshments, and of course, photos with Santa Claus. The festival happens annually at Bull Run Regional Park in Centreville, Virginia. Nov. 23-Jan.8 hours and prices vary depending on the day

Winter Walk of Lights at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens– 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court Vienna, VA 22182
Bring the family to enjoy the magical Winter Walk of lights in Vienna, Virginia. The garden is transformed into a half-mile, animated walk of lights. Revisit perennial favorites such as the Lakeside Lights, the Fountain of Lights, and the Holiday Nature Walk – and look for new displays each year. Put on your walking shoes and bring the family to experience a Northern Virginia festive tradition. Round out your visit by roasting marshmallows, and sipping on hot beverages by the fire. (Available for purchase at Light Refreshments). Nov. 18-Jan. 8 from 5:30pm-10:00pm.

Festival of Lights at Watkins Regional Park– 301 Watkins Park Drive (Route 193) Upper Marlboro, MD 20774
Bring a little twinkle to your holidays. Don’t miss this spectacular holiday drive-through event featuring more than one million twinkling lights! This year’s Festival features fun new displays. Nov. 25- Jan. 1 from 5-9:30pm. $5 ca/van, free on Christmas.

Winter Lights at Seneca Creek State Park– 11950 Clopper Rd., Gaithersburg, MD.20878
The wondrous display of lights at Seneca Creek State Park will be open nightly Nov. 25 through Dec. 31. (closed on Dec. 25). The 3.5 mile drive through the enchanted setting of Seneca Creek State Park takes you past more than 365 illuminated displays and 65 animated vignettes that light up the night. Themed areas include Winter Woods, Teddy Bear Land, Victorian Village, the North Pole, and much more.

Weekend Picks

May 6, 2016

The 77th Annual Flower Mart at The National Cathedral takes place Friday & Saturday. This event is fun for the entire family; food, flowers, performances, carnival rides and more!

Mothers Day Weekend at Mount Vernon is Saturday and Sunday.
Join the “Mother of our Country”, Martha Washington, for Mother’s Day weekend at Mount Vernon! Stroll through Mount Vernon’s magnificent gardens in bloom. Lady Washington will give lavender sachets to all mothers (while supplies last).

Saturday-

8:00am-11:00am: Spring Celebration at Woodend Nature Sanctuary
(8940 Jones Mill Rd., Chevy Chase, MD)
Learn to identify our region’s birds on this volunteer-led walk around Woodend Nature Sanctuary. Bring your own binoculars or use ours. Join our Master Naturalists for a nature hike around Woodend Nature Sanctuary. This kid-friendly nature walk is great for all ages. Visit our Blair Native Garden to see what’s in bloom and stroll through our meadow to learn about butterflies. Take a guided tour of the historic Woodend mansion.
[Read more…]