washington nationals

Summer Reading Sundays with the Washington Nationals

May 25, 2022

The Nationals are proud to be the Team that Reads, promoting reading and literacy in the community. This summer, the Nationals invite you to join us on the Team that Reads through a number of different initiatives! These include joining your local library’s Summer Reading program (launching June 1), Major League Baseball’s Summer Slugger program, or Nationals Summer Reading Ambassadors Sean Doolittle and Josh Bell for Summer Reading Sundays.

This baseball season, The Washington Nationals have expanded the annual Summer Reading program to include four events at the ballpark – Summer Reading Sundays. All of these, which are FREE to attend with a ticket to that day’s game, feature a read-along with a Nationals player plus other fun activities. This Sunday, Sean Doolittle will be reading to the group, and among the featured games is one of my personal favorites, Mad-Libs. Additionally, each child who attends will receive up to THREE FREE BOOKS to take home.

This Sunday’s event takes place from 12:15-1:15 p.m. in the Kennedy Room, which is located on the Club Level at Nationals Park down the third-base line. First pitch of Sunday’s game vs. the Colorado Rockies is at 1:35 p.m., and gates open at 12:00 p.m.

Additional Summer Reading Sunday events are scheduled for June 12, July 17 and August 14. For more information, including locations for each event, which may change week-to-week, visit here.

Washington Nationals opening day festivities

July 23, 2020

The Washington Nationals will celebrate opening day and their first home game of the 2020 season today, Thursday, July 23. The game will be aired nationally on ESPN, with first pitch scheduled for 7:08 p.m. ET.

The Opening Day pregame ceremony will include:
o   Ceremonial first pitch thrown by Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Receiving the ceremonial first pitch will be Nationals pitcher Sean Doolittle.
o   National Anthem pre-recorded performance by D.C. Washington.
o   Play Ball! announced by  D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser.
o   God Bless America pre-recorded performance by Sergeant Major Bob McDonald, United States Army Chorus.

Nats Kits
o The Nationals will be introducing Nats Kits – free, downloadable content for fans who are missing the excitement of coming out to Nats Park to watch Nationals games. Each kit will have a different theme and includes various baseball and Nats-specific components.
o The two themes that will debut this week are:
–Nat Your Average Birthday Party: Geared towards young fans who would like to have a Nationals-themed, socially distant birthday party with their friends. This kit will include Nats-branded virtual backgrounds, recipes for baseball-themed treats, cut-out party hats, customizable birthday cards, activity packets, and a list of kid-friendly baseball movie suggestions!
–Game Time: A kit for Nats fans of all ages and perfect for watching a game from home. This kit will include more virtual backgrounds in case you’re watching the game online with friends or family, as well as a scorecard, more recipes – including for adult beverages – and information on ways you can get a taste of Nationals Park while in the comfort of your own home.

Best Ballpark Bites – Delivered
o   The Nationals want to bring the ballpark experience to you in the comfort and safety of your home! Introducing Best Ballpark Bites Delivered, featuring classic gameday meals exclusively through the Nationals!
o   The Washington Nationals and Levy are offering curated packages that include classic gameday meals, such as Nats Dogs, Enzo’s Pizza, Cracker Jack and more.
o   All packs serve 2-3 people and all deliveries are contactless with each purchase.
o   Orders with alcohol will be required to present ID upon delivery.
o   To place your order or to learn more visit here, call 1-888-8HUNGRY or email.
o   Orders can be placed up to midnight the day before the game for night games.

Summer Reading Program
o   Sean Doolittle returns as the Nationals Summer Reading Program ambassador to encourage children to read for 20 minutes a day for at least 10 days each month throughout the summer.
o   For the seventh consecutive year, the Nationals are the sponsor for D.C. Public Library’s Summer Reading program.
o   D.C. Public Library’s Summer Reading Program is the largest District-wide initiative addressing the “summer slide,” the loss of learning that occurs when students do not read during summer vacation.
o   The Nationals are partnering with the Arlington Public Library Summer Reading program for the second consecutive year in 2020.
o   Building on the success of the partnership with DC Public Library and Arlington Public Library, the Nationals are now also the Presenting Sponsor for the Prince George County’s Public Library Summer Reading program.
o   The Summer Reading Program now includes the following library systems: D.C. Public Library, Arlington County Library, Prince George’s County Memorial Public Library, Montgomery County Library, Fairfax County Library, Loudoun County Library, Alexandria City Library, and Nats On Base Military Libraries.
o   Individuals who register and successfully complete their local library program will have the chance to receive tickets to a future Nationals game.

Opening Day may look different this year, but there is no better way to celebrate than an Ice Cream Jubilee Opening Day Block Party! Neighborhoods will elect a “team captain” of their block to pick up their pints in time for Opening Day. Each block that places an order will receive 10 Nats hat ice cream bowls and spoons for free with their minimum order of 8 pints. The team captain (who picks up the block’s order) will receive a free ice cream face mask and a $10 gift card for being such a good sport. Click here for more info!

Ice Cream Jubilee will be launching the 51st State Flavor campaign to select DC’s representative flavor. “Constituents” will vote for their favorite ice cream flavor combinations to represent the District! The winning flavor will be elected as the 51st State flavor and “I voted” stickers will be given out to those who cast their ballots in person. The “elected” flavor will be announced live on Ice Cream Jubilee’s Instagram, with giveaways and other surprises.

Washington Nationals Kids Promotions

June 10, 2019

Just for Kids Giveaways:
 April 28 – Kids Watch (First 10,000 fans 12 & under)
 May 26 – Max Scherzer Jersey (First 10,000 fans 12 & under)
 June 23 – Screech Hooded Towel (First 10,000 fans 12 & under)
 August 18 – Teddy Squeezable Toy (First 10,000 fans 12 & under)
 September 15 – Lumberjack Cap (First 10,000 fans 12 & under)

2019 Washington Nationals Family-Friendly Promotions at Nationals Park

May 6, 2019

Nationals Park was designed for fans of all ages, and throughout the 2019 season families will have great opportunities to come watch a game at Nationals Park and enjoy all the family-oriented things Nationals Park has to offer. In addition, one Sunday each month there will be a special giveaway for kids presented by Harris Teeter, featuring all new items. Family-friendly events like Kids Run the Bases, Kids Opening Day, and the Youth Baseball & Softball Parade also return for the 2019 season. The Nationals full 2019 promotional calendar can be found here.

Just for Kids Giveaways:
 April 28 – Kids Watch (First 10,000 fans 12 & under)
 May 26 – Max Scherzer Jersey (First 10,000 fans 12 & under)
 June 23 – Screech Hooded Towel (First 10,000 fans 12 & under)
 August 18 – Teddy Squeezable Toy (First 10,000 fans 12 & under)
 September 15 – Lumberjack Cap (First 10,000 fans 12 & under)

Events:
 Every Sunday Day Game – Kids Run the Bases
 Every Sunday Game – Signature Sundays
 Every Home Game – Racing Presidents Photos
 April 28 – Screech’s Birthday/Kids Opening Day presented by Jr. Nationals Kids Club
 April 28, June 16 – Youth Baseball & Softball Day presented by Inova
 May 16 – Weather Day presented by NBC4
 September 15 – Youth Champions Day
 Various Dates – Scout Day/Girl Scout Day

Other Giveaways:
Fun giveaways for fans of all ages in 2019 include several Nationals bobbleheads, like crowd-favorite Trea Turner and newcomer Patrick Corbin. New for 2019 are themed bobbleheads like MARVEL Super Hero™ Captain Zimmerman and STAR WARS™ Obi “Sean” Kenobi.

Bobbleheads and Collectibles:
 May 15 – Trea Turner Bobblehead presented by PNC Bank (First 25,000 fans)
 May 25 – MARVEL Super Hero™ Captain Zimmerman Bobblehead (First 10,000 fans)
 June 15 – STAR WARS™ Obi “Sean” Kenobi Bobblehead (First 10,000 fans)
 June 21 – Max Scherzer Bobblehead presented by Delta Air Lines (First 25,000 fans)
 July 2 – Adam Eaton Bobblehead presented by PNC Bank (First 25,000 fans)
 July 23 – Nationals Water Bottle presented by MASN (First 20,000 fans)
 August 17 – Patrick Corbin Bobblehead presented by SAIC (First 25,000 fans)

Apparel:
 May 2 – Nationals Expandable Beach Bag presented by Kaiser Permanente (First 20,000 fans)
 July 27 – Nationals Racing Presidents Tote Bag presented by MLB Network (First 25,000 fans)
 September 29 – Nationals Puffy Vest presented by Coca-Cola (First 20,000 fans)

Fireworks Nights Presented by Budweiser
Bang! Zoom! Fireworks nights are coming to Nationals Park! Nationals fans will have five opportunities to bring the whole family and watch fireworks light up the sky above Nationals Park. Fireworks Nights will include four “Fireworks Friday” games and a special “Freedom Fireworks” show on July 3.

Fireworks Nights:
 Friday, April 26
 Friday, May 24
 Friday, June 14
 Wednesday, July 3
 Friday, August 30

Theme Nights:
Theme Nights are fun for the whole family, and this season Nats fans can dress up as their favorite characters during MARVEL Super Hero™ Day and STAR WARS™ Day. Each Theme Night will involve in-park activations, special scoreboard elements, and on-field pregame festivities. A special ticket is NOT required for Theme Nights.
 May 25 – MARVEL Super Hero™ Day
 June 15 – STAR WARS™ Day

Special Ticket Events:
There are several special ticket events fit for the whole family at Nationals Park in 2019. These family affairs include everything from bringing the grandkids to enjoy a day with grandma and grandpa during Seniors Stroll the Bases, to bringing your four-legged family members to Pups in the Park!
 May 27, September 2 – Seniors Stroll the Bases presented by Kaiser Permanente
 June 16 – Father’s Day Catch on the Field
 June 20 – Ladies Night
 July 6 – Cat-urday (For cat-loving families!)
 Various Dates – Pups in the Park presented by Budweiser

July 4th in and around Washington, DC

July 2, 2018

(Photo: National Archives)

Have a safe and fun July 4th celebrating in the most perfect place; the nation’s capital! Be sure to check our Instagram for last minute parades and celebrations.

Grab some Washington Nationals tickets and cheer for the home as they are playing at home July 2-8, 2018.
July 3: 6:05pm: Nationals will play the Red Sox with postgame Freedom Fireworks!
July 4: 11:05am: Nationals will play the Red Sox. No fireworks but a nice way to spend the holiday and is part of the Patriotic Series.

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

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

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

Noon-4:00pm: 4th of July Summer Party at District Wharf
Happy July 4th! We’re ringing in 242 years of American independence with a kid-friendly party on Transit Pier. The celebration starts at 12pm with live music from Rocknoceros, a local kids’ music band that’ll have your little ones rolling with laughter. Listen and watch, or queue up for face painting, games and a waterslide on the pier. For the adults in the crowd, the Waterfront Beer and Wine Garden opens at 1pm for drinks and snacks, and Thongband will play live, patriotic music at 2pm!

All Day: National Mall Independence Day Celebration
It’s the biggest holiday in the Nation’s Capital! In addition to events on the National Mall, visitors can celebrate with special activities at Frederick Douglass’s Cedar Hill estate in Anacostia, or enjoy the fireworks from a number of national parks in and around the city. See schedule of events above.

8:00pm-9:30pm: A Capitol Fourth Concert
Gates open at 3:00pm and the concert begins at 8:00pm and airs on PBS and can be heard on NPR. Admission is free. They typically have a dress rehearsal on July 3 if you want to skip the larger crowd. Broadcast live on PBS from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, this time-honored 38 year-tradition puts viewers front and center for America’s biggest birthday party with the greatest display of fireworks anywhere in the nation lighting up the iconic D.C. skyline.

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

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

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

A few other fun celebrations happening:

July 4: 8:00am-5:00pm: An American Celebration at Mount Vernon

July 4: Noon-Dusk: Frederick’s 4th

July 4: 3:00pm-10:00pm: Historic Manassas Celebrates America

July 4: 6:00pm: Annapolis Fourth of July

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

Posts you may be interested in:

Best Ice Cream in DC

Where Kids Eat Free

Weekend Picks: July 7-9, 2017

July 6, 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

Weekend Picks: jazz, movies and Nationals players

July 17, 2015

Summer is flying by and we have some of the fun DC has to offer right here. This weekend is sure to keep you busy.

Saturday–

10:00am-11:00am: Washington Nationals players at DC Public Libraries
Players will read to children participating in the DC Public Library Summer Reading Program. Participants in the program who meet their Summer reading goals will be rewarded with two free tickets to a Nationals game! And finally, at the close of the Summer, on September 19th, the Washington Nationals will recognize the DC Public Library in a pre-game, on-field ceremony with kids representing each of the 26 branches.

Drew Storen
Tenley Library- 4450 Wisconsin Ave., NW Washington, DC 20016

Stephen Strasburg
Anacostia Library- 1800 Good Hope Rd., SE Washington, DC 20020

Aaron Barrett
Mount Pleasant Library- 3160 16th St., NW Washington, DC 20010

10:00am-1:00pm: Kidical Mass Family Biking: Swim Center!
(355 Martins Ln, Rockville, MD)
Join us for our second Kidical Mass Rockville ride starting at the Rockville Swim Center! The Kidical Mass rides are designed for families with young children or anyone who supports family biking. We welcome parents with children on their own bikes or coming along for the ride via trailers, bike seats, tag-alongs or any other family biking set-up you have. This is a 1.4 mile ride that is a full circle, starting and ending at the Rockville Swim and Fitness Center. We will be meeting at the indoor entrance and using multi-use trails and quiet residential streets. At the end of the ride, we’ll have popsicles to break the heat a little!

MammothFollies_640 10:30am: Hudson Vagabond Puppets at Wolf Trap Children’s Theatre-in-the Woods
(1645 Trap Rd. Vienna, VA. 22182)
Go on a pre-historic adventure with this award-winning theatre troupe as they presentMammoth Follies. Learn about marvelous creatures from the Jurassic era in an old-fashioned revue of original songs, witty jokes, and earth-smashing dances performed by life-size puppets. $10 tickets

10:30-11:30am: Ice Cream Social with Katie Kraft at Stead Park
(1625 P St NW, Washington, DC 20036)
Katie is the owner of Accelerando Music and a certified childhood music educator. Accelerando Music is home to ʻTots with Tempo,ʼ the 2013 winner of Red Tricycleʼs ʻMost Awesome Music Class for Kidsʼ award, as well as the 2015 winner of Washington Familyʼs ʻBest for Families.ʼ With action-oriented songs and interactive movement, she is sure to have the little ones dancing & singing.

7:00pm: Cinema Del Ray showing of Penguins of Madagascar
(Mount Vernon Rec Center: 2017 Belle View Blvd, Alexandria, VA 22307)
Free open air movie showings sponsored by Jen Walker. Snacks are even available for purchase, bring blankets and cozy up. (No 4 legged friends)

Sunday–

3:00pm-7:00: Family Jazz Day at Glen Echo
(7300 MacArthur Blvd. Glen Echo, MD 20812)
Blues Alley and the Glen Echo Park Partnership are proud to host an afternoon. Family Jazz Day concert featuring the U.S. Army Blues Band, the Blues Alley Youth Ensemble and other youth jazz bands.

6:00pm: Movies on the Potomac at National Harbor showing of Jumanji
(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. The 2015 season will run on Sundays from May 10 through September 27. So 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 p.m. and will be shown once, so end times may vary with each movie. A schedule of movies to be shown can be viewed below.