Beltway Bambinos

(re) discover Washington DC through the eyes of your children

Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center: Bringing the wonders of the Smithsonian to your living room

This post comes to you from the Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center. We’ve had the opportunity to visit their space and participate in various workshops they offered prior to the pandemic and can’t recommend their family programing enough. We look forward to being able to go back one day and hope you will too!

When Covid closed our museums and our city, the Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (SEEC) had to develop a new plan for its weekend family workshops. It was imperative to keep the essence of programs the same: forming relationships, connecting with Smithsonian objects, and learning through play.  

Fostering relationships is at the core of our work at SEEC. Young children learn better in a social context with trusted adults and peers. Moving to a digital platform makes this challenging, but not impossible. SEEC’s family workshops are limited to six families so that everyone has a chance to get to know each other and participate fully. Families will sign up for a four-week session on a topic, which allows for the deepening of relationships over time. In addition to the virtual classes, families will receive a video with activities in between each session to help continue discoveries. 
  
While families are unable to physically visit the objects and artwork of the Smithsonian, SEEC’s virtual classes allow children to experience these objects in closer detail and at their own pace while at home. SEEC believes objects are powerful learning tools as they often bridge the gap between the familiar and the unfamiliar, opening up windows to new worlds. The virtual weekend classes will use objects to share stories and help children practice critical thinking skills.
 
Learning happens through action and SEEC’s virtual classes will be action packed and fun! The classes will encourage all types of active learning including dramatic play, movement games, singing, storytelling, sensory experiences, and more. Children will be laughing, playing, and exploring as they learn about all the Smithsonian has to offer.
  
SEEC has missed its family workshop participants over the last six months and are so excited to reconnect in this fashion! To learn more, please visit our website.  

Farewell Celebration for Giant Panda Bei Bei

Join the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute “Bye Bye, Bei Bei” (BAY-BAY,) a series of online and on-site celebratory events to bid a fond farewell to giant panda Bei Bei before he departs for China from November 11 to November 18, 2019.

Fans can pick up a postcard memento at the Zoo and write their own notes to Bei Bei that will travel with him to China. For fans joining the festivities remotely, Panda Cam 1 will show Bei Bei 24/7. Bei Bei will receive special treats and toys twice each day. All three of the Zoo’s giant pandas will receive ice cakes at 9am on Nov. 16 and Nov. 17 in honor of Bei Bei’s farewell. In addition, free hot chocolate will be served on Nov. 16 and Nov. 17. Click here for a detailed schedule of events.

As part of the Zoo’s cooperative breeding program with the China Wildlife Conservation Association, all cubs born at the Zoo move to China when 4 years old to breed with other pandas, helping to keep the population genetically diverse. Learn more about Bei Bei’s trip to China in this FAQ.

In other Zoo news:
*Zoo Lights begins Nov. 29, 2019 and stays lit through Jan. 1, 2020
*International Cheetah Day Dec. 4, 2019 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
*Brew Lights at Zoo Lights is Dec. 12, 2019
*Become a FONZ member to support the Zoo as well as receive many perks and discounts

Smithsonian Folklife Festival

The Smithsonian Folklife Festival, established in 1967, honors contemporary living cultural traditions and celebrates those who practice and sustain them. Produced annually by the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage on the National Mall, the Festival has featured participants from all fifty states and more than one hundred countries.

The 2019 Festival will look a little different, with two days of concerts instead of the usual two weeks of craft demonstrations, narrative sessions, cooking demonstrations, and more. Visitors will still be able to enjoy live music, a variety of food and drink options from local food trucks, instrument workshops for all ages, and presentations about the D.C. music scene.

DinoRoars at the Smithsonian National Zoo

Travel back in time with “DinoRoars”—a self-guided safari around the Smithsonian’s National Zoo—and meet massive animatronic dinosaurs that move and roar. From June 1 to August 31, visitors will be able to look up and listen as the roar of a 39-foot-long T. rex joins the symphony of Zoo animal chirps, squawks and chuffs. On exhibit will be Compsognathus, Dilophosaurus, Parasaurolophus and babies, Stegosaurus and baby, Quetzalcoatlus and babies and T. rex. Each dinosaur is fitted with electronic brains to activate and control movements and produce the sounds. Admission to the Zoo and “DinoRoars” is free.

Also as part of the Dino Summer at the Zoo, get tickets to see “Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo Live” Theatrical Show. Visitors will embark on a prehistoric journey at “Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo Live,” an experiential theater production featuring a larger-than-life cast of dinosaur puppets, at Smithsonian’s National Zoo. From June 1 through Aug. 31, sophisticated, life-sized dinosaur puppets—brought to life by theatrical presentation and puppet mastery—will connect children to paleontology. This interactive production features 19 dinosaurs on stage including Triceratops, T. rex, Megneura, Leaellynasaura, Titanosaur and more.

“Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo Live” will perform 30-minute shows at 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday (June 1-Aug 31) in the Zoo’s air-conditioned Visitor Center Theater. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children; group tickets are also available. Discounts are available for Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ) members. An exclusive “Dino Zoo Live” photo experience with a larger-then-life dinosaur is also available for purchase, tickets are $10.

Weekend Picks for Families in and around Washington, DC

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

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

Friday

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

Saturday

9:00am-12:00pm: Kids Workshop at Home Depot
Celebrate and honor all who have served our country in our hands-on Veteran’s Day focused workshop. You and your child can build a custom model military helicopter to spark a conversation with a Veteran about fighting large fires, moving troops, getting supplies to ships and transporting patients. Once the “helo” build is complete, your child can decorate it with paint and stickers. All kids get to keep their craft, receive a FREE certificate of achievement, a Workshop Apron, and a commemorative pin while supplies last. Children must be present at the store to participate in the workshop and receive the kit, apron, and pin.

10:00am-5:30pm: Smithsonian Food History Festival
The Food History Festival is a free day of hands-on learning, live demonstrations, talks, and stories exploring the past, present, and future of regional food cultures in America. Talented chefs, local organizations, experts, museum curators, students, and more will be on hand to spark conversation, lead activities, and dig into food history with museum visitors of all ages. All activities are free.

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

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

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

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

10:30am-12:30pm: Creativity Workshop at The Phillips Collection
Let your creativity fly in our art-making stations—it’s an art materials “petting zoo” for the whole family! Comes with Artful Wellness Kit for parents and caregivers. Geared for families with children ages 2 to 8.

10:30am-11:15am: Saturday Song Circle at Imagination Stage
You and your child are invited to a fun, interactive musical experience! An Early Childhood Teaching Artist explores a popular children’s book with your family through song and musical instruments, and you will receive a list of all the songs to practice at home. Ages 1-5. Featured story: The Pout-Pout Fish

Sunday

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

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

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

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

Related Links: 
Holiday Tea for Families

Yoga with Bambinos

Museum Based-Learning: Ordinary is Extraordinary at the Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center + GIVEAWAY

smithsonian3

Before being contacted by Cynthia Raso the Director of the Office of Engagement at Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (SEEC) a few years ago, I had no idea the school existed. The SEEC is a school located on the Smithsonian campus serving infants through kindergartners. What makes SEEC extraordinary? First, it utilizes the Smithsonian and surrounding community as part of its classroom. Students make daily trips to museums, parks, libraries, shops, and monuments and integrate these visits into what they are learning. SEEC is more than just museum-based learning; it is also a school that thinks carefully about educating the whole child. From social-emotional learning to practicing fine motor skills, SEEC classrooms are invested in nurturing young children by employing a range of techniques that we believe will support a child’s growth and development. SEEC utilizes their almost 30 years of experience as a school to shape their family programs while taking into account the role of the parent. SEEC wants to help parents understand how best to engage with their young child at home and in museums. 

At the beginning of the summer I had the opportunity to visit SEEC for a Preschool Pioneer class with my then four year old son. The class was focused on learning about light and colors. We met in the SEEC classroom, found in the Natural History Museum where children were allowed to wander, touch and interact with the various stations that were set-up. Each one being carefully selected and relating to the class lesson of light and color. The teacher began class with a small group lesson introducing the concept of light using CD’s and talking about colors. The group then took a “field trip” out into The Natural History Museum where we found a display on the color wheel. Kids learned Sir Isaac Newton created it and what it meant by allowing them to place various colored plastic sheets on top of one another to create a new color.   Class ended with a hands-on activity of mixing paint and creating colors. It was a great chance to have my son see the museum in an up close and personal way with a sense of purpose. Research has shown that museum based-learning has many benefits for children and promotes the value of museums for kids. One of SECC’s goals is to help educate families on how to utilize museums in fun ways with their young children and I clearly saw this first-hand.

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SEEC provides the community with opportunities to learn at every age. There are several options and you’re sure to find a program for the Bambinos in your family. Check them out below:
 
Community Programs you can enroll your child in:
GIVEAWAY CLOSED

Weekend Picks in and around Washington, DC

Friday & Saturday evening, Mount Vernon is celebrating Independence Day. 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.

Smithsonian Folklife Festival established in 1967, honors contemporary living cultural traditions and celebrates those who practice and sustain them. Produced annually by the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage, the Festival has featured participants from all 50 states and more than 100 countries. The free Festival takes place for two weeks every summer, overlapping the Fourth of July holiday. It is an educational, research-based presentation that features master artisans and other tradition bearers.Visitors are invited to sing and dance along, try craft and game workshops, learn traditional recipes, ask questions, and take part in this unique cultural exchange.

Breakfast with the Bears at the National Zoo will run on Saturday, June 29 and Sunday, July 1 from 9-10:30am. This is a class you can surely sink your teeth into. Learn about the favorite foods of the Smithsonian’s National Zoo’s three species of bears, and then join us for outdoor snack time outside one of the bear exhibits! 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.

Friday

5:00pm-8:30pm: Jazz in the Sculpture Garden
The free concert series features jazz artists performing a wide variety of styles—Traditional New Orleans jazz, blues, swing, Ska, Funk, Blues, Pan-Caribbean salsa, boogaloo, Go-go, and more. During jazz concerts, the Pavilion Café offers a special menu of creative American cuisine and refreshments. Alcoholic beverages may not be brought into the Sculpture Garden but may be purchased at the café. (Picture above)

7:00pm-9:00pm: Friday Night Concert Series
The free Capitol Riverfront Friday Night Concert Series is back for its 8th Season. 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

8:00am-1:00pm: 11th Annual City-Wide Truck Touch
This event will feature a variety of free activities for kids and adults. A host of DC government agencies will present and demonstrate nearly 30 vehicles used to clean and repair streets, change traffic lights, collect refuse, clear snow, provide emergency services, administer mobile healthcare, and more. Free boxed lunches will be provided to kids age 18 and under.

10:15am: Children’s Art Talk & Tour at Strathmore
Young art lovers can get behind the brushstrokes and into the head, heart, and history of the artists with these kid-friendly Saturday tours. Children take part in an educational guided tour of the current exhibitions followed by a hands-on art activity. Ages 7 & up. Accompanying adults are free. Reservations required.

10:30am: The Wizard of Oz at Wolf Trap Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods
Rediscover the joy of following the yellow brick road with Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tinman, and the Cowardly Lion as they travel through a reimagined world of Oz!

11:00am:  A Day at the Beach at Little Falls Library
Meet some animals that leave at the seashore! Under the Sea presents “A Day at the Beach,” a virtual tour of a beach on the Atlantic coast. You’ll learn about beach features like sand, waves, tides, dunes, and jetties. Children will meet some of the animals that call beaches home and learn about beach food chains during this lively and educational presentation by a marine scientist. This program is generously sponsored by the Friends of the Library, Montgomery County Inc and is appropriate for the entire family, but especially ages four and up. Space is limited; free tickets will be handed out 30 minutes before the program begins.

Sunday

(Photo: Red Panda Art Studio)

10:00am-5:00pm: KID Museum
KID Museum is an innovative learning space unlike any other in the DC region. The museum provides hands-on learning that incorporates STEM, art, and culture with 21st century skills like creativity and critical thinking. Click above link for the day’s events.

3:30pm-4:15pm: Sunday Funday at Imagination Stage
You and your child (ages 1-5) are invited to bring your favorite stories to life through dramatic play activities, music, movement, and visual art. Each session you leave with a special take-home item we used or created that day, as well as a Parent Pack to extend the experience at home. Featured story: Elephant & Piggie. Get your tickets!

4:00pm-5:30pm: Red Panda Art Studio Pop-in Drop-in
Red Panda Art Studio will be opening a Summer Pop-Up location to fulfill all of your creative needs during the month of July at the WAS Gallery in the Westwood II Shopping Center in Bethesda. Come check out the new studio space and celebrate their opening with a selection of their favorite sensory activities and projects, geared towards ages 3 to 8. Drop-off welcome. $25/child.

Other articles you may be interested in: 

Kids Eat Free in DC

Summer Camp Guide

Local Theatre Performances

Tot Rock at Discovery Theater + GIVEAWAY

Discovery Theater at the Ripley Center, Smithsonian has been presenting DC-area children with live educational performances for more than 30 years. As a program of the Smithsonian Associates, Discovery Theater serves as a child’s gateway to the exhibitions, collections, and cultures contained in the museums on the National Mall and beyond.  There’s so much to explore at the Smithsonian! Tot Rock performances are geared for 2-6 year olds. Tot Rock gets kids moving to great bands—and adults love to join in the fun, too. Below are some great upcoming shows. 

Tot Rock: The Not-Its: Thurs.- Fri., Mar. 1-2 at 10:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

In their signature pink ties (on the guys) and pink-and-black tutus (on the girls), the Not-Its! rock kids and families with their up-tempo albums and performances that give children their first “rock show” experience. The Seattle-based quintet delivers on-your-feet, action-oriented songs like “Green Light Go” and “Skateboard,” and uses music to empower kids to be innovators, protect the environment and wildlife, and be proud of who they are—even if, as they sing about in “Participation Trophy,” they get third or fourth place at something. Recommended for Ages 2-6 / Pre-K to Grade 1

Tot Rock: Alex & the Kaleidoscope: Thurs.- Fri., Apr. 19-20 at 10:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

Take a new look at our beautiful world through the kaleidoscope of Emmy Award-winning children’s arts educator Alex Mitnick, your musical guide for an Earth Day celebration of the treasures of the planet. Clap along, sing, dance, and improvise with Alex in this delightful interactive concert of original songs about nature and all its creatures—including us. Recommended for Ages 2-6 / Pre-K to Grade 1

See schedule of other shows at Discovery Theater here, including a show called Crazy Colors of Chemistry and Mother Earth and Me.

  • Giveaway: Win a pair of tickets to The Not-Its show by commenting on Facebook with your preferred show–  Thursday, March 1 or Friday March 2 with the desired time 10:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Winner will be announced Monday, Feb. 26

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