science

Marsha Goodman-Wood’s newest music video: Why Can’t You Dance on Jupiter?

September 20, 2018

Marsha Goodman-Wood is a local musician who I’m fortunate to know personally through our children’s school. She’s generous enough to have shared her premiere of The Penguin Song with readers back in January and now she’s back debuting a new music video; Why Can’t You Dance on Jupiter?

Have you ever misplaced a moon? Or maybe just found 10 or 12 new ones lying around? Probably not. But scientists keep finding new moons of the planet Jupiter.

This is a brand new video for “Why Can’t You Dance on Jupiter?” from Marsha Goodman-Wood’s 2012 Gravity Vacation album. This stop-motion animation video features the artwork of Judith Keller, brought to life by up and coming videographer Emily Bank.

When the song was released in 2012, scientists had discovered “at least 63 moons” of Jupiter, as the lyrics explain. But it turns out that finding and then confirming new moons for the giant planet is an ongoing process, and Marsha said it was “at least” that many moons because scientists knew they might find more.

If you’ve heard Marsha play live lately with her band The Positrons, you’ve heard that number climbing! And in July 2018, an astronomer named Scott S. Sheppard who works at the Carnegie Institution for Science in Washington DC announced the discovery of 12 new moons, for a current total of 79!

This new video for “Why Can’t You Dance on Jupiter?” notes before the song starts that the number keeps going up. For the kids, it’s a nice example of how science changes over time as we learn new information.

Bambinos will want to dance along with the unique alien characters that Judith created and if you read along with the closed-captioning you’ll find some Easter eggs in the form of dance suggestions!

Marsha’s solo album Gravity Vacation debuted six years ago, but we’re happy to announce that she’s finalizing a new record with the band Marsha and the Positrons. You, dear readers, are the first to know that it will be released on November 16th!

Staying out there in the the solar system, the new record includes a song called “Hey Pluto” which is about Pluto’s change in status from a planet to a dwarf planet (and about not being defined by your labels). It also features several of Marsha’s trademark songs about science and how the world works, like “Positrons,” which explains this lesser-known sub-atomic particle the band is named after!

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

Weekend Picks in and around Washington, DC

April 27, 2018

The Georgetown French Market, one of the District’s most anticipated shopping weekends, marks the triumphant return of the spring season, this weekend beginning on Friday. Georgetown’s Book Hill neighborhood will transform into an inviting open-air market as the over 40 locally-owned merchants, restaurants, salons and galleries display discounted items and unique finds.

South Mountain Creamery Spring Festival is taking place all weekend long. All year round you welcome us them your home. This weekend, they’re welcoming you to theirs. There will be vendors, music, farmers market, food, games, activities, animals, hay rides and you’ll want to check out the milking parlor and take the production tour!

A few Parent’s Night Out events happening!

Saturday

10:00am-4:00pm: Ring in Spring with KinderCare
Union Stage is being transformed into a blooming spring pasture of overgrown flowers, exaggerated ladybugs and a sunny sky darted with clouds! Bring the entire family to spend a day with us and enjoy complimentary family portraits by Red Tricycle DC’s favorite family photographer, Stacey Vaeth, spring-themed activities for kids (6 weeks to 6 years), story time with Amy Mascott, of the famed teach mama blog, plus live musical entertainment! Before you leave, don’t forget to take home one of our favorite spring themed books, seeds for planting, and even schedule a tour at one of our KinderCare centers. Register above for a time slot.

10:00am-7:00pm: DC Chocolate Festival
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. The morning block is perfect for families and kids of all ages.

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. Saturday Night at the Dinosaur Stomp is the featured story.

11:00: Ready, Set, Think at Chevy Chase Library
Walk before you run; think before you code. Calling all 5-to-7-year-olds and their families: Come play some games and learn about computational thinking skills. Computational thinking is not thinking like a computer, but understanding how to organize and interpret information in a way that computers can process. These skills are the foundation for coding and problem solving. Each participant will take home activity sets to keep the fun going. Limited to the first 16 families. Recommended for ages 5-7 with adult.

11:00am-4:00pm: Carousel Day at Glen Echo
The historic Dentzel Carousel will open for its 98th season in Glen Echo Park on Carousel Day! The event also offers a full day (11:00am-4:00pm) of FREE activities for throughout Glen Echo Park, including live music & other performances, face painting, a roving magician, and carousel themed crafts. The carousel operates from 11:00am-5:00pm, $1.25 per ride. See Judy Moody and the Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt at Adventure Theatre while you are there!

Sunday

9:30am: Power Mama Yoga at Little Bit Yogi
Adult yoga class with little ones roaming.

10:00am-5:00pm: KID Museum Spark Behind the Science Day
What sparks someone’s passion for science and technology? Is it a trip to a museum, an inspiring teacher, or simply collecting shells at the beach? At Spark Behind the Science Day, meet STEM experts and find out what drove them to pursue their careers. Then, participate in a variety of hands-on activities to find your own spark! Drop in anytime.

11:00am-11:45am: Sunday Funday at Imagination Stage
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. These popular workshops are themed around beloved children’s books. Dragons Love Tacos is the featured story.

11:00am-2:00pm: The Rumpus Room: A Family Dance Party
Welcome to the Rumpus Room, a daytime dance party for families, with sounds provided by DC’s top club DJs (who all happen to be parents themselves). Created by DJs who wanted to share the nightclub experience with their kids, the Rumpus Room adapts the club environment (think disco ball, lights, and of course music) into safe family-friendly fun. Get ready for a dance floor filled with little ones, parents, grandparents, aunties and uncles. The soundtrack will be a family-friendly mix of dance hits and classics, all at a kid-friendly volume. We provide the shakers, hula-hoops, beach balls and other props. You come to dance.

2:00pm AND 4:00pm: NSO Family Concert at the Kennedy Center
In the spirit of a series of Young People’s Concerts made popular by Leonard Bernstein at Carnegie Hall, Emil de Cou conducts this delightful performance that explores the concepts of melody and rhythm. NSO Principal Second violinist Marissa Regni hosts and Emil de Cou conducts, with guest appearances by Christylez Bacon and Ben Folds. Come early for a Musical Instrument “Petting Zoo” in the Opera House Lobby. Starting one hour before each concert (1 p.m. & 3 p.m.), hands-on activities let children get up close with the instruments they’ll see played on the stage. The 2 p.m. performance is sensory friendly. Most enjoyed by ages 5 & up. Please note: everyone, regardless of age, must have a ticket. Performance Timing: 1 hour, with no intermission.

Plan Ahead for Mother’s Day with some fun events:

Little Loft will have a spring photo shoot that will include be moms and kids. Kids draw portraits of mom at Little Loft, and Red Turtle Photography takes a professional portrait of mom with littles. Book your 15-min shoot for $95, $10 for second child, $5 for third+ for Saturday, May 12, 10:00am-2:00pm. Edited prints and digital files available for purchase — great Mother’s Day gift!

Nothing says love like a handmade gift from your little one. Red Panda Art Studio wants to help your child celebrate his or her wonderful mama by creating a fabulous gift (or gifts)! May 6 at the Little House at Westmoreland Hills Park from 10:00am-11:30am. Each child will have the opportunity to create a framed portrait of his or her mom, an Ikebana-inspired flower arrangement, a homemade herb planter, and more (we don’t want to give away all of the surprises here!). Geared towards ages 3 to 8. $35. Drop-off welcome.

Looking ahead:

Night Out at the Museum:
National Museum of Natural History Sleepovers

Sleepover guests will experience the museum through an interactive exploration of exhibit halls consisting of games, puzzles and challenges; exhibit-based craft projects; and sleeping under the museum’s giant North American right whale, Phoenix. Sleepovers at the National Museum of Natural History will be heldMay 18, June 1, June 29, July 6, Aug. 24 and Aug. 31.

National Museum of American History Sleepovers

Participants will solve a mystery of historic proportions during an interactive exploration of exhibit halls. When the devious diva Miss Rose steals six valuable objects from the museum, kids must discover what is missing before the evening’s end. Using their detective skills, they will collect clues to guide them to the crime scene. Along the way, they will take part in games, experiments and craft projects—and even become a presidential candidate. Sleepovers at the National Museum of American History will be held May 11, May 25, June 15 and Aug. 10.

National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar Hazy Center Sleepovers

Kids and their chaperones will explore the whole world of flight, from its pioneering days through the era of commercial aviation to the excitement of today’s space program. After they grab a flight checklist, they will take off for a night that includes plenty of games, art activities and close-up looks at some of the most historic and fascinating craft ever to take to the skies. Udvar-Hazy Center staff will be on hand to offer information and insights about the aviation treasures on view. Sleepovers at the Udvar-Hazy Center will be held July 14, July 28 and Aug. 18.

Zoom A Little Zoom: A Ride Through Science

March 17, 2018

Did you know yesterday, March 16, marked the anniversary of Robert Goddard’s rocket ship launch? In honor of this celebration, we introduce to you a fun, science, musical journey.

Grammy-winning duo, Cathy Fink & Marcy Marker have made an educational yet catchy and fun CD all about Science called Zoom A Little Zoom: A Ride Through Science. With 10 new interpretations of tunes from Ballads for the Age of Science, a classic 1961 collection of educational science songs on such subjects as space, nature, weather and energy, and an Activity Guide featuring dozens of ideas for hands-on science fun, the album is intended to excite a new generation of scientists, engineers, and explorers.

An added bonus–The new album includes an Activity Guide for each song by Lynn Baum (former head of School Programs at the Museum of Science in Boston), downloadable from the CD. The guide, which features ideas easy to replicate at home or school using household materials, will be available for free download soon which includes vocabulary, facts, questions and activities to complete. In upcoming performances and videos, these activities will come alive – experiments and all and we can’t wait! The activity guide can also serve as a reference for science fair projects and provide answers to some science questions your Bambinos may bring home.

Songs include topics such as Vibration, Gravity, Lightning and Insects. It’s a fun way to build on your child’s knowledge and even more fun to hear your child excitedly say, “I know about this!” while the song plays.

Available March 30!

Weekend Picks in and around Washington, DC

March 2, 2018

Badlands has launched Weekend Programs. Prices include 1 hour of play and a 1 hour workshop. This weekend your child can learn about lava and volcanoes and magnetic slime, age dependent.

The Atlas INTERSECTIONS Festival is back– February 22 – March 11, 2018 and is about presenting excellent art in all its forms that inspires a community to connect and create a vibrant neighborhood, city, and world. Now in its 9th season, INTERSECTIONS is a key layer in DC’s dynamic arts scene. New this year, a workshop series and an expanded Youth Summit – a full day of performances by young people followed by a youth-led summit. Here are a few free family fun days to check out.

Saturday-

9:00am-12:00pm: Home Depot Kids Workshop: Periscope
Hone your powers of observation in our hands-on workshop. Just like an above-water viewfinder or historical trench optical instrument, you and your child can construct a periscope to expand your view. Once the periscope is built, your child can decorate it with paint and stickers. All Kids Workshop attendees must be accompanied by a parent or adult at all times. 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.

9:00am-11:30am: The Children’s House of Washington Montessori School Open House
Special Guest Patti Harburger, CHOW Founding Director, will speak about the importance of mathematics and language in a Montessori education.

9:30am AND 11:00am: Traveling Lantern: Pinocchio at National Theatre
A little wooden marionette is lovingly created by a master craftsmen…but what a bad little puppet he turns out to be! He’s selfish and greedy, and he lies. He doesn’t listen to the good counsel of anyone: his father Gepetto, a philospher Cricket, or a Blue Fairy. After many hair raising adventures, Pinocchio finally learns what it takes to become human…kindness, compassion, loyalty, hard work, and selflessness. Free

10:00am: Rainbow Rock Live at Avalon Theatre
Are you ready to rock the rainbow? Join the Rainbow Rock Band as they entertain your little dudes with tunes, laughs and more! Winners of a Parents’ Choice Fun Stuff Award for their debut CD, “Meet the Rainbow,” an absolute mix of musical genres from folk, pop rock to rockabilly, all the while being educational and fun. Your child will learn about shapes, colors, movement, and more! The Rainbow Rock Band encourages all rainbow rockers to participate in the show either on the microphone or at their seat. Either way your little one is sure to have fun! $8 / $6.50 (Children under 2 are free)

10:00am-2:00pm: Hirshhorn: Art Pop-Up + Library Program
Check it out! Find our cart in the galleries and check out a fun kit full of our favorite finds for kids. Each kit is an art meets reading adventure, with a special theme, children’s book, suggested artworks for viewing, and hands-on art making materials.

Sunday-

9:30am-11:00am AND 2:30pm-4:00pm: Model Airplane Construction at National Building Museum
Are you an aspiring aviator or a pilot with potential? Want to learn what keeps a plane in the air? Construct your own rubber-band-propelled model airplane and learn about aeronautics with the D.C. Maxecuters, then try a test flight in the National Building Museum’s Great Hall. Cost per plane/child: $15 Member | $20 Non-member. Ages 8 and up, adult assistance required. Adults do not need to purchase a separate ticket, unless they would like to make their own plane.

10:00am-12:00pm: Purim Carnival at DCJCC
When was the last time you dressed up like a queen or king? Now is your chance – the EDCJCC’s Purim Carnival is the perfect time for children and adults to dress up and celebrate this festive annual holiday! Join us for carnival games, arts & crafts, hamantaschen (yummy Purim treats), songs and a Purim play! Don’t forget your costume! Please bring an unexpired, unopened food item in a cardboard box (like macaroni and cheese or couscous) to decorate as a grogger to use during the Purim play. We will then donate them to those in need in our community. Price per family: $23

10:30am-11:30am: Sensory-Friendly Purim Celebration at Washington Hebrew Congregation
Does your child cover their ears in a crowd? Do they avoid loud noises? We will minimize the noise and other sensory input but maximize the fun! Join us for crafts, an interactive reading of the Purim story (megillah), a mitzvah (good deed) project and treats to take home. Costumes encouraged but not required.$5 per family, plus bring a canned good to donate. Best for 4-8 year olds. Please pre-register as space is limited. This program is a collaboration of PJ Library in Greater Washington, Washington Hebrew Congregation and The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington.

11:00am-2:00pm: The Rumpus Room: A Family Dance Party at U Street Music Hall
Welcome to the Rumpus Room, a daytime dance party for families, with sounds provided by DC’s top club DJs (who all happen to be parents themselves). Created by DJs who wanted to share the nightclub experience with their kids, the Rumpus Room adapts the club environment (think disco ball, lights, and of course music) into safe family-friendly fun. Get ready for a dance floor filled with little ones, parents, grandparents, aunties and uncles. The soundtrack will be a family-friendly mix of dance hits and classics, all at a kid-friendly volume. We provide the shakers, hula-hoops, beach balls and other props. You come to dance. Rumpus Room is designed for kids 8 and under and their caregivers, but older siblings are welcome.

1:30pm AND 4:00pm: National Symphony Orchestra Music for Young Audiences: Two Divas and a Bear at The Kennedy Center
What happens when you bring together a concert violinist, an opera singer, and everyone’s favorite stuffed animal? You get Two Divas and a Bear! Join NSO violinist Marissa Regni and soprano Kari Paludan as they explore the human voice. As it turns out, the violin has a voice, too! As you listen to Schubert’s The Trout, Rachmaninoff’s Vocalise, and Rossini’s Two Cats, you’ll discover that the strings of the violin are very similar to our very own vocal cords. Most enjoyed by age 3 and up. All patrons, regardless of age, must have a ticket. Come early for a Musical Instrument “Petting Zoo.” Starting one hour before the concert, hands-on activities let children get up close with the instruments they’ll see played on the stage.

2:00pm: Doktor Kaboom by McLean Community Center at the Old Firehouse
Doktor Kaboom is an over-the-top German physicist with a passion for science that knows no bounds. Sporting chrome goggles, orange lab coat, motorcycle boots and wicked cool hair, Doktor Kaboom travels the world, thrilling adults and children alike with his explosive comedic style of science experiments designed to involve, excite, educate and entertain! For ages 7+

Weekend Theatre-

Feb 9 – March 31: Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day at Adventure Theatre

Feb 10 – March 18: The Princess & The Pauper: A Bollywood Tale at Imagination Stage

March 2 -24: Circulo/Circle at Encore Stage & Studio

March 3 – 4: Pinkalicious at Blackrock Center

March 3 – 17: VolcanO: Tales from El Salvador at GALA Theater

Chick rental is live at Rocklands Farm! The Chick Rental service is an educational opportunity for families, friends, school groups to take care of a pair adorable chicks for one week. Each rental includes everything you need for the week; their little home, feed, feeding and watering dishes, and care instructions. Link to reserve your chicks here. We are looking forward to seeing everyone out again this year!

Weekend Picks: July 28-30, 2017

July 28, 2017

McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area is located on River Road in Western Montgomery County, and is a 2,000-acre tract in a mixture of woodlands, fields, wooded bottomland and managed wetland impoundments with many trails to hike and explore. As of July 24, 2017 the sunflowers are in full bloom. They will remain in full bloom for approximately 2 weeks. There are 30 acres planted in 9 fields. Reminder: Picking of sunflowers is prohibited.

Final weekend for Art Investigators at National Gallery of Art. How do you investigate a work of art? This program helps children make careful observations, analyze artists’ choices, ask questions, and use their imagination while exploring works of art. Led by museum educators, each program includes reading a children’s book, exploring one work of art in the galleries, and completing a simple hands-on activity. Children will receive a notebook to accompany the program. Each program is approximately 60 minutes. See dates and topics below. These free drop-in programs are designed for individual families on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no advance registration and space is limited, so please plan accordingly.
This weekend: Investigate: Sam Gilliam on the following days–
Friday, July 28 at 10:30am and 12:00pm, Saturday, July 29 at 10:30am and 12:00pm, Sunday, July 30 at 11:30am and 1:00pm or Monday, July 31 at 10:30am and 12:00pm

Theatre for this weekend:
Alice’s Rock and Roll Adventure at Imagination Stage has shows on Saturday and Sunday.
Junie B. Jones is Not a Crook at Adventure Theatre has shows on Saturday and Sunday.
Circus! at Puppet Co. has shows on Saturday and Sunday with a Tiny Tots:Penguins Playground show on Sunday
The Music Man presented by Encore Stage & Studio wraps up this weekend.
By the Seashore ends on Saturday by Arts on the Horizon

Saturday–

8:30am-9:30am: Capoeira for Kids Ages 3.5-7 at Bloombars
(3222 11th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001)
Capoeira provides physical fitness for children, ages 4 and up. It is intended to be a no- to low-contact martial art that helps children with gross motor planning and gross motor skills. Children will also learn maculele (a dance done hitting sticks against your partner’s sticks), samba, capoeira instruments, and Portuguese through this fun, interactive class. Classes are $15 each or $120 for a series of ten classes.

9:30am AND 10:30am: Harambe with Baba Ras D at Bloombars
(3222 11th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001)
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.With more than 10 years of experience in youth development, education and conflict resolution, program instructor Baba Ras D’s “Harambe” is a morning jolt of inspiration for parents, caregivers and children. Recommended for ages 0 to 7 years. $7 per child $3 per adult suggested donation.

10:00am-3:00pm: Dog Days of Summer at National Postal Museum
(2 Massachusetts Ave., N.E. Washington, DC 20002)
Come join the Dog Days of Summer Family Festival to get to know Owney the Dog, and understand the role animals play in our postal system to help transport and protect mail. In honor of Owney’s story, they’ve teamed up with local animal rescue groups and the Amtrak Police K-9 Unit. Demonstrations will showcase the work of K-9 dogs and other fun and hands-on activities inside the museum. Story time begins every half hour in the Museum Atrium.Compete with your friends or family members to see which one of you can deliver mail the fastest to the bottom of the canyon! In the outdoor terrace space, there will be an adoption fair.

11:00am-2:00pm: Hands-on Science: Health & the Human Body at Koshland Science Museum
(525 E St NW)
Explore how the human body works through hands-on science this July at Koshland. Each session investigates a different aspect of the body – everything from DNA to why our skin burns after too much sun exposure. Visitors can compare DNA and amino acids, experiment with biomedical engineering, discover the different lobes of the human brain, and much more! Registration is recommended but not required. Appropriate for ages 10+.

2:00pm: National Dance Day at the Kennedy Center
(2700 F St NW)
Watch, learn, and dance at this FREE community celebration of National Dance Day, culminating in a night of Dancing Under the Stars. Activities starting at 2:00pm and then at 6:00pm – A special Millennium Stage performance in the Grand Foyer and at 7:30 pm – Dancing Under the Stars. The return of our popular summer night social kicks off with a beginner-level swing dance lesson by Gottaswing, followed by two hours of dancing with The Tom Cunningham Orchestra.

Sunday-

10:00am-1:00pm: Family Day at Citi Open Tennis Tournament
(16th and Kennedy St NW)
Clinics will be available for children to participate in, face painting, a zumba class, PetConnect will have puppies on hand, balloon animals and a DJ. The best part: If you’re under 10 years old, you get in for free and get a FREE ticket to the Citi Open. And if you’re older than 10, it’s only $10 for a ticket into the tournament! We’ve been to this a few years in a row and our kids have a blast each time. The entire tournament runs July 29- August 6, 2017 and is at Carter Barron. There are free shuttles across town and on-site parking. See website for more details.

10:00am-11:00am: Nous Bloombars
(3222 11th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001)
The Alliance Francaise is very proud to continue its partnership with BloomBars, bringing back a weekly music program for children. Nous Bloomons is a celebration of French language and culture through song and dance, led by Achille Ango. Achille grew up in Cameroon (Central West Africa). After graduating from High School, he went to France where he lived for seven years studying and playing music. He has taught French to children, and played music with various bands in the Washington area for more than 20 years. He now teaches French in an immersion school using music as a vehicle. If you want to have fun, dance, jump and sing “à tue-tête”, join us at BloomBars! $7 suggested donation per child. $3 per adult.

1:35pm: Washington Nationals take on Colorado Rockies
(1500 S Capitol St SE, Washington, DC 20003) jumbotron1 Weather should be clear of rain so a good excuse to get out and cheer on the home team. First 10, 000 fans receive a coloring book. Take the family to splash around at Yards Park before or after.

6:00pm: Movies on the Potomac at National Harbor
(165 Waterfront St National Harbor, MD 20745)
Nothing says summer like an evening under the stars—and there’s no better way to enjoy the season than Movies on the Potomac at National Harbor. Pack your picnic blankets, grab food to go from one of our delicious dining establishments, and meet us at the Plaza’s big screen for a FREE evening of fun for all ages! Movie: Monsters, Inc.

Weekend Picks: June 30-July 2, 2017

June 29, 2017

The 2017 Smithsonian Folklife Festival is on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., between Seventh and Twelfth streets and in the Arts and Industries Building. The free festival is taking place June 29-July 4 & July 6-9. Festival hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with evening dance parties at 5:30 and circus performances most nights at 7 p.m.

Friday-

5:00pm-8:30pm: Jazz in the Garden
(Constitution Avenue and Madison Drive entrances at 9th Street, NW Washington, DC)
Jazz In The Garden at Pavilion Café in the National Gallery of Art features an eclectic mix of jazz is performed by top Washington-area artists. During jazz concerts, the Pavilion Café offers a special menu of creative American cuisine and refreshments, including a beer and wine menu.

6:30pm-8:30pm: Capitol Riverfront Friday Night Concert at Yards Park
(355 Water St SE)
The free Capitol Riverfront Friday Night Concert Series is back for its 7th Season, this year 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-

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.

10:30am: Dinorock at Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods
(1551 Trap Rd. Vienna, Va. 22182)
This Grammy-nominated audience favorite returns and invites you to travel back in time to meet some of their favorite dinosaurs. In this interactive production using giant colorful puppets and original music, children learn the fascinating world of science, nature, and history.

11:00am-2:00pm: Summer Hands-On Science – Health & the Human Body at Koshland Science Museum
(525 E. Street NW, Washington, DC 20001)
Explore how the human body works through hands-on science this July at Koshland. Each session investigates a different aspect of the body – everything from DNA to why our skin burns after too much sun exposure. Visitors can compare DNA and amino acids, experiment with biomedical engineering, discover the different lobes of the human brain, and much more! This program is free; registration is recommended but not required. Appropriate for ages 10+.

Saturday, July 1 OR Sunday, July 2 from 9:00am-10:30a.m. “Who’s New at the National Zoo” a preschool class for 2-3 year olds! Kids will learn about some of the new animals at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo! Friends of the National Zoo preschool classes use hands-on activities, crafts, stories, songs, and the Zoo’s animal collection to help your child learn about environmental conservation and life science while building important cognitive and social skills. $28/child for FONZ members. $35/child for non-members.Pre-registration is required. Registration fee covers one child with adult.

Catch a show this weekend–

Wonderland: Alice’s Rock n Roll Adventure at Imagination Stage

Junie B. Jones is not a crook at Adventure Theatre

¡Ratón en Movimiento! at Imagination Stage

The Kennedy Center presents The Sound of Music

The Puppet Co. presents The Wizard of Oz and Mother Goose Caboose is the featured Tiny Tots show at the puppet theatre in Glen Echo

*** Plan ahead for Fourth of July!

Weekend Picks October 28-30

October 28, 2016

Boo!!! Halloween is almost here and looks like the weather is in our favor, especially for all of these fun weekend events. Weekend Picks are mostly Halloween celebrations but we added a few extra events worth checking out. DC Public Library has many festive events happening this weekend.

Saturday, Sunday & Monday Trick-or-Treating at Mount Vernon from 3:30pm-6:30pm. Participate in a special scavenger hunt, take a wagon ride on the 12-acre field, and create a boo-tiful Halloween craft in this unforgettable evening. Come and see wool carding, spinning, and fish net making in the historic area before greeting “Martha Washington” on the piazza of the Mansion. In order to burn off all the extra excitement, try 18th-century dancing in the upper garden. Historic chocolate-making demonstrations and chocolate tastings will take place. A children’s costume parade around the Mansion will begin at 5 p.m. and prizes will be awarded for most fang-tastic “George” and “Martha” costumes! Trick-or-Treating at Mount Vernon takes place rain or shine.

Friday-

5:30pm-7:30pm- Hilloween at Eastern Market
Capitol Hill celebrates Halloween as a community each year in front of Eastern Market on 7th St. Count on moon bounces, hay rides, treats, face painting and many, many costumes.
[Read more…]

Indoor fun in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia

June 23, 2016

There’s an update to this post and it can be found here.

We figured we’d pull together some great indoor options for you and your kids in the Washington, DC metro area– plus some options up the road in Baltimore. So whether it’s raining, snowing — or just too cold or hot outside, here are some fantastic places to check out. They’ll keep your little ones engaged and might even tire them out enough to keep you happy. We’ll try to keep this list updated, so do add your suggestions to the comments below and we’ll keep building! Scroll all the way to the bottom as there are on-going lists of theatres, gyms and other great indoor spaces.

Washington, DC:

Skill Zone- (709 8th Street SE Washington, DC 20003)

SkillZone is a fun, fresh place to play and learn in Washington, DC., open for drop-in play time, classes, and private parties! A place in the city for children 6 & under. Registration is required.

Smithsonian Museum– (Various Locations)

Most are free of charge! Specific child-friendly areas in museums listed below.

U.S. Botanic Garden– (100 Maryland Ave SW)

Massive indoor exhibits, you can spend all day here. Check website as they occasionally have events such as cooking demonstrations, concerts, baby snuggler days and more.
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