(re) discover Washington DC through the eyes of your children
We have two mid-week posts coming to your inboxes, keep an eye out! Also, make sure to ‘Like’ us on Facebook to get updates on local events that may not be covered in our blog posts.
This is Boogie Babes final week until Fall, so catch one or both of their shows.
Wolf Trap Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods has several shows this week including Mista Cookie Jar & The Chocolate Chips and Capitol Tap. Details here.
Montgomery County Farm Tour and Harvest Sale will take place Saturday and Sunday from 10:00am-4:00pm to celebrate its agricultural heritage, promote local farms, and indulge in seasonally fresh food. Celebrate Montgomery County’s unique agricultural treasures by spending a day or two in the country petting farm animals, going on a hay ride or enjoying a freshly-picked lunch by a scenic pond. Support the local agricultural economy by purchasing fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, plants and more at one of seventeen participating farms, plus, this year includes a special photo contest.
Citi Open is in town and tennis matches will be held through Aug.3. William H.G. Fitzgerald Tennis Center is easy to get to and sits in Rock Creek Park.
Saturday-
9:30am and 11:00am: The National Theatre presents Mary Ann Jung: Pee Wee Pirates
(1312 Pennsylvania Ave NW)
Ahoy there, mattes! Set sail with Captain Jean, the Pirate Queen on a rollicking ’round the world adventure in sailing. In this fast-moving show, kids volunteer for duty hoisting the rigging, swabbing the deck and looking for land while learning details of foreign cultures the world over. Free performance, tickets distributed 30 minutes prior to each show.
Wolf Trap Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods has several shows this week. Details here.
The Smithsonian’s Discovery Theatre has a new show this week: Soul in Motion Players: Drum and Dance. Showtimes are Tuesday-Friday at 10:15am and 11:30am.
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 and Rhyme at Busboys and Poets
(5531 Baltimore Ave., Hyattsville, Md. 20781)
Rise + Rhyme is a weekly Busboys and Poets series for local stay-at-home parents and early rising families of all kinds! Featuring performances and stories for children ages 5 and under. Today’s featured artist is Marsha Goodman-Wood.
10:30am-11:15am: Mr. Knick Knack at Reston Town Center (Pavillon)
(11900 Market St, Reston, Va. 20190)
Unique, heart-centered music for kids! Free.
Tuesday-
10:00am-11:00am: Kids in the Garden at Pinstripes
(3222 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20007)
Pinstripes’ new chef, Ryan Ross, will host a free “Kids in the Garden” day in which children of all ages are invited to come by Pinstripes and dig in the dirt while learning about gardening, plants and seeds. Chef will do a demonstration in Pinstripes’ outdoor Chef’s Garden on the process of planting to growing to eating, after which the children will have an opportunity to plant their own seed to take home. Children are welcome to stay for Pinstripes’ Mom & Tots program, a Monday-Friday ongoing program in which kids bowl for $5 and parents bowl for FREE from 10am-noon. Reservations for Kids in the Garden Day can be made by calling 202-625-6500.
10:00am: Rocking Tot Tuesdays with The Singing Lizard at Bloombars
(3222 11th St NW, Washington, DC. 20010)
Grab an instrument, get on stage or practice your moves on the dance floor. This is a perfect spot for your little one to move and groove. Suggested donation $7.
10:00am: Museum of Natural History’s Butterfly Pavilion (2nd floor)
(10th St. and Constitution Ave., NW)
Every Tuesday at 10:00am you can get into the magnificent butterfly pavilion for free! Make sure and get a free ticket by the entrance. We visited this last month and were amazed by how many butterflies were flying around, some even landing on a shoulder. Look closely and you could spot a frog under some trees.
7:00pm-10:30pm: NoMa Family Film Night
features The Lego Movie
(Sursum Corda Plaza, L and First Streets, NW)
Now in its fourth year, the NoMa BID is proud to present Family Film Night at Sursum Corda, where families and children gather for free family-centric movies and free food. Family Film Night will take place on four Tuesdays this summer.
[Read more…]
Saturday-
9:00am-2:00pm: Animals in the Sky at The National Zoo
(3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington DC)
Take a journey to the stars without leaving the Zoo! The Smithsonian’s Air and Space Museum’s mobile planetarium is coming to the Zoo’s Visitor Center for an out-of-this-world event. Enter the inflatable dome for a 15 – 20 minute narrated presentation that will guide guests through animal themed constellations. Then, embark on a scavenger hunt through the Zoo to find animals found in popular constellations.
10:00am-2:00pm: Great Outdoors Festival at Little Bennett Campground
(23701 Frederick Rd., Clarksburg, MD)
Free Hayrides all around the campgrounds throughout the event (10:30 & 11am, 1 & 1:30pm). Nature Exploration Hike with a Black Hill Regional Park Naturalist at 10:30am. Beginning Orienteering Course Run with Quantico Orienteering at 11am. Mountain Biking Skills Mini-Clinic & Bike Inspection with Mid-Atlantic Off-Road Enthusiasts at 11:30am. Live music with the Flower Hill String Band Two sets: 11am-Noon and 12:30-1:30pm. Campfire building demonstation and s’mores at Noon. Pitch-a-Tent Contest with prizes at 12:30pm. Mid-Atlantic D.O.G.S. Search and Rescue Demo at 1pm. Bluebird Box Building Demo with the Maryland Bluebird Society
10:00am-4:00pm: Lotus and Water Lily Cultural Festival at Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Center
The annual Lotus and Water Lily Festival is here! Come experience your National Park with FREE activities for the whole family. See a spectacular display of lotus and water lilies in full bloom! Enjoy gardening workshops & traditional Asian & African dancing performances! Hands-on activities including face painting, lotus tea tasting, and painting demonstrations! Visit educational and cultural exhibitors and much more!..
10:30am: Rainbow Rock Band at Ebenezers Coffeehouse
(201 F St NE, Washington, DC)
Rock the rainbow with your bambino. Classic and original children’s songs will entertain your child. These talented tunesters will keep you bopping in your socks until you just can’t rock anymore! Always on hand, inside the box of fun, tambourines, shakers and more for your little one to join in the fun, and if they are feeling like completing their rock star appearance, how about a nice little temporary Rainbow tattoo, from none other than Pattycake Patty or the lovely Rockin Rox Anna. $6 advance/$8 door
10:30am: Secret Agent 23 Skidoo at Jammin Java
(227 Maple Ave E Vienna, VA 22180)
Combining the excitement of hip hop with the magical world of childhood, Secret Agent 23 Skidoo is a one of a kind, stand out star in the family music scene. With sophisticated instrumental funk and positive, witty wordplay, he and his family band have earned a loyal national following. $10 general admission, doors open at 10am.
11:00am and 12:00pm: Nationals players at DC Libraries
(4 different libraries)
Washington Nationals players will visit four neighborhood libraries to read to kids and answer questions from eager fans.
12:00pm-4:00pm: Mariner Music Fest
(Metropolitan Kitchen & Lounge 169 West St. Annapolis, MD 21401)
Rooftop – Just for Kids! – Tickets $5 (Ages 2-12)
Live Music performances for Kids including “The Singing Lizard” {The Singing Lizard’s unique Electro-Kindie style will have kids and adults dancing and singing with joy in no time!} And, Miss Mandy from Chesapeake Music Together! We’ll also have an instrument petting zoo, where kids can touch and play real instruments, arts and crafts and more fun! **Parents will need to purchase a full price ticket to bring their children to the event. But, the adult ticket is for all day, so parents can come back later and enjoy all the bands!
1:00pm-4:00pm: The DC Scoop at Union Market
(1309 5th St NE, Washington, DC)
DC’s sweetest event is back! Ice Cream enthusiasts from near and far will gather at Union Market to celebrate summer’s sweet treat. The event will be held in the indoor event space above the market, Dock 5 and the alley behind it. There will be ice cream available to taste and buy from local artisans and Ice Cream makers from other markets as well. There will be a wide array of products including gelato, ice cream sandwiches, popsicles and of course, good old-fashioned ice cream!
7:00pm: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 at Cinema Del Ray
(Mount Vernon Rec Center: 2017 Belle View Blvd, Alexandria, VA 22307)
The fun begins at 7:00pm. Free open air movie showings sponsored by Jen Walker. Snacks are even available for purchase, bring blankets and cozy up.
Sunday-
12:00pm-4:00pm: Goddard Model Rocket Launch
(8800 Greenbelt Rd., Greenbelt, MD)
Attempt to land your rocket within a “moon” drawn on the ground. Trophies and model rocket kit prizes awarded to the top youth and adult finishers. The contest is free. On-site registration is required on contest day. You must bring your own rocket, motors and recovery wadding. For more details download the contest flyer, or call (301) 286-8981.
12:00pm-4:00pm: Bubble Days at Maryland Science Center
(601 Light St Baltimore, MD.21203)
Come see the sudsiest spectacle of the summer at the Maryland Science Center’s 9th annual Bubble Days. The fun will be bubbling up all over the building—and outside too! Craft your own bubble solution and wand, create bubble art to take home, experiment with homemade bubble wands, and compete in our bubble blowing contest. World-renowned bubble artist Casey Carle will be here to perform his fantastic BubbleMania show. You will be amazed at what Casey can do with seemingly ordinary soap bubbles! Performances will be on our Atrium Stage at Noon, 2:00, and 4:00pm. All activities are free with paid admission and completely free for members. Same hours on Saturday.
1:35pm: Washington Nationals host Milwaukee Brewers
Kids Run the Bases- Kids ages 4 – 12 are invited to run the bases on the field immediately following the game, field conditions permitting.
2:00pm: Reverb at The National Building Museum
(401 F St NW, Washington, DC)
Enjoy the melodic sounds of Reverb as they take you on an a cappella musical journey! Presented in collaboration with Washington Performing Arts. This event is free.
The forecast calls for an amazing weekend! Check out the Harbor Spray Park at Lee District for a day of fun splashing around in the sprays and water. Theres a great playground steps away as well with ample spots to picnic. Worth the drive from DC.
The Capital Fringe Festival runs from July 10 to July 27, 2014. Be sure and check out Balloon Plays for the kids.
Saturday-
9:45am-5:00pm: 5th Annual Lake Anne Ukelele Festival
(1609 Washington Plaza, Reston, VA)
The ukulele is the happiest instrument in the world and it spreads joy wherever it appears.Come down and join us rain or shine. You’ll find vendors selling ukuleles of all kinds and hear wonderful music all in the picturesque setting of Lake Anne Plaza in Reston, VA. It will be one of the best days you have all summer!
Looking to escape the warmer temperatures this week? There are some new theatre performances in town, including Pinkalicious and the BFG. Our theatre roundup have the details you need.
The Smithsonian’s Discovery Theatre has a new show this week: Christylez Bacon: Human Beatbox. Showtimes are Tuesday-Friday at 10:15am and 11:30am.
DC Parks and Rec have turned on all spray parks and pools! Check them out to cool off.
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 and Rhyme at Busboys and Poets
(5531 Baltimore Ave., Hyattsville, Md. 20781)
Rise + Rhyme is a weekly Busboys and Poets series for local stay-at-home parents and early rising families of all kinds! Featuring performances and stories for children ages 5 and under. Today’s featured artist is master educator, musician, and storyteller, Bashea “Iya ” Imana . “Iya & the Kuumba Kids” is an interactive, hands-on, fun-filled time. Iya masterfully blends music & movement with storytelling, eco-friendly arts & crafts, and puppetry. This educational program for children fosters a love for learning and promotes literacy, critical thinking, respect for the environment, character development, and creativity.
10:30am-11:15am: Mr. Knick Knack at Reston Town Center (Pavillon)
(11900 Market St, Reston, Va. 20190)
Unique, heart-centered music for kids! Free.
DC Capital Fair is in town through July 6. Find the schedule here. You’ll find a huge carnival, delicious food, games, and free live entertainment and shows including Circus Flores, Lance Gifford’s Magic & Illusion Show, Las Vegas Hypnotist Show, Wild Wolves Show and Tiger Show.
(RFK Stadium- 2400 East Capital St SE, Washington, D.C.)
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 and Rhyme at Busboys and Poets
(5531 Baltimore Ave., Hyattsville, Md. 20781)
Rise + Rhyme is a weekly Busboys and Poets series for local stay-at-home parents and early rising families of all kinds! Featuring performances and stories for children ages 5 and under.Today’s featured artist is The Singing Lizard.
10:30am-11:15am: Mr. Knick Knack at Reston Town Center (Pavillon)
(11900 Market St, Reston, Va. 20190)
Unique, heart-centered music for kids! Free.
Tuesday- Today the first 100 customers at each of Dolcezza’s five area locations will receive a complimentary mini cone of their special 10th anniversary flavor: Chocolate Suizo (Swiss) Gelato.
10:00am and 11:00am: Mr. Gabe at Takoma Park Maryland Library
(101 Philadelphia Ave. Takoma Park, Md. 20912)
Join the catchy and entertaining Mr. Gabe for “Community Circle Time” for 2 free shows. Become a member of the library while you’re there, if not one already or just stay and read with your little one.
10:00am: Rocking Tot Tuesdays with The Singing Lizard at Bloombars
(3222 11th St NW, Washington, DC. 20010)
Grab an instrument, get on stage or practice your moves on the dance floor. This is a perfect spot for your little one to move and groove. Suggested donation $7.
Smithsonian Folklife Festival is happening on the National Mall through Sunday and then again July 2-6.
As always, check out the Theatre Roundup page for shows!
Saturday-
10:00am-12:30pm: Family Garden Day at The National Arboretum
(3501 New York Ave., NE, Washington, D.C.)
Family Garden Days is an interactive family gardening, nutrition education, and cooking program. It is designed to bring families together at the Washington Youth Garden to share in a communal experience of learning how to grow and prepare fruits and vegetables, maintain an organic garden, and prepare healthy meals. Tailored to beginning gardeners and those looking to enhance their food and wellness practices, the program is an exciting opportunity for families to grow awareness, appreciation and connections to their food sources and engage in healthy life affirming outdoor activities! Participating families harvest fresh fruits and vegetables from the garden for cooking demos as well as to prepare and enjoy at home. Buy tickets here.
10:00am: Mr. Gabe and the Circle Time All-Stars at Burke Lake Park Amphitheater
(7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station, VA 22039)
Free children’s and family concert. Mr. Gabe and his band, the Circle Time All-Stars, perform a mix of traditional children’s songs, family-friendly pop songs, and originals from Mr. Gabe’s award-winning CD, Play Date. Bring a picnic and enjoy being outside.
10:30am: Jammin with the Smithsonian: The Diggity Dudes at Jammin Java
(227 Maple Ave E Vienna, Va. 22180)
The Diggity Dudes play hip music for hip kids and their equally hip parents. A typical set covers everything from pet rocks to disco moves to science experiments to presidential physical fitness, all delivered via ultra-catchy melodies over funky and danceable grooves. Interactive skits, audience participation and a lighthearted comedic twist are what make a Diggity Dudes show more than a show – it’s truly an experience. $10 and doors will open at 10:00am.
11:00am-2:00pm: Pierce Mill in Rock Creek National Park
(Tilden Street (same as Park Road), NW and Beach Drive, Washington, DC 20015)
Mill in Operation (11 AM – 2 PM) – watch the waterwheel turn and learn how the flow of water into the “buckets” brings the wheel to life and sets the machinery inside the mill in motion Visitor Center (10 AM – 4 PM) – learn about the Peirce family and the other mills that operated along Rock Creek. There will be games for children, including a self-guided treasure hunt, water flow and gravity toys, checkers, and other simple toys from the milling period.
11:00am-12:00pm: Songs and Dances of the Pua (Flowers) of Hawaii at US Botanic Garden
(100 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, DC 20001 National Garden Amphitheater. Rain Location: Conservatory Garden Court)
Join the Hawai’i State Society of Washington D.C. `Ukulele Hui as they depict in song and dance the beautiful flowers of Hawai’i, such as the yellow ginger, pikake, hibiscus, carnation, green rose, lehua, gardenia, bird-of-paradise, and more. Celebrate the pua, or flower, which serves as a metaphor for a child or someone very cherished. Learn how leis, made up of these special flowers, are presented to people for occasions involving love, friendship, joy, congratulations and best wishes.
Sunday-
9:00am-9:45am: Tots and Tykes Yoga at Tranquil Space
(1632 17th St NW, Washington, DC)
Tot & Tyke Yoga is a supportive, fun-loving, and active yoga class. During this class crawlers and walkers playfully practice yoga postures while they are standing, sitting up, walking and jumping. An adult must attend class with child but no yoga experience is required.
11:30am-1:30pm: Pannini America at Child’s Play
(5536 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC. 20015)
Child’s Play will be roping off the parking lot behind their Chevy Chase store for 2 hours of games and giveaways. Practice your goal kicking skills in our inflatable goals. Bring your stickers and trade with others. Panini America (the makers of those amazing World Cup stickers) will be there giving away free World Cup 2014 merchandise (while supplies last).