Washington – Page 3

Live music this summer in Washington, DC

May 16, 2016

One of my favorite parts about summer in Washington, DC are the (mostly) free, outdoor concerts you can find. A few summers ago we took a sporadic drive to the Mall, walked around, played some ball by the reflecting pool with our then three year old and walked towards the Capitol where the U.S. Air Force Band was performing a free concert. A huge crowd was gathered on the steps and in chairs taking in the gorgeous evening and patriotic tunes. I had no idea they performed for free and for the public on random evenings. This post will help you take advantage of some great music that will help you relax after a long day and see a bit of our city while doing so. Also, included are family focused shows at some favorite venues. Get out and enjoy the lighter evenings, let your kids stay up a little longer and enjoy the music our city offers.

The Yards Park 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.

Strathmore’s Backyard Theatre for Children
Enrich your little ones’ summer mornings with sunshine, music, and laughter at Strathmore’s Backyard Theater for Kids. This eclectic program is the perfect summer escape for busy families. Pack a picnic and enjoy live performances by highly esteemed and innovative family-friendly entertainers. From folk and jazz to the amazing sounds of the steelpan, Backyard Theater makes it easy to engage kids at every stage. We promise to keep both kids and parents entertained, so bring your family for a morning of inspiration and celebration!

LITTLE MISS ANN Thu, July 5

JOJO & THE PINECONES Thu, July 12

POSITIVE VIBRATIONS Thu, July 19

LUCKY DIAZ & THE FAMILY JAM BAND Thu, July 26

Also for kids!
ARTS ON THE HORIZON: TO THE CLOUDS Sat, July 28

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The Kreeger Museum isn’t just for adults

July 14, 2015

We attended First Studio at the Kreeger Museum a few weeks ago where children and an adult companion are invited to use their imagination as they explore the paintings, sculptures, and architecture of The Kreeger Museum. Each program includes a gallery tour, analysis of works of art, a story and a hands-on art making experience. The workshop fee per child is $7 and adult companions are free. First Studio: An Art Exploration is intended for children ages 3-5. First Studio’s are held every 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month from 10:00am-11:00am.

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Free places to take kids in Washington, DC

July 6, 2015

Most people think of the Smithsonian Museums, Galleries and Zoo as being the only free places to take kids or offer to visitors who are in town. While those are definitely worth the trip and are family go-to’s when escaping bad weather, the city has many other free options.

Park your car (off the northbound George Washington Parkway in Virginia) at Gravelly Point Park and head to a picnic table, the grass or sit on the dock and watch airplanes take off from Reagan National Airport. There are walking and bike paths that run through the park as well.

Your family can explore the exhibits and then create an art project through Freer and Sackler Gallery ImaginAsia Family Programming.

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Weekend Picks: Chickasaw Festival, Brady Rymer and America’s Favorite Pastime

August 15, 2014

Montgomery County Fair wraps up this weekend. Fair hours are 10am-12midnight and carnival hours are 12:00pm-12:00am and animal exhibits in Old MacDonald’s Barn are open each day beginning at 3 pm. Children 11 and under are FREE while adults cost $10. Check the schedule for daily events. Address is 16 Chestnut Street, Gaithersburg, MD 20877.

Saturday-

10:00am-6:00pm: Indian Palette for Families
(2716 Ordway St NW., Apt 2, Washington, D.C. 20008)
Experience and celebrate the vibrancy of India at a fun-filled event. An exhibition where you’re sure to leave with hand made clothing and gifts. You can preview the collection here. Bring your loved ones, friends and children. To contact Anu directly you may email her for more information.
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Summer Spray and Splash (and boathouses) in Washington, DC

August 4, 2014

We’ve got you covered for summer splashing and swimming. Cool off at one of these amazing outdoor waterparks and splashparks.

(Yards Park)

Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole (Reston, VA)

This family water park captures the excitement of the Old West’s Gold Rush with attractions tailored for all ages. The Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole offers more than an acre of slides, flumes, sprays, showers, floatables, and an interactive water playground. Careen off covered wagons, float on wild animals and dash through showers tipped from water-filled ore carts. The activity pool is encircled by Rattlesnake River, a 725 foot lazy river you can enjoy a relaxing float as the current gently nudges you along.

Ocean Dunes Waterpark (Arlington, VA)

Enjoy a day at the beach at Ocean Dunes Waterpark, Arlington’s favorite place cool off and have fun! Located within Upton Hill Regional Park, Ocean Dunes is loaded with fun features for adults and kids. Ocean Dunes includes a 500-gallon dumping bucket, water slides, waterfalls and squirters! Visitors will find themselves amidst dune grasses and the feeling of being at the beach, but without the drive! Next to the park is a 18 hole mini-golf course and 6 batting cages.

Great Waves Waterpark (Alexandria, VA)

Great Waves offers some of the most unique and fun water attractions in Northern Virginia! Whether you’re zipping down the speed slides, shooting through the tube slides or body surfing in the massive wave pool, you’ll enjoy hours of water fun the whole family can enjoy! And we certainly didn’t forget the little ones – our Kids Zone is a great place for you and the kids to cool off while having a great time – whether it be speeding down the rock slide at the Lagoon, or relaxing in the waterfalls at Minnow Bay. And don’t forget about the giant splash pad!

Atlantis Waterpark (Centreville, VA)

Discover all the fun of the fabled lost continent at Atlantis Waterpark, Centreville’s biggest and best waterpark! Loaded with fun features for your campers and kids, Atlantis includes a 1,000 gallon dumping bucket, water slides, waterfalls and squirters! Visitors will find themselves amidst mermaids, dolphins, Greek architecture and images of the deep! And keep your eyes peeled for the mighty Neptune himself!

Water Park at Bohrer Park (Gaithersburg, MD)

Enjoy a summer day at the Water Park! Intended for recreational swimming, the main pool is like a dream vacation on an island resort with palm trees, multiple slides, floatable animals, and a “tumble bucket” water feature for children to enjoy. The pool also has a zero-depth entry, making it accessible to all.

Chesapeake Beach Water Park (Chesapeake Beach, MD)

At the resort community of Chesapeake Beach, less than an hour from Washington, DC, you can have a splash-in fun- in- the- sun time in our eight water slides, fountains, waterfalls, a lagoon, kids activity pool and more, guaranteed to treat everyone to a cool time! Prices listed here, twilight hours offer a discount and Calvert Chesapeake residents also get a discounted rate.

Special Harbor Spray Park at Lee District RECenter (Fairfax, VA)

If you like running through the sprinkler, you’ll love Special Harbor spray ground at Lee District Park in Franconia. The fully accessible complex features Chesapeake Bay-themed attractions including a spraying osprey nest, Chessie the sea serpent, misting sunflowers and a lighthouse. The beach area is quieter with softer bubblers and interactive water tables. The computerized water maze and dumping crab basket provide more lively activity. Children will also enjoy the fully accessible tree house and the accessible Tiki Village playground in the nearby Family Recreation Area.

Washington, DC Parks and Recreation Spray Parks

Washington, DC Outdoor Children’s Pools

Yards Park wading pool

Canal Park dancing fountains

Georgetown Waterfront Fountain

Arlington, County Spraygrounds

Montgomery County Outdoor Pools

Want to head on to the Potomac with a kayak or canoe? Try these boathouses:

Ballpark Boathouse

Fletcher’s Boathouse

Mariner Sailing School

The Wharf

Celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr.

January 17, 2014

Do your children know why they are off school on Monday? Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: ‘What are you doing for others?'” There are plenty of places open and needing assistance on Monday to serve those less fortunate and other places open to remember King.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service- Make an impact on your community

DC:

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Kids Tour – Saturday, Sunday & Monday 11:00-11:45 & 2:00-2:45 at the Martin Luther King, Jr . Memorial. Come join us for a kids’ tour of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial and an opportunity to earn a Junior Ranger Badge!

Portrait Story Days: Martin Luther King, Jr. – Saturday, January 18, 2014 from 1:00pm-4:00pm The National Portrait Gallery presents Drop in to listen to a story about a person who has influenced American history and culture and to create a special piece of art. Recommended for children ages 5 and up for this free event.

“It Takes a Village” Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service Project Monday, January 20, 2014 from 10:00am-1:00pm volunteers will be deployed to senior housing complexes across the District to spend time with residents and help them to create their own personal emergency preparedness plan.

The National Children’s Museum – Monday, January 20, 2014 from 10:00am-4:00pm. visit and celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Your child can contribute to a very special peace quilt!

Let Freedom Ring! – Monday, January 20, 2014 at 6:00pm– The Kennedy Center and Georgetown University featuring Dionne Warwick will hand out FREE tickets (click on link and scroll down for more information).

WTOP has created a list of events (not all kid friendly) of exactly what is planned downtown.

Maryland:

I Have A Dream Weekend Celebration at Port Discovery Children’s Museum from 10:00am-3:00pm on Saturday, Sunday & Monday. Community comes to life over the three-day “I Have a Dream” weekend! Join the Museum to celebrate the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Montgomery County MLK Day of Service 2014 This is a great family friendly event and one in which MCPS students can earn SSL hours. Take part in a variety of family friendly service projects.