Beltway Bambinos

Chocolate buzz anyone? We know it isn’t Valentine’s Day quite yet but this weekend brings a few sweet events to attend as you get ready for the 14th. The highlight of this weekend; The Chocolate Lovers Festival in Fairfax. There will be a puppet show, chocolate tastings, face painting, story time and much more that involves chocolate! Check out the schedule here. Also, be sure and check out our guide to getting delicious chocolate for your Valentine!

Also, February is Maple Sugaring Month at Brookside Nature Center. Every Saturday and Sunday you’ll have an opportunity to experience an American tradition: maple sugaring! Watch the whole maple sugaring process from start to finish. See sap drip from trees and taste it. Watch us boil it down into sweet maple syrup, then sample a tasty treat. Join in the fun and activities and learn something new at this family-friendly program! Space is limited so pre-registration is encouraged.

Saturday-

9:30am AND 11:00am: Black History Hall of Fame at The National Theatre
(1321 Pennsylvania Ave NW. Washington, DC. 20004)
Join us in this fast-paced adventure through the Black History Hall of Fame. Families will be introduced to over a dozen groundbreakers and hall-of-famers that have largely contributed to shaping our nation’s past, present and future. Saturday Morning at The National is a series of FREE programs that engage and inspire the young mind. Play, laugh, learn and discover through interactive performances, puppets, dance and music that are designed to light up the imagination and celebrate a world of wonder. Tickets are free.

10:00am: The Great Zucchini at Avalon Theatre
(5612 Connecticut Ave NW. Washington, DC. 20015)
The Great Zucchini is back! Washington’s funniest and most magical entertainer is taking over the Avalon for another colorful show where every kid is the star. The wonder of magic, silliness of comedy, and interactive nature of The Great Zucchini’s performance keeps children on the edge of their seats and guarantees laughter. $9.00 / $7.00 for Avalon members (Children under 2 are free)

10:30am-11:15am: Saturday Song Circle at Imagination Stage
(4908 Auburn Avenue 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. Old McDonald Had a Woodshop is the story this weekend. $8 per person.

10:30am-11:30am: Sweet Valentine: Tour and Workshop for Children at Tudor Place
(1644 31st Street, NW, Washington, DC 20007)
Celebrate sweet Valentine’s Day traditions! Children tour the historic mansion, learning about how food was made and enjoyed at Tudor Place over the last 200 years. Then, they decorate two decadent chocolate Valentines to give special family members or friends. AGes 6+ call to register 202-965-0400 x108 to reserve.

11:00am-4:00pm: Lunar New Year Celebration at Freer and Sackler Gallery
(1050 Independence Ave SW)
Ring in the Year of the Monkey with art! Our second annual Lunar New Year celebration features free attractions for all ages, including: Dance performances by Madison Chinese Dance Academy, Ribbon-dancing tutorials, Calligraphy, Mask making and coloring, Lunar New Year resolutions, Family-friendly tours of Monkeys Grasp for the Moon and Photo booth fun.

11:00am-5:30pm: Chinese New Year: Family Day Activities at Kennedy Center
(2700 F St., NW, Washington, D.C. 20566)
Free throughout the day, no tickets required. Activities highlighting Chinese culture will be offered for kids of all ages–from Chinese paper cutting lessons to Beijing Opera stage makeup demonstration and costume dress-up.

3:30pm-5:00pm: Valentine’s Day Workshop at Little Loft Art Studio
No Hallmark holiday for you! Join us for an afternoon of Valentine’s Day crafting. Valentines story time, time for open play, and guided craft projects included. $25 and drop-off is okay.

Sunday-

10:00am-10:45am: Sunday Funday at Imagination Stage
(4908 Auburn Avenue 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 completed craft, as well as a Parent Pack to extend the experience at home. These popular workshops are themed around beloved children’s books. Story this week: Not a Box. Best for ages 3-5. Tickets are $10.