Beltway Bambinos

For those kids not in school who need an activity before nap-time; we’ve got some fun weekday adventures.

Tuesday

10:00am: Baby Samba at Bloombars
It’s never too early to learn the infectious dance of the world’s 5th largest country. Samba Baby is the perfect introduction to movement and rhythm, not to mention Portuguese. Recommended for children ages 1-6, but all are welcome. Former Carnival Queen (Sao Paulo), expert sambista and renowned instructor Iliuma Zezeh will take you on a cultural excursion thought Brazil’s Carnival. Join the party while learning lightening-fast footwork and repetitive, high-energy moves that will help you child learn rhythm while developing coordination and flexibility of the hips, arms, torso and legs. It will also make your heart smile and leave you feeling loved.

11:45am: Story Time at the National Portrait Gallery
Story time in the Explore! space immerses you in tales of artists, presidents, inventors, athletes, and more! Before or after story time, enjoy the family space where you can play and learn about portraiture. All ages welcome. No reservation required. Also held Wed-Sun at the same time.

Wednesday

10:00am-11:00am:Story time at Hirshhorn: Iggy Peck, Architect
Bring your budding architect to the Hirshhorn for an exploration of buildings and structures! We’ll investigate the Hirshhorn building and read aloud Iggy Peck, Architect by Andrea Beaty. Following the story, stay and create your own architectural structure. This program will have ASL interpretation. STORYTIME explores contemporary art through stories and movement. Museum staff will read aloud a book, introduce children to an artist in the collection, and lead a hands-on activity.

10:00am: Little Treasures at Bloombars
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! $7 Suggested donation per child, $5 Suggested donation per adult.

Thursday

10:00am: Harambe at Bloombars
Ten years and more than 1,600 shows later, Harambee @BloomBars has become a Washington DC institution and a cultural/moral compass for thousands of parents and youth. In Swahili, Harambe means “All pull together.” At BloomBars, Harambe is the practice of hope, possibility and compassion – basically, all the things that happen when we all come together. 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 “Harambee” is a morning jolt of inspiration for parents, caregivers and children. Recommended for ages 0 to 7 years Parental consent required. $10 per child $7 per adult suggested donation (sliding scale..invest more if you can!)

10:30am: Marsha & The Positrons at Eastern Market
Boogie Babes, a program of the Greater DC Diaper Bank, provides 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 the Greater DC Diaper Bank’s work and mission. $6 per child (siblings under 6 months free!). Buy a 5 show pass for $25 and save $1 per show!

11:00am: Flights of Fancy story time: Daredevil: The Daring Life of Betty Skelton 
Museum staff read stories about famous aviators, hot-air balloon flights, trips to Mars, characters visible in the night sky, or creatures that have their own wings. Each session includes one story and a hands-on activity. At the Museum in DC, story time takes place Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 11:00 am, plus Saturdays at 1:30 pm.

Friday

10:00am-12:00pm: Open Play at Little Loft Art Studio
Open play is in the Sensory Room for 2-5 year olds and their caregivers. Sand table, rice table, light table, and a new interactive art project each week. No preregistration necessary. $12/visit, half price for siblings. LAST DAY: FRI, MAY 24 – Come enjoy open play before they close for summer camp!

10:30am: Rocknoceros at Jammin Java
As every family with youngsters in the Washington, DC area knows, Rocknoceros is three guys: Coach, Williebob, and Boogie Bennie. They have been making award-winning music together since 2005 and are celebrating their 10th year together with a brand new album.