Beltway Bambinos

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

Weekend Picks: September 15-17, 2017

This weekend the 15th Annual Alexandria King Street Art Festival. Festival booths line King Street between Washington and Union streets, featuring over six blocks of artwork by more than 200 artists from the US and abroad.

The Great Frederick Fair with rides, agriculture, fair food, animals and more will be happening through September 23.

Saturday and Sunday from 10:00am-7:00pm Maryland Renaissance Festival will be joisting and serving up lots of turkey legs weekends through October 23.  The festival is free to children 11 and under. Take a time machine back to medieval times. With plenty of entertainment, including music, joisting, puppetry, pony rides and so much more. Your children will see people dressed up in 16th century outfits. Dress like a knight and come participate!

The annual Colonial Market & Fair at Mount Vernon features dozens of America’s finest craftspeople and plenty of family fun Saturday & Sunday from 9:00am-5:00pm. Colonial-attired artisans demonstrate 18th-century crafts and sell traditional wares such as baskets, woodcarvings, tin and ironwork, leather-workings, weavings, furniture, and much more. Martha Washington will great guests on the piazza from 1:30-3:30pm, and General Washington will oversee the festivities: 18th-century entertainment including music, a balloon-launch, fire-eating, puppet and magic shows, plus hearty specialty food for sale on site.

Maryland Renaissance Festival will be jousting and serving up lots of turkey legs for opening weekend!  The festival is free to children 15 and under this weekend only. Take a time machine back to medieval times. With plenty of entertainment, including music, jousting, mazes, puppetry, pony rides, a huge pirate playground and so much more. Your children will see people dressed up in 16th century outfits. Dress like a knight and come participate or just watch! The Festival ends October 22 and is open weekends only.

A few Fall Festivals begin this weekend.

****Follow our Instagram page to learn about more events, not included on the Weekend Picks!!!

Friday-

4:00pm-7:00pm: My Gym Bethesda & Potomac Open House
(5110 Ridgefield Rd. Bethesda, MD. 20816)
(11325 Seven Locks Rd, Potomac, MD 20854)
Check out NEW class offerings – Pre- Ballet, Ninja Training (formally Par-kid)  & Mighty Mites/Whiz Kids PLUS. Meet the teachers, see the space, lots of fun and back to school discounts. View the complete schedule and enroll online HERE!

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.

9:30am AND 11:00am: Blue Sky Puppet Theatre:If Pigs Could Fly at The National Theatre
(1321 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, DC 20004)
When Rocky announces that he doesn’t like to read, his classmates show him all of the great adventures can be found in books. Families will discover how much fun reading can be when Rocky’s classmates perform puppet shows from four world folktales.

10:00am-9:00pm: 2nd Annual Chesapeake Storytelling Festival
(Chesapeake College in Wye Mills, Maryland)
Come and spend a full day listening to national and local oral storytellers at inside venues of the Chesapeake College on Maryland’s beautiful Eastern Shore. Stories of adventure, history, and tall tales including a Children’s Tent. As you listen, you will be transported to places where memories and magic are captured and woven into tales that will make you laugh and cry. Come and live the imaginary!

10:30am-11:15am: Saturday Song Circle at Imagination Stage
(4908 Auburn Ave 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. Activities in Saturday Song Circle are best for 1-3 year-olds but 4-5 year-old siblings and friends are also welcome to join in the fun. Featured book: Five Little Monkeys

11:00am-4:00pm: Children’s Day: Honey Harvest Festival at Brookside Gardens
(1800 Glenallan Avenue Wheaton, MD 20902)
We’ll be buzzing about pollinators all day long! Join Brookside Gardens, Brookside Nature Center, and the Maryland State Beekeepers Association to celebrate honey bees and other pollinators. Talk to beekeepers, watch honey being harvested, buy local honey and bee products and enjoy family-friendly activities and crafts. Get your groove on with Groovy Nate! A unique blend of music, puppet skits, interactive movement, and comedy into one groovy experience for the whole family. Performance times are 12:30 and 2:30 at Brookside Gardens.

11:00am-3:00pm: Monarch Fiesta Day at Black Hill Nature Center
(20926 Lake Ridge Dr Boyds, Maryland 20841)
Come celebrate the monarch butterfly’s inspiring metamorphosis and incredible journey. We’ll have exhibits, face painting, storytimes, crafts, movies, monarch tagging and more! All programs are free and first-come, first-served. No registration required.

2:00pm-4:00pm: Engineering 101 (Build ‘n Fly Helicopters) at College Park Aviation Museum
(1985 Cpl. Frank Scott Dr College Park, MD 20740)
What is an Engineer? Engineers are people who design and build things to solve specific problems. Learn the basics of engineering through an interactive, hands-on design challenge by creating your own design from drawing to prototype. $5 includes museum admission and supplies. Theme: Build ‘n Fly Helicopters

Sunday-

10:00am-10:45am: Sunday Fun-Day at Imagination Stage
(4908 Auburn Ave 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 book:Where the Wild Things Are

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: Mulan

Weekend Picks: August 25-27, 2017

Cirque du Soleil OVO is in Baltimore through Sunday at Royal Farms Arena. OVO is teeming with life. Insects work, play, fight and look for love in a non-stop riot of energy in motion. Their home is filled with biodiversity, beauty, action and moments of quiet emotion. The awestruck insects are intensely curious when a mysterious egg appears, representing the enigma and cycles of their lives. Tickets start at $48 and the show is family-friendly and full of colorful costumes and magnificent moves including juggling, acrobatics and trampolines!

Comcast Outdoor Film Festival returns to Strathmore this summer! Join on the lawn for free family favorite flicks benefiting the NIH Children’s Charities. Fri. August 25 – Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (PG-13). Sat. August 26 – The Lego Batman Movie (PG). Gates open to public at 7:30pm and the movie will begin at dusk. Event is FREE! Popcorn and other summer favorites from Ridgewells available for purchase. Picnics are also welcome.

Maryland Renaissance Festival will be jousting and serving up lots of turkey legs for opening weekend!  The festival is free to children 15 and under this weekend only. Take a time machine back to medieval times. With plenty of entertainment, including music, jousting, mazes, puppetry, pony rides, a huge pirate playground and so much more. Your children will see people dressed up in 16th century outfits. Dress like a knight and come participate or just watch! The Festival ends October 22 and is open weekends only.


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: Friday Night Concert Series at Capitol Riverfront
(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-

8:30am-5:00pm: 4th Annual Capital Dragon Boat Regatta
(600 Water St SW)
The Capital Dragon Boat Regatta returns to the Washington DC SW Waterfront for its 4th year. The regatta aims to provide an excellent dragon boating experience to both athletes and spectators alike. This one day event will feature premier and festival racing in the heart of Washington DC. Stop by and check out the action. Parking is available in various surface lots around the area in addition to metered parking along M St.

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.

11:30am-3:00pm: Military Appreciation Day at the Portrait Gallery
(8th St NW & F St NW)
Join us in recognizing and honoring our armed forces veterans with a program for the whole family. Create art, learn about American heroes, design your own exhibition, have your photo taken and tap your toes to live music in the courtyard.

12:00pm-6:00pm: 17th Street Festival
(17th Street NW from P Street to R Street, NW)
Since 2010, the 17th Street Festival celebrates 17th Street and its diversity of restaurants and retailers. The festival features an entertainment stage, including djs, dance troupes, bands, and drag performances throughout the day. There are 100 vendors, with more than 50 artists displaying everything from fine art to jewelry, ceramics to crafts, and every creative item in between. Other vendors include area nonprofit organizations, politicians, entrepreneurs, and local businesses.The kids zone has activities for children, including a moon bounce, ball crawl, face painting, and games throughout the day. The pet zone brings together pooches, and other four legged creatures, from around the neighborhood to shop or adopt a pet.

12:00pm-6:00pm: Arena Stage Community Day
(1101 Sixth Street, SW)
Arena Stage invites you to celebrate the American Voices that have shaped our country and our 2017/18 Season for a free event! Showcasing America’s cultural past, Arena Stage’s artistic present and Southwest D.C.’s culinary future, Community Day is fun for the entire family. Scheduled activities include: Live music • Aerialists • Dance performances • Face painting • Photobooth and Costume Trunk, Historic and cultural presentations • Storytelling • Poetry readings • Jugglers • Hand Balancers. Moving Stories Workshops, Arena Stage’s interactive literacy program for young students. Using song, movement, sign language and storytelling, we will explore “Zomo the Rabbit” through creative drama. Great food from restaurants on the Wharf and in Southwest including Mike Isabella’s Requin, Del Mar, Masala Art, Richard’s Place and Station 4.

Sunday-

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.

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: Remember the Titans (PG)


                                                                 (Photo: Junie B. Jones is Not a Crook at Adventure Theatre)

Theatre for this weekend:

Junie B. Jones is Not a Crook at Adventure Theatre has shows on Saturday and Sunday. The show was so popular they extended until August 27!

Circus! at Puppet Co. has shows on Saturday and Sunday with a Tiny Tots: Dragon Babies show on Sunday morning

Weekend Picks: July 7-9, 2017

Highlight: 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: Helen Frankenthaler Friday, July 7 at 10:30 and 12:00, Saturday, July 8 at 10:30 and 12:00, Sunday, July 9 at 11:30 and 1:00 & Monday, July 10 at 10:30 and 12:00

Wrapping up:  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 wraps up on Sunday. 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-

                                                                                             (Photo:Sound Scene X at Hirshorn Museum by Carpe Diem!)

10:00am-5:00pm: Sound Scene X at Hirshorn Museum
(700 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20560)
The sounds of our politically-driven town are often dissonant. Underneath the political noise, the audio culture of DC is rich and varied. Sound Scene X: “Dissonance” will showcase the sounds of our creative city through – interactive audio installations – headphone listening – live music and more. Audio features will be accessible to deaf as well as hearing audiences through full-body listening installations and new works to feature multi-sensory tools to enhance the listening experience for all guests. ASL interpreters will be on-site.

10:00am: Story time with Washington Nationals Player
Join DC Public Library for a special story time with Washington Nationals outfielder Adam Eaton at Tenleytown Library and pitcher, Matt Albers at Woodridge Library. Click here to learn more about Summer Reading or stop by your neighborhood library to sign up today.

10:00am-4:00pm: The “Write” Stuff Family Research & Literacy Day at National Archives
(Boeing Learning Center & William G. McGowan Theater Washington, DC)
Do you love reading, learning new things and writing? Do you want to learn more about what it is like to do research and write stories? This is the program for you! Bring the whole family and enjoy hands-on activities and engage with authors and illustrators Marty Rhodes Figley, Syl Sobel, John Hendrix, Janet Macreery, Diane Kidd & Dr. Margaret A. Weitekamp, Tim Grove, and Tonya Bolden. You will also get to watch a  live recording of the “Book Club for Kids” podcast with host Kitty Felde; celebrity guest reader, NPR special correspondent Susan Stamberg; and students from the Girlfriends Book Club Baltimore. Discover literacy and research organizations and their available resources, view DC National History Day project finalists, and more!

10:30am: Silk Road Dance Company: Shahnameh: Adventures from the Persian Book of Kings at Wolf Trap Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods
(1551 Trap Rd. Vienna, VA. 22182)
A magical bird, an evil dragon, a clever princess, and a valiant hero bring to life the Shahnameh, an ancient masterpiece written over a thousand years ago. With vivid choreography and ornate costumes, Silk Road Dance Company presents a fantastical tale from ancient Persia.

11:00am-10:00pm: Nextival
(Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds: 1450 Generals Hwy Crownsville, MD 21032)
The Nextival is a family Friendly Food Truck Music Festival with FAMILY, FOOD & FUN at the heart of our experience. We have 50 food trucks and vendors, 25 bands and performers, 10 Moon Bounces, 2 stages, 2 Helicopters for helicopter rides to downtown Annapolis and Back and 400 pounds of legos and duplos plus arts and crafts for the kids and fun outdoor games like Cornhole. Kids 12 and under are free, adults $15.

12:00pm: Silk Road Dance Company Workshop: Fly with the Simurgh! Dance with a Dragon! at Wolf Trap Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods
(1551 Trap Rd. Vienna, VA. 22182)
Two of the most memorable characters from the Shahnameh are the dragon and the Simurgh bird. Children will learn fun and “flighty” dances with scarves and veils, that are sure to conjure up the magical Simurgh! (Show tickets sold separately)

Sunday-

6:00pm: Annie (2014): 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! Please note that movies will begin at 6:00pm and will be shown once, so end times may vary with each movie.

Theatre:

                                                               (Photo: Junie B. Jones is Not a Crook at Adventure Theatre by Bruce Douglas)

Wonderland: Alice’s Rock & Roll Adventure at Imagination Stage
Shows on Saturday & Sunday. Use code: GUITAR5 to receive $5 off tickets to this weekends show. Code expires at 11:59pm on July 7.

Junie B. Jones is Not a Crook at Adventure Theatre
Shows on Saturday & Sunday

 

Junie B. Jones is Not a Crook playing at Adventure Theatre

(Photo: Michael Horan)

What: Junie B. Jones is Not a Crook

When: June 16, 2017 – August 14, 2017

Where: Adventure Theatre
7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, MD. 20812

Why: When Junie B. Jones, with her two bestest friends in the world, loses her new furry mittens to some “stealers,” she has to investigate. But Junie B. might have something she forgot to return, too.

I thought I LOVED Knuffle Bunny & Jumanji— Junie B. Jones is AMAZING fun for everyone! From the moment we walked in, I was sold. The set was as colorful as you can imagine a 1st graders imagination to be. A few cast members were swinging on playground equipment, singing songs and interacting with the audience until the show began.  My son isn’t at the age of reading the Junie B. Jones series written by Barbara Park yet but after seeing the play and being entertained by Junie’s outgoing, talkative, hilarious personality, he’s ready to jump right in. We all know the phrase “Finders Keepers, Losers Weepers.” well, Junie is faced with understanding the meaning of this as she loses something important to her– an important lesson for all children. Megan Graves plays Junie and she truly hits it out of the park with her performance. I was laughing out loud on multiple occasions, the humor isn’t just for kids and she nailed it.  

(Photo:Bruce Douglas)

Details:
Running time is 80 minutes with no intermission. Recommended for all ages.

By Allison Gregory
Based on the book series by Barbara Park
Directed by Rick Hammerly

Tickets can be purchased here. Tickets are $19.50 each with group and field trip rates available. Children under the age of 1 are free.

Guest Post: Red Yarn at Wolf Trap + CD Giveaway!

Written by children’s music blogger Carolyn Ross. View her monthly live music and arts calendar for families across the Washington, D.C. metro area at Family Music n’ Arts.

Portland’s acclaimed family folksinger and puppeteer, Red Yarn, celebrates the release of the Parent’s Choice Award-winning album Born in the Deep Woods with a tour of the east coast, with a stop at Wolf Trap!

Coming to Wolf Trap’s Children’s Theatre-in-The-Woods, Tuesday, June 27, Andy Furgeson performs as Red Yarn, spinning tales and turning traditional rhythms into a more sophisticated, banjo-strumming, harmonica-hopping, contemporary nostalgia. Kids and families will enjoy the front-porch-swinging bluegrass and folk-rock rhythms, as they unwind for a while with Red Yarn, and meet his puppet family of “critters,” hailing from what he calls the Deep Woods.

Recently, Red Yarn answered a few questions from Family Music n’ Arts about the origins of his music, and why he finds it important to share with families.

What led you to The Deep Woods project, an almost anthropologic study of folk music about animals?

About eight years ago I decided to build on my interest in folk or revival music, collecting old records and teaching myself folksongs from old songbooks. I was particularly fascinated by the animal songs. They were ostensibly children’s songs, but were also dark and a little weird. I was just getting into puppetry and performing for children, so I started building puppets of the songs’ animal characters. Soon, the Deep Woods and my Red Yarn persona were born.

How have the places you have lived influence your music?

Growing up in Austin, Texas, I was exposed to a lot of old country, blues, and bluegrass music, as well as great rock’n’roll and a vibrant live music scene. I played in a punk band all through high school, so got used to high-energy performance at a young age. In College in California I played in a rowdy bluegrass band, the moved to Portland. I was drawn here because of the music – artists like Elliott Smith and the Decemberists and a thriving indie circuit. Plus, the natural world here has been a huge influence on the woodland critter world I’ve created.

You have two children.  Tell me about them and the influence they have on your music.  What have you found is an important message to share with your kids and other families?

I started performing for kids well before I had kids, but now that I have two of my own, I feel like I’m much better at making music that parents and kids can enjoy together. Lots of my songs start “in the nursery,” singing old folk tunes or original rhymes for my little ones. My newest album, Born in the Deep Woods, is all about birth and rebirth, full of stories and feelings from my own experience as a parent. I hope I give my kids, and all the kids who hear my music, a deeper sense of American music history and what it can tell us about American history. I also hope to inspire in them a freedom to explore, create, and express themselves.

Is puppetry still a big part of your shows?  Do you make the puppets? 

Yes! Puppetry is and will likely always be an important part of my show. I always travel with a suitcase full of “Critters” who do little routines in between songs. I’ve about half of my repertory cast of 20 critters, and commissioned talented friends to help with the other half.

What is a typical Saturday morning for your family?

Well, Saturdays are often a full workday for me, with two or three shows around town. But I always take at least one weekend day off to be with the family, so on that day we’re up early with the kids and out on a morning adventure. Lots of walks, exploring Portland’s awesome parks, neighborhoods, and woods. If we’re stuck inside, we’re often listening to records, singing songs, or building imaginary worlds with our kiddos.

Enter to win Red Yarn’s newest CD, Born in the Deep Woods by commenting on our Facebook page. Winner will be announced June 19!

See full summer schedule at Wolf Trap Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods.
After every show – free games and activities! Check out select shows for even more opportunities to learn and explore:
Ranger BadgeJunior Ranger Days: Enjoy outdoor activities with a National Park Ranger and earn your Junior Ranger Badge!
Workshop StarWorkshops: Register for a free, exclusive post-performance experience with the artist.

Weekday Adventures: May 1-5, 2017

DC Library has so many wonderful family-friendly events from story times, lego build afternoons to movie nights.

Busy Bees is celebrating mom all month long with a HUGE sale!​ During the whole month of May, it’s  TWO for ONE Tuesday AND Thursdays!! So grab your besties for a Funtastic playdate on Tuesdays with us! **Discount only applies with 1 regular price admission: Buzzy Pass and Military discount are excluded from the offer**All guests must come together for discount to apply** Chevy Chase location coming soon.

Come spend an hour playing in our specially designed open gym area at Silver Stars Gymnastics. This is an opportunity for you and your child to have fun in a safe environment. Class participation is not required to enjoy Open Gym. 8 years old & under: $9 per child/visit or buy a pass: 10 visits for $70. Monday-Friday 12:00pm-1:00pm at Silver Spring location.

Toddler Time at Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park is a great shared experience for child and parent. A time for your little ones to discover the joy of being active, bouncing under the supervision of their parents, and without interference from the big kids. Toddler times are Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday: (9:30AM – 11:00AM), Sunday: (8:30AM – 10:00AM) for $7.00.

Monday-

9:30am-11:00am- Rise and Rhyme at Busboys and Poets
(234 Carroll St NW, Washington, DC 20012)
(5531 Baltimore Ave., Hyattsville, Md. 20781)
Rise + Rhyme is a weekly Busboys and Poets series for early rising families of all kinds. Featuring performances and stories for children ages 5 and under.

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.

10:00am-11:30am: Toddler Art Time at New Community ArtSpace + Story time
(614 S Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001)
Valentine making and story time! We will be closed next week.  $5/child + supply donations are welcome. Special music time at 11:00am with Mr. Gabe.

10:30am AND 11:00am: Storytime at The National Postal Museum
(2 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, D.C. 20002)
The Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum invites adults and young children (ages 2-3) to discover the world around them together at our monthly StoryTime. Children will build important developmental and social skills through books, activities, songs and self-guided gallery exploration. Explore themes, such as shapes, colors, and sizes, in a relaxed setting at your neighborhood museum. Feel free to bring snacks and enjoy the space after the program! Free- no reservation required.

10:30am-11:00am: Songs and stories at Politics and Prose
(5015 Connecticut Ave. NW Washington, DC 20008)
Come sing-along to your favorite songs. Grab a treat in the cafe afterwards or hang out reading books.

Tuesday-

10:00am: Museum of Natural History’s Butterfly Pavilion
(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.

10:00am AND 11:30am: Shadow Puppets at Bloombars
(3222 11th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001)
This shadow puppet stage show will feature a variety of characters and menagerie of traditional and original songs. It explores themes that center around the seasons, the environment, as well as learning components of music.

12:00pm: Strolling Thunder
(Upper Senate Park)
We’re pushing strollers to put babies in the spotlight. Join babies and parents from across the country for a stroll on Capitol Hill. Be part of the team that’s fighting for their future. On May 2, ZERO TO THREE will bring babies and parents from all 50 states to meet their members of Congress during Strolling Thunder. We’re coming to tell Congress to Think Babies—for stronger families, vibrant communities, and a prosperous country. RSVP here

12:30pm: Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp at Adventure Theatre
(7300 MacArthur Blvd Glen Echo, MD. 20812)
This is Aladdin as you’ve never seen it before. Aladdin and his love, the princess Adora, must outsmart an evil Magician who wants to use the genie in Aladdin’s lamp for his nefarious schemes! Will he get away with it? Get ready for love, magic, and mystery in this production for all ages.

Wednesday-

10:00am: Tiny Tots- Baby Bear’s Birthday at Puppet Co
(7300 MacArthur Blvd, Glen Echo, MD 20812)
You are invited to a BIG birthday bash! Please join Baby Bear as all of his special Teddy Bear friends perform their very best circus tricks as a great, big birthday surprise! Tickets are $6, everyone needs a ticket.

10:00am-4:00pm: Wings of Fancy Live Butterfly and Caterpillar Exhibit at Brookside Gardens
(1800 Glenallan Avenue Wheaton, MD 20902)
The seasonal display features hundreds of live butterflies from all over the world. Families, students, nature lovers, and everyone in between can get an up close experience of these brilliant butterflies from North America, Costa Rica, Africa and Asia as they soar among colorful flowers. Visitors can learn about their amazing metamorphosis, the important role butterflies play in having healthy ecosystems, and how to ensure these beautiful insects thrive in our own gardens. $8 ages 13+, $5 ages 3-12 and Free ages 0-2.

10:00am-11:00am: Little Treasures at Bloombars
(3222 11th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001)
Artist in Bloom Resident Tamika Love Jones presents Little Treasures, an educational and interactive journey for babies and children (under age 3) that explores a special box of little treasures. Each treasure that is picked from the box will lead tots and parents to sing their favorite songs, read fun stories and explore their bodies through exciting movement. The theme of Little treasures is self-love and teaching the tots that they, too, are little treasures!

5:30pm-6:30pm: Samba Kids
(3222 11th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001)
Join Zezeh Brazil (Sao Paolo), former carnaval queen, radio personality and dance instructor extraordinaire for child & family samba dance lessons. It’s never too early to learn the infectious dance of the world’s 5th largest country. Samba Kids is the perfect introduction to movement and rhythm, not to mention Portuguese. The classes starts with yoga followed by a dance class to the sound of Brazilian carnival music for kids.

7:00pm: Family Craft Night at Chevy Chase Library
(5625 Connecticut Ave. NW Washington,  D.C.  20015)
Arts and crafts for children of all ages.

Thursday (May the Fourth Be With you!)-

10:30am: Boogie Babes at Eastern Market
(225 7th Street SE- North Hall)
The Boogie Babes program brings interactive musical performances for young children and their caregivers each week to area neighborhoods. The events, typically 45 minutes in length, provide a wonderful way to expose children to different musical instruments and styles while also raising funds for and awareness of DC Diaper Bank’s work and mission. $6 per child (siblings under 6 months free!)

12:30pm: Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp at Adventure Theatre
(7300 MacArthur Blvd Glen Echo, MD. 20812)
This is Aladdin as you’ve never seen it before. Aladdin and his love, the princess Adora, must outsmart an evil Magician who wants to use the genie in Aladdin’s lamp for his nefarious schemes! Will he get away with it? Get ready for love, magic, and mystery in this production for all ages.

Friday-

10:00am: 78th Annual Flower Mart at Washington National Cathedral
(3101 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016)
Entertainment and Special Events Occur Both Days – Most are Free of Charge. Small fees for puppet shows, carousel rides and children’s rides and games. The 78th annual Flower Mart, May 5th and 6th, 2017 will be a celebration of the beginning of the All Hallows Guild’s 2nd Century as stewards to the gardens and grounds of the Washington National Cathedral.

10:30am: The Young Readers Center Story Time
(Jefferson Building, Room G29)
Story time for infants and toddlers. Due to an occupancy review of the Center by the Library of Congress Safety Services Office, we are required to limit the number of participating children and adults to 50. Free admission stickers will be distributed on a first-come, first- served basis beginning at 10 a.m. Please check this website or call the YRC at 202-707-1950 for any changes to this schedule.

4:00pm-6:00pm: BINGO at Guy Mason Recreation Center
(3600 Calvert Street, NW)
If you like meeting people, playing games, having fun and winning prizes! Mix and mingle with neighbors and friends while playing BINGO! Win nice prizes, and have fun without having to travel far… So come on out and join us in BINGO at Guy Mason! For more information, please contact Ms. Bell at (202) 727-7703

Weekend Picks April 28-30

I love this time of year with all of the flower marts and pick-your-own farms opening. This weekend you can visit the Garden Fair & Plant Sale at The National Arboretum. The annual Garden Fair & Plant Sale features new, rare, and hard-to-find plants, garden supply vendors, books, children’s activities, refreshments, entertainment, and more. Bring your garden questions to National Arboretum staff members for expert advice. Sponsored by the Friends of the National Arboretum.
April 28, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm; Friends of the National Arboretum members only
April 28, 1:00 – 4:00 pm; Open to the public
April 29, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm; Open to the public

This weekend (and next) is the long-awaited Day Out with Thomas at B&O Railroad.  Little Engineers won’t believe their eyes–or their ears! Thomas the Tank Engine will be able to talk to his fans when he returns to the B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore! Take a 25 minute train ride behind Thomas the Tank Engine, meet Sir Topham Hatt, and enjoy a full day of live entertainment, activities, and family fun! Tickets are needed for ages 2 and up available.

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-11:30am: Rock City Art Workshop at New Community ArtSpace
(614 S Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 (basement))
We are going to have fun recreating and decorating a city using broken sidewalk and other rock from construction sites in the neighborhood. Children are welcome to bring things they find in nature to help accompany their mini city.  Paula Lantz paints using the energy of intense color and collage combined, the abstracted figures reflect mysteries in our personal, emotional and spiritual life.  Ann Gordon‘s  work reflects strains of classical American Realism through her passions of water, light, shadow, reflections, transparency, and translucence.  She works in watercolor, oil paints, stained glass.Workshops for children ages 4-8. Caregivers are welcome to stay or drop off. Siblings of all ages are welcome (caregivers are asked to stay if child is younger than 4).  Just inform us of their ages so we can tailor the project. Each workshop is $10/child. Consider signing up for all workshops for just $20/child.

10:30am: Saturday Song Circle at Imagination Stage
(4908 Auburn Ave Bethesda, MD 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 of the songs to practice at home for ages 1-5. Register online. Featured: Take Me Out To The Ballgame

11:00am-4:00pm: Carousel Day at Glen Echo
(7300 MacArthur Blvd Glen Echo, MD. 20812)
Our fun-filled annual event gets a new name this year. As many of you know, this festival used to be called Family Day, but Carousel Day better represents what the day is all about — celebrating our beautifully-renovated, historic Dentzel carousel and all the wonderful arts programs in the Park. The carousel will open for its 97th season in Glen Echo Park on Carousel Day!  The event also offers a full day (11:00 am to 4:00 pm) of FREE activities for throughout Glen Echo Park, including live music & other performances, face painting, storytelling, and carousel themed crafts. The carousel operates from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., $1.25 per ride. Free performances from Storyteller Arianna Ross, Artivate’s Karim Nagi & Mark H Rooney, Culkin School of Irish Dancing, Ballet Petite and Columbia Big Band.

11:30am-1:00pm: Nibble + Squeak Brunch at Joselito
(660 Pennsylvania Avenue SE)
Proprietor (and Dad), Javier Candon, debuted Joselito to Capitol Hill this January as a homage to his parents who showed him that some of the best memories in life are created with family and friends over leisurely meals. We’re bringing the whole family to the table on April 29th for a Spanish style brunch to be remembered. Thanks to MommyNearest, kids eat from the same menu for free!  Nibbles for the littles provided by Plum Organics!

1:00pm-4:00pm: Taste of 8th
Each Taste is a small sample size, similar to a tapas portion. Most people purchase a pack of 5 tasting tickets so they can sample their favorite 8th Street restaurants. Buy now to purchase at our advance purchase price of $20 for 5 tasting tickets. Day-of tickets will be $25 for 5 tasting tickets. Barracks Row restaurants will serve appetizer sized samples of their best-known or newest dishes. Watch over the coming weeks as we announce the participants in the 2017 Taste of 8th! This year’s participants include Ambar, Banana Cafe, Betsy, The Brig, Capital Teas, Cava, Cafe Kimchi, Chat’s Liquor, DCanter, District Donut, EatBar, Las Placitas, Lavagna, Matchbox, Medium Rare, Nooshi, Springmill Bread, Souk, The Sweet Lobby, The Ugly Mug, Trattoria Alberto, and Yes! Organic.

 

Sunday-

11:00am: Sunday Fun-Day at Imagination Stage(4908 Auburn Ave Bethesda, MD 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 for ages 1-5. Register online. Featured: The Tiny Seed

Plan ahead—

Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp has several shows this weekend at Adventure Theatre

The Jungle Book is now playing at Imagination Stage

Does your child have a business she already runs? Or an idea for a business he wants to start? We’d love to include your child in this year’s Acton Children’s Business Fair of Washington, DC, where children become entrepreneurs for a day. Young entrepreneurs, ages 6-14, may APPLY NOW to join us Saturday, May 13 on Connecticut Avenue in Cleveland Park. Spark your child’s creativity and see where it leads!
Paw Patrol Live!: Race to the Rescue at Hippodrome May 6, 2017, 10:00am & 2:00pm AND May 7, 2017, 10:00am & 2:00pm

Peppa Pig Live at Strathmore May, 2, 2017 7:00pm

 

Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp at Adventure Theatre

What: Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp

When: April 7, 2017 – May 21, 2017

Where: Adventure Theatre
7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, MD. 20812

Why: This is Aladdin as you’ve never seen it before. Aladdin and his love, the princess Adora, must outsmart an evil Magician who wants to use the genie in Aladdin’s lamp for his nefarious schemes! Will he get away with it? Get ready for love, magic, and mystery in this production for all ages.

We especially loved the beautiful costumes, Middle Eastern props and scene changes. There were tapestries that hung that really made the audience feel as if we were in another country. Actors danced, twirled and swayed throughout scene changes that allowed us to continue to be engaged in the show instead of waiting for the next scene. My son really enjoyed seeing an Aladdin show depicting magic and innocence that he could compare to the Disney performance he knows so well.

Based on Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp by James Norris and Directed by Roberta Gasbarre.

Details: Running time is 60 minutes with no intermission. Recommended for all ages.

Tickets can be purchased here. Tickets are $19.50 each with group and field trip rates available. Children under the age of 1 are free.

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